River Hawks Open The 2025-26 Season With Shutout Victory Vs Merrimack

(Photo by Rich Gagnon/UML Athletics)

A 17-save shutout from freshman goaltender Austin Elliott helped the Umass Lowell River Hawks blank Merrimack 4-0 in their season opener at Tsongas Center on Friday. Sophomore Mirko Buttazzoni buried a loose puck past Merrimack’s goalie Max Lundgren early in the first period to give Umass Lowell a 1-0 lead. Shots on goal after the opening 20 minutes of play were 10-6 in favor of the River Hawks. 

In the second period, both teams traded scoring chances early on. Merrimack found themselves on the powerplay after UMass Lowell forward Jack Collins was sent to the penalty box for slashing at 13:06 of the period. However, it was the River Hawks that were able to cash in with a shorthanded goal scored by Tnias Mathurin after he collected a pass from Dalyn Wakely and stashed it home on a 2 on 1 rush. The goal marked Mathurin’s first collegiate goal. The River Hawks weren’t done scoring as just under three minutes later, Jay Ahearn made it 3-0 as he roofed the puck over the shoulder of Lundgren right in front of the net. 

In the third period of play, the River Hawks continued to control the ice. Jay Ahearn collected his second goal of the game when he backhanded home a rebound off a shot from the point on the power play, making it 4-0. Dalyn Wakely earned his second assist of the game on the play. Merrimack spent too much time in the penalty box in the third period as they took four minor penalties. The total shots on goal were 36-17 UMass Lowell. It was a strong college debut in the goal crease for Austin Elliott. The two clubs will go at it again next Friday October 10 at Merrimack.