Tickets! Get Your Tickets!

Tickets were on sale this morning (sorry, been doing some personal email changing and I missed the notice) - good luck getting any for Friday's game! I haven't called but I wouldn't count on any being left. 1-866-WILDCATS as always, another thing I'll have to get up on the page permanently - it never ends!

Tickets for the Quarterfinals go on sale tomorrow, Thursday March 2nd. Ticket prices should be $23 reserved and $21 general. Get in line!

There is also notice out on the official UNH site (check the links) that B2 Networks is going to be carrying all but one, March 9th game (yet to be determined - big mystery, ooh!) of the Hockey East Quarterfinals. Oh, all right, here's the link.

The games are $6 apiece or $30 for all.

Go 'Cats!

In The Box

WTF is up with the reffing!?

You! referees(especially you Hansen)! FIVE MINUTES FOR UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT!

Last year the only ref I had a problem with was Conrad Hache - thankfully he set the bar so low that the AHL scooping him up for a ref seems to have all the refs in our league trying to follow in the ol' Hach-et Job's footsteps.

This year the 'Conrad Hache Award' goes to Dave Hansen. Now Davey 'Crocket - like Miami Vice' Hansen has always had good games and bad games. Not as bad as Conrad 'The Sickle and Hammer Communist' Hache but he obviously takes criticism WAY too personally (if my house gets burned down because of this we ALL KNOW WHO DID IT!) and he has severe personal control issues - I won't mention any specific incidents like the debacle in maine but we've all seen this unbecoming behavior - I won't even mention the ridiculous calls that had providence fans LAUGHING and the call-by-call guys groaning in astonishment at the worse called game they had ever witnessed. Hansen, you give refs, a bad name, (echo) bad name!

Then there's Tim 'This Is MY Game' Benedetto - come on dude, you're not fooling anybody with those bogus calls! Most of the time your intent seems to be to punish the team with the lead but any team who has ever been on your bad side has seen you call a game so lop-sided that the fans fall out of their seats as you tip the Earth from its axis!

Gravalese - I love you man! But you've been slippin' a little lately! What's with that!? I know you've still got it! You just need to call the game the way the communisht wants it called - I know, I know, it doesn't suit your let the teams settle it mentality but I think if you just call all the penalties that should be called that you will see the same results - if anyone can do it, you can!

The rest of you fools seem to be escaping my notice so I can only say that this is a good thing!

As for you Hansen!

Skate! Skate! Skate! Sit down ______!(I almost wrote it!)

*As a note I just found out that Seacoast Online has a section they call Two Minutes in the Box and they did a segment titled 'Two Minutes in the Box with Mike Radja' on Feb. 2nd - I want to set the record once and for all, I did NOT steal this idea unless I subconsciously heard it somewhere, this was not even my planned original title for these posts - now I feel like a TOTAL hack! Hope you enjoy these posts anyhow!*

Go 'Cats!

Conklin Captures Cup Chance

Ty Conklin has moved on back toward home (yeah, he's from Alaska but he's got New Hampshire in his blood now!) and with this move comes a shot at another Stanley Cup ring for a 'Cat.

Ty will be backing up (read probably not getting to play TOO often) Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres. But he WILL be there if they need him. Good Luck!

We're all behind you!

Go 'Cats!

Let Me Be The First To Say

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2006-2007 HOCKEY EAST REGULAR SEASON CHAMPS!

YOUR UNH WILDCATS!

Now, maybe this was mentioned SOME where - quitely whispered in some dark corner. Maybe it has to do with the result of Saturday's game (Hanson I'm giving YOU! FIVE MINUTES IN THE BOX!). Speaking of which, while we're handing out freebies I would recommend letting bc win both games so they can stay in the national tournament and push bu down to third place in HE in which case they would most likely face vermont again! Of course we'll most likely be facing providence again and let me remind you of how badly they beat us last time out... 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1!

Really guys, I'd like to say some nice things here but this here blog is only about UNH Men's Hockey! You've got to GIVE ME GOOD THINGS TO WRITE ABOUT! Winning the Hockey East Regular Season on a night when you got shredded like a wet paper bag - not high up on the list of things I'd like to see... ranks right below seeing the black bears win a single game in a season. (Makes you wonder if it's ever been done before - clinching the HE Regular Season Title on a night that you get made to look like little girls losing 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! 7-1! - I will continue to remind you 7 times in honor of every sad goal that was let up - maybe I'll be nice and only remind you six times since you did manage to score ONCE!

Another HE Regular Season title... yea.

Go 'Cats!

Haydar Continues To Score

He's played four games for the Atlanta Thrashers this year and 54 games for their AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, and he has matched his point total of 92 points from last year. That's right, in 26 fewer games Darren Haydar has matched his 92 points from last year (good enough for an AHL 5th best then, first now). While he would have quite a feat of beating the AHL all-time single season point record he could definitely come close having already set the record for longest point-streak in AHL history at 38 games.

Congrats Darren!

Go 'Cats!

In The Box

This is a new selection I'll be adding to this blog to highlight perceived ills in college hockey - concerning our 'Cats of course!

This week USCHO gets TWO MINUTES for 'Obstruction Interference'.

Unlike usual bu decided to play us standing up during last weekend's series and the reffing wasn't TOO bad (the refs will be getting FIVE MINUTES in an upcoming episode of "In The Box") but USCHO takes the cake for almost totally ignoring one of the top teams in college hockey on a consistent basis (or should I say BIAS!). Now granted, we're not Notre Dame who suddenly found a streak of ridiculous puck luck and has the weakest schedule in the TOP 20! We didn't go undefeated as long as Minnesota. We're not west of I-91 unlike some team west of I-91 you hyped up that beat bc then had back to back ties against merrimack. Why should we get any press? (and you wonder why I don't PAY to read YOUR press!)

How 'bout making the Tournament 13 of the past 16 years (YES WE WILL MAKE IT THIS YEAR!)?

Making the Frozen Four, four times in the last 10 years finishing third twice and Runner-Up twice.

During this span - four Regular Season Hockey East Championships and two Hockey East Tournament Championships.

And on top of all this one of the best offenses in the country THIS YEAR, one of the best if not THE best goaltender in the country THIS YEAR, put together the second best undefeated streak THIS YEAR, leads Hockey East THIS YEAR, spent week after week on top of the pairwise THIS YEAR, have a ridiculous road game record THIS YEAR and we lost and tied this past weekend with the season winding down and the post season looming.

What!? I could see the headlines... "UNH Heading For Broke... Again?", "UNH + The Stretch = Disaster", even just "Terriers Take Three from sliding 'Cats"... but NOTHING!? (ok a little article by Jim Connelly... THE HOCKEY EAST WRITER LAST I KNEW!)

For consistently ignoring one of the great college hockey programs win or lose... enjoy your time in the box USCHO and think about what you have done!

SKATE! SKATE! SKATE! SIT DOWN ______! (you can fill this word in on your own)

Go 'Cats!

Tickets Available 10:00am Wed. Feb. 21st

Tickets are still available for Friday's home game versus the friars.

They are $23 dollars apiece for reserved seating and $21 dollars for general admission. The tickets go on sale at 10 am Wednesday the 21th (TOMORROW!)

Purchase them at the Whittemore Center Box Office or online through the title-linked Official UNH Wildcat Homepage or call 1-866-WILDCAT.

Go 'Cats!

Wildcat Nation Poll Results

Who will lead our 'Cats in scoring this year?

Trevor Smith ran away with the voting on this one. Though having fallen off the much-enjoyable pace of more than 2 points per game he is still our scoring machine. Ranked 24th in the nation in scoring with games in hand on just about everyone ahead of him Trevor has set himself apart and staked claim to the top scorer in Hockey East for nearly the entire season. - 19 votes

Placing second was Shawn Vinz. To show that hard work does not go unappreciated this fan favorite senior garnered - 5 votes

Next, Matt Fornataro and Jacob Micflikier tied with - 3 votes

and Mike Radja earned some votes for his tremendous play after injury - 2 votes

Now polling - defenseman! Cast your votes!

Go 'Cats!

Coming Home

New reports provided on the Unofficial UNH Hockey Homepage show something of the nature of the University of New Hampshire and the UNH Wildcat Hockey Program - and even something about Wildcat Nation itself.

Will O'Neill will enroll in the fall of 2008. He will come in with fellow USHL'er Blake Kessel to man the blueline. We'll be keeping tabs!

Greg Burke has selected 2009 as his year for entry to the UNH Men's Hockey Team. Being a young fellow this will give him even greater opportunities for development before coming to join our Wildcats. Wildcat Nation will eagerly await both arrivals and continue to track your progress!

Along this line Ryan Bourque and Julian Ciocco are considering our 'Cats as their choice for 2009. Most of you will recognize these name (you'd better ALL recognize these names!) Ryan being the son of NHL Legend Ray (his sister Melissa attended UNH) and Julian being the younger brother of current UNH Wildcat Hockey Captain Josh Ciocco. Looking back over the years and the continuous stream of 'Cats with family ties, I find it tremendously telling about how UNH feels like Home.

To all Future 'Cats and potential 'Cats everywhere, we look forward to learning more about you and hope that you find a good Home here in Wildcat Nation.

Go 'Cats!

If I Could Turn Back Time

You can check out the title linked page for your inspiration - me? I turned to the greatest moment in American Hockey - The Miracle On Ice - and found these quotes from Miracle that I find especially poignant at the moment...

Herb Brooks: That look like hockey to you?
[pause]
Herb Brooks: To me it looks like two monkeys trying to hump a football.
-
Jack O'Callahan: You know what Coxy let me ask you a question. Why'd you wanna play college hockey?
Cox: Isn't it obvious? For the girls!
Jack O'Callahan: I'm serious Coxy. Why'd you wanna play college hockey?
Cox: Cause I love to play hockey. I wanna go to the NHL just like everyone does.
Jack O'Callahan: Well I wanted to win a national championship.
(*For those whose Hockey Knowledge isn't complete - Coxy is none other than UNH great Ralph Cox - he did not make the team.)
-
Herb Brooks: Have you? Given me your very best? Because I know there's a lot more in you, a whole other level that for some reason you just don't want to go to. Aw, hell, you don't understand what the hell I'm talking about.
-
Herb Brooks: This is your time! Now go out there and take it!
-
Cox: I'm Ralph Cox... I'm from wherever won't get me hit.
-

Sorry Coxy, but you should have said 'the best damn team in the country'!

So guys, what's it going to be? What are YOU HERE for? And what are you going to do about it? I personally don't ever want to see you just sit back and take a beating in YOUR building, in YOUR HOME, ever again! The Whittemore Center is YOUR HOME! The Verizon Wireless is YOUR HOME! Let us be the team that doesn't let ANYONE come into OUR HOUSE and push us around!

Go 'Cats!

Future 'Cats On A Tear

You all remember the recent post about Future 'Cat, James vanRiemsdyk, on a tear at the Five Nations Tourney, well he's not the only one.

In a losing effort Future 'Cat, Mike Sislo, figured in EVERY Green Bay Gambler goal - scoring the first and assisting on the other three as they dropped a tough fought 6-4 decision with the Lincoln Stars (some of you may remember Preston Callander, who's now doing very well for himself in the German B's, having played for Lincoln). Way to go!

Phil DeSimone continues his onslaught on the point column garnering points and trying to keep his team on top of his league's standings (the West Division is so tight that the Musketeers went from first to next to last to first again in a matter of three weeks). Help him in this cause is his teammate, a man after his own heart, and fellow Future 'Cat, Mike Beck. Getting it done at home with a +22 and doing his best to beat as many forwards in the point column as he can he has put up 5 goals and 29 helpers. Mike added 3 assists this past Friday against another Future 'Cat, Blake Kessel, and the Waterloo Blackhawks. Kessel added his own assist that night (though obviously falling to Sioux City because they had two Future 'Cats to his one) and has done plenty to keep his team one point out of first in the East Division with three games in hand.

Then there is Future 'Cat, Paul Thompson. Leading the EJHL with 75 POINTS in 40 GAMES!!! He has a GOAL PER GAME and his helpers are, obviously, just a little behind with 35! He is first in goals and fourth in assists to none-other than two of his NH Monarch teammates and a Capital City Selects representative. Fellow recruit, Stevie Moses, is working furiously to catch up having scored often of late to put together 45 points in 43 games (good enough for 13th) playing for the Jr. Bruins - he just can't keep up with the torrid pace of Paul Thompson, teammate and fellow Future 'Cat, Greg Burke, and the Monarchs.

Go Future 'Cats! Keep giving me all this good stuff to blog about!

Go 'Cats!

FNGS

NESN sucks! (just to explain the game IS being played right now WITH TV TIMEOUTS even though NESN can't manage to get the game on TV!)

Game on!

Go 'Cats!

Everyone hide the beer! Brendan Walsh is on NESN!(just to explain Brendan's 'injury' was alcoholism. Let's hope he's gotten past that and that each of his former axis of evil teams [bu then maine] get pummeled into the cellar with merrimack!)

Go 'Cats!

Must be the new jerseys - I like'm!

Go 'Cats!

Powerplay 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

1-0 'Cats!

Mike Radjaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!

Go 'Cats!

Not only did Mike Radja light the lamp but for those watching he seemingly lit the satellite feeds for NESN as they got on the air RIGHT after his goal!

Go 'Cats!

Talk about composure! Our 'Cats are playing with perfect composure - that's our team!

Go 'Cats!

End of First 1-0 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

About 5 minutes into the third period... 'Cats penalty kill, back to back, as the ref tries to even the game as bu is just not up to the task.

Go 'Cats!

1-1

Broken play... game is still in hand!

Go 'Cats!

Ref has decided that this is his game. Ref! You Suck!

Go 'Cats!

Shorthanded goal another broken play - time to clamp down!

1-2

Go 'Cats!

Well the second period is gone and the reffing has once again interfered with a good hockey game. For once bu is not diving - I'm impressed. We are down but not out. This is what it comes down to. We've got to be able to fight and claw our way to victory!

Go 'Cats!

Bogus call but such is the hockey rule of kicking the puck. Hemingway did not kick the puck in but kicked it to play it and it went in as he was being pulled down. Called no goal.

Go 'Cats!

Powerplay 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

Another powerplay another powerplay goal!

Trevor Smith!!!!!!!!

That's what I wanted to see!

2-3! Come On! Take it 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

Stupid loss! We'll beat them tomorrow night. No question.

Go 'Cats!

The Good Guys In Blue

Our 'Cats will hit the ice in new Blue jerseys at a new night at the Whitt - "Blue Out The Whitt". It doesn't have the same ring to it that "White Out The Whitt" has but I like the idea.

If you haven't noticed the new "game tracker" section to the right, the game is at 7:30 at the Whitt, televised on NESN's Friday Night College Hockey - don't forget your Blue!

So the Good Guys in Blue take on the unAmerican red terrorists. Tonight we will bring ourselves just one small step away from locking up the season title with our best effort. We will take another step towards a school record for wins in a season. In short tonight's game can be construed as one of the most important games in program history. The stage is set, the time is now!

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!

Trash Talk

This post is title-linked to the merrimack rink rat blog - you will never see this happen again.

But I have a few things to point out.

FIRST off - I want to commend the merrimack blogger for putting together a blog far superior than the play of his team warrants. I know that my lowly attempts are far below what our 'Cats deserve so I continue to ask for writers.

LASTLY - I want to bring full attention to the low-ball smear tactics involved in his blog.

[QUOTE]
* Merrimack and UNH got "physical" at THE END of the period to say the least. I thought that the officials could have dONE a better job of quieting the situation, but there was a lot going on at ONcE, and they can't see everything.

Merrimack wasn't innocent at all, but neither were the 'Cats. The first scurmish started because Joe Loprieno took a shot at a UNH face mask.

The taunting coming from the UNH bench may have been a cause for the second round ... I had my head down typing about the first so I will admit that I did not see what Robitaille did to get the game disqualification.

ONE instance was Jacob Micflikier on the UNH bench appearing to flash the number ONE and ThEN the number 10 on his hands to signify that UNH was in first and Merrimack in TENth. He followed that up my mockingly clapping at the Warrior bench. He could also be seen yelling in the direction of Ryan Sullivan and Matt Byrnes who were both at separate times standing near the penalty box as things were being worked out.

There were others too, those were the two that stick out. I will give Umile the benefit of the doubt and say that he did not see these.
[ENDQUOTE]

FIRST alleging taunting to justify his team's childish response to being beat - mainly taking cheap shots and just generally giving up any attempts at playing hockey. ThEN taking a pot-shot at our highly regarded coach! This, for ONcE, proved too much to ignore such ignoble attempts at betraying the good name of the UNH Men's Hockey Program.

If there is any response forthcoming from merrimack I expect it to be on the ice - if they see fit to make the playoffs we'll see them there! FIRST versus LAST!

Go 'Cats!

Last I Knew

Tickets are still available for Friday's Game vs bu.

Price is $22(+$5.50 over the phone when I called 1-866-WILDCAT).

This is a game with a lot on the line. What our team brings to the ice in these two games is likely to be indicative of our post-season hopes. According to Brett Hemingway in his WMUR interview, the team is looking forward to demonstrating that they are the top team in Hockey East and I'll put some words in his mouth by saying the top team in the country.

This is what it's all about. Playing for the Hockey East title and likely securing a top seed in the National Tournament. For the first time in a few years we could lock-up the top spot before the puck drops on the last game of the year. If we sweep the rest of our season and win the Hockey East Tournament we will have set a school record for wins in a single season before the National Tournament even starts. I may be getting ahead of things but if any team can do it this team can. I would not have believed this at the beginning of the year but they have made a believer of me.

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!

HHM

Happy Hockey Monday!

Another Silly Poll Day!

My answer - Pairwise, Pairwise, Pairwise.

This weekend is a huge, HUGE, weekend. We can tool on bu and in the process further secure ourselves in the pairwise and, AND, LOCK UP THE HOCKEY EAST SEASON TITLE!

With two wins against bu this weekend nobody can catch us.

Congrats to Mike "In Your Face" Radja! He showed the circus that is Hockey East Online (yeah I looked, and I just may re-link them) that try as they might they can't avoid naming some of our 'Cats player of the "whatever" - in this case Player of the Week. Mike dropped three goals and two assists in the last 4 games since returning from injury. Also to Kevin "Just Put Me In" Regan - I have a new hero! (I got out to play goal this morning and did pretty well - I've been a little weak to my low blocker side lately. Hey Kev, any advice from the man with no weaknesses? I'd appreciate it. Maybe if Coach lets me come play in a practice you can show me a thing or two or three or, well, a lot!)

With our next win we lock up home ice in the HE Tournament. It's time to drop the hammer! We've got to pour down on the opposition like an avalanche! Let's bury'm and play whack-a-mole with them when they try to dig out!

I loved the first period at merrimack! Bring it game in game out!

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!

JVR and the Five Nations Tourney

Future 'Cat, James vanRiemsdyk, lead all US scorers in the Five Nations Tournament with 4 goals and 2 assists in 4 games. One of his goals was an overtime game-winner against Finland. In the course of that game vanRiemsdyk started and finished the scoring and added a helper for a 3 point game. His other assist came on the first goal in the team's opening game. He split his other goals in the other 2 games giving him a point in every game with the 3 point highlight. Hardly 'Just' Very Remarkable. I'm beginning to see a player that will handle the pressure, the hype and the expectations remarkably well.

Go 'Cats!

SNGS

Saturday Night Game Summary

Radja score even-strength!

1-0 'Cats!

Radja feeds Hemingway on the powerplay (1 for 2)!
Less than 10 minutes in.

2-0 'Cats!

That's what I'm talking about!

Go 'Cats!

Another powerplay, another goal! Flaishans! (2 for 3 on the pp)

3-0 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

I'm loving it!

Go 'Cats!

Lot's of Nothing!

Fast-Forward to the third period.

Go 'Cats!

Finally!

Micflikier pokes in a loose puck!

4-0 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

You know what they say 'happens', well it happened.

4-1 'Cats!

Can I get a 'We're still winning!'?

Go 'Cats!

merrimack shows what a class act they are by taking an unprovoked swing at Kapstad. robataille gets booted with 5 for fighting, for fighting nobody - haha!

4-1 'Cats!

Good Riddance!

Go 'Cats!

I'm NOT So Excited

Trevor Smith scores our team's only even strength goal in TWO GAMES!

Nice to have Radja back and scoring with two goals on the powerplay (*later note provides that Hemingway redirected Radja's shot after Mike walked in to an opening provided by the penalty-killers*) - at least THAT part of our game is working! That and the goaltending - BOW DOWN! WE'RE NOT WORTHY! Obviously Kevin Regan is only getting started - one month dedicated to him is obviously not enough. Obviously!

What happened to the offense? I saw no creation on the ice tonight. No one created any space to shoot the puck tonight. No one controlled the puck which usually leads to the afore mentioned problem. There was a lack of effort early. These things are unacceptable! Maybe the days of beating Merrimack by a score of 7 or 8 or 9 to 1 are gone but I would still expect to see a better display of hockey on our part. The defense is not without blame either. Still weak to the outside! Gotta stop the outside attack. Otherwise good tonight, well, besides that ill-timed line change.

I want more!

I want more offense!

I want more defense!

I want more goaltending!

We have to bring back the domination we showed in November!

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!

Future 'Cats Update

The game between the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs and the Green Mountain Glades shook out to be a close one.

Future 'Cat, Matt Campanale, assisted on a late powerplay goal to bring the Glades to within one but they ran out of steam and fell 3-2 to the New Hampshire Monarchs.

Paul Thompson assisted on a powerplay goal as well and the Monarchs used their production to secure the TOP THREE SCORING SPOTS IN THE LEAGUE - pretty awesome especially considering that they are being led by '08 Future 'Cat Paul Thompson with 68 points in 38 games (you can see all Future 'Cat stats in the stat column on your UNH Men's Hockey Blog). Fellow Future 'Cat, Greg Burke, appeared in the game but was held pointless in what seems to have been more of a defensive match-up.

Find out which Future 'Cats are playing near you (or Pro 'Cats for that matter!) and get to a game!

Don't forget to wear your Blue and White!

Go 'Cats!

I'm So Excited!

I know, I hate to say that it's just merrimack, and if we think it'll be an easy win we'll pay, but IT'S JUST merrimack!

I'll put myself out there so that if we don't play so hot against them we look even worse. We're talking about a team that just barely has more than ONE goal per game! I hope they bring their 'A' game because I want to see a hockey game!

But I'm excited for the prospect of seeing our 'Cats back in action (well that and maybe some warmer weather!) and maybe, just maybe, picking it up a bit like we saw in the first period of the maine game at the Whitt. If you're not even just a little bit excited you don't have a pulse!

So, tomorrow night, NHPTV (including their Webcast!) at 7:00pm! And I'll get my playing fix during some stick and puck in the morning! Hey, OUMHBG (Other UNH Men's Hockey Blogger Guy) - are you gonna play?

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!

Support This Blog!

I've decided to set up an easy donation method for those looking for ways to support this blog.

With the help of PayPal I've established a donation button under The UNH Hockey Blogger Guy's Words To Live By (way down below all of the stats).

I will graciously appreciate any and all donations to defer the increasing costs and time of bringing you your UNH Men's Hockey Blog and do everything in my power to increase the depth and breadth of coverage. I also welcome any constructive suggestions for improving this blog - email - wildcatbungalo@yahoo.com

Thanks For All The Support, Wildcat Nation!
Sincerely,
TUMHBG

Go 'Cats!

Looking Into My Crystal Ball

... I see Future 'Cats!

Thursday afternoon, February 8th, the NH Jr. Monarchs will take on the Green Mountain Glades!

This game will showcase numerous future D-1 talents and, the reason for this post, three future UNH Wildcats!

For the Mo we have the league leading scorer and Future 'Cat right winger, NH born and bred, Paul Thompson, and his teammate, another up-coming star, and another NH born and bred player, Future 'Cat left winger, Greg Burke.

For the Glades we have our newest recruit, Future 'Cat, Matt Campanale and his incredible offensive upside from the blueline, good enough for third in scoring on his team and tied for third in scoring in the league among blueliners.

It ought to be a good game!

Game time is a tough-to-make, 2:00pm, at the Tri-Town Arena in Hooksett, NH! (I have previous commitments and cannot make it! - this match-up occurs again on Sunday Feb. 18th at 9:00am at Foxboro Rink 1, for those near enough to get there)

So, if you can, go check out the future of UNH Hockey where you'll get to see three Future 'Cats in action in one game (you could potentially see as many as four Future 'Cats in action if you attended a USHL game between Green Bay (Mike & Mike, Borisenok and Sislo) and Sioux City (Phil DeSimone and Mike Beck - hey that would be all three Mike's that are coming in this fall!) - the Four Future 'Cat Match-up occurs in Green Bay on Friday, March 9th and Saturday, March 10th at 7:00pm - mark your calendar and plan your trip!). An EJHL game between the Monarchs and Bruins would also showcase three Future 'Cats bringing Stevie Moses into the mix with the Bruins (THIS match-up will take place on Sunday Feb. 25th at 2:10pm at Tri-Town Arena in Hooksett).

Go Future 'Cats! (That sounds too much like, Thunder 'Cats, which would be appropriate after Saturday's game against maine!)

Go 'Cats!

Febuary is Kevin Regan Month

Having been nominated as Player of the Month for January (if you haven't heard Kevin picked up both the Hockey East AND the National Honors in January) and seeing this I hereby declare February - Kevin Regan Month.

Now, this may seem contradictory but I think he should get the two games against Merrimack totally off if he wants them. He deserves the rest, or to play both games if he wants, and Brian Foster is ENTIRELY capable of handling the job between the pipes. We'll see, I'll bet he gets at least one night off.

As they say "The proof is in the GOALTENDING."

Keep proving yourself Kevin!

Keep proving yourself 'Cats!

Go 'Cats!

WTHHM

What The Heck Hockey Monday.

So, let's all hope the injuries are out of our system now. Let's get on with this season and dominate down the stretch.

Next up - merrimack on Friday (I'll be setting up a new section of the UNH Men's Hockey Blog to list up coming games so you can see them at a glance - Don't forget our team stats section, 'Cats in the Pros section and the Future 'Cats section). DEFINITELY not a time for any let-downs! We need to come out and show the dominance that is UNH Hockey! It was nice to see everyone back healthy now let's get those lines clicking like they were!

If you've noticed, I am purposely ignoring talking about recent games. I will say that from where I was sitting it looked like bishop stepped into Smith's path (like he was coached to do) and exaggerated the contact (like the entire maine team was coached to do) and inadvertently injured himself. And I want the real Gravellese back! Alright, that's it, they're over and done with, time to move on!

As far as our PWR (pair-wise ranking) we're still looking good especially when you factor in a bonus for good, road wins. We'll need to keep winning to stay at the top although it really shouldn't affect anything other than our opponent when it comes time to return to the Verizon Wireless Arena for national tournament hockey in front of the home crowd.

More importantly is to get out there and play good hockey - no - GREAT HOCKEY! I want to see some great hockey throughout the rest of the season!

Go 'Cats!

New Recruit!

Matt Campanale is coming to UNH in the fall.

This Future 'Cat blueliner currently plays for the Green Mountain Glades of the EJHL. The same league as Paul Thompson, Steve Moses and Greg Burke. At 6'0" and 195 pounds this Future 'Cat's most impressive stat seems to be a 7 goal, 23 assist point line in 37 games. He is his team's third leading scorer.

Welcome to the 'Cats from Wildcat Nation's Unofficial Spokesman.

Go 'Cats!

It's On!

And it's LOUD!!!

Thundersticks are destroying eardrums and our 'Cats are all over maine but maine's diving is fooling the refs again as we're killing a 5-3...

Go 'Cats!

more maine diving

Go 'Cats!

maine diving pays off the same as last night...

0-1

Go 'Cats!

We're playing well with a lot of intensity. Very physical. We're just going to have to stay all over them and over-whelm them.

end of first

Go 'Cats!

The reffing has gone further downhill in this game and the maine diving keeps improving. A big scrum involving Smith after he clipped bishop and bishop made it look like he was hit by a bus and hurt himself. This game is lost. Well, bishop has left the game at this point. Hopefully we can capitalize. More ridiculousness and maine FINALLY gets called for diving. This league definitely needs two refs. This is all within a matter of minutes.

Go 'Cats!

Fornataro POWERPLAY GOAL!!!

1-1!

Go 'Cats!

Gravalese is blowing this game.

Radja pokes in the second UNH POWERPLAY GOAL!!!

2-1 'CATS!

Go 'Cats!

More maine diving, more ref blowing the game. We're still winning!

Rumor is bishop gave himself a concussion. Serves him right.

Go 'Cats!

Alright, so they're claiming a groin injury - can you say faker!

2-1 WIN!

Go 'Cats!

Blame It On Injuries

First Radja, then Micflikier, then Hemingway? What is going on?

It is obvious that our offense has collapsed of late - I still refuse to let our team off the hook for not finding a way to win. When Greg Collins (snipe it more often man!) puts us up 2-1 going into the third, the defense and the goaltending has to hold - even with poor, biased reffing. Three times last night maine had forwards skate right past our defense on the outside, UNACCEPTABLE!

We're in it and we can win it, if we're healthy and if we want it. To say that play has been lack-luster lately would be an understatement - it's been DISMAL! I want to see our team out there willing to work toward utter dominance on the ice. You've got to fight for it!

Tonight on NHPTV at the Whitt... (don't forget the Webcast, links to the right ->)

4-0 'Cats!

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!

Walter Brown Award

Not one but TWO Wildcats have qualified for the Walter Brown Award this year.

Senior defenseman and assistant captain, Chris Murray, and junior goaltender, Kevin Regan (who else!).

Both are posting career years with our 'Cats. Murray has 7 goals and 8 assists for 15 points (for those that don't like addition). He has the most goals of any HE defender and is forth in defensive scoring - four of his seven goals have been game winners, good enough for second in the conference. Regan is of course 17-3-1 with a total 2.03 GAA and a .933 save-percentage.

Former winners include - Bob Miller (1977), Ralph Cox (1979), Ty Conklin (2001), Mike Ayers (2003) and Steve Saviano (2004).

Should Chris win the award this year he would be the first Wildcat Defenseman to do so. Kevin would be the third goalie in 6 years!

Go 'Cats!

Verizon Here We Come... Again!

Back to our Home Away From Home, the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester, NH!

I'll be watching from the safety of the family compound on CSTV. Hope you get to see the game too! If not you can always catch Saturday night's game on the fantastic NHPTV or their Webcast! (As always refer to the links on the right->)

I say let this game be a tribute to Kevin Regan. The rest of our 'Cats owe it to him to go out there and play the fantastic hockey that they have been playing (before the last two games). Kevin has put up spectacular numbers in the past 5 games with a 1.25 GAA and a .960 save-percentage. Amazing. Let's sweep this season series! Let's show everyone what New Hampshire Hockey is all about!

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!