J. Thom Lawler was an American ice hockey player and coach who won the inaugural NCAA Division II national championship in 1978 with Merrimack.
Lawler helped the Saints to back-to-back Tri-State League championships in 1959 and 1960 receiving the top eastern seed both years.
After dropping league champion Norwich 12–3 in the semifinal the Warriors defeated Colby 6–4 to capture their first conference championship.
After winning a second league title in 1969 Merrimack declined for a couple years before building back up into a conference powerhouse.
[3] The NCAA also confers an annual J. Thom Lawler award to the Division II or III player from New England for their commitment to their program, university and community.