Freshman forward Blake Wells posted a goal and an assist for the River Hawks
UMass Lowell Holds On Against Merrimack, 4-3
Freshman forward Blake Wells posted a goal and an assist for the River Hawks

NORTH ANDOVER, Mass. - The Merrimack College men's hockey team was doomed by a four-goal second period, as it fell 4-3 Saturday night to #14/14 UMass Lowell Saturday night at Lawler Rink.

The Warriors made a valiant comeback effort in the third period, but could not dig themselves out of a three-goal hole, as the River Hawks narrowly escaped with the victory.


The Basics

Score: #14/14 UMass Lowell 4, Merrimack 3
Records: Merrimack (7-19-3, 5-11-3 HEAM) | UMass Lowell (15-7-5, 9-4-4 HEAM)
Game Duration: 2:26
Attendance: 2,064


How It Happened

- The Warriors kept Friday's momentum going, as they played a strong opening stanza. With just over four minutes to go in the frame, Declan Carlile snuck a shot short side that was stopped, but the rebound bounced out to the slot. Sami Tavernier collected it and fired another shot that was kicked out, but the rebound came to Tyler Irvine, who pumped home his team-leading 12th on the year.

- UMass Lowell turned the tides and them some in the game's second period, as four different River Hawks found the back of the net to claim a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes of play.

- Merrimack pushed back in the third period and cut the margin to two thanks to a quick play through the neutral zone. Chase Gresock forced a turnover in the defensive end, then saucered a pass to a streaking Liam Walsh. The freshman broke in all alone and put one over the shoulder of River Hawk goalie Tyler Wall.

- Just a couple minutes later, the Warriors showed even more life. Right off a faceoff to begin a power play, Patrick Holway controlled the puck and shuffled a pass to the left half wall to Zach Vinnell. The freshman gave it right back to Holway at center point, who set up Gresock for a wicked wrist shot from the right faceoff dot that clanked the post and rattled home.

- The Warriors got a pair of quality chances in the dying moments, but could not solve Wall.


Notes & Numbers

- Tavernier now has at least a point in his last seven games, which ties a career high that he set during the 2016-17 campaign.

- Irvine finished the weekend with four points on two goals and two assists.

- Jere Huhtamaa made his third straight start in goal and stopped 24 shots.

- Zach Uens finished the night with a +2 rating.


Up Next

The Warriors stay at Lawler Friday, Feb. 14 for a Valentine's Day showdown against Boston College. Puck drop is slated for 7 pm.

Game Summary

Saturday, February 8, 2020

4
3
Game statistics
28 Shots 27
1 / 2 Power Plays 1 / 4
4 / 8 PIM 2 / 4
15-7-5 Records 7-19-3
GOAL SCORERS
UMass Lowell Merrimack
Tyler Irvine (12)
1st/15:55
Matt Brown (6)
2nd/1:18 PP
Connor Sodergren (8)
2nd/9:27
Blake Wells (1)
2nd/11:28
Marek Korenčík (2)
2nd/17:29  GW
Liam Walsh (3)
3rd/9:27
Chase Gresock (9)
3rd/12:24 PP
GOALTENDERS
UMass Lowell Merrimack
Tyler Wall
60:00, 24 Saves, 3 GA
(W, 15-5-5)
Jere Huhtamaa
58:43, 24 Saves, 4 GA
(L, 5-10-2)

Empty Net
1:17, 0 GA