Merrimack Moving On From Seven Underclassmen

by Mike McMahon/Staff Writer (@MikeMcMahonCHN)

Merrimack head coach Scott Borek informed seven underclassmen that they would not be returning to the men's hockey program next season, according to sources.



Among the players informed were juniors Logan Coomes and Cole McBride. It's possible, with most players taking summer classes in previous years, that Coomes and McBride could graduate early and take advantage of the graduate transfer rule. Ludvig Larsson took advantage of this rule last season when he transferred to Penn State and Merrimack senior defenseman Matt McArdle took advantage of the rule when he transferred to Merrimack this season from Lake Superior State. The rule says that players can transfer without sitting a year if they earn their undergraduate degree and are transferring to another school for a master's degree that is not offered at their undergraduate institution.



According to sources, junior defenseman Ryan Cook has potential opportunities to explore as a graduate transfer, but he could also return to the program.



Coomes appeared in 30 games this season, scoring two goals and adding seven assists. Over his three years at Merrimack, he appeared in 79 games and totaled seven goals and 19 assists. McBride appeared in 24 games this season, scoring one goal and adding one assist. McBride missed his freshman season due to an NCAA issue and appeared in 56 games over the last two seasons, scoring six goals and seven assists.



Sophomores Logan Halladay, Jackson Bales and Laine McKay were also informed that they would not be returning. Halladay received playing time down the stretch in goal, appearing in five games and posting a 5.64 goals-against average with an .845 save percentage. McKay appeared in 17 games this season, scoring two goals and one assist and finished with 36 appearances over two seasons, scoring three goals and adding four assists. Bales had one goal in 24 games this season and in two seasons appeared in 38 games, scoring one goal and one assist.



Finally, freshmen Christian Simeone and Chase Olsen were informed that they would not return next season. Simeone appeared in 15 games and scored one goal and one assist this season. Olsen appeared in 12 games and scored one goal.



It's not uncommon for teams to go through roster shakeups after a new head coach takes over a program. Last April, Jason Lammers cut eight players at Niagara following his first season and UMass head coach Greg Carvel moved on from nine players in 2017 after his first season in Amherst.