NO. ANDOVER, Mass. - The Merrimack men's hockey team swept the UMass Lowell Riverhawks in front of the biggest Lawler Rink crowd ever on a Saturday senior night to remember.
The Basics
Score: #17/16 Merrimack: 2 #19/20 UMass Lowell: 0
Attendance: 3,058 (SELLOUT, NEW ATTENDANCE RECORD)
Records: #17/16 Merrimack (20-12-1, 14-8-0) | #19/20 UMass Lowell: (16-13-3, 10-9-3)
Alex Jefferies got the crowd on their feet early scoring 2:09 into the contest on Merrimack's first shot of the contest, Ottoville Leppanen would double the Warriors advantage later on in the period and force a goaltending change as they scored two goals on the first three shots.
In the second, Hugo Ollas was the story as he turned away all 12 shots in the frame, continuing from his stellar start the previous period where he made 18 saves in the first 20 minutes. In the final period, the Warriors worked hard on defense to finish the job, not allowing Lowell to record a shot on goal in the first six minutes of period and only allowed a single shot in the first 12 minutes, ultimately allowing only six shots total. With the Warriors keeping the Riverhawks opportunities to a minimum they were able to hang on to the lead and capture their 20th win of the season.
Facts and Numbers:
- Alex Jefferies reached 40 points with a goal and assist tonight.
- Ottoville Leppanen added the other Warriors goal this evening
- Matt Copponi had two assists for the Warriors tonight/.
- The Warriors blocked 25 shots in the game, with Zach Bookman and Jefferies leading the way with four each
- Hugo Ollas made 36 saves for his ninth win of the season, and his fourth shutout of the year.
NEXT:
The Warriors play their final home game of the regular season next Saturday when they host the Vermont Catamounts.
