Max Lundgren’s recent performance has been highlighted as a key factor in the Merrimack men’s hockey team’s confidence going into the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament, according to a March 26 statement. The Warriors are set to face North Dakota, the top seed in the Sioux Falls Region and No. 2 overall seed in the tournament, on Thursday night.
Lundgren, a junior goaltender for Merrimack, set the single season saves record for his team and played every minute this season. His standout moment came during the Hockey East Championship when he made 49 saves in a shutout victory. This effort earned him the Hockey East Tournament MVP award after a unanimous vote.
“Max wasn’t on any of the all-star teams. He wasn’t a finalist for the Goalie of the Year. He just kind of showed everyone that he was,” said Merrimack coach Scott Borek before departing for Sioux Falls. Borek added, “Winning the MVP of the Hockey East Tournament, to get his team over the line for the Hockey East Championship, is the trophy he wanted.”
The team’s players also expressed their trust in Lundgren’s abilities as they prepare to compete against North Dakota at Denny Sanford Premier Center. “When you have a goalie that good, it gives your team a lot of trust,” said captain Mark Hillier. “I think at this point of the year, trust is probably the biggest factor in any game. Having a guy that’s so reliable there — he’s absolutely unbelievable. Having a guy like that is great for any team. So, we’re very fortunate to have him.” Sophomore captain Caelan Fitzpatrick added: “He’s the heart and soul of our team… When he’s back there in the net, it gives the team much more confidence to go out there and play.”
Lundgren started all 38 games this season and allowed only six goals on 130 shots during tournament play—including just one goal on 73 shots across two games at TD Garden.
Merrimack will face North Dakota with puck drop scheduled for 8:30 p.m Eastern Time on ESPN2.
