Welcome to tonight’s live coverage of Merrimack vs. UMass. I’ll have in-game analysis and updates from tonight’s game in the thread below. If you have input or questions during the game, you can leave comments in this thread.
Sorry for the lack of updates in the third period. Due to some cramped space in the press box, I ended up watching the third period elsewhere but left my computer in the press box. We'll see you tomorrow night for live coverage from UNH.
Merrimack did a great job responding with a good shift after the UMass goal put them up 2-1. They're rewarded with the equalizer. Haven't seen that type of response in a few weeks. Things trending upwards?
The Warriors had a rough shift after the UMass goal, but have reeled it back in and have been the better team in the first period overall. A lot of jump since Sacco's goal.
Funny - I just learned today that Sacco repeated his 8th grade year at the school where both my kids currently attend. The assistant principal was talking to me about all the hockey players who have come and repeated 8th grade over the years before going to HS or prep school. Had no idea so many hockey players did that at their school until today.
Jeremy Tufts trying to explain the non-call while play was ongoing. He kept shoveling his hands back and forth. Not sure what that meant. He didn't see extension?
And here it comes. UMass right back on offense and Merrimack is scrambling in the D-zone. They have had a real hard time stopping negative momentum. Can't figure out why, but happening again here 1-2 minutes after a GA.
UMass started the rush with a stretch pass. That's the second chance they generated off that in three minutes. This time the Warriors can't get a stick on a pass to the slot.
I'll be honest - I don't usually like that faceoff play teams do now, where they line up a guy in the bumper spot in the offensive zone. But Forsmark just had a great chance off a draw. Hit the post.
Sorry for the lack of updates in the third period. Due to some cramped space in the press box, I ended up watching the third period elsewhere but left my computer in the press box. We'll see you tomorrow night for live coverage from UNH.
UMass beat the Warriors tonight, 3-2.
End of 2: Merrimack and UMass are tied 2-2. SOG 19-12 Merrimack.
2:17 left in the 2nd period.
Merrimack did a great job responding with a good shift after the UMass goal put them up 2-1. They're rewarded with the equalizer. Haven't seen that type of response in a few weeks. Things trending upwards?
Copponi just gave the thumbs up to Borek, so that's a good sign.
Meanwhile, on the bench, Copponi is getting checked out by a trainer.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Ethan Bono on a rebound. 2-2 game.
Media timeout with 11:14 left in the 2nd. Still 2-1 Minutemen.
UMASS GOAL: Minutemen take a 2-1 lead 6:25 into the 2nd period. On the rush, drop pass finds the open man. It's Scott Morrow.
Merrimack to the PP. Felton draws a hook right out of the gate.
Game on in the 2nd period.
End of 1: Merrimack and UMass are tied 1-1. SOG 10-5 Merrimack.
The Warriors had a rough shift after the UMass goal, but have reeled it back in and have been the better team in the first period overall. A lot of jump since Sacco's goal.
Funny - I just learned today that Sacco repeated his 8th grade year at the school where both my kids currently attend. The assistant principal was talking to me about all the hockey players who have come and repeated 8th grade over the years before going to HS or prep school. Had no idea so many hockey players did that at their school until today.
That's the first collegiate goal for David Sacco.
MERRIMACK GOAL: Sacco scores on a breakaway as he comes out of the box. 1-1 game.
UMass hit the posts at the end of the PP.
Jeremy Tufts trying to explain the non-call while play was ongoing. He kept shoveling his hands back and forth. Not sure what that meant. He didn't see extension?
Ben Brar was cleaned out in the neutral zone. No call. Merrimack bench not happy with that.
Sacco had a scoring chance just before the penalty. Copponi tried to feed him in front.
UMass to the PP. Merrimack called for a slashing penalty in the offensive zone. Sacco skates off.
Nothing really happening on the PP. Back to 5v5.
Good chance generated by O'Brien on the rush. Merrimack going on the PP. Kenny Connors off for cross checking.
Warriors force an icing and get an offensive-zone draw. Pressure settled for now.
And here it comes. UMass right back on offense and Merrimack is scrambling in the D-zone. They have had a real hard time stopping negative momentum. Can't figure out why, but happening again here 1-2 minutes after a GA.
UMass started the rush with a stretch pass. That's the second chance they generated off that in three minutes. This time the Warriors can't get a stick on a pass to the slot.
UMASS GOAL: Minutemen take a 1-0 lead 3:45 into the game.
I'll be honest - I don't usually like that faceoff play teams do now, where they line up a guy in the bumper spot in the offensive zone. But Forsmark just had a great chance off a draw. Hit the post.
Game on between Merrimack and UMass.
Actually, no. It's Hrabal. That was odd. Brady led UMass onto the ice.
Zachary Borgiel leads out the Warriors. Cole Brady leads out UMass. So Michael Hrabal is not starting tonight's game. Merrimack will see Cole Brady.
Welcome to tonight's live coverage of Merrimack-UMass. The teams are about to take the ice for pregame introductions.