UMass Lowell Eliminated from Hockey East Playoffs by Merrimack

River Hawks fall 5-3 in opening round matchup

Mar. 12, 2026 at 1:37am

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The 2025-26 season came to an end for the UMass Lowell River Hawks hockey team on Wednesday night, as they were defeated 5-3 by the Merrimack Warriors in the opening round of the Hockey East playoffs. UMass Lowell put up a fight in the third period, scoring two late goals to make it close, but an empty-net goal by Merrimack sealed the victory for the Warriors.

Why it matters

The loss ends UMass Lowell's season, as the ninth-seeded River Hawks were unable to advance past the opening round of the Hockey East playoffs. Merrimack, the eighth seed, moves on to the next round. This game highlighted the competitiveness of the Hockey East conference, where even lower-seeded teams can knock off higher-ranked opponents in the postseason.

The details

UMass Lowell fell behind 4-1 early, but senior Dillan Bentley and freshman Dominic Payne scored late goals to make it a one-goal game. However, Merrimack's Parker Lalonde scored an empty-net goal in the final minute to clinch the victory. Merrimack outshot UMass Lowell 19-15 through the first two periods and went 1-for-1 on the power play, while the River Hawks were 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.
  • UMass Lowell's season came to an end with the loss.

The players

Dillan Bentley

A senior forward for UMass Lowell who scored a team-leading 14th goal in the game.

Dominic Payne

A freshman defenseman for UMass Lowell who scored a late goal to make it a one-goal game.

Parker Lalonde

A player for Merrimack who scored an empty-net goal to seal the victory for the Warriors.

Trevor Hoskin

Led Merrimack with two goals in the game.

Jack Collins

A senior forward for UMass Lowell who scored the team's lone first-period goal.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.