Hoskin returns after injury scare, nets game-winner against Providence

Merrimack 3, Providence 2

Trevor Hoskin celebrates his second-period goal (OWEN MCMAHON/TMR)

NORTH ANDOVER — Late in the first period, it looked as though Trevor Hoskin might be done for the night — and perhaps longer — after taking a puck directly off the head during a Warriors power play on Saturday at Lawler Arena.

With Merrimack pressing late in the opening frame, a Providence clearing attempt struck Hoskin in the helmet, dropping him to the ice. He had already scored earlier in the period, but he remained down for several minutes before being helped to the locker room. In the moment, it certainly appeared as if his night was over.

Instead, the Ontario native returned for the second period — and promptly delivered the game-winning goal.

Hoskin scored his second of the night on a one-timer early in the middle frame, lifting Merrimack to a 3–2 victory and salvaging a weekend split with the Friars.

“When it first happened, I didn’t really see the puck coming, so my ears were ringing,” Hoskin said. “I stayed down just to be careful. But after the docs checked me out, I was good to go.”