UMASS LOWELL NIPS MERRIMACK, 3-2
Senior Jeremy Hall posts goal and assist for River Hawks

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Jeremy Hall had a goal and an assist to lead UMass Lowell to a 3-2 win over Merrimack College in Hockey East action Saturday night at Lawler Arena.

Nevin Hamilton made 29 saves to earn his third win of the season as the River Hawks (7-19-6, 6-14-3 Hockey East) swept the season series from the Warriors. Freshmen Matt Jones (Kentwood, MI) and Pat Kimball (Framingham, MA) scored for Merrimack, who fell to 3-24-4 (3-18-2 Hockey East) with the loss.

With the game tied at two late in the second period, Hall tallied the game-winner when he redirected a shot from the point by J.R. Bria past senior goalie Jim Healey (Holyrood, N.F.) for his seventh of the season.

The River Hawks opened the scoring 3:55 into the contest with a power play goal. Jason Bergeron started the play with a pass to Hall, who centered a pass that was banged home by Jason Tejchma. The goal was his 10th of the season.

UML pushed the lead to 2-0 on Cleve Kinley’s third goal of the season at 15:27 of the first period when he wrist4ed a shot past Healey’s glove. Chris Auger and Kory Falite picked up assists on the play.

In the second, Merrimack cut the deficit in half with a 5-on-3 power play goal by Jones. Senior Mike Alexiou (Pickering, Ontario) hit freshman Pat Bowen (Framingham, MA) with a pass at the right point, who sent a shot towards the cage that was knocked down in front. Jones pounced on the loose puck and netted his fourth goal of the season at 1:25.

The Warriors tied the contest at 13:21 when Kimball wristed a shot over Hamilton’s glove for his fourth goal of the year. Freshmen J.C. Robitaille (Des Ruisseaux, Quebec) and Joe Loprieno (Bloomingdale, IL) were credited with assists.

The River Hawks finished the evening 2-for-7 on the power play while Merrimack converted on one of its four chances. Merrimack held a 31-28 edge in shots, including a 25-18 edge in the final 40 minutes. Healey finished the night with 25 saves before being pulled for an extra attacker with 1:10 remaining on the clock.

The Warriors return to action this Friday when they begin a two-game series at Maine. Game time Friday night is set for 7 p.m.