Merrimack College’s women’s ice hockey team will begin their Hockey East Playoffs campaign on Wednesday as the 10th seed, facing off against Maine. The Warriors have maintained a positive record in recent weeks, remaining unbeaten in three of their last five games in February.
Goaltender Adreanna Doucette is set to start for Merrimack. Doucette, a sophomore transfer, has recorded a goals-against average of 2.49 and a save percentage of .928 this season, including one shutout. She has earned conference recognition twice as goalie or defender of the week. Over the course of the season, Doucette has made at least 30 saves in 11 appearances and exceeded 40 saves in five games. In matchups against Maine this year, she posted a record of 1-2-0 with 104 saves on 109 shots, resulting in a 1.70 GAA and .954 save percentage.
Sophomore forward Mady Cipolla contributed significantly in the regular season finale by scoring both the opening and tying goals during Merrimack’s recent loss to UConn. Cipolla joins Madison Vittands as the only two players on the team this season to achieve two-goal games, both occurring this month.
Since first appearing in the Hockey East Opening Round in the 2021-22 season (with no participation during COVID disruptions), Merrimack has never lost an opening round game under the current format. The team holds victories over UNH (4-1 in 2022 and 3-1 in 2025), Boston University (5-4 OT in 2023), and Maine (2-1 OT in 2024). Each playoff win has come when playing as the visiting team.
In last year’s overtime win against Maine, former Black Bear Celine Tedenby scored first before Allison Reeb, Merrimack’s all-time leader in games played, secured victory by scoring off her own rebound.
Further information about Merrimack College Athletics can be found at MerrimackAthletics.com and through their official social media channels on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
