Future 'Cat, McCarey Finishes Strong

I was gratefully passed along the following this morning.

Players of the Week - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
NAHL North Division Player of the Week March 24, 2008



Kevin McCarey - USNTDP

U.S. Under-18 Team forward Kevin McCarey struck for four goals and an assist last weekend as Team USA skated to a two-game sweep over Marquette. On Friday, the 18-year-old recorded two goals, including the game-winner, as the U.S. team blanked the Rangers, 3-0. The next night, the Baldwinsville, N.Y., native scored two more goals and an assist in a 4-1 triumph. He was also a plus-4 for the weekend.

"Kevin had an outstanding weekend," said U.S. Under-18 Team coach John Hynes. "He was determined to finish his final weekend at home on a high note, and he certainly did that. Kevin's level of play has been very consistent lately and that's given our team a huge lift."

Wow!

Kevin is one of the seven incoming recruits for the upcoming season and is spoken very highly of by former UNH Captain, Patrick Foley (now assistant at Harvard University under Ted Donato).

Way to go, Kevin!

Go 'Cats!

Future 'Cats: A Look Ahead *UPDATE 3/31*

Thanks to NCAA Watcher on the Fan Forum for these two great articles.

This one on Tyler Scott, goaltender, who's slated to arrive this fall.

And this one on Joey LaLeggia, defenseman, due to arrive in 2010.

Scheduled to arrive in the intervening year is John Henrion, forward, who garned EJHL Rookie of the Year props for his 34 goals and 19 assists for 53 points, 10th in the league, in 45 games.

Steve Moses, arriving this fall was 23rd in EJHL scoring with 47 points, 11 goals 36 assists in 45 games as linemates with Henrion.

Greg Burke, '09, was 24th with 46 points, 21 goals 25 assists, in 40 games.
*Who's New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs garnered back-to-back Tier III Junior A National Championships this past weekend by defeating the New Jersey Hitmen who had beat them in the EJHL Championship game, breaking their stranglehold on that title. Burke had two assists in that loss but I don't believe he recorded a point in the National Championship game. With a 5-5-10 scoring line Burke was tied for the Tournament lead in scoring going into the Championship game having played an extremely crucial leading role.

Go 'Cats!

Bring On 2008-2009

Season is over. Time to pack it up.

An ugly 7-3 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Congratulation to Notre Dame. Best of luck through the rest of the tournament.

Good luck seniors!

Go 'Cats!

Kevin Regan Captures Walter Brown Award

The title-linked USCHO article is excellent, be sure to read it.

But I want to pull this quote from the article:

Regan is the sixth Wildcat to earn the award, joining Bob Miller (1977), Ralph Cox (1979), Ty Conklin (2001), Mike Ayers (2003) and Steve Saviano (2004).

What an incredible list to join and of special note the third Wildcat goaltender to win in 8 years.

Congratulations Kevin! A well deserved honor.

Go 'Cats!

Required Reading *Updated 3/28*

A few pieces of news stories concerning our 'Cats. I'll be adding to the list as more come to my attention.

3/28/08

From the Boston Globe:
Title-starved UNH will lay it all on table

From the Colorado Springs Gazette.com:
"Slap Shot" actor rubs off on son, Notre Dame's Hanson (Mostly Notre Dame)

From Fosters.com:
NCAA Men's West Regional: Wildcats focused on Fighting Irish

From the South Bend Tribune.com:
New Hampshire seeking first title

From Fosters.com:
'Cats expect hairy ride through regional

A special thanks to photographer extraordinaire, Josh Gibney, for providing many of these links as well as some of the other fine UNH fans at the USCHO Fan Forum. He is actually in Colorado Springs to photograph the event where I'm sure he will be silently cheering the 'Cats as he does his work.


3/27/08

From Fosters.com:
The defenders: Collins and Co. make their point with defense

From The College Hockey News:
Radja Gets Last Shot with New Hampshire

From The Laconia Citizen:
NCAA Men's West Regional: Regal Regan

From The College Hockey News:
NCAA Tournament: West Regional Preview

And for your viewing pleasure be sure to tune into WMUR Channel 9 News at 6 for the sports report at 6:20 where a segment should mention our 'Cats though I have no word on content.

Go 'Cats!

It's Hump Day, Do You Know Where Your Wildcats Are?

The 2008 NCAA Tournament is almost here.

If our Wildcats' travel plans hold then they are either preparing to hit the skies or are already there. Safe travels guys! And safe travels to the hearty Wildcat Nation souls that are making the trip out to Colorado Springs themselves.

*I've just heard (12:55pm thanks to unhpuckfan2001 on the USCHO Fan Forum, thanks man) that our 'Cats were seen boarding the bus to the airport at 12:30. Play hard guys!

Hopefully everyone in Wildcat Nation will find a way to see the game. If you haven't found viewing available in your area definitely check this table provided by the NCAA (especially the second table further down the page). If you don't find a channel available to you then you can always contact your local cable company to see if they might be able to show it on an alternate channel and note that it is online on ESPN 360, though this service is not supported by every ISP.

Just think about it this way. It's Wednesday but we won't count today and they play on Friday so that leaves Thursday! So we only have to make it through one more day until we can see our 'Cats take to the ice against the Fighting Irish! So, make those plans! Stay home, go out, invite some friends or watching alone with your beverage of choice Wildcat Nation is there!

Go 'Cats!

Wildcat's Regional Game 1 On WMUR

WMUR has agreed to cover the University of New Hampshire Men's Hockey game, West Regional Game 1 between our #1 seeded Wildcats(4) and the #4 seeded Fighting Irish(13), live!

Game time is Friday, March 28^th 6:30 EST and the coverage is being be beamed from World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

If you miss the live coverage there is still a tape delayed showing at 1AM on ESPNU.

Thanks WMUR and to ABC from Wildcat Nation!

Go 'Cats!

HPHM

Happy Playoff Hockey Monday, Wildcat Nation.

We have to be happy that this season continues after the disappointing Hockey East Semifinal loss.

There's so much that has been said about that game and so much more to say about it but I think that we have to put what happened last Friday night firmly in the back of our minds and focus on this Friday against the Notre Dame University Fighting Irish.

But let's take some key lessons from that game into this Friday's match-up.

*No undisciplined penalties. Self-explanatory, obvious, but it must be said.

*Stick with what works. Our guys know the system and can execute it to perfection - stick to it!

*Play strong down low and own the area around your own net. Again, goes without saying, but it is one of the biggest lessons driven home by last Friday's game.

*Lastly, have fun and go out there and give them hell for whatever remaining games you have in the Blue and White.

Wildcat Nation loves you and we're with you all the way! So, Go! Fight! Win!

Go 'Cats!

Hockey East Semifinals

'Cats fall :43 seconds into triple overtime while on the penalty kill due to a Danny Dries tripping call.

Final score BC 5, UNH 4.

Kevin Regan finished with a career high and Hockey East Semifinal record, 62 saves.

*Related Links*
UNH Quotes(pdf)
Listen to the UNH Press Conference(mp3)
Video Highlights

----------------

Triple Overtime

Let's Go 'Cats!

----------------

On to Double Overtime after a late scare with Regan coming out, his helmet being knocked off, and a subsequent BC goal that was called back.

Kevin has already set the Hockey East record for saves in a semifinal game with 53 thus far.

----------------

Our Wildcats are going to overtime.

The score stands at 4-4.

Regan has been brilliant stopping 41 of 45 in regulation including 21 second period saves.

Bobby Butler has two goals from James vanRiemsdyk, Thomas Fortney has a shorthanded goal and Jamie Fritsch had the second goal on a delayed penalty call.

Go 'Cats!

All. The. Way.

Regan Hobey Finalist & HE POTY *UPDATE*

From the College Hockey News.

The Official UNH Website's Release.

Of special note as most of Wildcat Nation is well aware of his on ice accomplishments is this:

Regan, who owns a 3.65 grade point average, also does not just skate by in the classroom. When he graduates with a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Business Administration: Finance, Regan will become the first player in program history to earn two undergraduate degrees in four years. Regan has made the Dean’s List at UNH every semester, and is a three-time Hockey East All-Academic Team member.

*This just in: Kevin Regan named Hockey East Player of the Year

We're not worthy.

Congratulations Kevin!

*Related Link*
Hobey Baker Website

*UPDATE*

Award Winners

Kevin Regan - CCM / RBK Player of the Year & the ITECH Goaltending Champion.
Player of the Year Highlight Video

Joe Charlebois - the OLD TIME HOCKEY BEST DEFENSIVE DEFENSEMAN.

Runners-Up

TPS PRO AMBITIONS Rookie of the Year Runner-Up - James vanRiemsdyk

Mission CCM / RBK Coach of the Year Runner-Up - Coach Umile

TPS LEN CEGLARSKI Sportsmanship Award Runner-up - Brad Flaishans

Hockey East First Team Selections:

Kevin Regan
Brad Flaishans
Mike Radja

Hockey East Second Team Selections:

Craig Switzer
Matt Fornataro

All Rookie Team

James vanRiemsdyk

Congratulations All!

*Related Link*
2008 Hockey East Video Highlights

Go 'Cats!

All. The. Way.

Simply The Best

In case you missed Hockey East Online's weekly release with Jerry Pollastrone as their Co-Player of the Week for his 5 goals in two games and this UNH summary:

New Hampshire: UNH advances to his league-best seventh-straight Hockey East semifinals by virtue of a weekend sweep of Massachusetts… Overall, the Wildcats have won 11-of-12 quarterfinal series including 10 by virtue of a sweep…Kevin Regan closed out his career a perfect 6-0-0 in the HE quarterfinals with an impressive 0.66 GAA, a .981 save percentage and 206 saves…In a rout 7-2 win over Mass., Jerry Pollastrone and Matt Fornataro each netted their first career hat trick…The seven goal output matches the most by a Wildcat team in 2007-08 when the ‘Cats scored seven in a 7-4 win over Northeastern…The seven goals in a Hockey East tournament game were the most since UNH earned back to back 8-4 wins over Mass-Lowell in the 2002-03 quarterfinals…For the second-straight season, the Wildcats have won 25 games. Last year’s team closed out the season with 26 wins. Overall, UNH has eight 25-plus wins season and seven of those came under Coach Umile’s tenure…UNH and Boston College have met in the Hockey East semifinals and the Eagles holding a 2-1 advantage including a 2-1 win in the last meeting in 2000. UNH’s semifinal win came in a 4-0 win in 1997.

Nothing left to say but

Go 'Cats!

HPHM Wildcat Nation!

Happy Playoff Hockey Monday Wildcat Nation!

A great weekend of quarterfinals hockey behind us and the semifinals straight ahead on Friday.

So, a look to Friday.

We've drawn the BC Eagles as our opponent in the 5pm Hockey East Tournament Semifinal match-up televised on NESN. There's no doubt that the Eagles will look to avenge the beatings that they took throughout the season at our Wildcats' claws but that is behind us and it's all about playoff hockey now - whoever shows up on the other end of the ice you out-hustle, out-work, out-play and out-fight them to victory. And as evidenced by the BC blog, BC Interruption, no one wants to face the fight being put up by our 'Cats right now.

All. The. Way.

Let's Go 'Cats!

Shipping Up To Boston

Wildcats seal the deal and blow out the UMass Minutemen, 7-2.

In a dominating display the UNH offense kicked off the game with two early goals on a Scott Crowder, son of Wildcat Bruce Crowder, 5-minute hitting from behind call.

Jerry Pollastrone and Matt Fornataro would complete hat-tricks giving Jerry 5 GOALS on the weekend! The two aforementioned goals went to these two.

Danny Dries had the third goal, game winner, after failing to collect a breakout pass at center ice then finally collecting it in the UMass end and curling around the net firing the puck over the shoulder of the Minutemen goalie, Paul Dainton, as he glided backwards from the net.

The rest was all Pollastrone and Fornataro and Kevin Regan.

Kevin was great all game, only allowing goals on the penalty-kill while turning away 37 of 39 shots. None better than when he stopped a UMass breakaway around the halfway point of the game.

An awesome game and a fantastic tribute to the fans from the graduating seniors who gathered at center ice after the victory lap to salute the fans in each end and side of Towse Rink one last time.

Thank you, Seniors!

I have three words for you.

All. The. Way.

Go 'Cats!

Wildcats Win

Jerry Pollastrone nets the final goal with the ghost goalie in to add another unassisted goal, padding his stats for the game and the Wildcats win 4-1.

Matt Fornataro and Greg Collins also had goals off of very nice feeds and Kevin Regan was solid for our 'Cats absorbing 34 of 35 UMass shots.

On to Game 2 tomorrow night!

Go 'Cats!

Hockey East Quarterfinals

The Hockey East Quarterfinals get underway tonight featuring our #1 Wildcats hosting #8 UMass at the Whittemore Center.

As I understand it there are still tickets available and any snow is largely expected to hold off until midnight. Get to the game! But be safe traveling, I'm a hockey blogger, not a meteorologist.

So, bring a friend... or two, or three, or four, or more!

Wildcat Hockey playoff action tonight, 7:00pm!

To a long playoff season!

Go 'Cats!

NHL Rookie Winnik Notches 10th

Dan Winnik found the back of the net for the tenth time this year, his first in the NHL.

It's taken 68 games but he's banked 10 assists to match those 10 goals - a very nice rookie campaign.

Winnik ranks eighth in Coyotes scoring.

The goal really couldn't have come at a better time as the insurance marker put Phoenix up 2-0 at the 7:32 mark of the third which would be the final score of the game as they hunt for the final playoff spot in West.

Way to go, Dan!

Go 'Cats!

Jasper's Rink

If you're ever hard up for some hockey news check out the title-linked Jasper's Rink.

They claim to have the most extensive list of hockey links, including this UNH Men's Hockey Blog.

So, I was perusing a bit and came across the site of HC Ambri-Piotta in relation to the recent story of Darren Haydar's possible move there.

After checking out some various images of the region and reading about the hockey fan clubs over there - I'm ready to move there myself!

Regular Season: Check

They couldn't reach that 20 win regular season mark but the effort was there.

Final score Vermont 4, New Hampshire 3.

We finish the regular season 23-8-3 Overall and 19-5-3 in Hockey East.

Congratulations on the terrific season guys!

Go 'Cats!

More Great Hockey

After watching our 'Cats play in their final regular season game this season why let the great hockey end there?

Tune into NBC's Game of the Week and see Ty Conklin's Pittsburgh Penguins, with the recently returned Sid The Kid, as they square off against the rights-holders of Wildcat Phil DeSimone, the Washington Capitals, featuring Alexander The Great.

It's going to be great hockey.

Will Ty get the start?

Will the two greatest stars of the game today light up the goaltenders?

Tune in about this time tomorrow, 12:30 EDT and don't forget to 'Spring Ahead' before you go to bed!

Support hockey on network television.

Penguins, Capitals. More great hockey on NBC.

Hockey Rules!

And be sure to check out this theAHL.com article about Garrett Stafford's recent appearance in the NHL.

Go 'Cats!

Radja Named National Player of the Month for February

Mike Radja was named the National Division I Player of the Month for February by the Hockey Commissioner's Association.

Up until these last two games Mike has been on an absolute tear so look for him to open it up again come playoff time.

A well deserved honor.

Mike racked up a point in every game in February as part of a 10 game scoring streak that included 7 goals and 13 assists giving him a 2 points per game average. He has been held scoreless in the last two games though.

Congratulations Mike!

Now it's time to finish up with all you've got!

Go 'Cats!

19

Wildcats win 19^th Hockey East game of the 2007-2008 season!

Wildcats 3, Catamounts 1.

The Pollastrone-LeBlanc-Butler line reconnects for ALL THREE GOALS, two for Butler and the third for LeBlanc, with James vanRiemsdyk out with the flu.

Kevin Regan had 19 saves.

Go 'Cats!

Recruit: Mike Borisenok

Can't tell you how much I appreciate when someone points out some news pertinent to Wildcat Nation in a comment, an email or on the message boards.

By email is how I'm bringing you this flat-out AWESOME video from Gamblers Hockey starring none-other than incoming recruit Mike Borisenok!



Attached was this note:

Thought you might be interested in this……Green Bay Gambler highlights has many clips of your recruit Mike Borisenok, he’s #23:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpvD_JCOh-U


0:14 nice pass

0:44 –goal

0:50 – shorthanded goal …nice rip

0:57 –goal

1:23 – unbelievable back hand goal

Last clip of him on a shootout goal


Go Cats! -AC

To the descriptions above I say, oh yeah!

Thanks AC!

Hey! Go Gamblers!

And, way to go Mike!

So, if anyone finds any Wildcat Hockey related info, videos, highlights, news that you think should be featured on this UNH Men's Hockey Blog - LET ME KNOW!

Go 'Cats!

Just A Typo, Please Disregard

From the NCAA College Hockey Rulebook:

"To be considered during the at-large selection process, a team must have an overall won-lost record of .500 or better."

Oh, oops! Don't you hate it that sometime the above typo just happens. Not to worry. Just pretend it's not there.

'Cats In The Pros

AHH! There are too many!

Stafford's shot at the NHL(NHL.com Highlight Video)

Conklin still leads NHL in save-percentage despite a couple rough outings

Dan Winnik looking for his 10^th NHL goal - 8^th in Coyotes scoring.

Smith is AHL Rookie of the Month

Krog leads AHL in scoring making it back-to-back years that a Wildcat has done so - it helps that they're teammates ;)

Brett Hemingway is tearing it up in Alaska(ECHL), yeah!... with some Black Bears, ugh.

Mark Kolanos has picked up with the Arizona Sundogs(CHL) this year - playing very well!

And so much more - be sure to check the 'Cats in the Pros section for your favorites and feel free to comment in any time with any information on our 'Cats that you would like to share with the rest of Wildcat Nation!

Go 'Cats!

Nearly Another Wildcat Sweep

After a great month of hockey, individual honors were almost a sweep for these Wildcats.

Player of the Month: Mike Radja

Goaltender of the Month: Kevin Regan

Rookie of the Month: Should Have Been: Danny Dries, but he gets the Runner-Up

See the title linked Hockey East release.

Congrats guys!

Moving on.

Go 'Cats!

The Captain And The Cheerleader

It may sound a bit typical, a little like high school football, but the dating choice of Wildcat Men's Hockey Captain Matt Fornataro and Meghan White, is anything but. A UNH student like our Captain, she also holds down the commitments of a Patriots' Cheerleader for which she was recently featured in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition.

The New Hampshire has an excellent article detailing Meghan's travails and accomplishments. Towards the end of the piece they mention our Captain and get a couple quotes from him and Assistant Captain, Mike Radja.

Now the big question.

Is she allowed to watch his games?(Kidding ;)

Way to go Meghan!

Way to go Matt!

This deserves a,

Go Pats!

and of course,

Go 'Cats!

Miles and Miles To Go

You've got to appreciate this gem from The New Hampshire:

With the sweep, the 'Cats complete the unheard of trifecta of going unbeaten against Boston College, Boston University and the University of Maine in the regular season. It was a feat that not even Dick Umile was sure has ever happened in conference history.

"I told the guys that it's never happened before and it probably won't happen again," said Umile. "Then Phil DeSimone said to me, 'Yes, it will, coach.' I liked his answer."

This year the Wildcats play with the force of history at their backs. Not pulling, but propelling them to greatness borne by the incredible tradition of the Blue and White. The perceived failures of the past have become steps that lead to the heights of success.

This final weekend of regular season hockey brings the University of Vermont Catamounts to Towse Rink. The Catamounts are coming off of a series split with Maine last week, with Maine struggling to be our Quarter-Final foe and Vermont seeking its first home-ice berth in the Hockey East Tournament.

Furthermore, Vermont is in contention to be one of the vaunted, but overrated, 'Teams Under Comparison', otherwise known as a TUC in bracketology. A team's record versus these teams becomes critical in determining seeding in the National Tournament and can affect NCAA Regional Tournament placement.

So, this weekend highlights a crucial battle for both of our teams. Vermont battling in a desperately tight race for home ice in the HE Tourney and possibly an NCAA berth and our 'Cats seeking to end the regular season on an uptrend and secure the best possible placement in the NCAA Regionals.

Time to shine, but we've miles and miles to go before we reach college hockey heaven.

Go 'Cats!

Say It Isn't So

It appears that Darren Haydar may seek future fortune and fame in Switzerland in the continuation of his great professional hockey career.

From the blog, Brochu is Hockey - Rumours, Speculation, Trades:

There are rumours that Darren Haydar will leave the Atlanta Thrashers organization next year and sign with Ambri Piotta in Switzerland.

Check here if you're curious as to the background of Ambri-Piotta and Canton Ticino.

This site appears to be the source of this now persistent rumor.

He would see some familiar faces on the other side of the ice. None-other than Mark Mowers playing for Bern along with former teammate from his Milwaukee Admiral days, Simon Gamache.

Of course, Wildcat Nation wishes you luck & success wherever you go!

Go 'Cats!

A Wildcat Returns To The Professional Ranks

Well, not really, I just thought he had!

Eric Lind, picked up the lumber this weekend for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL.

I guess I haven't been paying enough attention - Eric has been playing a handful of games here and there this year and for the past few years.

Hopefully we'll see him stick with the Jackals! Be sure to check out the title-linked release from Elmira.

Way to go Eric!

So, how many 'Cats is that playing professionally!?

Go 'Cats!

It's A Tie

Well, down 1-0 most of the game, withstanding a 19-9 first period shot differential, until an early third period goal by Mike Sislo off of the faceoff and you can't be too disappointed with the equal score after 65 minutes.

1-1.

Go 'Cats!