Hugo Ollas had a bit of a rough go at first, but he helped stabilize the back end for Merrimack and enabled the team to play .500 hockey in November and December.

[1] Bentley was swiftly added to the schedule and kicked off a 5-game winning streak that saw Merrimack score four victories over ranked teams.

The quality wins earned the Warriors the first appearance in the national rankings in years and made it possible for their supporters to hope for a tournament bid.

Entering the postseason, Merrimack knew they would likely have to win the Hockey East championship in order to make the NCAA tournament.

After a solid win over Maine in the opening round, the Warriors travelled to Lowell to take on the River Hawks.