Links: Box Score
Video: Emery Postgame
PROVIDENCE, R.I. –
Declan Carlile tallied a pair for his first career multi-goal game, but the Merrimack College men's hockey team dropped its season opener to #11 Providence, 5-2, Thursday night at Schneider Arena.
Carlile tied the game at one 7:20 into the game, then tallied his second of the evening midway through the second to bring the deficit to two. A late first period goal from the Friars staked them to a 3-1 lead and proved to be the eventual game-winner.
The Basics
Score: #11/11 Providence 5,
Merrimack 2
Records: Merrimack (0-1-0, 0-1-0 HEA) | Providence (2-0-0, 1-0-0 HEA)
Game Duration: 2:13
Attendance: 2,587
How It Happened
- In the game's opening minute, Merrimack yielded the first goal, as the Friars found the back of the net 50 seconds in, but the Warriors turned the tides.
- The Warriors found their game and started to play in the offensive end, which eventually led to the equalizer. Jake Durflinger knifed into the zone for an opportunity that was shut down, but a failed clear came to the blade of Carlile at the top of the right faceoff circle. The junior smoothly opened up and fired a shot on the net that eluded Providence goalie, Jaxson Stauber, to level the game at one. Ben Brar also picked up an assist on the play.
- Providence answered just three minutes later to reclaim the lead, then added another with 3:00 left on the clock to take a 3-1 edge into the dressing room.
- The Friars looked to pull away early in the second with another goal just under two minutes in, but the Warriors fought back.
- Merrimack had sustained pressure in the offensive zone and it eventually cashed in. Carlile had a great chance in the high slot that went wide, then Adam Arvedson held the zone on the deflection. The freshman quickly slid a pass goal line extended to Liam Walsh, who fed Carlile at center point. The defenseman crept in, then took a quick shot from the top of the left faceoff circle that zoomed past Stauber to cut the deficit to two.
- The Warriors looked to cut the margin to one in the third period and had a pair of power play chances and eight shots on goal, but they could not get past Stauber.
Notes & Numbers
- Arvedson's assist marked the fourth straight season that a freshman has gotten his first point in the first game of the season. Alex Jefferies did it in 2020-21, Zach Uens in 2019-20 and Chase Gresock in 2018-19.
- Matt Copponi and Mike Brown also made their collegiate debuts in the game.
- Steven Jandric and Durflinger made their Merrimack debuts.
- Zach Vinnell led the Warriors with three blocked shots.
- Merrimack won the battle in the faceoff dot with 35 wins in 63 chances.
- Zachary Borgiel made the start in the Merrimack goal and made 28 saves.
- Director of hockey operations, Bob Emery, served as acting head coach during the game.
Up Next
Merrimack makes its long-awaited return to Lawler Rink Saturday evening for its home opener against Sacred Heart. Puck drop is set for 7:00 pm.
--
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook.
