Last Season: 7–24–3 (4–18–2, 11th place); missed HE playoffs
Head Coach: Scott Borek (second season)
Coaches’ Poll Projected Finish: 11th
Losses
- G Logan Halladay
- G Craig Panatano
- G Drew Volger
- D Matt McArdle
- D Alex Carle
- F Derek Petti
- F Michael Babcock
- F Christian Simeone
- F Chase Olsen
- F Jackson Bales
- F Laine McKay
- F Cole McBride
- F Logan Coomes
Additions
- G Jere Huhtamaa
- G Troy Kobryn
- D Declan Carlile
- D Jacob Modry
- D Zach Vinell
- D Zach Uens
- D Liam Dennison
- F Liam Walsh
- F Hugo Esselin
- F Regan Kimmens
- F Mac Welsher
- F Ben Brar
- F Joey Cassetti
- F Christian Simeone
- F Ryan Nolan
- F Flip Forsmark
- F James Corcoran
By Dale Desantis
Last year was the beginning of a plan for seismic change in Merrimack’s hockey program. The school replaced 13-year head coach Mark Dennehy with successful Providence assistant Scott Borek. With Merrimack relatively new in Division I — men’s hockey joined in 1989 — the perception of the North Shore program seemed ready to change.
Unfortunately, Merrimack hit a new low in 2018–19, tallying just seven wins all year and finishing last in Hockey East with four conference wins. It was their worst record in twelve seasons; the team hasn’t had a winning record since 2011. Wins over powerhouses Northeastern, BU, BC, and Michigan provided the season’s sole saving grace.
After such a dismal season it’s unsurprising that for Borek to retain his position, he needed to immediately bail out the Warriors’ sinking ship. Coming into this season, he cut seven players and recruited sixteen. As the prospects stand for this season, no one expects too much for the upcoming season.
One of the few returning bright spots is freshman goal scorer Chase Gresock. Tallying 24 points with 11 goals and 13 assists last season, the newcomer cemented himself as someone to watch. Hopefully within Borek’s big recruiting class coach there’s a better first line to help Gresock build upon a respectable start to his career.
Bottom Line: Merrimack is a last-place team, and when seven players are cut going into a season it reflects poorly on the pre-Borek era. Until Borek strings together good recruiting classes, Merrimack will remain at the bottom of Hockey East.