Weekend Preview: Merrimack hosts Sacred Heart and Stonehill to open the season

Merrimack will open the men's hockey season this weekend with an exhibition game against Sacred Heart on Saturday and the regular-season opener against Stonehill on Sunday.

Both games will begin at 4 p.m.

Sacred Heart was picked to win Atlantic Hockey. Stonehill has an improved roster and a new head coach, David Berard.

Merrimack vs. Sacred Heart

When: Saturday
Puck Drop: 4:00 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+ (w/ Mike Machnik and Mike McMahon)
Venue: Lawler Arena (2,549)
Location: North Andover, Mass.
Purchase Tickets: Click here

History: The Warriors are 3-1 in regular-season play against the Pioneers. Merrimack went to Sacred Heart for an exhibition game last season, and the teams are scheduled to meet for exhibition games in 2025 and 2026.

Merrimack vs. Stonehill

When: Sunday
Puck Drop: 4:00 p.m. ET
Watch: ESPN+ (w/ Mike Machnik and Mike McMahon)
Venue: Lawler Arena (2,549)
Location: North Andover, Mass.
Purchase Tickets: Click here

History: Merrimack won the only matchup between these programs last season (3-2) on New Year's Eve. Ty Daneault scored two goals for the Warriors, and Devlin O'Brien scored the eventual game-winner. O'Brien transferred over the summer and is now with the Skyhawks.