Underdog Merrimack claims first Hockey East title, Lundgren makes 49 saves

Merrimack College men's hockey team wins its first Hockey East Championship, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Tournament.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 2:11am

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The eighth-seeded Merrimack College men's hockey team defeated third-seeded UConn 2-1 to win the Hockey East Championship, the program's first title. Merrimack junior goalie Max Lundgren made 49 saves, the most in a Hockey East title game, to earn tournament MVP honors. Caelan Fitzpatrick scored the game-winning goal early in the third period to give Merrimack the victory.

Why it matters

Merrimack's championship run as the lowest seed to win the Hockey East tournament in its 42-year history is a Cinderella story, as the Warriors were not expected to make it this far. The win earns Merrimack an automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Tournament, marking the first time the program has reached the national championship event.

The details

Merrimack took a 1-0 lead early in the second period, but UConn tied it up late in the frame. Fitzpatrick scored the game-winner just 26 seconds into the third period, and Lundgren made 22 saves in the final period to preserve the victory. UConn outshot Merrimack 50-25 but was unable to find the equalizer.

  • Merrimack took a 1-0 lead early in the second period.
  • UConn tied the game late in the second period.
  • Caelan Fitzpatrick scored the game-winning goal for Merrimack just 26 seconds into the third period.
  • Max Lundgren made 22 saves in the third period to secure the victory for Merrimack.

The players

Scott Borek

Head coach of the Merrimack College men's hockey team.

Max Lundgren

Junior goalie for the Merrimack College men's hockey team, who was named tournament MVP after making 49 saves in the championship game.

Caelan Fitzpatrick

Merrimack player who scored the game-winning goal early in the third period.

Mike Cavanaugh

Head coach of the UConn men's hockey team.

Mark Hillier

Captain of the Merrimack College men's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just so proud of our guys. We were tired, that was obvious. Fortunately (Lundgren) wasn't.”

— Scott Borek, Head coach

“Hats off to Lundgren, I thought he was terrific all night long. And I thought we were pretty good. It's not often you can put up 50 shots and lose a game. … It's just disappointing for our club.”

— Mike Cavanaugh, Head coach

“That was an unbelievable moment for me, an unbelievable moment for the whole team.”

— Mark Hillier, Captain

What’s next

Merrimack will now advance to the NCAA Division I Tournament, where they will compete for the national championship.

The takeaway

Merrimack's historic Cinderella run to the Hockey East title as the lowest seed showcases the unpredictable nature of sports and the ability of underdogs to defy expectations and achieve greatness.