A Little Late Reporting

With just nine seconds left in the game Darren Haydar assisted on a short-hand goal to keep his point streak alive - the first 36 games of the year.

Go 'Cats!

More Clarification

The end of the game versus wm'pys was Kirk Manke's first time out. Any negative connotation of my statements regarding the end of the game being ugly should be brain-erased from your memory. I will ask the coaches as to why they robbed Regan of his second shut-out this year and at the same time say congrats to Kirk for getting some D-1 ice time! Even allowing the two goals I bet it felt good.

Go 'Cats!

The US WJ Team Gets First Win, JVR Gets His First Goal

James vanRiemsdyk (I'm still trying to find the correct spelling as I've seen lots of variations, but I think this is it) gets his first WJC goal and Team USA gets its first win this year. Keep up the good work big guy! This post is title-linked to the USA Hockey site.

Go 'Cats!

You're Not In An Existential Time Warp

I'm currently unable to recall which day it is. Hopefully we will soon return to the correct day of the week. In the meantime enjoy the incorrect acronyms for what they're worth.

Pietrasiak Starts

He started the game and allowed 1 goal on 7 shots thus far - to Brandon Bochenski- the forth leading scorer in the AHL.

More Coming...

FUC

Friday's Ugly Conclusion

I didn't realize how ugly the 5-2 score would look - a shutout until 2:10 left to play then our 'Cats let up 2 within 50 seconds. Oh well. Let's get out of Florida before it becomes submerged.

I'll be back with some Pro news later. Speaking of which Jeff Pietrasiak has singed on with the Hershey Bears of the AHL, I'll let you know if he's playing at game time.

Go 'Cats!

In Other News!

Well, somewhat gladly, I wasn't at home listening to the game last night. Instead I caught the Monarchs playing Worcester, with the Worcester Sharks bringing not one, not two but THREE UNH Wildcats to the Verizon Wireless Arena (I would say former Wildcats but if you've put in every year you could for the Blue and White then you're a 'Cat for life). Garrett Stafford plays D for the Sharks and is their go to guy on the power play - last night, late in the game down a goal they repeatedly fed the puck to Stafford for some blasts from the point hoping to tie it up. Unfortunately for the Sharks their goaltending was not up to the challenge from the opening whistle; the other unfortunate was that Stafford was out-hussled for an empty-net goal to close out the game. Josh Prudden was called up for this game, he has played 9 games for them this year and has 6 assists, one last night. He has spent most of his time playing for this AHL club since leaving UNH but this year was bumped when the team moved - hopefully he gets to settle back in not too far from home and his Alma Mater. Now the big surprise... Sean Collins suited up for Worcester last night. As I looked across the ice in warm-ups I saw a very familiar looking player with the last name 'Collins' across the shoulders and as he turned I saw that characteristic wild-man beard and knew for sure. I say surprised because he has been called-up three times for the Philadelphia Phantoms so I wasn't expecting to see him in Worcester. He looked very good out there tonight finding his teammates with some incredible passes. It isn't hard to tell why he has well over a point per game, nearly two, in the ECHL. It was good to see you guys! Keep up the good work! And Wildcat Nation is cheering you on every step of the way!

I was fortunate enough to get out and play the greatest game on Earth with Alan Thompson among some other excellent hockey players. He hadn't seen my post here yet so I told him that I told all of you that I shut him down on Wednesday - I probably should have waited till after we played. Yesterday he took it to me a bit more and I gave as good as I got so we'll call yesterday even - which means I currently maintain the lead in our match-ups! We'll see how long I can hold out.

And last but certainly not least. The scoring machine that is Darren Haydar continues his streak, 35 games, and his ridiculously absurdly insane scoring with yet another four point night to bring his totals to 74 points - that's 22 goals and 52 assists. I'd love to be living in the Chicago area! Let's put it this way, Mark Hartigan (some may recognize the name) took 49 games to score 75 points last year. And that was good enough for the 15th spot among AHL scorers. With just 35 games played, Haydar already ranks 16th among the top scorers last year (he was 5th with 92 points) - as I continually say, what a time to be a UNH Hockey Fan and a Member of Wildcat Nation.

Go 'Cats!

SHT

Haven't had to do this in a while - Sad Hockey Thursday (the acronym is much more interesting than other options...)

We'll have to wait and see if this is a holiday hangover or not, but there are no excuses. Outshot 28-19 with only 4 shots in the third in a losing effort. Definitely no way to start the post-mid-season-break.

I can see the headlines now, UNH first streaking team to trip-up! There goes UNH blowing it through the stretch. Well, those people can shove it!

As for me, I won't go slinging any blame yet but only because I didn't see the game. But I'll be watching the next televised game like a Wildcat ready to pounce.

Alright guys, I predict 5-2 UNH over wm'pys...

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

And for the love of a National Championship, STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Go 'Cats!

ONE!

DA-NAHN! NAHN-NAHN!

What?! You don't recognize the opening riff of Black Betty, come on!

It's been a while so I'm going to fetch the mantra... alright, dust it off, ahh yes...

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

And for the love of a National Championship, STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Go 'Cats!

An Absolute Absurdity!

Darren Haydar scored and assisted twice to bring his point total to 70 in just 34 games - for those without a calculator handy that's 2.06pts per game. For the love of the Hockey Gods! He's still on pace for 164 points in the season which is just as I've said, An ABSOLUTE ABSURDITY! It's such a good time to be a UNH Hockey Fan.

Saw the new jerseys... well, the decor could be a little better but if they perform then wear'em. Although, I have the feeling that they may not be a very popular fashion statement on the street - there goes jersey sales! I'm curious as to a weight comparison with the old jerseys as Nike claims that they managed to slash the weight by 400 grams - for the metrically challenged that's .88 lbs. By some crude weighing in my basement, I'm reckoning that is an 80% weight reduction, of one pound that is. And wind tunnel tests... what's next streamlined helmets like the tour de lance?

HA HA! One Day!

Go 'Cats!

TWO

Well, do I have an interesting little tidbit for the loyal of Wildcat Nation today! Went out to stop a little rubber today and who do I find on the opposite end of some blistering shots but our very own, Alan Thompson. I must say I didn't recognize him at first as I've only seen outdated pictures and we haven't seen him on the ice at the Whitt much but I believe that will change. I talked to him some about his knee surgeries and from how he looked on the ice I would never have guessed I was looking at someone with a recent history of knee problems and some lingering pain. He told me that he is hopeful that his knee issues will be resolved soon, and so am I - I wouldn't mind seeing him take to the ice in our Blue and White. But I have to do a little bragging as far as today went - I shut him down. He did tool on the other goalies though so maybe he was just taking it easy on the good ol' UNH Hockey Blogger Guy - he definitely made it fun today as he easily labeled some of the hardest shots at me that I've seen in some time. Thanks Alan!

In other news, not that it seems new, Darren Haydar continued his streak, 33 and counting.

Two days.

Go 'Cats!

THREE

Sorry to those in Wildcat Nation that are living in the state that must not be named. Hopefully you'll manage to escape that pit of hell someday and return to the light. We're here for you if you need us.

Go 'Cats!

HHM

Hope Everyone in Wildcat Nation is having a good holiday season.

I cut my paper chain to four first thing this morning. Did I mention that I hate big red. Do I need to? I tried it once - I know, I was young and foolish - I chewed it and spit it out. I look forward to our 'Cats chewing up and spitting out the big red. I hope they chew them up and spit them right on the floor to get stepped on so that everyone can walk right over them. Then bring on those lumbering idiots, from the state that must not be named, with letters that spell 'namie', which is very similar to the French, n'amie, which could be translated as 'not my friend' which is very fitting, hmm?

Here's to the holidays and destroying the enemies of Wildcat Nation!

Go 'Cats!

Keep On Rolling!

Setting a fantastic example for his Alma Mater, Darren Haydar has set the AHL point streak record at 32 games and it's not broken yet! With 2 points per game during this streak Haydar set the record mark in just his 32nd game this year, the FIRST 32! He has had his good buddy, Jason Krog move up to the NHL (he's sitting on 52 points in 25 AHL games this year)and still has not lost his touch. Our current 'Cats need only to look to Darren's streak for inspiration in continuing theirs. Check out the title-linked page as they did a nice write-up of his recent accomplishments although they left out his illustrious career at the University of New Hampshire. Leaching off a little broadband from my MIL (Mother-In-Law!) I'm watching a little bit of the Miami-Ohio game from 10/21/2000! Did I mention I love NHPTV? Make sure you check it out and make sure you donate to keep more and more games coming!

I think there is little doubt he will make the All-Star game but make sure you get your vote in!

In other news, Jason Krog got an assist in Atlanta's 5-2 win over New Jersey. That gives him a goal and an assist in 7 games with the big club.

Well, Happy Holidays! I'll bet we're all looking forward to the season picking back up in just five more days. I don't know how many people have asked why I still have 5 days on my paper-chain left and why it's blue and white!

Go 'Cats!

Hay, Hay, Hay!*UPDATE*

Darren Haydar picks up his 60th point tonight, 409th career AHL point, 42nd assist in his 30th game of the year. This extends his scoring streak (as long as they don't discredit the assist) to 30 games, the FIRST thirty of the year. It also gives him his 10th assist in his last 4 games.

Go 'Cats!

*Darren finished with two assist on the night, on a night that saw three goals in the final minute of the game, 4 in the final two minutes. Let me describe what I'm seeing on the game sheet. Chicago goes up 1 to nothing in the first, stays that way through two periods. Then the third, 8 minutes in tie game, 14 minutes 2-1 Chicago, 18 minutes into the third, 2-2, 19:08 3-2 Chicago, 19:32 3-3 on a supposed EMPTY NET GOAL, 19:50 4-3 Chicago. Darren assisted on the first and third goals for his team. Well, if they have that scoresheet right, that is one WACKY finish.

Go 'Cats!

UNH ALUMS VS. the opposition

THIS IS A COMPILATION OF TOTAL UNH ALUM SCORING AT EACH U.S. PRO LEVEL THIS YEAR.

NHL SCORING:

63GP, 5G, 6A = 11PTS

GOALTENDING:

2GP, 1.10GAA, .909S%


AHL SCORING:

126GP, 49G, 104A = 153PTS

GOALTENDING:

14GP, 3.33GAA, .905S%


ECHL SCORING:

162GP, 57G, 102A, 159PTS

GOALTENDING:

15GP, 3.33GAA, .898S%


For a measure of these results, this includes 1 NHL defenseman(out of 4 players accounted for), 1 AHL defenseman(out of 7 players), and 2 ECHL defenseman (out of 8 players).

There has been some shuffling around of many of our Alums, so I expect these totals to grow relative to games played as the season progresses and they settle into their respective roles.

Go 'Cats!

Frappr Map *Answered*

I'm working with the fine folks at Frappr to adjust our map of Wildcat Nation. Some of you may have noticed that your tag does not appear. Well, we have so many members at this point that the tags cycle every once in a while. I hope to hear from them soon as I would like all the tags to show at once. So, if you've shown your Blue and White pride and joined Wildcat Nation on the Frappr Map at the bottom of the page be patient and I'll let you know what's happening.

Go 'Cats!

*Well, the map only shows the last hundred tabs. BUT, they are working on boosting the number - YEA! You can become a member of the map but I'm not entirely sure how this works. I think that you have to follow the map to the Frappr Page by clicking on the Frappr Link on the bottom of the map - but I'm not sure. So just check out the map and your tab to see if you can become a member - maybe Dan from Bellingham or Dave from Cypress could help us out. Dan, Dave? It seems that those who have put in names have stuck around. We'll get to the bottom of this!

Go 'Cats!

Futurama!

2007

James 'The King' VanRiemsdyk continues to dominate the opposition with 36 points in 22 games. Phil 'I'm Gonna Find De Back of De Net' DeSimone has racked up 35 points in 23 games. For some measure of comparison, Trevor Smith put up 68 points in 60 games in the USHL with Omaha for whom 'Big' Will O'Neill plays D, with 3 points so far. Mike 'Hey! I Play Big' Borisenok, after shuffling around a bit has done well with the Green Bay Gamblers amassing 10 points in 23 games.

2008

Paul 'Wunderkind' Thompson adds to his point total over the weekend and maintains his league lead in points with 50 points in 27 games. Steve 'God Sent Me With A Stick" Moses jumps up to the leader board with a nice weekend and thus far 28 points in 29 games. Greg 'Showtime' Burke sneaks another point into the total column and reports with 3g, 5a in 20 games.

Ahh, I smell a National Championship! Keep up the good work boys!

Go 'Cats!

New Poll on the Hockey East Blog

Let's make sure UNH comes out on top of the new poll on the Hockey East Blog. The guy is obviously not a UNH fan, giving Maine a 'B', we'll see what he gives us for a Mid-Season Report.

Go 'Cats!

NHPTV - Bow Down! We're Not Worthy!

I want to give a big thanks for the link image to the uber-fans at New Hampshire Public Television.

Thank you for all of the great hockey coverage. Those of you who suck enough to have a high-speed, broadband connection also have the ability to watch the live webcasts of the televised games AND the archived broadcasts of games[title linked by this post]. UNBELIEVABLE! I LOVE YOU NHPTV! (just as a note, I'm on dial-up and I'm afraid to even try the webcasts... I may give them a try but I have the feeling that I'm looking at an extremely long download/buffering time - someone let me know if I'm wrong about this)

So, just remember - if you love UNH Hockey, if you have a broadband internet connection, no matter where you are you owe it to the great folks at NHPTV to donate and help pay for the unique and amazing coverage of our UNH Wildcat Hockey! Open up those wallets this holiday season to give yourself a little treat and keep this great coverage coming and with enough donations even, if it's possible, improving!

Go NHPTV!

Go 'Cats!

HHM - Some Laughs

Hockey Humor Monday

In an effort to be humorous U'Suck'CHO is at it again. Rewarding LSSU's loss to the U-18's and James VanRiemsdyk they moved them up in the polls. Did you expect better?

There are some humorous comments regarding the midseason report cards being issued by the Hockey East Blogger - I participated in the comments as I couldn't help myself. Check it out!

Hope you have a good laugh. If you've got some spare change why don't you cash it in for some laughs at that bc fan's expense.

Go 'Cats!

Sean Collins

Picks up another assist and with it hopefully another night with the Phantoms.

That's all for tonight.

Go 'Cats!

I'm Time Magazine's Person of the Year

I just wanted to say I'm flattered Time. Now shut your doors and go away we don't need YOU!

Go 'Cats!

Back To The Future

James VanRiemsdyk has a goal and an assist so far in the Under-18's 3-0 hurting they are putting on LSSU tonight. It's early in the third.

Waiting for AHL games to really get under-way. WWDHDT? That's What Will D-Hay Do Tonight?


*NEW*

Sean Collins picked up his first assist in the AHL this year playing for the Philadelphia Phantoms, his second career AHL point in his 10th AHL game.

Go Sean!

*MORE NEW*

In a ridiculous turn of events, LSSU has pulled its back-up sieve in favor of their starting sieve versus the U-18's! Their back-up sieve made 21 saves and allowed 3 goals through two periods.

Unbelievable.

It's still 3-0 with just over two minutes to play.

*LAST TONIGHT*

Darren Haydar bumps his point total to 59 with yet another assist (18g, 41a for those too lazy to scroll down the page ;-)) Playing against his old team Haydar was pretty harassed (he got 4 for attempted spearing!) and probably well covered as they know how crucial he is to a team's offense. Chicago came from two down to tie it only to lose in the shoot-out. Them's the breaks. I'd still love to see a shoot-out in college hockey.


Garrett Stafford scores his second goal in as many nights (4g, 12a) but it was too little too late tonight as they ran up against the best goaltender in the AHL, Jason Labarbera and the Manchester Monarchs.

Ty Conklin made a back-up appearance tonight after the Bluejacket's starter let up 5 goals in the first. The team rallied with a 3-0 second period only to fall flat and lose 6-4. Ty let up one goal on just 8 shots through the final two frames. The goal came just after a bunch of penalties expired. I'm sure he'd like to have that one back as it was one of two shots all period - although he would have likely been pulled for the empty-net if they were still down a goal.

In all not a spectacular night for Wildcat Alumns but it did look very good for next year's recruit James VanRiemsdyk who continues to show that he is indeed something special - come on home to UNH!

Go 'Cats!

Heroes

Garrett Stafford played hero tonight. He assisted on the tying goal and scored the game winner in OT for the Worcester Sharks. What's San Jose thinking?

Just remember to vote for him in the AHL Allstar Balloting. And you can see his point totals just updated in the Pro's List on your own UNH Men's Hockey Blog.


*NEW*

Darren Haydar has already matched his 4 assist night from his last game - in other words, back-to-back 4 point games. Eight points in just 2 games. And it's only the second period.

*REALLY NEW*

Make that 4a then 5 the next game! 9 points in two games, all assists! And there is still one period left to play.

*Last Post of the Night*

Oops, spoke to soon. Just four assists. Ha Ha Ha!

So, eight points in two games to extend his league leading point totals to 58 points in 28 games.


Go 'Cats!

If You Haven't Already...

Vote in the AHL Allstar Balloting...
...Darren Haydar, Garrett Stafford, Ty Conklin(though he is called up for the moment)
[again, title-linked]

*AND VOTE IN THE NEW POLL!*

Join the Frappr Map... come on, it's at the bottom of the page already!(and spice it up by including name and shout-out)


Dare I say it?... Check out the hoser's blog in the links section...


Think you can contribute? Email me a sample post to the address spelled out in the header. Are you out there watching former Wildcats play? Give us a synopsis.


Donate to NHPTV!


Tell your loved ones that you love them.

Happy Holidays!
Go 'Cats!

Ken McKenzie Award - Trivia

Ken McKenzie was the hockey writer extraordinaire and a strong proponent of hockey becoming mainstream as he recognized as we do the greatest sport in the world.

The Award, given to the player judged to be the top American born player in their first year of competition in the IHL (also awarded in the CHL and the CHL - Canadian and Central Hockey Leagues - I don't think the trophy is awarded any longer), was won by three former UNH Wildcats.

1979 - Jon Fontas
1998 - Eric Nickulas
1999 - Mark Mowers

See if your slacker friends that don't visit the UNH Men's Hockey Blog often enough can tell you all three!

Notes:

A couple of players have been added to the pro's list - many more to come.

Wildcat Nation as represented by our Frappr Map has grown to nearly 200 members! Keep spreading the word.

Still looking for writers to contribute and help show the world that UNH Hockey and UNH Hockey Fans are the best in the world!

HockeyEast Recruits Page

It's in blogger but it's really more of a reference page. The Hockey East Blogger has thrown out a recruits page to cut through the clutter, though amazing work, of the other recruiting pages out there. Make sure to check it out as the stats seem extremely current. See what tomorrow's Wildcats are doing today. Title linked through this post.

Trivia Onslaught

Ask your friends these trivia questions as we bring them to you. Stump them then tell them to visit the UNH Men's Hockey Blog more often!

How many times has UNH scored less than a minute apart?

ANSWER: 6

How many times has UNH scored less than two minutes apart?

ANSWER: 9

How many times has UNH scored less than three minutes apart?

ANSWER: 12

How many times has UNH scored less than four minutes apart?

ANSWER: 14

How many times has UNH scored less than five minutes apart?

ANSWER: 18

How many times has UNH scored less than six minutes apart?

ANSWER: 20

How many times has UNH scored less than seven minutes apart?

ANSWER: 22

How many times has UNH scored less than eight minutes apart?

ANSWER: 25

How many times has UNH scored less than nine minutes apart?

ANSWER: 27

Now,

How many times has UNH scored three goals in less than 4 minutes?

ANSWER: 1

How many times has UNH scored three goals in less than 5 minutes?

ANSWER: 3

Well, that's it for now.

More to come.

Go 'Cats!

AHL Allstar Fan Vote

Go and vote for our Wildcats! (Link is the title)

Show'em what Wildcat Nation is all about!

Go 'Cats!

HHM

Happy Hockey Monday!

Hockey Holiday Monday!

Holy Hockey Moments!

I could keep going...

But I won't. It's a late HHM post today as I went to see a little rubber this morning. As always, a bad day playing hockey is better than a good day at work. So I've returned home exhausted but feel obligated to bring the loyal some hockey news.

Ryan Bourque (yes, THAT Bourque!) is being recruited by UNH after having played in the Beantown Classic right here at the Whitt. If he decided to come to UNH he would not do so until 2009. And why should he? UNH projects to have one of the most potent line-ups in college hockey right about then, that's why. Plus his sister did go to UNH to play lacrosse so who knows?

The Streak continues, and the mangy mutts that write the majority of college hockey continue to drool waiting for a sign of weakness. It must not come. Anybody that has any questions or potential story ideas should shoot us an email - just look for the spelled out email address in the title box.

Did a little story about recruits yesterday. Make sure you check out The Unofficial UNH Hockey Home Page in the links section. Find recruits playing near you and go watch. You will probably be in for some of the best, cheap hockey around. And wear your Blue and White - I'm sure they'll appreciate it and be more hungry than ever to come to Durham and make a name for themselves in front of all the Wildcat Faithful in Wildcat Nation.

Well, the holidays are upon us and hockey takes a brief (still too long!) back seat but we'll be here at the UNH Men's Hockey Blog to bring you whatever stories we can dig up. So, stop in from time to time and enjoy the holidays!

Go 'Cats!

It's SHOWTIME!

Shining the spotlight on Greg "Showtime" Burke. A Lee, NH native and due to walk through the Whittemore Center doors in the Blue and White for the first time in '08. He took matters into his own hands yesterday popping in two goals in the first period, one coming on the powerplay. Having seen him play I fully expect that this is just the beginning for Burke who's coming to UNH with fellow recruit and current teammate (who assisted on his first goal) Paul Thompson (Derry, NH), whose numbers speak for themselves. Burke has 3g, 4a in 17 games and his 3g have come in the last three games as well as an assist. It seems like quite a time to be a UNH Hockey Fan.

You can see the EJHL scoring leaders, led by Paul Thompson(!), by clicking on the title of this post. You'll notice their teammate Matthew Germain just a little behind Thompson, yet another guy I wouldn't mind seeing in the Blue & White. Get out and see the Jr. Monarchs if you can, and wear your Blue and White!

Go 'Cats!

Holy Schniekies!

Brian "Australian for Goaltenda" Foster.

Need I say more?

Go 'Cats!

Here we go boys

Let's get it started right tonight guys, lets put'em on their heels early and just continue to pile on the goals.

Foster's in net. Is coach Umile saying something to St. Lawrence?

Come on guys, this isn't Minnesota, let's go.

UNH 0 for 2 on the Powerplay.

The UNH Men's Hockey Blogger Guy:

If there is a time machine out there somewhere can someone please point me in the right direction. I'd just warp back and not turn on the game until the third period. Two goals in 42 seconds. Coach Umile ought to shake his finger at every player on the bench. He shook it at Ciocco and look what happened! And Brad Flaishans has a new nickname, "Bad" Brad Flaishans! Say that five times fast! And it's bad in a good way!

2-0 'Cats.

Go 'Cats!

FINALLY!

Finally got some help around here! And it's not nepotis! It's just that no one else has stepped-up! I'll leave it to you to decide if it really is my brother, after all, aren't we all brothers and sisters in Wildcat Nation!

We got ourselves a little Happy Hockey Thursday here, then a game against St. Lawrence tomorrow on the wonderful New Hampshire Public Television - donate!

As far as tomorrow's game, guys, could you please just beat the heck out of them? For me?

Thanks. What would I like to see? Um, 8-0 'Cats. You can do that? Okay, thanks!

What? You want to hear the mantra? I can do that.

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

And for the love of a National Championship, STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Go 'Cats!

Wildcats handle Lowell

It seemed that the ice was tilted to one side tonight and I'm glad we had that side twice. Both teams traded two goal periods, but too bad so sad for Lowell, we had first ups and there are only three periods.

Matt Fornataro scored just 47 seconds into the first period to give the Riverhawks a taste of what the 'Cats had for them tonight. Jamie Fritsch and Trevor Smith picked up their first assists on the night. Mike "Here comes the Boom" Radja banged home his 13th goal of the season with just 1:51 in the first frame. Fritsch, along with Brett Hemingway helped out on the goal. Then we got a little worried.

Kevin Regan faced 18 shots in the second period and let up a couple goals. We can expect him to stop everything, but this isn't Ryan Miller and Michigan St. in 2001. So with the game tied at the end of two, our 'Cats had to ramp it up.

And they did, just 4:50 into the third period, we had the tilt again and Matt Fornataro sealed the deal. This time he took assists from Smith and Pollastrone for the game winner. And just a couple minutes later at 7:09, Hemingway netted his fifth from Radja and Micflikier.

Regan finished the night with 39 saves and his 11th win of the season.

Great job tonight guys, you finished strong and kept the streak alive. We need to keep playing strong. Thanks to Blaise MacDonald for complimenting us.

GAME ON!

First Period Over...

2-0 'Cats!

Fornataro (6) (:47), Fritsch(2), Smith(12)

Radja (13) (18: ), Hemingway(11), Fritsch(3)

Notes: 'Cats fans outnumber the Lowell fans with under a thousand in attendance.

Second Period

2-1 (pp goal)

2-2

Notes: 'Cats have their worst period since the Yale game. The result is self-explanatory.

Third Period

3-2
Fornataro (7), (4:50), Smith (13), Pollastrone (11)
*CLUTCH BABY! CLUTCH! Trevor "I'll Show You For Cutting My Leg!" Smith!

4-2
Hemingway (5), (7:09), MicFlikier (16), Radja (6) - PP

Fritsch Makes His Case

Jamie Fritsch is making a run for Defensive Player of the Week with two assists in the first period against Lowell tonight. Not bad for a last minute addition to last year's recruiting class.

2-0 after one period, keep it going boys.

P.S. - I'm the UNH Blogger Guy's brother, I'll be guest posting during games and maybe do some features during the week.

JVR, KROG and HAYDAR OH MY *SOME MORE STUFF FOR GAME DAY*

James VanRiemsdyk improves his resume. The youngest player selected for the US Junior Team this year! JVR is also the tallest forward for the team. This kid just keeps looking better and better - I just can't wait to see him in that blue and white with UNH across the chest. How 'bout a shout out to Middletown, NJ! Much success my man! We'll be cheering for you from Wildcat Nation! Speaking of which our Frappr Map is just exploding, with members of Wildcat Nation coming out in droves - keep spreading the word!

*Forgot to mention, the title of this post links to the USAHockey page were the roster was released!*

Then (the comparisons are inevitable and the idea that their point totals have a good chance at being bested is almost frightening) you have Jason Krog and Darren Haydar. Just go to the AHL Front Page. Krog is on pace for 175 points! Haydar is on pace for 160 points! Haydar will reach 400 career AHL points in the AHL with just 4 more points (regular season + playoffs = 396 points in 373 games). BOTH could break the single season point record for the AHL this year which has stood for 14 years(Don Biggs with 138pts, 54g-84a, 92-93). Another interesting note, Haydar has YET to record a hat-trick this year - Krog has done it twice! Referred to as the Three-Headed Monster along with Brett Sterling, they are unstoppable. Amazing.


*NEW AS OF 11:00AM*
GAME DAY:

What can you say about Lowell? Lanny Gare has us covered there with his famous quote in case you forgot, "I'd rather be stabbed in Lowell than a Black Bear in Maine." They're a team who's average attendance in their 6496 capacity arena only draws about 3,016 people on average and I'm sure that number swells when UNH comes to town! From the UNH fans! By comparison our 'Cats draw 6367 to top the capacity of the 6110 seat Whittemore Center and we usually draw more than 9,000 when we play in our home away from home, the Verizon Wireless Center in Manchester, NH.

You can see a nice comparison by the good folks at the College Hockey News.

There is a little revenge to be served up as a side to dining on bird tonight. And what better place to serve a dish best served cold than on the ice. Last time we played Lowell Trevor Smith required stitches before he could return to the game. If I was a Lowell fan I'd look to get into the witness protection program, 7-2 'Cats. Come on 'Cats, pulverize those hawks into pigeons!

Catch the game on the radio or the Yahoo! Broadcast, as always in my link section. I'll try to be set up to do running updates here tonight but I can't make any promises.

UNH Hockey baby!

Go 'Cats!

Addendum - Illinois Homeboys

I can't believe I left out Jayme Filipowicz!

Homeboy from Arlington Heights, Illinois!

Just remember people, it's pronounced Illinoy (silent 's' thing...).

And that's this week's word of the week.

Remember to give a big thanks to anyone you see from Illinois!

Go 'Cats!

Executioner

Well, we have tried the league and found them to be lacking. It is time to deliver the death blow.

First up. Lowell tomorrow. It's time to pin this pigeon to the wall and pluck its feathers. Look for the 'Cats to turn up the offense. 7-2 'Cats.

After that it's going to be the same thing every night. Another team comes against us and we shall lay them low each and every time. Find a way to win EVERY game. Claw, bite and just plain maul the opposition until they fall dead at our feet. It's going to be a fight every night and we are going to have to fight harder and deadlier than ever with each passing game. Use each defeated opponent as a stepping stone to tear into the next team. Make them wish they never stepped on the ice. Remember the mantra!

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

And for the love of a National Championship, STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Go 'Cats!

I've Had Enough.

I refuse to link to Hockey East any longer.

You can go see for yourself - I recommend against it.

So, to do the job that Hockey East has shirked.

Player of the Week - The Entire UNH Hockey Team.
With the entire team contributing there is no possible way to single out the best player in Hockey East from the best team in the east. Although, Kevin Reagan does come close as it would be his if he had shut out any team but Merrimack(well done anyhow!).

Goaltender of the Week - The Entire UNH Hockey Team.
Just kidding - it's Kevin Reagan. Excellent play lately. Keep that wall up!

Rookie of the Week - Greg Collins
I was torn on this one. Bobby Butler is a strong candidate for his short-handed goal vs. Merrimack but I'm going to give the nod to Greg Collins. Recovering from illness(Mono was it?) and playing extremely well vs. Vermont - one of the only players I saw open up space and control the puck in the Vermont end - I almost thought Steve Saviano had returned to the home sheet.

Defensive Player of the Week - Brad Flaishans
With a +18 and the most points of all defensmen for our squad, he has played solidly all-around in the position.

Wow, weekly awards swept by the Wildcats, imagine that. The top team in Hockey East knocks off every team with a streak in the league is scoring at a prolific rate and has a 7 game winning streak and a 10 game unbeaten streak and gets all the weekly awards it richly deserves. Gee, there just may be justice in the world.

Go 'Cats!

Happy! Hockey! Monday!!!

Good Morning Wildcat Nation!

Yeah, I know, it's a little late in the morning. What can I say, I slept in to sweet dreams of our 'Cats BEATING THE DAYLIGHTS OUT OF VERMONT!

Oh yeah, the game was close through the early part of the game, but the guys were a little nervous and who wouldn't be with Hansen handing out penalties like Mother Theresa giving alms to the poor. They buckled down, and beat the drum to the rhythm of the mantra. Once we went up a goal going into the third Vermont's trap broke, as I said and as they say, the rest is history.

Gotta love it!

Well, for the rest, old news but I like it anyhow...

JVR(James VanRiemsdyk) scored 3 goals and dished one for a four point night against Bowdoin College on the 26th of November. Wow. What to say about JVR? Just Very Remarkable? Nah. Anyone?

The Future 'Cats from the EJHL have not had their stats updated and I did not get down to the Whitt for the Monarchs played the Junior Bruins (That's Paul 'Wunderkind' Thompson and Greg 'Showtime' Burke from the Mo vs. Steve 'God Sent Me With A Stick, Not The Ten Commandments' Moses and the b's). If you are near the EJHL teams go out and see some games - good hockey cheap, tomorrow's stars today, yada yada yade - just go see'm and have fun! It's HOCKEY!

Nice article on "Why Choose College" or "Don't be Like Keith Yandle or Daniel Winnick(sorry big guy but I can't forgive you. if you did what is right for you then good for you.)" They're both the same link. While you're there surf around for Future 'Cats (Borisenok, Green Bay Gamblers - O'Niell, Omaha Lancers - DeSimone, Sioux City Musketeers)

Well enough for now. How 'bout the mantra, with a twist.

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

And for the love of a National Championship, STAY OUT OF THE PENALTY BOX!

Go 'Cats!

4-1 Go 'Cats!

No diggity, no doubt!

Let's get through a couple things! The reffing was effing horrible. The linesman were worse and the Vermont Drama Coach could teach the BU Drama Coach a thing or two. My favorite moment was when a Vermont defenseman was 'skating' for the puck when in reality he was just kicking his feet straight back, without pushing, and reaching with his stick after a puck that was slowly inching its way down the ice. And the linesman actually called it icing. Then Joe Bertagna talks about changing the way icing is called in between the first and second periods.

And, we've got to convince our 'Cats out there that there's no reason to be tentative out there. There was quite a bit of tentative play through the first half of the game. You guys have nothing to worry about but playing hockey. Buckle down, play your hearts out! You have one chance! Enjoy it! And remember the mantra!

Anyhow!

Kevin Kapstad beats an out of position Joe "Just Another Big Sieve" Fallon to go up one nothing just 1:28 into the game. Nicely done.

Then in an attempt to control the game, Scott "No! Its my game!" Hansen, gives Vermont a questionable 5-3 and on a slight defensive let-up and a slight goalie let-up some big goon from Vermont banged in his own rebound. Other than that Kevin Regan played the best I've seen him play all year. Way to go Kevin!

Then it was back to Vermont's trap-D. I was lulled to sleep only to be reawakened with just 34 seconds to go in the second when Mike "I Like to Tool on the Opposition's Defensemen and Show the World What a Sieve Looks Like" Radja well, you know, did his thing and it was 2-1 'Cats. Up to that point I was looking for some guy with a golf club about to putt the final hole due to the obscene hush in the building.

Vermont, no longer able to play trap in order to generate offense put on good pressure but in doing so were stopped by Kevin Regan and couldn't quite the UNH offense. With 9:27 already ticked off the clock in the final stanza the Captain put up his fourth goal of the season using the defenseman as a screen and for the deflection beat Sievey Siverton on the blocker side (as did Radja) to put the game away.

The final goal came with Vermont's net looking better than it did all night (yeah, there was no sieve just standing there looking like a deer in the headlights) and Mike Radja sealed the deal with his second goal of the night.

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

Go 'Cats!

The End

Daddy, that was such a good story can you read it again?

Sure, but on another night. This Wednesday night to be precise.

Good Night Wildcat Nation!

See you on Happy Hockey Monday!

Go 'Cats!

GAME DAY

Today's game brings two long-undefeated teams under the same roof. The University of New Hampshire Wildcats, as we all know, undefeated in 9 games. The University of Vermont Catamounts undefeated in 7 games. Our 'Cats bring the most explosive offense in the country. Having scored back-to-back goals in under a minute multiple times this year, the opposition blinks and their team could be down by three goals. Their Cats bring in some of the most boring, stagnant hockey possible. They fill up the center of the ice, make sure that shots don't reach the net and those that do they try to make sure it is easily handled by their sieve. Blink and you may fall asleep watching a Vermont game. UNH has seen trap-defenses all year, Vermont on the other hand has rarely seen an offensive juggernaut of the likes of our 'Cats. Advantage UNH Wildcats.

Following the mantra, with added emphasis, I predict 5-1 'Cats, WILDCATS!

Remember the mantra!

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and PLOW UNDER ANYONE THAT GETS IN YOUR WAY!

Go 'Cats!

NOTE: Anyone who knows what channels on what stations the game will be carried please comment with such information. Thanks, TUMHBG.

Best College Hockey Coverage Period

The Staff and Folks over at the College Hockey News and Blog keep getting it done.

They have put out a great article highlighting our sophomore sensation's, Trevor Smith, rise to power!

Just see it for yourself!(Remember... click on the title of this post... oh yeah!)

Oh! If you're up for some Irreverent Crude Humor, check out the UNH Hoser's Page in my link section just added today.

There is also a very good discussion going on over at the USCHO fan forums (about the only thing they have going for them) - you can read the posts (click on Div I, then the UNH-UVM post about 8 down.) - if you want to participate it takes a WHILE to get approved.


Go 'Cats!

Much Ado About Nothing!

I'll tell you right now, if we lose just ONE game, ONE, we will never hear the end of it. We could win every game and you won't see ANY national press for our 'Cats. But ONE loss and we won't hear the end of it!

Case in point! Dave "Go Rot In Hell!" Hendrickson does not discuss our 'Cats in his recent USCHO Article "This week in Hockey East" linked by the title of this post (look for story links like this from now on). The story couldn't be more pathetic.

This is all ok. We will continue to pulverize our opponents (or else you'll never here the end of it from me!). I'll reiterate, 5-1 Wildcats on Sunday! Make sure you cast your vote in the poll, go on, do it, NOW!

Let's repeat the mantra.

This is my mantra!

I want game-in, game-out domination! I want the net bricked-in! I WANT BUCKETS OF FIRST PERIOD GOALS as well as second and third!

Keep your noses to the grindstone! Bury every puck in the back of the opposition's net and plow under anyone who gets in your way!

Go 'Cats!

Heartfelt Apology

My sincere apologies to our captain, I missed his birthday!

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY! JOSH CIOCCO!(11/15/83)

HAPPY 23rd!

I'll be on top of the next birthdays, with Chris Murray(on the 26th) and Nick Krates(on the 28th), who both had moms shooting for a Christmas birthday!

Go 'Cats!