[Merrimack Overview]Here is the scouting report on the Merrimack Warriors. This is Mikes words on what the Sioux are going to experience. They sound like your typical WCHA team. Looks like Hexy will have someone to jaw with as well.
Returning leaders: Chris Barton (9-14—23), Jesse Todd (7-16—23), Joe Cannata (2.35 goals-against average, .918 save percentage)
Coaches poll: Merrimack was picked to finish last for a sixth straight season. The Warriors avoided the Hockey East basement last season, finishing ninth ahead of Providence. The last time the Warriors made the Hockey East playoffs was the 2003-04 season, when the Warriors finished seventh overall and lost to Maine in the first round. The 2004-05 season, the last under former head coach Chris Serino, snapped a streak of nine straight years in which the Warriors made the postseason.
They're a big, hard-hitting group - especially some guys on defense. Ryan Flanigan is a pest and sure to be hated by the ND fans quickly. Kyle Bigos (6-5, 240) is a frosh defenseman who was picked by EDM in the draft and is going to be VERY good, I think. He's a big-time physical presence, too.Here is the link to the [Merrimack Hockey Message Board]
Here is a preview on the Merrimack College hockey team. Sounds like the Warriors are big, physical, play defense first hockey teams. The Sioux will have to have their head on a swivel and be ready to be hammered into the boards. Also, Sioux forwards are going to need to get their feet moving and get the puck deep to defeat the NZT. Should be a couple of good hockey games this weekend.
[Warriors hope scoring machine is eligible]
EDIT: Just for the record; Merrimack lost 14 games by one goal last season — the most in the nation. So the Sioux cannot over look.
Should be some fun hockey to watch. Hopefully no one loses their head and has to sit the following weekend.
ReplyDeleteThis should be a good warm up for the Gophers and Sioux and hopefully we don't loose anyone to a "DQ".
ReplyDeleteGoonizzle,
ReplyDeleteYou fluff up the Merrimack Puffballs pretty well here...
I had simply no idea how frightening and dangerous a non-rated team can be to the Flirting Sioux. For your sake, I hope your guys can at least pull off a split while keeping their heads on swivels and all that.
Sounds as if it will be a VERY daunting task.
We'll cross our fingers over hear that Merrimack does not utterly embarrass the WCHA this weekend.
It should be fascinating.
Charlie you crack me up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you've seen the light! :)
ReplyDeleteOnly a week from now it will be Goofs and Sioux round one at the REA.
ReplyDeleteCommenter looks over left shoulder, then right to see if somebody is standing behind him; then replies to blogger "Are you talking to me?"
ReplyDelete