The Merrimack College men’s hockey team secured a home playoff game after defeating UMass Lowell 5-3 at Lawler Arena on Thursday. The win marks the Warriors’ 12th home victory this season, their highest total since the 2022-23 campaign.
After trailing early, Merrimack equalized late in the first period with Ty Daneault scoring his third goal of the season. In the second period, UMass Lowell regained the lead briefly before Merrimack responded with three goals in just over three minutes. Ryan O’Connell tied the score with an individual effort, followed by Caden Cranston giving Merrimack the lead after stealing possession from a Riverhawk player. Justin Gill extended the advantage with his 15th goal of the season on a spin move in front of goal. Gill is now the first Warrior to reach 15 goals in a single season since Hampus Gustafsson achieved that mark during 2016-17.
UMass Lowell narrowed the deficit to one late in regulation by converting on a major power play, but Gill scored into an empty net to secure Merrimack’s victory.
The Warriors will play their next game at home on Wednesday, March 11 against an opponent yet to be determined.
