BOSTON, Mass. — History was made.
For the first time in program history, the Merrimack College men's ice hockey team has claimed the Hockey East Championship following a 2-1 victory over No. 3 UConn at TD Garden on Saturday night.
The Warriors, who punched their ticket to the NCAA Division 1 Tournament with the win, took down the top three seeds -- No. 1 Providence, No. 2 UMass, No. 3 UConn -- en route to the title. Merrimack becomes the first No. 8 seed, and the lowest seed ever, to win the Hockey East Championship.
Max Lundgren, who was a unanimous selection for All-Tournament Team and named Tournament MVP, made a career-high 49 saves to propel Merrimack to victory. He turned away a ridiculous 22 shots in the final period, including eight in the final five minutes.
The Warriors never trailed in the contest, initially taking the lead in the opening minutes of the second period before
Caelan Fitzpatrick netted what proved to be the game-winner just 26 ticks into the final frame, after
Parker Lalonde turned a UConn turnover into a shot on net.
Ryan O'Connell scored in the second period after
Trevor Hoskin's shot banked off the end boards and onto O'Connell's stick. It marked the second goal in as many games for O'Connell, who joined Lundgren as a unanimous All-Tournament selection.
UConn tied the game in the final two minutes of the second period to send both teams to the locker room in a 1-1 deadlock.
The Warriors had four players named to the 2026 All-Tournament Team with
Trevor Hoskin and
Nathan King joining Lundgren and O'Connell.
Merrimack awaits its opponent in the NCAA Regional Round as Selection Sunday is Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
For continuing coverage of Merrimack College Athletics, visit MerrimackAthletics.com and follow the Warriors on X, Instagram and Facebook.
