Men's Basketball Brings Burtnyk Onboard

NORTH ANDOVER, MA – Merrimack men’s basketball Head Coach Bert Hammel announced Thursday the addition of Micky Burtnyk ’08 to his coaching staff. He will take the place of former assistant, Joe Gallo, whom has since accepted a position with Hoop Group Elite (NJ).

Burtnyk returns to Merrimack after an illustrious career under Coach Hammel (2004-08) in which he guided the Warriors to 54 total wins and an NCAA Tournament berth in his final year. Had it not been for a missed 2006-07 season due to injury, Burtnyk would have likely surpassed the 1,000-point barrier, tallying 830 points in his three years at Merrimack.

Coaching Merrimack to over 400 wins, Hammel introduced Burtnyk as the ninth assistant coach in the Bert Hammel era. As the second consecutive former Warrior point guard, Burtnyk feels fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the 29th year coach.

“It’s great to be back at Merrimack and be part of such a rich basketball tradition,” Burtnyk said. “I feel lucky to have the opportunity to work with Coach Hammel and some of the guys I played with as a senior.”

With the departure of Gallo, Hammel is a believer that Burtnyk will follow in his footsteps as a great asset to the program.

“Micky is what Merrimack basketball is all about,” Hammel said. “His strong work ethic and commitment to getting our program to the next level is what will make him so valuable. I think it will be a smooth transition because [the players he played alongside] respected him on the court, and that will translate into respect for him as a coach.”

Coming off a 21-9 season and NCAA Tournament second round double-overtime loss to Bentley College, the Warriors will begin their regular season against the very same Falcons on November 18th at 7:30pm in North Andover.

Burtnyk’s Player File:
Games Played: 83
Games Started: 64
FG%: 42.2
3FG%: 37.9
FT%: 82.2
PPG: 10.0
RPG: 2.8
APG: 3.3
SPG: 1.4
A/T: 1.6

FOR TRANSACTIONS: MERRIMACK: Named Micky Burtnyk Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach.