Merrimack goes back to basics after slipping to last place

For several seasons, Merrimack won the annual war of attrition, staying in the mix in Hockey East after graduating important contributors. Last year, however, the Warriors tumbled from 13-11-3 to 3-15-2 and last place. “We were a lot closer than our record would have anyone believe,” Merrimack coach Mark Dennehy says. “We had the second-highest … Read more

Providence tabbed to finish first in Hockey East by coaches, media alike

Providence was picked to finish first in the Hockey East standings in separate coaches’ and media polls released this week. The Friars earned seven first-place votes in the coaches’ poll and 26 first-place nods in the Hockey East Writers and Broadcasters Association poll. Hockey East Preseason Coaches’ Poll Hockey East Preseason Media Poll Additionally, the … Read more

Merrimack brings aboard former Massachusetts assistant Gilligan as new associate head coach

Merrimack announced Wednesday the hiring of former Massachusetts assistant coach Bill Gilligan as the Warriors’ new associate head coach. “I am thrilled to be working with Bill again,” Merrimack head coach Mark Dennehy said in a news release. “He is a tireless worker and an excellent evaluator of talent. He is the perfect compliment to … Read more

Longtime assistant O’Connell joins Boston University coaching staff

Former Boston University captain Albie O’Connell has returned to the school to serve as an assistant coach. O’Connell, who officially starts at BU on May 1, has previously been an assistant at Northeastern, Harvard, Holy Cross, Merrimack, Niagara and Colby. “We’re very excited to be adding Albie O’Connell to our staff,” said Terriers’ head coach … Read more

Hockey East names All-Rookie team, seven individual awards

Hockey East announced its 2013-14 All-Rookie Team on Wednesday, in addition to a handful of year-end individual honors. Boston College forward Johnny Gaudreau was named the Squad Locker scoring champion after putting up 18 goals and 18 assists for 36 points – nine more than second-place Kevin Hayes, Gaudreau’s linemate. Eagles’ freshman Thatcher Demko won … Read more

Merrimack-Russian Red Stars exhibition game canceled

Due to Thursday’s snowstorm, Merrimack’s Thursday afternoon exhibition against the Russian Red Stars has been canceled with no makeup date scheduled. Fans who purchased a ticket for the game may redeem them for admission to any “non-premium” game through the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

Merrimack senior forward Bates removed from Warriors’ roster

According to The Mack Report, Merrimack senior forward Shawn Bates is no longer with the Warriors’ program. Bates was removed from Merrimack’s roster prior to last Friday night’s game between Merrimack and Boston University. An email from USCHO.com to Merrimack seeking comment was not returned. Bates was pointless in 10 games this year and had … Read more