Merrimack College hockey beat writer Mike McMahon gave me a few links on this weeks opponent the Merrimack College Warriors.
[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]
