Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey
The Merrimack Warriors men's ice hockey team has come a long way since its inception in 1955. Founded by the late Ted Karras, the team started as a club team and played its first game against Lowell Tech.
Over the years, the program has grown and developed into a powerhouse in NCAA Division I Men's ice hockey. With a storied history and a talented group of players, Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey has enjoyed immense success, making a name for itself on the national stage.
The Early Years
The Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey team started as a club team in the 1950s. They played their home games at the Haverhill Forum in Haverhill, Massachusetts, before moving to the Volpe Complex on the Merrimack College campus in North Andover in the 1960s.
During their early years, the team played against other small schools in the New England area, including Bentley and Stonehill. They also competed in regional tournaments, such as the Beanpot, where they faced off against rival schools from the Boston area.
The Golden Age
The 1980s marked the beginning of what many fans consider the Golden Age of Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey. Under head coach Ron Anderson, the team enjoyed unprecedented success, clinching numerous conference titles and making several appearances in the NCAA Division II Championship.
Anderson established Merrimack as a powerhouse in the Division II ranks, amassing an impressive record of 221-89-11 over 10 seasons. His team was known for its fast-paced, aggressive style of play and featured several standout players, including forward Dave Bunker, who set the program record for goals in a single season with 35 in 1984-85.
The Move to Division I
In 1988, Merrimack made the bold decision to move its hockey program up to Division I, joining the Hockey East conference. The move was met with skepticism from many, as the Warriors were a relatively small school with limited resources compared to other Division I powerhouses.
Despite the challenges, the Warriors made an immediate impact in the Hockey East, finishing third in their inaugural season and earning a spot in the conference tournament. They continued to improve in the following years, earning playoff berths and even reaching the Hockey East semifinals in 1994.
The Modern Era
Today, the Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey team is a force to be reckoned with in Division I hockey. They continue to compete in the Hockey East conference, facing off against some of the best teams in the country.
The team is led by head coach Scott Borek, who took over in 2018. Borek has built on the success of his predecessors, emphasizing a strong defensive game and a relentless work ethic.
Recent years have seen the Warriors produce some of the best players in the country, including standout goaltender Craig Pantano and forward Sami Tavernier. The team has also enjoyed success in the classroom, with several players earning academic honors from the Hockey East conference and the NCAA.
The Future of Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey
The future looks bright for Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey, as the team continues to attract top talent and compete at the highest level. With a strong coaching staff and a talented group of players, the team is poised to make a deep run in the Hockey East tournament and beyond.
Off the ice, the program is committed to fostering a culture of excellence in all aspects of student life. Merrimack College emphasizes the importance of academics, leadership, and community service, and the hockey program is no exception.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the sport, Merrimack Warriors Men's Ice Hockey is a team worth following. With its rich history, talented players, and bright future, this is a program that is sure to leave its mark on NCAA Division I Men's ice hockey for years to come.
