A New Chapter for the Warriors
After capturing the Hockey East championship and reaching the Frozen Four last season, the Merrimack Warriors are poised to build on that momentum with a highly anticipated freshman class.
Coach Scott Boreck, who led the team to its breakthrough year, emphasized that the incoming players bring a blend of skill, work ethic, and proven performance in junior leagues.
Among the newcomers, forward Luke Goukler arrives after two seasons with the Chicago Steel of the USHL, where he transformed a minus‑21 plus‑minus into a plus‑three rating over his final 56 games, showcasing steady defensive growth.
Defenseman David Green, a former Brampton Steelheads standout, posted a point‑per‑game rate in the OJHL with the St. Michael’s Buzzers and gained experience in the OHL, giving him a versatile offensive skill set.
Erik Kald, who spent time in the USHL with Sioux Falls before moving to the BCHL, erupted for 16 goals and 44 points in 42 games, highlighting his scoring ability on a larger ice surface.
Brady Logue, a product of minor hockey with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks, contributed nine goals and 20 points in 48 games last season, demonstrating his capacity to generate offense in a depth role.
Alex Mercier, a Moncton Wildcats alumnus, logged 57 goals over his final two QMJHL seasons while maintaining a point‑per‑game average, underscoring his reliability as a goal‑scorer.
Ethan Merner, who appeared in six games for the West Kelowna Warriors after a WHL stint with the Calgary Hitmen, recorded four goals and ten points, indicating his potential to contribute quickly at the college level.
C.J. Watroba, a high‑point producer at Kimball Union Academy, tallied nine goals and sixteen points in 52 games for the Charlottetown Islanders, bringing a blend of experience and offensive spark.
The coaching staff believes that the combination of these recruits with the returning roster will keep the Warriors competitive in the upcoming Hockey East schedule, aiming to defend their recent triumphs.