Marcus Antonelli
Staff Writer
The Warriors have been on a little downward slide coming into the final stages of the NCAA regular season. Let’s keep it real, it has cost the team in the rankings. And with the end of the season around the corner it’s looking a little grim for the guys. But you know what they say, it’s not over till it’s over.
To recap, the boys went 1-3 in their last 4 games. Dropping all three losses in overtime to the bottom of Hockey East’s Standing teams. That at the time being Vermont, UNH and Maine. With Maine making an astounding comeback on MC’s Powerplay late in the third. In Hockey East, Merrimack are still high up at 3rd place with 36 points, in the country however; they’re almost out of the Top 20 club.
Recalling back, is there anything specific that contributed to the bumpy road trip? Forward Jordan Seyfert thinks it’s within; “Bunch of things that are in our control is what is hurting our game right now. The noise got to us, in the sense that each game didn’t mean as much,” claims Seyfert, “we got complacent.”
Looking ahead Merrimack has 5 games left in the regular season, two games this weekend against Boston University. Who on the other hand had been on a tear winning 8 straight games before the Beanpot tournament. But as of late, they’ve been humbled at the event they’ve historically dominated, losing the semifinals and 3rd place game. So they’re in a little bit of a slump as well.
But nonetheless, the Terriers have been amazing on the road (7-3) and exceptional at home with just 2 losses this season at Agganis. In general they’ve been able to sneak into first place in Hockey East with 41 points. “BU will be a challenge this weekend,” says Coach Scott Borek, “They’re deep in skill and pace players, so we need to play strong without the puck and attack with bodies.”
Seems like the preaching of Coach Borek has definitely been taken in by his players. Defenseman Zach Bookman knows what’s expected; “Playing Hard, Heavy and Together will be the key to success against BU.” For Jordan Seyfert he calls this playstyle; “Our brand of hockey. Hard, Tough, Selfless. Everyone is pulling the same rope this weekend.” This will be the Warriors first look at the Terriers this season.
To conclude as always I will let the team speak for me. “I think we are ready to take on BU,” says Defenseman Adam Arvredson, “we’ve worked a lot in practice and we look good, I think we’re due for a bounce back.” Captain Ben Brar continues; “BU is one of the top teams in the country, we know that. It will be a great challenge for our group,” says Brar, “We’re excited to get back on the Lawler ice to play for the fans.” Merrimack has not been home since January 20th, so hopefully the comforts of home will be in our favor. This Friday at 7:00 PM, Bring the noise, pack the Lawler and let’s get some dubs.
.
