The Merrimack College athletic department announced a change in leadership for the women’s ice hockey program. Erin Hamlen, who served as head coach for 11 seasons, will not return to the position. Hamlen began her tenure when the team moved up to Division I competition ahead of the 2015-16 season and recorded a 93-239-35 record.
Athletic director Joe Foley acknowledged Hamlen’s contributions, stating: “I am grateful to Erin for the foundation she helped establish as the inaugural head coach of our varsity women’s ice hockey team, and I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.” Foley added, “We believe Merrimack is now poised to build upon that foundation as we seek to achieve new levels of comprehensive excellence.”
During Hamlen’s time as head coach, the Warriors achieved their best season with a 16-13-7 record in 2018-19. This marked the first time in program history that Merrimack finished with a .500 or better record. The team also secured opening-round victories in the Hockey East Tournament from 2022 through 2025.
Academically, the most recent women’s hockey team had 24 players named Hockey East All-Academic and 15 recognized as Hockey East Distinguished Scholars. In each of the past two seasons, 14 players were named AHCA/Krampade All-American Scholars. Additionally, under Hamlen’s leadership, a student-athlete was nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian Award three consecutive years.
Merrimack College will begin a national search immediately to find its next head coach for women’s ice hockey.
