Interview With Mark Dennehy

Tonight the Merrimack Warriors will face Boston University in the first round of the Hockey East playoffs. We got the opportunity to ask head coach Mark Dennehy on his thoughts of this past season as well as the upcoming playoffs. He even threw in a surprise Nelson Mandela quote. Enjoy.

Sports Juke: It's been six years since the Warriors have made the playoffs. What's the feeling like in the locker room knowing that on Friday night your team will be competing for a Hockey East Championship?
Mark Dennehy: Our team has worked very hard for an extended period of time to get to this point. There are a lot of players from successful high school, prep school, and junior programs who have played in big games before. This is what we want. We are excited about the challenge ahead of us this weekend.

Sports Juke: What will it take for the Warriors to move past the Terriers and advance to the TD Bank Garden?
Mark Dennehy: We have to win 2 games against the defending National and Hockey East Champs in a rink we have never beaten them. Still, to quote Nelson Mandela-"It always seems impossible until its done."

Sports Juke: This Warriors team is young and doesn't have the experience that a lot of the Hockey East schools yet they still play well in tough environments. Your team showed great composure in scoring two late goals to win at Vermont. Can you talk about what it takes to win on the road?
Mark Dennehy: Belief! When 6,000 fans are cheering against you, you have to believe you can do it, or it will never happen. This team believes in each other. They know how hard each one of them has worked for the other.

Sports Juke: How will the future of Merrimack hockey be impacted by the playoff series with Boston University?
Mark Dennehy: Merrimack beat BU in 1998 to get to the Garden, but there were some differences. First of all, they finished last, whereas this year's team finished 6th. Secondly, and more relevant to your question, this team has at its core a number of underclassmen.

Sports Juke: The 2009-10 season has been one of the most exciting and successful seasons in recent Merrimack history. Is the team aware of the past and what are the expectations for the future?
Mark Dennehy: We will draw on the past for experience, but no one in this program wants to think about tomorrow. This team is having too much time in the present!


You can watch tonight's game at 7:00p live on NESN. Go Warriors.