Scott Borek, head coach of the Merrimack men’s hockey team, said on March 25 that he and his team are satisfied with their placement in the NCAA Division I Men’s Hockey Tournament. The Warriors will compete against North Dakota, the top seed in the Sioux Falls Region and No. 2 overall seed.
The decision comes after speculation that Merrimack might play closer to home following their successful trip to TD Garden. Instead, they traveled approximately 1,500 miles to Sioux Falls for Thursday night’s game. This location is considered a home advantage for North Dakota.
“But that’s what you want,” Borek said. “I’m excited we’re going there because there are some other sites that won’t feel like you’re in the national tournament. The minute we arrive in Sioux Falls, we’re going to know we’re in the national tournament.”
North Dakota finished first in its conference during regular season play and has a strong history with eight Division I national championships. “I have a world of respect for North Dakota,” Borek said. “I’m well-aware that building is going to be insanity.” Despite this challenge, Borek and his players remain confident.
Team captain Mark Hillier said, “We know that they have a lot of talent, but we know we do too… We’ve won one tournament, but what’s better than winning one is winning two. We’re going to be ready to go Thursday.” Sophomore Caelan Fitzpatrick added: “Obviously, they’re a very skilled and talented team. I think we are, too… The work we started with in July gives us the confidence that we can go into a building and beat any team on any given night when we’re playing our best hockey.”
Reflecting on their postseason journey so far—including wins over Providence and UMass—Borek said his group is prepared for both the moment and their opponent: “North Dakota is the second-best team in the country,” he said. “If we’re going to win this thing, we got to go through them. Let’s play them on their turf right away. It makes it even a better story.”
