Merrimack ended it's season last night by losing it's ninth straight game.  Bu
was the victor, 7-1.  The lone Warrior goal came from John Barron on assists
from Tim Doyle and Jim Gibson.
 
A look back at Merrimack hockey.  Take off the last 9 games of the year, and
I'd give Merrimack coach Ron Anderson the nod for HE coach of the year.  He
did incredible things with the team he had to work with.  They should never
have matched up well with BU, BC, Providence, but yet Merrimack managed to
steal a few wins from the top teams in the league this year, and gave BC
a run for the money in both losses.
 
So what's next for Merrimack hockey?  A championship isn't going to happen
any time in the foreseeable future, but they could provide some excitement
next year if the defense tightens up, and they get a couple more bona fide
goal scorers with some speed.
 
This year's Merrimack team lost some games it should have won and won some it
should have lost.  They should have won on opening night against Alabama
Huntsville, They could have beaten Western Michigan the second night of the
year, but the goaltending was suspect.  They also lost to Kent State out in
Ohio once, and the loss to the University of British Columbia was unexpected,
and how about the one where they allowed 6 goals in the last 10 minutes to
lose to Alaska-Fairbanks?  This team could very easily have been a .500 team.
But it wasn't meant to be this year.  Just like the Boston Red Sox and Bruins,
wait till next year.
 
Some awards I would give to the team if I could:
 
Most improved player : Dan Gravelle.  Dan had the ability to win a face off
against anyone in the league.  As a sophomore, Merrimack will look to him to
lead the charge the next two years.  If he can start scoring left and right,
look out!
 
Biggest surprise : Rob Atkinson.  As a freshman, most people didn't expect a
whole lot from Rob.  Fact is, he led all freshman in HE in scoring this year.
During the regular season, Rob provided lots of excitement, and he is sure
to be a force next year.  If he is left with Dan Gravelle next year, this
line could be fun to watch play.
 
Most Valuable Player : This one has to be a toss up between Agostino Casale,
and Yannick "Goose" Gosselin.  Casale always brings excitement to the Merr-
imack hockey games.  He has a knack for scoring goals, and will definately
be a force next year.  Goose on the other hand was one of the main reasons
for Merrimack's early season triumphs against UNH, Lowell (the game he got
 hurt)and Northeastern.  Goose will probably be the starter next year, unless an
awesome freshman steps in.
 
The "Cam Neely" award, given to the player who can both fight and score:
The obvious choice here is Howie Rosenblatt.  Howie scored quite a few
big goals this year, but he also showed us he can stick people when they
deserved it.  Howie is one player Merrimack will dearly miss.  The games
won't be as exciting without him.
 
 
In closing, let me just say it has been fun bringing you reviews of the
Merrimack games this year, and I can't wait till opening night next year.
 
Kevin
 
E-mail MIGHT reach me at:
 
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"You can still Rock in America"  - Night Ranger