Preview: Merrimack opens Hockey East play at home against UNH

Merrimack returns home to host New Hampshire in the Hockey East opener for both teams on Friday night at Lawler Arena.

The Warriors are coming off a weekend split on the road at Minnesota State. The Wildcats opened their season last week at home against Bentley, winning the game 2-1 in overtime.

Merrimack vs. New Hampshire

When: Friday
Puck Drop: 7:00 p.m. ET
Watch U.S.: ESPN+ (w/ Mike Machnik and Mike McMahon)
Watch Int’l: International feed
Venue: Lawler Arena (2,549)
Location: North Andover, Mass.
Purchase Tickets: Click here

History: The Wildcats hold a commanding 82-32-12 lead in the all-time series, but the series has been much closer over the last decade.

Over the last 10 seasons, Merrimack is 12-11-4 against UNH. The Warriors have not lost at home to UNH since Oct. 25, 2019, when the Wildcats won in overtime, 3-2. Charlie Kelleher scored the game-winner for the Wildcats. Declan Carlile and Zach Uens scored for the Warriors.

The all-time series dates back to 1960. The programs met 11 times from 1960-72, but the series ramped up in 1988 when Merrimack moved to Division I and in 1989 when the Warriors joined Hockey East.