Construction for newly renovated and expanded men’s and women’s locker rooms are underway in the Merrimack Athletic Center.
The women’s hockey team, set to debut this fall, will have a brand-new locker room to call its own, in addition to a team lounge and dining area, bathrooms, coaches’ offices and various other amenities servicing the sports medicine, strength and conditioning and equipment-related needs of the team.
Additionally, the men’s locker room will receive a major facelift of its own, as their previous space is being completely renovated for the upcoming season. The player lounge and dining area was relocated from its previous location and will have a vastly different look, with a spacious layout that will include tables and chairs, couches, recreational and exercise equipment, and a video review area. The men’s coaches’ offices have also been updated as part of the project.
Lastly, a new common hallway will connect not only the two locker rooms, but also will serve as an artery connecting Lawler Rink to Gallant Rink, allowing players to walk to and from either rink for practices and games.
“This is an absolute game-changer for our program,” men’s coach Mark Dennehy said in a statement. “President Hopey has already done so much for Merrimack hockey with the renovation of Lawler Rink and the Merrimack Athletic Complex, but this is the final piece.”
“There are many things that will make Merrimack women’s hockey successful,” added women’s head coach Erin Hamlen. “Walking into Lawler Rink every day is a privilege, and the addition of a brand-new locker room facility to go along with our brand-new program is like a dream.”
