NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. – The Merrimack College men's ice hockey program begins the 2019-20 season with two games on the road, visiting Lake Superior State this Saturday (7 p.m.) and Sunday (5 p.m.) at Taffy Abel Arena in Sault Ste, Marie, Mich.
Five Things To Know
- Merrimack's 2019-20 season will feature a myriad of new faces; the Warriors have 16 freshmen on the roster, the most of any program nationwide
- Among Merrimack's returners include the Warriors' tri-headed leadership group: seniors Tyler Irvine and Sami Tavernier as well as sophomore Chase Gresock. On year ago, Irvine set career highs in points (18) and assists (12) as well as tying his career best in goals (6). Tavernier has been a consistent offensive presence for the program, entering the year with 55 points (22-35), while Gresock was a freshman sensation on year ago. The second-year forward earned all-rookie honors after 24 points on 11 goals and 13 helpers in 2018-29
- Head coach Scott Borek begins his second season on the Merrimack bench in 2019-20. This weekend marks a homecoming of sorts for Borek, who served as the Lake State boss from 1996-01
- Merrimack's non-conference slate begins with the Lakers; the Warriors have a few other notable non-league matchups including multiple marquee opponents coming to Lawler Rink. The University of Wisconsin (Oct. 12) and Penn State (Nov. 29) visit campus to bring a pair of Big Ten schools to campus. The calendar also ends with a two-game set at home against the two-time defending national champions, Minnesota Duluth (Dec. 29-30)
- Lake Superior State enters the new year looking to build off one its best seasons in recent memory; the Lakers reached the Western Collegiate Hockey Association Semifinals last year, posting an overall record of 23-13-2. The Lakers were selected to finish in sixth in the WCHA Preseason Poll
Inside the Matchup:
| Merrimack (0-0-0) 2018-19 Stats |
Category |
Lake Superior State (0-0-0) 18-19 Stats |
| 3/2 at Boston U. (L, 1-5) |
Last Time Out |
3/16 at Minnesota State (L, 0-2) |
| 2.00 |
Scoring Offense |
3.24 |
| 3.90 |
Scoring Defense |
2.45 |
| 26.9 |
Shots/Game |
27.8 |
| 32.0 |
Shots Allowed/Game |
29.2 |
| 18-155 |
PPG-Chances |
28-165 |
| 11.6% |
PP% |
17.0% |
| 113-152 |
PK-Chances |
143-173 |
| 74.3% |
PK% |
82.7% |
| 187-459 |
Penalties-PIM |
217-470 |
| 13.5 |
PIM/Game |
12.4 |
| 972-1165 |
Faceoffs (W-L) |
1238-1147 |
| 45.5% |
Faceoff % |
51.9% |
Up Next
Merrimack will play its 2019-20 home opener next Saturday when the Warriors host the University of Wisconsin Badgers at 7 p.m. from Lawler Rink.
