Late Playoff Update

Elimination:

Tyler Scott and Kevin Truelson with the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) as well as Garrett Stafford and Josh Prudden with their Worcester Sharks (AHL) were eliminated last night. The Condors were just plain outmatched in every way by a superb Alaska Aces squad, which comes as no surprise seeing as they are the defending Kelly Cup Champions. Tyler finishes the '07 Kelly Cup Playoffs with 1g, 3a in 10 games on the blueline and Kevin, still playing in his defensive role (which is highly offensive if you're playing for the Condors), who tallied 2a in their 10 games. The Sharks were battling back against the division winning Manchester Monarchs, who had taken a 3-0 series lead, but the King's AHL affiliate would make history, getting out of the first round of the playoffs for the first time after having dropped two straight to Worcester. Garrett contributed 3a in the 6 games, from the blueline of course, and Josh finishing with 1 assist.

Congratulations guys on excellent seasons as you have all had career years or nearly so! You make Wildcat Nation proud! Enjoy the off-season and we look forward to seeing all of you next season!

Fight to the Finish:

Phil DeSimone and his Sioux City Musketeers are going to game seven with the Tri-City Storm Monday night (we here in Wildcat Nation can say that they would have already dispatched the Storm if Future 'Cat Mike Beck were healthy and playing). Phil leads the USHL in Clark Cup Playoff points with 5 goals and 5 assists in 6 games (he has a game or two in hand). Tune in tomorrow night for details.

Go 'Cats!

Playoff Reports for 4/26 & 4/27

There's a little to recount from last night before we get to tonight.

USHL:

Phil DeSimone was again held scoreless after having exploded for 4 goals in the first two games but he did assist twice (giving him a 4-4-8 point line in 5 games) helping his Sioux City Musketeers to a 3-2 series lead over the Tri-City Storm. They'll look to their fourth victory in the series tomorrow, April 28th.

Will O'Neill and the Omaha Lancers will be fighting for life as just one more loss will send them packing this year. They will square off with the Des Moines Buccaneers tonight to stay alive in this 2007 Clark Cup Playoffs.

*And they couldn't manage it. Having taken the game through almost two overtimes, with just nine seconds until the fifth intermission of the game the Lancers gave up their final goal of the season - and a great season it was.

AHL:

Also fighting to stay in their hunt, for the Calder Cup though, are Garrett Stafford and Josh Prudden with their Worcester Sharks. The Sharks managed to pull off their first playoff victory this season to make the series 3-1 on Wednesday night at home. Tonight they are back in hostile territory and the home of the Manchester Monarchs.

*Not going down without a fight, literally in Prudden's case, Stafford assisted on a powerplay goal and their Sharks capture win number two, 4-1, to close the gap in the series where it is win or go home for them which is where they'll be playing tomorrow night.

ECHL:

Looking for their first victory in the second round of their playoffs, for the Kelly Cup, are Kevin Truelson and Tyler Scott alongside their Bakersfield Condors versus the Alaska Aces. They come home tonight and won't want to leave until they've evened this series at two.

*Bakersfield and Alaska are where they started after two whirls around the ice. And would be the same after three but Alaska would score just over three minutes into the OT on a hooking minor to Bakersfield making it win or go home for the Condors. Kevin had 4 shots on net and Tyler 2. They will don armor again tomorrow night.

I'll be posting updates when available.

Go 'Cats!

Last Night's Playoff 'Cats

AHL:

Haydar scored and Krog assisted as the Chicago Wolves moved on, sweeping the Milwaukee Admirals (who are probably sorely missing Darren Haydar right about now). Darren now has 4g, 3a in 4 games so far with last night's goal accounting for his 80th career AHL playoff point. Jason is keeping up his assist per game pace, 4 in 4 games - he's yet to get one to cross the goal line though.

Neither Garrett Stafford or Josh Prudden had a point in last night's Worcester Sharks' victory but Josh was even and Garrett was a +2. Their Sharks finally solved the Manchester Monarchs with their season on the line as they now trail in the series 3-1.

ECHL:

Kevin Truelson faced a tough night, going -2 in a 3-2 loss to the Alaska Aces slipping to a 2-0 deficit in the series. Tyler Scott was even and their Bakersfield Condors will return to action Friday night at home.

USHL:

The Tri-City Storm finally managed to shut down Phil DeSimone, he was a +1, but they couldn't shut down his Sioux City Musketeers who managed to even the series at two with a 3-2 win. So, Phil is held at 4 goals and 2 assists in four playoff games and his team will be back to the sheet tonight to see who will take the lead in this series.

Blake Kessel and Matt DiGirolamo were taking care of business last night with a 5-4 victory, winning the series with their Waterloo Blackhawks defeating the Chicago Steel four games to one. Matt faced another tough outing, allowing four goals on 21 shots including one powerplay goal and Blake was even on the night with two shots.

Go 'Cats!

Great Article About JVR

If the Wildcat Nation Loyal would really like to know more about James vanRiemsdyk you should read this excellent, title-linked article from NHL.com.

From what I've read, commitment is a top priority for James and he's said himself that he is excited to attend the University of New Hampshire. I think that we'll see him stay through a National Championship - as long as he doesn't feel like he's not being challenged - and possibly longer if their are still challenges for him here. While I haven't heard him speak to the importance of an education or degree, I see a young man who is intelligent enough to realize that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. So, should UNH be the good fit he believes it is, the university could, quite possibly, become his home for four years.

Recent reports put James at 3rd in the final NHL Central Scouting Report with fellow Future 'Cats Paul Thompson (#78) and Blake Kessel (#99) also looking to be well drafted. I will be curious to see where or if Phil DeSimone factors in the draft or if he'll be working for a NHL spot while here at UNH - which I'm sure he'll earn.

Well, Good Luck to all the Future 'Cats in this year's draft!

Go 'Cats!

Nightly Playoff Update

Or near nightly. This is the pace of hockey that I like, sometimes it just seems that there is not enough meat to the hockey season to really sustain yourself on.

AHL:

Darren Haydar, Jason Krog and their entire Chicago Wolves team has worked themselves to a 3-0 series lead over the Milwaukee Admirals with Darren Haydar again leading the way. With a goal and an assist tonight Darren puts himself into third in playoff scoring with a game in hand at 3 goals, 3 assists, capturing the first star in his old team's building. Jason had an assist, his third assist and third point in these playoffs, in tonight's 3-2 victory, staving off a late attempt to tip the scales by Milwaukee. They both assisted on the first goal and Darren scored the second for a 2-0 Chicago lead all in the second period. Milwaukee would score early in the third but late in the frame the two teams would trade powerplay goals with Milwaukee getting the last tally on a 6-on-3 with 22 seconds to play. Chicago escaped the tense penalty-kill ending with their lead intact. They'll play the fourth game of the series tomorrow - Wednesday night at 8pm EDT.

USHL:

Phil DeSimone again figured for his team but the Sioux City Musketeers could only muster one puck to report to the back of the net, with Phil assisting, and the Tri City Storm managed punch their ticket one last time at 17:00 of the third period to take a 2-1 series lead from their 2-1 victory.

Will O'Neill and the Omaha Lancers kept their playoffs alive with a 3-1 victory tonight over the Des Moines Buccaneers. Will had two shots on net but has yet to garner a point in these playoffs but he is a +1 even though this is his team's first win of the series. They will half to win from here on to stay in this series since they're behind 3-1.

Blake Kessel was a +1 tonight with 7 shots on net! He and his Waterloo Blackhawk came back with a vengeance, firing 60 shots on net. With the win, 4-1, Waterloo takes a 3-1 lead in the series over the Chicago Steel.

Phil and Blake will be back in action tomorrow night as well.

And Kevin Truelson and Tyler Scott will hope steer their Bakersfield Condors to even their series with the Alaska Aces - game time 11:15 EDT (7:15 AKDT) - who lead 1-0.

Go 'Cats!

'Cat Updates

USHL:

Blake Kessel and the Waterloo Blackhawks gave up a game in their series versus the Chicago Steel (they now lead 2-1) - the first time that they have let the Steel into the win column all year. Blake had an assist, his second of the playoffs, but was a -2 in the 6-3 loss. He has 2 assists in the 3 playoff games played thus far and is a -1. But the tough story is the predicament Future 'Cat Matt DiGirolamo found himself in. Matt started this last game in net, you should know it's bad already, and was chased out just over 15 minutes in. In those first 15 horrifying minutes, Matt would end up allowing 4 goals on just 5 shots. Now, this does happen to the best of them and the fourth goal was a powerplay goal, but it suffices to say that this was not his night. I'm sure he'll be back to form his next time out.

The loss category is also where Phil DeSimone and his Sioux City Musketeers found themselves as well last time out, but Phil did everything he could to keep it from being so. Assisting to get his team out of the gate, he would score his third and fourth goals of these playoffs (just two games for him and his Musketeers) but they would bow to the Tri-City Storm, 4-3. Phil is tied for most goals (though down a game to the only other player with 4) and is seventh in points (4-1-5) though only one player is ahead of him with only two games (he has 6 points).

Mike Sislo and Mike Borisenok are in playing tonight and hoping to help their Green Bay Gamblers stay alive in their series versus the Indiana Ice. The game is currently knotted at two.
*Sislo scored to give the Gamblers a 3-2 lead at the 4:12 mark of the third but Indiana would go on to score three straight to close out the Gamblers season. Sislo ends these playoffs with 3 goals and an assist in 4 games - Green Bay's top scorer. Mike Borisenok was held off the scoresheet.

We'll look forward to both teams to getting back into the win column and the continued success of all of our Future 'Cats!

ECHL:

Returning to action tonight in a late game are Kevin Truelson and Tyler Scott with their Bakersfield Condors taking on the Alaska Aces in the first game of their second round of the playoffs.

I'll be back with updates but I may wait till tomorrow!

Go 'Cats!

USA U18 Team Captures Silver

The US U18 Team lost to Russia 6-5, though it was not as close as it looks.

Our boys got out to a great start taking a two goal lead in the first only to relinquish it, then gain it back to close out the first period 3-2. The second period would be the Russians' turn to jump out, tying the game, then taking the lead 4-3 before the US would again deadlock the game to close out the second at 4-4. The third period would belong to the Russians though as they scored two through the frame to take a 6-4 lead over the Americans. With time running out the Red, White and Blue would pull goaltender Josh Unice and would fight to within one with just six ticks on the clock - simply not enough time.

James vanRiemsdyk would score the tying goal in the second and had assisted on the 3-2 go-ahead goal at the end of the first as well as the final goal with the goaltender pulled.

Congratulations to our US U18 Team, and their fantastic season! Also, congratulations to the Russian U18 Team on dethroning the three-straight champions US Team.

Go 'Cats!

Aye-Aye Captain!

Awards and Captains have been announced - so, here it goes. (Official Release from UNH Athletics Site is title-linked)

Starting with Awards for Excellence...

Roger LeClerc Award - Wildcat MVP - Kevin Regan

An excellent choice. Kevin flat-out dominated in net this year. While our offense was a force to be reckoned with for part of the season Kevin Regan was stellar all season and the numbers prove that. Just look at his incredible .935 save-percentage and his great 2.06 goals-against-average. His .935 save-percentage was tops in all of Div. 1 college hockey. When you really begin to analyze a goaltender's performance, save-percentage, not goals-against-average, is where it is at, especially for a goaltender that gets shelled night in, night out like Kevin did this past season. Comparatively, Kevin saw more shots per game than anyone with a lower goals-against-average and his numbers were better than the one goaltender that I could come up with that actually saw a fractional number more shots per game. Hands down the most underrated player in college hockey. He was clearly the best goaltender in college hockey this past year and he just got better as the season went on - I expect that he will pick up where he left off and we will see another rise in the level of his game over the course of his senior year.

Guy Smith Award - Best Offensive Player - Trevor Smith

Ah, they just gave it to the guy with the same name - just kidding. Clearly the best offensive threat on our 06-07 'Cats was Trevor Smith. Trevor more than doubled his points from his freshman year and it seems like it should have been more. Having started the season scoring in the first six games, a total of eight goals and four assists before he was kept off of the scoresheet in the 4-4 tie versus BU, Trevor would continue to score increasing his totals to 10 goals and 11 assists in 11 games. From this point on though the points would become a lot tougher to come by as it would take him the next 28 games to add another 22 points. It's unfortunate that his best course took him away from UNH - who knows, maybe someday they would have been awarding the 'Trevor Smith Award'.

Robert Kullen Award - The Unsung Hero - Josh Ciocco

Our 06-07 Captain was a force all season long, I would definitely attribute a lot of the unexpected success to Josh's leadership. Having repeatedly heard from most of the team that this was the greatest team and the greatest group that they had ever played hockey with, I see it as a testament to his abilities as a leader and the dynamics of his attitude on and off the ice. You will be missed Captain.

The 'Matt Fornataro' Award - The Most Improved - Matt Fornataro - 07/08 Captain

After his junior campaign you really could name this award after Matt. This past year Matt earned this year's captainship with hard work and determination. After coming back from his second summer 'off' Matt reportedly showed up in the best condition of his life and had the hockey season of his career up to this point. Having equaled his goals from his first two years at 13 and adding 8 more assists than in his first two years for a total of 27 assists - his Wildcat point totals went from 32 from his first two years to 72 after completing his junior campaign. Great job, Matt! And Congratulations Captain! I'm confident that you will lead our team well!

Sid Knight Award - The Team's Top Scholar/Athlete (highest GPA) - for the third consecutive year - Brad 'The Brain' Flaishans.

Brad, a business administration: finance major, is not exactly cruising easy street when it comes to hitting the books. While I want to congratulate Brad for this amazing accomplishment I must chastise the rest of the team - Guys are you really going to let him run away with this thing for four straight!? Come on! Anyhow, to all the incoming freshman, you know who to turn to if you need help with your homework, no not me, Brad!

Ted Karmeris Fan Favorite Award - Jacob Micflikier

Will be sorely missed. One of the top scorers in all of Hockey East over his four years here, our Assistant Captain was pure excitement to watch. Always flying on the expansive sheet of the Whittemore Center ice - his enthusiasm and energy was continually contagious and could be felt in every seat in the house. Thanks for all of your effort and dedication Jacob - it wouldn't have been the same without you.

Rod Langway Best Defenseman Award - Chris Murray

What can I say Chris, you earned it! Chris had a standout year leading the defensive squad in scoring with 9 goals and 13 assists. Our other Assistant Captain blew away his previous high of 2 goals, 6 assists last year and all of this considering that he only scored his first collegiate goal on December 30th, 2006. I hope you find continued success on and off the ice.

Warren Brown Trophy winner - Best Defensive Forward - Greg Collins

Greg, we're looking forward toward a lot more of the amazing work that you did on the offensive side of the ice towards the end of the year on top of your defensive game. Stay healthy, and come back strong and ready to go - keep doing the same things that you've been doing just more of it!

Charles E. Holt Coaches Award - for on and off ice contributions - Shawn Vinz and Brett Hemingway

I want to say thank you to the two of you and to the entire graduating class. It has been a terrific four years and you will all be missed. It won't be the same without you but I'm sure that those who have some time left will have plenty to strive for having seen your dedication, hard work and perseverance - and to match or even surpass your accomplishments here. Thanks seniors and good luck!


Ahoy Captains!

For the first time the University of New Hampshire Men's Hockey Team will sport five captains - the entire senior class.

Captain:

Matt Fornataro

Assistant Captains:

Brad Flaishans

Kevin Regan

Craig Switzer

Mike Radja

Stay Tuned

Stay tuned for tonight's updates. As for now check out the title-linked article about newly-signed Future 'Cat, Dan Vranek - some very good stuff which makes me think that Dan is destined to be a fan favorite and a model Wildcat.

As for the USA U-18 Team, they will play Russia tomorrow for the IIHF 2007 U-18 World Championship. And speaking of the U-18's you can see a good picture of James vanRiemsdyk here - yes, I believe that's him... well, you can't really see him that well... alright, honestly you can't see him at all under all of his teammates, but I'm pretty sure it's him... yup.

Stay Tuned.

Oh, before I go, Manchester outlasted Worcester last night in the final minute of double-OT. The Sharks, with Garrett Stafford and Josh Prudden, will hope to close the gap as the series comes home to Worcester tonight. Be back later with more.

*The only update for tonight is Phil DeSimone getting it done again with an assist and a goal to put his Sioux City Musketeers up 2-0 over the Tri-City Storm. The rest of the guys playing tonight are not having good nights.

**I stand corrected. Mike Sislo brings out the big guns and scores two special teams goals late in the game. A short-hander at 14:31 of the third then a powerplay tally just 2:24 later - both unassisted and his team's only goals of the night.

DeSimone would score again after his team had blown a two goal lead, falling behind 3-2, to tie the game but less than two minutes later, late in the third period, the Tri-City Storm would put the game away with their fourth mark of the night.

Blake Kessel would assist on the final goal as his Waterloo Blackhawks capped off a 5-1 drubbing of the Chicago Steel.

Will O'Neill's Omaha Lancers fell in OT to the Des Moines Buccaneers but O'Neill himself would finish the game a +1.

Dan Dries was capped tonight at just 1 shot on goal in Cedar Rapids' 5-2 victory over the Ohio Jr. Bluejackets.

Goodnight All! Be back tomorrow with the IIHF 2007 World U-18 Championship news as well as other news concerning Wildcat Nation Hockey!

Go 'Cats!

Playoff Points

USHL:

Dan Dries scored two powerplay goals just over three minutes apart to send the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders on a streak ending with a 5-1 victory over the Ohio Jr. Bluejackets. Dan scored the game winner and the next goal put the Rough Riders up 3-1 to close out the second period. Cedar Rapids now owns a 3-0 series lead.

Phil DeSimone scored twice to give his Sioux City Musketeers a two-nothing lead just over halfway through the game. They would go on to win 4-0 over the Tri-City Storm and take a 1-0 lead in their series.

Mike Sislo would assist to begin the Green Bay Gambler comeback and they would pull even before falling in OT, 3-2 to the Indiana Ice. The Ice now possess a 2-0 series lead.

AHL:

Darren Haydar and Jason Krog combined to assist on Brett Sterling's second goal of the night giving the Wolves a 3-0 lead with the final stanza to play. Chicago held on to win 3-2 after seeing their lead cut to one after a penalty shot goal.
Chicago 1 - Milwaukee 0

Garrett Stafford, Josh Prudden and their Worcester Sharks have taken the Manchester Monarchs to OT. And double OT. The Sharks must be really hoping to tie the series at one tonight as no one wants to fall behind the Monarchs.

Go 'Cats!

Future 'Cat Stories

USHR jumps in to announce that UNH has landed Danny Vranek a 5'6" 160lbs left winger for the fall of '07. He has been playing out of Eden Prairie High School, Minnesota but hails from Tampa, Florida. Reportedly started as a roller hockey player and made the transition to ice - I'll say, co-captain of his team and a scoring line of 29 goals, 23 assists for 52 points in 24 games! Congratulations on the nice season!

Welcome to Wildcat Nation Dan!

In other USHR news they report that James vanRiemsdyk has lifted the US U-18 Team to the gold medal game at the World Junior Championships, turning the tables and defeating Canada in the shootout. James scored the shootout, game-winning goal, sweet revenge I'm sure, after having scored the game-tying goal just 1:36 into the third period.

Go USA!

Go 'Cats!

Who's In, Who's Out *Updated 4/20/07*

ECHL:

Nathan Martz scored the lone goal for the Stockton Thunder in their final game of the season, falling to the Idaho Steelheads. Nathan finished the post season with 2 goals and an assist in 6 games.

USHL:

The Cedar Rapids Rough Riders took their second post-season victory in a 1-0 overtime knock over the Ohio Jr. Bluejackets after demolishing them 8-0 in the first game. Future 'Cat Dan Dries did not score and had 3 shots and had picked up a slashing call for two minutes.

Like the Green Bay Gamblers to the Indiana Ice, the Omaha Lancers fell 4-2 last night to their opponent, the Des Moines Buccaneers. Will O'Neill was even in the match-up registering no shots or penalties.

Updates on any games will come as available tonight.

*UPDATES*

USHL:

Looks can be deceiving but tonight looked pretty easy for Future 'Cat Matt DiGirolamo as he had to turn aside a mere 16 shots over the course of sixty minutes for the shutout victory with his and fellow Future 'Cat, Blake Kessel's, Waterloo Blackhawks over the Chicago Steel, in their first game of the Clark Cup Playoffs. With less than 10 minutes to play in the game the Steel still had not generated double-digit shots on goal - in the span of the final ten minutes DiGirolamo had to turn away as many shots as he had in the previous fifty minutes. Kessel finished the game with two shots on goal.

ECHL:

Tyler Scott and Kevin Truelson are hoping to close out their opening round and lead their Bakersfield Condors to the win tonight, and the series, over the Fresno Falcons. That game is nearing the end of the first period seeing Bakersfield take the 1-0 lead. *Last update of the night - Bakersfield wins 4-0. Truelson and Scott are both +1 and both had three shots on the night - Scott had two minor penalties.

USA Hockey:

The US U-18 Team is still alive after thrashing Latvia 8-0. They will gladly face Canada again Friday morning. James vanRiemsdyk added two helpers in the game versus Latvia - the second time he has done such and he has delivered two goals over the last two games giving him a 2-4-6 scoring line.

Some UNH Men's Hockey Blog Notes:

We have recently been added to the 'hockeyblogs.org' site which is part of the 'sportsblogs.org' network of sites. We have also been syndicated for some time on the excellent resource of 'collegehockeyblogs.com' and we will soon link to the 'NHL Hockey News Blog'. You'll be able to find all of these links as well as many others pertinent to the University of New Hampshire Hockey Community - otherwise known as Wildcat Nation! Speaking of which a new site is kicking-off, and I wish them the best, as it will bring all of the sports of Wildcat Nation under its umbrella - although I cannot currently find it, anybody?

Go 'Cats!

A Little Off-Season Discussion

A little off-season discussion is beginning at the title-linked post from last month.

Jump in if you'd like - I'd like to hear people weigh in, hopefully with facts, in order to generate an improved understanding in the Wildcat Nation hockey fan base.

Go 'Cats!

All Aboard - It's Playoff Time

It's playoff time across the board now, here's what I've got for you.

ECHL:

Shawn Vinz and the Charlotte Checkers failed to stay alive in the playoffs, falling to the Florida Everblades in three straight (they're still not as powerful as when Savi played for them!). Enjoy the off season Shawn! Nice run!

Nathan Martz will look to keep his Stockton Thunder in the hunt as they fight for their playoff lives. Should they fall to the Idaho Steelheads tonight it will mean hitting the greens tomorrow for the Thunder.

Kevin Truelson and Tyler Scott will hope to keep their Bakersfield Condors heading in the right direction. Tyler had a goal in their win on Monday, fed by Kevin to give the Condors the lead and they never looked back - taking a 3-2 series lead over the Fresno Falcons. They'll look for the victory tomorrow night.

USHL:

Dan Dries was back in the line-up for the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders in their playoff opener. The Rough Riders took it to the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets, dismantling them 8-0. Dan did not figure in the scoring column and brought on two penalties and two shots on goal. They play game two tonight.

Also in action tonight, Will O'Neill will begin his playoff duties with his Omaha Lancers tonight at home versus the Des Moines Buccaneers. Mike Sislo and Mike Borisenok will head out on the road to open their playoffs with their Green Bay Gamblers hoping to come up aces against the Indiana Ice.

Phil DeSimone, with the injured Mike Beck surely looking on, will be hoping to lead their Sioux City Musketeers to victory over the Tri-City Storm on beginning on Friday night.

AHL:

Brett Hemingway was released from his ATO so he will not join Albany in their playoff race.

But, Garrett Stafford will be in action tonight, hopefully getting it done for his Worcester Sharks on the blueline versus the always tough Manchester Monarchs, right here in Manchester. As long as he is healthy you should also expect to see Josh Prudden working hard and grinding for goals up front for the Sharks.

Darren Haydar and Jason Krog will kick off their playoff run versus the Milwaukee Admirals on Friday.

The rest of our 'Cats are hitting the lynx. As for me, I'll be right here as always and back later with updates.

*Updates!*

Stafford and Prudden both picked up assists tonight but Worcester fell behind through the later part of the first period and you just can't do that against the Manchester Monarchs - final score: Manchester 5 - Worcester 2

Martz and the Thunder are not off to a good start falling behind 2-0 early in the game.

In a stunner after their 8-0 victory the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders, home to Future 'Cat Dan Dries, finds themselves in a 0-0 tie in overtime!

The Green Bay Gamblers fell 4-2 to the Indiana Ice. Borisenok and Sislo did not figure.

Will O'Neill and the Omaha Lancers are down 2-0 after two.

Go 'Cats!

Future 'Cats - Today's USHL Stars

Phil DeSimone has earned the Player of the Year mantle in the USHL! Having scored 26 goals and 47 assists for 73 points in 60 games Phil has consistently lead his Sioux City Musketeers all year long - as any captain should. According to his coach in the title-linked article he has scored more than a point per game in his last 90 games. Congratulations Phil and good luck in the playoffs!

But it doesn't stop there. RBK First Team All-USHL goaltender and Future 'Cat, Matt DiGirolamo (remember it's DEE-zhur-AWL-a-mo), was honored as well. Matt finished the season having played 33 games amassing a 2.54 GAA and a .905 save-percentage. His record between the pipes was a terrific 22 wins and 9 loses with 3 shutouts. Congrats Matt - I don't know how much luck the Blackhawks need in the playoffs considering they were tops in the league but, good luck!

Matt's comrade and goaltender's best friend (or worst enemy sometimes), fellow Waterloo Blackhawk, defenseman Blake Kessel was respected with a nod to the Center Trophy USHL All-Rookie Team. In his first year in the USHL Blake was the top point-getting d-man on his team with 11 goals and 27 assists - 38 points in 59 games, finishing with a +12 rating! Congratulations Blake and good luck!

Congrats to all of our Future 'Cats and their outstanding seasons! All of you get healthy and stay healthy! Feel free to email me with updates on your health or team moves.

As always...

Go 'Cats!

Haydar Garners the John B. Sollenberger Trophy

Not that it was ever in doubt, but Darren Haydar has completed his regular season dominance of the AHL having distanced himself entirely from the rest of the field to claim the league's scoring title.

Haydar finished his remarkable season with 122 points - 23 points ahead of the nearest competition.

You can see some more details in the title-linked article on the AHL website.

Congratulations Darren!

Go 'Cats!

Martz Trying To Even It Up

In The ECHL:

Nathan Martz opened up the scoring tonight, hoping to lead the Stockton Thunder to a series deadlock with the Idaho Steelheads. Unfortunately the game sits with the Thunder down 2-1 at the halfway point. If Stockton is going to make a run to get out of this best of seven series, they are trailing 2-1 in the series, the time is now. Nathan has a goal and an assist now in these playoffs.
*Stockton and Bakersfield have both their games tonight 3-2.*

Tyler Scott picked up his third playoff point tonight, all assists, with the game tied at one. He and Kevin Truelson will be doing their all to help the Bakersfield Condors even up the series with the Fresno Falcons as they too are down in the series 2-1. As a note, both Tyler and Kevin are playing 'D', which is a change from Tyler's days as in the Blue and White, and Kevin has added an assist in these playoffs.

Brian Yandle and Justin Aikins just closed out their season with the Phoenix Roadrunners, losing to the potent Las Vegas Wranglers. Both closed the series with just one assist, Yandle a +2 and Aikins a -4.

Shawn Vinz and the Charlotte Checkers return to action Tuesday night and must win to keep their season alive. Vinz has two playoff assists in this his first professional stint and scored in his pro-debut, in his first shift, during the regular season.

Josh Ciocco and Sean Collins' Wheeling Nailers did not make the playoffs. Sean finished of his year with 76 points, 27 goals and 49 assists - exactly the same as last year but in 5 less games in just 57 outings. He also saw 7 games in the AHL split between two clubs that saw him net 3 assists. Ciocco recorded an assist through his first four professional games with the Nailers.

In the AHL:

Stafford adds an assist tonight with Worcester defeating Lowell and he finishing the season with 11 goals and 30 assists for 41 points in 77 games - tied for 8th in scoring among defensemen. Prudden was out tonight - I'm without details as to the reason. He finishes the season with a career best 9 goals and 22 assists in just 56 games as well as being a +16 - a fantastic season by any account unless you are Darren Haydar!

Jason Krog and, speaking of, Darren Haydar, were held pointless tonight as Omaha sealed up the division title tonight from their Chicago Wolves (Interestingly enough the Omaha Lancers, Will O'Neill's USHL team, were just kept from their league title by the powerful Waterloo Blackhawks who include Blake Kessel and Matt DiGirolamo among their ranks - the Lancers did win their division). Krog finishes the regular season with 80 points, 26 goals and 54 assists in 44 games! If it was anyone's idea to reunite Darren and Jason they should certainly be respected for recalling UNH's incredible 98-99 season - may they avoid the heartache. Darren throttled the league's goaltenders for an astounding 122 points this season - the most in this 'new era' of hockey. His totals include 41 goals (tied for third - one more and he would have tied for second behind his teammate Brett Sterling) and 81 assists - a number that hasn't been exceeded since NHL standout Jason Spezza (85a) in the 04/05 season and before that you have to go all the way back to the 92/93 season and Tim Taylor (81a). No one has amassed over 120 points in the AHL since Brad Smyth set 125 points in the 1995/96 season - Jason Spezza did manage 117 in the 04/05 campaign. Awesome!

Jacob Micflikier, Brett Hemingway and Chris Murray all made their AHL debut after ending their college careers. Micflikier finished with 3 goals and an assist in 9 outings with the Springfield Falcons and made quite an impression. Brett Hemingway scored his lone professional goal in just his second game (his total to date) with the Albany River Rats. Chris Murray did not register a point in his professional debut and only professional game to date with the Peoria Rivermen.

Eric Boguniecki returned to dominance in his time spent in the AHL for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers finishing with 22 goals, 32 assists for 54 points in 48 games before getting injured . Also playing for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Trevor Smith has begun his professional career with a goal and two assists in 8 games after bringing his college career to a premature end.

Which brings us to our last AHL update in the form of Daniel Winnik in his first full year of professional hockey, playing 66 games and scoring 9 goals and 12 assists totaling his jersey number equivalent, playing for the San Antonio Rampage.

Phew! I think that's everybody! I wish I could cover the European Leagues and everyone playing across the pond but I'm just one person and this post has taken a fantastic amount of time!

Anyhow, it's all playoffs from here hockey fans! Stay tuned!

Go 'Cats!

News of US victory is greatly exaggerated

Canada defeats US 3-2 in shootout. See it for yourself in the title linked game-summary or go to USAHOCKEY.COM

James vanRiemsdyk scored to tie the game at one and USA would go ahead with under 7 minutes to play only to relinquish the lead and eventually the game with under 4 minutes to play.

Hey...

Go 'Cats!

Albany's Got A Hemi

Brett Hemingway put the Albany River Rats on the board with his first professional point and goal, scoring at 15:45 of the first period to close out the period 1-1 versus the Norfolk Admirals.

It would turn into a slug-fest with Albany falling 6-5.

Congrats on the goal Brett!

More updates to come.

Sometimes your feelings are right. I saw that San Antonio had tied the game at 1-1 and thought to myself that Daniel Winnik has scored his first goal in a long time - sure enough, Daniel Winnik scores his 9th of the year to tie the game at one, his first goal in almost a month. He now has 9 goals and 11 assists on the year giving him 20 points in 65 games. *Make that 9 goals 12 assists as Daniel picks up his second point on the night trying to keep the game close as it is 4-2 Houston in the third stanza in this Texas showdown.

With another goal/assist combo and time to play, Darren Haydar has scored his 120th point which is good enough to tie for seventh in AHL scoring history - STRIKE THAT, he has just added another assist for his 121st point - Darren Haydar has compiled the seventh-most number of points ever compiled in a single season in AHL history. His 121 points is the most points scored in a single season in 11 years and with six more points he could launch to 4th all-time and have scored the most points in the past 14 years. *Haydar finished the game with another assist for 4 points, bringing his total to 122 - thirty more points than he scored last year. Should he finish the season tomorrow night with an identical performance to tonight's he would tie for 4th all-time in single season point scoring.*

Trevor Smith picked up another assist tonight (he's 1-2-3 in 7gp) after costing his team with an early penalty (the goal was scored 1 second after he returned to the ice - the first powerplay of the game). His assist helped bring the Sound Tigers to within one but they would slip and give up a late third period goal to lose 3-1.

In the ECHL, Shawn Vinz would assist on a late goal but it was far too little, too late as his Charlotte Checkers fell to the Florida Everblades 7-2 leaving their South Division Semi-Final hopes hanging by a thread in the best-of-five series.

Go 'Cats!

More Facts About Darren Haydar

Already has set two AHL records...

1.Most Consecutive Games with a Point - 39 (he scored more than two points per game up to this time!)

2.Most Game-Winning Playoff(Calder Cup) Goals - 6

He currently has 73 points in 56 playoff games in 4 playoff seasons. This is just 46 points from the league record for career playoff points at 119 points. For comparison, heading into this playoff season, Darren had 35 points in 21 playoff games last year and in his second year in the AHL scored 26 points in 22 games. Given his historical average he could overtake the AHL career playoff mark in 36 games or two seasons of deep playoff runs.

His current point totals stand at 394 regular season points in 364 games and 467 total points in 420 career games.

Youngsters listen up! If you are looking for a hockey role-model, look no further!

Congratulations Darren on all you have accomplished! You are an inspiration!

TRIVIA: There were no responses to my trivia question - What Chicago Wolves franchise record did Darren Haydar set before becoming a Wolf?

ANSWER: The most points scored AGAINST the Wolves by a single player in a single season! In 10 match-ups Darren "Wolvesbane" Haydar had 20 points against his current team - I guess Chicago took a listen to that old saying "If you can't beat'm, join'm"!

Go 'Cats!

Hockey Night in Wildcat Nation

USHL Report:

Blake Kessel steps up and scores the game-tying, powerplay goal and his Waterloo Blackhawks rode Matt DiGirolamo to their league-leading 38th victory and 80th point to remain atop the league with one game left to play. DiGirolamo turned aside 21 shots only letting up on a mid-first period powerplay goal assisted by Mike Sislo. All the goals on the night were powerplay goals with Blake's goal coming at 12:37 of the second with the eventual game-winner coming just 50 seconds later - it's worth noting that Sislo was the responsible party on Kessel's goal, he was called for slashing. Mike Borisenok was held pointless in the losing effort by Green Bay though registering three shots, tied for most on the team this night.

Dan Dries did not play and Phil DeSimone and Will O'Neill faced off but did not factor in the games.

ECHL Report:

Shawn Vinz picked up his first, pro playoff point assisting on the Charlotte Checkers game-tying goal in the second period but they would shortly relinquish the stalemate and lose to the powerful Florida Everblades(not as powerful as when Steve Saviano played for them though).

Other games are in progress including Tyler Scott and Kevin Truelson with the Bakersfield Condors and Justin Aikins and Brian Yandle with the Phoenix Roadrunners and Nathan Martz with the Stockton Thunder. No tallies for them yet.

AHL Report:

Living up to the hype - Darren Haydar assisted and scored and Jason Krog added two assists in a no-decision with the Milwaukee Admirals. They're going into OT now.
*Shootout victory for the Chicago Wolves even though both Haydar and Krog missed.*

Everyone else was held pointless including Garrett Stafford, Josh Prudden, Jacob Micflikier and Trevor Smith.

Final update for the night will be coming shortly.

Go 'Cats!

Haydar Named AHL MVP

Darren Haydar, Wildcat Nation fan favorite and stand-out extraordinaire, has been named the AHL's MVP - the 2006-2007 Les Cunningham Award Winner.

His 116 points is far beyond the rest of his peer's this year and seemingly just another notch in the long belt of this hockey star.

From Hockey East Rookie of the Year, multiple All Hockey East and New England All-Stars Teams, three time Hockey East All-Star, Hockey East Tournament MVP, Hockey East Player of the Year, NCAA Player of the Year and All-American and Hobey Baker finalist, AHL All Rookie Team and Rookie of the Year 2003, and now...

AHL Player of the Year!

This list of accomplishments barely begins to define who Darren Haydar is as a person and a player. Only those who watch him game in, game out and in his interviews can begin to understand the man and what he contributes to the hockey community and beyond. Be sure to peak at the title-linked post on the AHL's site.

The Chicago Wolves will play Darren's old team, the Milwaukee Admirals tonight at 8pm EDT. The Admirals have often had the Wolves' number this year as many of Darren's old teammates are sure to know that to have a chance against the Wolves you must shut down Darren Haydar, though they have still allowed 3 goals and 10 assists to our Wildcat Nation favorite, they lead the series 5-3 - the Wolves are two and seven when Darren does not chalk up a point of which the most remarkable factor is that he has only failed to register a point in just 9 games. As an interesting note, Darren set a Wolves franchise record before ever playing for them. Can you tell me what it is?

Go 'Cats!

One of those O.C. moments

That's Oh Crap!

I was looking forward to providing coverage of the World Juniors and especially reporting on our very own Future 'Cat, James vanRiemsdyk, and then I totally blew it - admittedly I have been very ill lately so we'll chalk it up to that!

Anyhow, USA got off to a rocky start, dropping a 5-3 decision to the Russians, on April 12th, who were also responsible for their last World loss. VanRiemsdyk was held scoreless as was Russia's top player.

But Team USA came back with a vengeance the next day (oops - um, I mean today - which I guess means that I didn't totally blow the coverage since the first game was just yesterday - can you tell I'm not totally healthy yet?) blasting Germany 9-1. JVR had two assists.

Next they play Canada on Sunday, April 15th.

Lot's of action tonight, both Future 'Cat and 'Cats alike, across the USHL, ECHL and the AHL. Check back later for select reports.

Go 'Cats!

Not Too Much Doin' Tonight

AHL 'Cats:

Prudden scores his 9th leading to a Shark feeding frenzy - a 6-1 win over Lowell.

Micflikier assisted, finishing even for the night, in a gun-slinger with the Manchester Monarchs - his Springfield Falcons falling 6-4.

Smith and the entire Bridgeport Sound team were shut out in a 6-0 rout. He was even for the night.

Interestingly enough, Prudden ended up a plus FOUR on the night - Stafford, Micflikier and Smith were all... even.

ECHL 'Cats:

Martz, Aikins and Truelson each got an assist last night and Martz's and Vinz's teams won their playoff opener (actually Vinz's Charlotte Checkers went up 2-0) - The others pretty much got their rears handed to'em. Only Martz with the Stockton Thunder is in action tonight.

Go 'Cats!

More Bad News *Medical Update*

It doesn't seems like this is going to be the end of it either... let's just hope that nothing gets any worse for anybody.

In a bizarre streak of injuries to our 'Cats, Mike Beck, has had his ACL torn in a pile-up in front of the net and will have to undergo surgery to have it repaired. Sioux City was playing Omaha and they were halfway through the game when Mike was on the ice to help block a shot and had a player fall on him in the scrum in front of the net.

Mike was having a prodigious season having racked up 7 goals and 34 assists in 56 games - that's 41 points from a D-man!

Get well Mike!

*Thanks to my medical resource informant I have learned that a routine ACL surgery has a recovery time of 6 months. Additionally, some rehab programs can have the time down to a 3-4 month recovery window. So, let's hope for the best!*

Stay healthy 'Cats!

In Case You Were Wondering

Not too much news to report. I'm still recuperating from this vicious illness but I'm nearing a healthy state once more.

I did find one thing... IN CASE YOU WERE WONDERING! Our incoming goaltender for the fall of '08, Matt DiGirolamo would seem to have most people tongue-tied (I guess maybe not if you are Italian?) if they were trying to read his name. Well, I located a pronunciation from his old Jr. Flyers team (the one that he, Greg Manz and Matt Campanale played for). So, if you were wondering and butchering it - I've heard 'DiGiorno' and the suggestion of the nickname 'Jiggy' - it's (DEE-zhur-AWL-a-mo).

So, everyone has a year to practice it before he gets here!

Alright, the medicine is making me loopy - I'm going to stop writing now...

Go 'Cats!

Congratulations To Michigan State University

Congratulations to this year's NCAA Div. 1 Men's Hockey National Champions!

Back to 'Cats:

Trevor Smith scored his first pro goal tying the game in the second period but he would not get a shot at the shootout and his team would only leave with one point this night.

Garrett Stafford scored TWICE and Josh Prudden scored once leaving Stafford to assist on the game-winning over-time goal. Prudden brought them within one and Stafford eventually tied the game sending it into overtime with just 28 seconds to play.

Jacob Micflikier is still proving himself. He scored to put his team up 3-2 early in the third (his third pro goal) but the game would be tied and sent to a shootout where Micflikier would again score along with three of his teammates to finally shutdown one of the best AHL teams, the Hartford Wolfpack.

Sean Collins and the Wheeling Nailers would make multiple comebacks and eventually make it stick with Collins' game-winner at the end of the second period. He finished with a goal and an assist.

Go 'Cats!

New Recruit

Dan Dries will play for the University of New Hampshire in '07-'08!

Recently acquired by the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders from the Ohio Jr. Blue Jackets (both USHL teams) where he had just one goal, two assists in six games, Dan has excelled with his new team, scoring 12 goals in 21 games - good enough for 7th in goals on the team although with just half as many games as those around them. He has 4 goals and an assist in his last five games.

This 5'11", 170 lbs. forward out of Lake Orion, Michigan definitely seems to have a nose for the net lately though he has added only 2 more assists since coming to Cedar Rapids. Look for him to continue to find the back of the net as the season comes to a close and the playoffs begin. We now have at least one recruit on each of the top three teams in the USHL (Omaha, Waterloo and Cedar Rapids).

Fellow Future 'Cats:

Speaking of finding the back of the net, Phil DeSimone has equaled Trevor Smith's USHL high of 68 points in 60 games in just 55 games. DeSimone has 24 goals and 44 assists.

Mike Beck has an incredible 40 points with 7 goals and 33 assists in his 55 games alongside Phil and the rest of the Sioux City Musketeers.

All of our Future 'Cats are having a fantastic year but you will have to wait till I'm healthy for a full report as this is all I can manage right now.

Go 'Cats!

Get Some Action Tonight

... and your head out of the gutter!

There is quite a lot of hockey action tonight involving our 'Cats across the AHL and ECHL.

Check out the 'Scores and Schedule' page at the AHL website and the 'Scores' tab at the ECHL site.

If you'd like, you can always check back here later to see if anything notable happens tonight so that you don't spend all your time going to the computer and refreshing the scores pages like some idiot... like me!

Good Luck Tonight Boys!

*So far tonight...

Haydar continues to rack'm up scoring just 21 seconds into the game - his 39th and has added two assists with the third period yet to be played. He finished with 1 and 3, +1, in the Chicago Wolves 5-4 victory over Haydar's former team, the Milwaukee Admirals.

Krog, in a give and take relationship with Haydar has put up 1 and 1 where each has assisted on the other's goal. Haydar and Krog assisted on the game-winner and Krog finishing with 1 and 2.

Smith gets his first pro point - an assist to help Bridgeport go up 1-0 at 4:35 of the second period. He finished plus 2 and Bridgeport salvaged a blown lead in the shootout. Smith did not get into the shootout and registered no shots on net.

Stafford adds an assist and is +2 on the night. Prudden was even in the 4-1 Worcester victory.

Winnik is in action with San Antonio tonight with his team down 1-0 which occurred while he was in the sin bin. San An lost 1-0.

Collins and Vinz are in ECHL action tonight - they're both on the losing side tonight. Vinz ended up even in a come-from-behind win with Charlotte. Collins helped mount a third period comeback with his 26th goal only to have his Wheeling Nailers fall short to the Trenton Titans, 4-3.

All the other guys have the night off or have yet to figure in some west coast games in the ECHL.

Goodnight.

Go 'Cats!

Calling The Shots

I can't really say I called it but Jacob Micflikier lifts his Springfield Falcons to a 3-2 victory over Brett Hemingway and the Albany River Rats.

Micflikier, scoring his second professional goal, finished a plus one and Hemingway was even for the night with one shot on goal. Micflikier scored on his third shot of the night.

The win snaps a long losing streak for the Falcons.

Trevor Smith was a minus one as the Bridgeport Sound Tigers were held scoreless in a three to nothing loss to the Philadelphia Phantoms. He had one shot on goal.

Josh Prudden scored in a losing effort to the Manchester Monarchs. Prudden along with fellow 'Cat, Garrett Stafford, and the Worcester Sharks battled back three times but were unable to overcome the division-leading Monarchs.

That's all I've got for now!

Go 'Cats!

Wildcat Nation!

Just checked the latest tally on the good ol' Frappr Map of Wildcat Nation...

A whopping 1,212 members!

I'm sure some of them are doubles but I would definitely put the tally above 1,000! Recent poll results indicate that half of the daily visitors are just finding the online home of Wildcat Nation and the other half visits at least six times a week! I suspect that this blog will see its 10,000th pageview by the beginning of next season!

A note about the map-
When you add (or if you can change your) tab on the map make sure to put your name and a shoutout or better yet a fantastic picture like Matt K's!(Sorry, Kathy, your's was first and it's great but Matt has got you beat with Irish Wild-E-Cat!) - this, I think, ensures that your tab is always up.

You can also take this post as a call to deluge Frappr with requests to increase the number of tabs that the maps show - it would be great to see all of Wildcat Nation!

Go 'Cats!

Hemingway vs. Micflikier

Brett Hemingway has finally signed with the Albany River Rats and will most likely suit-up in their game tonight against... the Springfield Falcons and Jacob Micflikier.

This will provide an interesting match-up seeing as just two weeks ago the two were teammates. Uh, like you didn't know... umm... yeah... so, be sure to try to catch the game. You can find free radio broadcasts on the AHL site or on the team sites themselves.

I say Jacob lights the lamp twice and helps snap his team's losing streak all in the name of trying to take it to Brett! 4-3 Springfield!

Go 'Cats!

Thompson Arriving Early

Paul Thompson will almost assuredly arrive early with the departure of you-know-who.

Not, scheduled to arrive until '08 it is reported that Thompson was considering attending this year but had yet to make an admittedly tough decision. Now, it seems as if it is a foregone conclusion. Given the number of injuries this year the coaching staff has got to be concerned with fielding a team that is not only deep but suitable replacements should the injury bug continue to rear its ugly head, think Radja, Hemingway, Micflikier, Ciocco, Collins, and lately the incoming recruits VanRiemsdyk, Manz and even Burke although he is not due until '09 but that too may change.

Keep checking back for a final roster when available.

Go 'Cats!

Greg Manz Update

In the last week of play, and the reason for his truncated number of games, Future 'Cat Greg Manz separated his shoulder.

I don't have any details of the cause of the injury - I'm assuming it was hockey related - nor do I know how long this will impact any training regimen he might partake in during the off-season before reporting to UNH.

Wildcat Nation wishes you well, Greg! We look forward to seeing you in the fall!

Go 'Cats!

Recruiting Look

Just poking around and found some stats from our youngest listed potential recruit, Julian Ciocco.

As we know Julian is none-other than the younger brother of '06/'07 Wildcat Captain, Josh Ciocco, now with the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

Already listed as being nearly as big as his brother at 5'9", 170 lbs. - Julian is a force to be reckoned with seeing as he's only in the 8th grade! I was mistaken before when I reported him as a potential 2009, we're talking more like 2011!

Unlike his brother, Julian plays on the defensive end of the ice. Having moved on to play for legendary Shattuck St. Mary's Hockey Program, Julian is the top defenseman of his class. Playing for Shattuck's Bantam team this past year he had 3 goals and 10 assists in 63 games.

Good luck, Julian! We're looking forward to hearing and seeing more of you!

Go 'Cats!

Done Deal

First off I want to say how great it is to see all five of our seniors out there playing pro hockey. I don't care how anyone may disparage any league that is not the NHL. I for one know what a difficult game hockey is to master and I have played against players that were incredible players but still could not manage (whether due to lack of ability to play at that level or just not having the drive to play in these supposed 'lesser' leagues for sums that, well they're still better than teacher salaries) but still they could not manage to crack the system. Hopefully all five will complete their courses and obtain their degree which I'm sure they have all worked hard for and continue their pro careers for as long as they wish.

Now, early departures. I see two potential sides but staying always wins. I think that the player obviously has the right to make whatever decision is best for them and their family - this is STILL the land of the free. But, BUT, the players, it would seem, have made a commitment to the TEAM, and while you can find a ME in TEAM, the TEAM becomes TA when you take the ME out. You can argue that it's all about the money till you're blue in the face (like all good 'Cats are) but that will get you nowhere. What about the education? Trevor said he put in his two years - someone needs to tell Trevor that UNH is a four-year school (I know, no one needs to remind me that the University has valuable two-year programs through the Thompson School, I have known a number of people for whom these programs were tremendously important to their success). Anyhow, those two years are valued at approximately $45,000 - not to mention future value - just for argument's sake, of course. And the last thing is, once you're gone, you're gone. This is a move that cannot be undone. As a hockey player who chooses to leave college early (assuming you haven't done these things already) - you can't go back and win a Hobey; you can't go back and win a National Championship; and you can't go back to experience senior night celebrating your four years as a UNH Wildcat and soon obtain your degree from the University of New Hampshire. In my mind, no one who does not want to experience all of these things has any business coming to the University of New Hampshire. We all know that things change and I'm not saying that there are not possible exceptions but, BUT, if these three things are not among your goals when you come to UNH why bother?

Go 'Cats!

And The Beat Goes On!

Yesterday's Regan/Radja post WAS AN APRIL FOOLS DAY JOKE!

Anyone who bothered to check the links will have readily noticed this but it seems the folks over at the Grand Rapids, Griffin Central, did not cross-reference my little salute to the first of April - check out the title-linked Griffin Central Message Boards. There is also the player page.

I want to repeat that the post titled "Regan and Radja Sign ATOs" was a harmless April Fools day nod to tradition.

Additionally all other posts published today were in fact REAL - unless I, myself, am being had. I'll be back when I can compose myself about Trevor's departure and total lack of humor to discuss fallout from this bombshell.

This just in. Just to be thorough I searched and turned up this Foster's article from the 29th.

All I can say until the smoke clears a little is...

Go 'Cats!

Trevor Smith Gone!

Trevor Smith HAS SIGNED AN ATO WITH THE BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS. You can read it in the title-linked page on Bridgeport's own website - and this is no joke.

He played today and had three shots on goal.

So long, the King has left the building... (nobody better be putting one over on me!)

But the beat goes on!

Go 'Cats!

Shawn Vinz has signed with Charlotte

Shawn Vinz has signed with the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL and scored a shorthanded goal at 6:08 of the first period last night against the Columbia Inferno.

Way to go Shawn! Show'n us how it's done!

This is no April Fools joke! Thanks to Q for pointing this out. Don't know how I missed him, I guess I was just looking over too many games!

Go 'Cats!

Regan and Radja Sign ATOs

Foregoing their senior years, Kevin Regan and Mike Radja have both inked deals with professional clubs.

Kevin Regan will start immediately with Boston Bruins affiliate Providence and Mike Radja has signed with Detroit Redwings affiliate, the Grand Rapids Griffins - it's unclear when he'll see action.

Congrats Kevin and Mike! You'll be missed!

Check out the title-linked article for the reasons behind their departures.

Go 'Cats!