Post Spring Break Thoughts

 Another great UNH Meme

I have survived my final spring break, I survived a trip into the depths of UMaine and now I can survive a week of classes with beautiful weather... I hope. It probably won't help that my birthday is this week, but I believe in myself. It's kind of scary to think that today is my last day as a 21-year-old. This past year flew by, but it was absolutely amazing. I wish I could turn 21 all over again. (The only reason I feel the need to mention this is because you should all send me a present or buy me a drink. You can figure out how somehow...) 

Over break UNH experienced another heart breaking end to a hockey season. This one, perhaps because it was my final year as a student fan hurt even more, but failing to make the NCAA tournament for what would have been an 11th straight year is really frustrating. But, it is not all bad news. The last time UNH finished a season with a losing record, they followed it up by going 28-11 the next year. This team has a lot of young talent and I will enjoy following them as an alumni as much as I hate the thought of that. 

You know what, this weather is just to damn nice and I need to read before my next class so I'll just leave you all with this. Enjoy it out there UNH.

UNH Field Hockey Remix

Members of the UNH Field Hockey team decided to remix Asher Roth's "I Love College" with a little help from their friends.

Say what you want, but this is still 100 times better than the D-Hop Rap.

UNH Monday Meme

My pick for the UNH Meme of the week might not have the most likes or comments, but it is pretty clever. Also take note of who made it. UNH Hockey for life.

Not too shabby TvR, not too shabby.

Four Years of UNH Hockey: From Behind the Glass

Over the past four years I have attended roughly 60 UNH men's hockey games at the Whittemore Center, possibly closer to 70 or more even. I only missed a home game or two a year (only one when I was actually on campus, the others coming over breaks.) UNH hockey is a way of life in Durham and it was a big part of my college career.

From my freshmen days of filling a Coke can half full of vodka for the walk from Williamson to the Whit, arriving just a few minutes before puck drop to eventually becoming a front row fan as a senior I've seen a lot of hockey. It was a pleasure this year to help out with The Wildcat Army and I fill with joy during every "I believe" chant because that was started on my suggestion. I hope that tradition carries on because I would love to have had an impact on the UNH hockey atmosphere.

Senior Night is for the players, but as a graduating senior I couldn't help but feel slightly emotional as I stood in the student section one last time. I think it means something to all of us who have been there throughout the years. Getting to step on the ice to pick up pucks on Senior Night was truly a great experience as a UNH fan. I took a few pictures as I gathered it all in.

I've seen a lot of great games at the Whit over these last few years. The Wisconsin games were entertaining and well as the Miami-Ohio and Michigan games, but nothing compares with the two game home series against Maine last year. Thompson's last minute backhander after Nyquist missed an empty net was legendary.

The 5-5 tie against Miami-Ohio a few years back was another great one. It featured 9 second period goals (5 from UNH) and it will go down as one of the most entertaining periods I've seen. This year's game against Northeastern earlier in the season (with the power outages) was another great one. With only the student section remaining after three power outages, that game will be one to remember. I remember watching UNH's upset over North Dakota in the NCAA regional from my dorm room in Williamson. Last year's tournament upset over Miami-Ohio was another great game.

I got to see future and current pros and UNH legends such as James van Reimsdyk, Bobby Butler, Brian Foster, Blake Kessel, Phil Thompson, Phil DeSimone, Mike Sislo, Peter Leblanc and hopefully more from the current roster. Not to mention future NHL stars from the other Hockey East schools.

Going to hockey games has been amazing and I would like to thank all of the players. This has been a tough season for UNH fans, but I think the underclassmen have shown a lot of potential. I'm definitely looking forward to following this team as an alumni. To all the seniors, Tyler Scott, Kevin McCarey (whose easy button slap last night was epic) Matt Digirolamo, Damon Kipp, Stevie Moses and Mike Borisenok - thank you. I've never met you guys, but it was great seeing your careers progress these last four seasons. To all the underclassmen, best of luck in the upcoming years and make the most of it. This hasn't been our year, but I think a UNH championship is not far off.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Q&A with UNH Freshman Casey Thrush

 Casey Thrush is a freshmen forward on the UNH men's hockey team. Thrush, a native of Maryland, previously played for the Muskegon Lumberjacks (Michigan) of the USHL. Through 22 games this season Thrush has registered 9 points (2g, 7a), which is third on the team for freshmen. Thrush is also tied for the team high with a +/- rating of +7. Thrush was named Hockey East Rookie of the Week on November 21st after registering a goal and an assist in a 5-0 win over the UMass-Lowell River Hawks on November 18th. That was also his first goal of his collegiate career.

1) Why did you choose to play at UNH?
I come from an area that is not big into hockey so I wanted to come to a place that had a big fan base and passion for the game.

2) Throughout your career, what has been your most memorable hockey experience?
The most memorable would have to be the entire Frozen Fenway weekend. From the practice to the game it was all pretty unreal and it was my first time at Fenway Park.

3) Do you have any pre-game rituals?
Hockey players all have rituals. I pretty much follow the same schedule every game with warm ups, taping sticks and getting dressed at the same times and of course lining up the same way and a few handshakes.

4) Non-hockey related, what have you enjoyed the most about UNH?
I like the size [of the campus] big enough to meet a lot of new people, but also has a small feel.

5) I know you guys are focused on the game, but is there a chant you like the most?
I like when the crowd gets the wave going kinda old school its only happened twice this year so I would like to see more of that.

6) What are your goals heading into the end of the season?
Getting the highest seed in the Hockey East playoffs that we can get and give us best chance to advance to the semifinals.

7) Growing up what NHL player(s) did you admire? Who is your favorite team?
I'm a big Caps fan so I am big OV guy, but growing up I liked Markus Naslund of Vancouver he was my favorite player.

8) Zombie apocalypse. Which teammate survives the longest?
Good question, that's a tough one I like my chances if I can meet up with my brother he is a mountain man and a engineer but if it's individual thing I'd go Damon Kipp.

White Out Lundy

Wednesday night is the annual "White Out Lundy" Men's Basketball game verse Maine. UNH basketball doesn't get much attention, but this is always a nice way to show support for the team and school. As you can see above 700 t-shirts will be given away to students and if you even think about taking one and leaving before the game then you are a selfish asshole and Gnarlz will eat you. Alive.

Please try to make it out because Lundholm is not a big gym so having a large student crowd really can make a huge home court advantage. The team has had an up and down season, but by beating Vermont and losing by only two against Boston University, UNH has shown they can compete with anyone in America East. Hopefully I'll see many of you there. Wear white, be loud and show Maine that we can kick their ass in any sport.

I also wanted to take a moment to recap some stuff from over winter break. I know many people don't check the blog while we're away from school and I don't post much, so I thought I'd link up and summarize a few of the posts.

First, I wrote up a Christmas UNH wishlist to fix all of our problems. No one was safe from a bad joke or two.

We also had a freshmen show some interest in writing for the blog. I'm still working out some details with him. In short, I offered him a chance to post once a week or every couple, but he is still figuring out what exactly he is willing to do and all that.

For all you alcoholics out there, I made my own personal power hour mix because I had nothing better to do. Check it out if your interested in a fun pregame and an interesting mix of tunes and genres.

I helped the Meathouse and Redhook Brewery promote their Polar Grill Fest, but I have already ended my ticket giveaway contest. (I needed enough time to contact the winners and mail the tickets if necessary.) However, it is this Saturday and tickets are still available. It's for a great cause so check it out!

And finally, I wrote a preview of the final stretch of games for the men's hockey team. This was written before the Merrimack series so it is not completely up to date.

Regular blogging will resume tomorrow so check back and have a great semester!

Stay classy, not UMassy.

I (still) Believe

Move over "Tebowing" because "Mosesing" has arrived.

Where UNH Stands:

The UNH men's hockey has found itself in unfamiliar territory. Towards the bottom of Hockey East looking up. At the moment the team sits at 8-11-2, which puts them at eighth in Hockey East, with just 13 games remaining to be played. Eight teams qualify for the Hockey East playoffs and the winner of that tournament receives an automatic bid to the national tournament. UNH has the second longest streak in the country for consecutive national tournament appearances and that streak will most likely end unless they win the Hockey East tournament. The national tournament has 16 teams qualify and the last teams in are usually a few games over the .500 mark depending on the automatic bids. 

Out of UNH's final 13 games, the next four will see their toughest competition. This weekend UNH plays a home and home series (meaning one game at both schools) with Merrimack, who sits in 3rd in Hockey East and 7th nationally. Next weekend UNH plays another home and home, this time against Boston College who is in 2nd in Hockey East (technically tied with BU for 1st , but with one more game played) and is 4th in the national rankings. While those games will be a huge four game stretch to determine UNH's talent and mental toughness, the remaining nine games will be even more important when it comes to the seeding for the Hockey East tournament.

Of those nine games, UNH plays Providence twice (a home and home series), Vermont twice (both home) and UMass twice (both away) with single games against Northeastern (home), a third game with Merrimack (away) and finally Maine (away). Northeastern and Vermont are currently the only two teams behind UNH in Hockey East. In their previous meetings UNH has split with Northeasten (a 4-0 loss and a 5-2 win) and tied Vermont 4-4 in Burlington. Those will be three very important games that UNH desperately needs to win as the favorite, especially with all three being played at the Whit, where UNH has played better than on the road. The series with Providence will also be huge. UNH won in Providence last week 1-0, ending a 5 game losing streak (the longest in Coach Umile's tenure). Providence is a surprising 5th in Hockey East, but they could very well drop as the season comes to a close. 

The UMass series could have the single biggest impact for UNH heading into post season play. UMass sits directly above UNH in Hockey East, but the Minutemen are only ahead of UNH by a single point. In their only meeting this year UNH beat UMass 7-3 at the Whit, which was followed by a win over Maine and marked the last time UNH won consecutive games until their wins over Providence and Dartmouth these last few days. 

What Needs to Happen? 

For UNH to make a strong push heading into the Hockey East playoffs, a few things need to happen. 

• First of all, they are not in a spot to lose games they are supposed to win. They currently sit in the final playoff spot with only a point on Northeastern (with a game in hand), but are six points up on Vermont (also with a game in hand). Vermont is all but done, which makes those four points very valuable to UNH when UVM comes to Durham in February. That being said, UNH needs to play tough over the next four games, to keep their confidence up and not play down to the level of their opponents in the games that follow.
• Secondly, Stevie Moses has to stay hot. Red Hot. Parting the Red Sea Red Hot. The alternate captain has five goals in their last two games (both wins) and he needs to have the hot hand for UNH to make things interesting. Everyone knows Moses is fast, but he has developed a great shot and can beat defenders in many ways.
• However, Moses can't do it all. Players like John Henrion, Kevin Goumas and Nick Sorkin need to keep scoring as well to keep some of the attention off Moses. Those four have been solid of late, but someone else will need to step up. Freshman Grayson Downing has shown signs of his scoring touch, but upperclassmen like Greg Burke or Austin Block need to produce more consistently. Burke had a bit of a hot streak going, but has been held pointless for a few games now. 
• Casey DeSmith needs to play like a veteran. DeSmith, a true freshman, has replaced struggling senior Matt Digirolamo in net and has exceeded expectations. DeSmith needs to have ice in his veins down the stretch because with high powered teams like Merrimack and BC coming to town he can't let his confidence be hurt when UNH plays lesser opponents.
• Defense, defense, defense. It's been the ugly of the ugly for UNH all year and it is the team's number one aspect that has to improve. Junior Brett Kostolansky, who started as a freshman, is currently skating at -10. Someone with his experience needs to be more effective.
• Will another freshman please stand up? Aforementioned DeSmith and Downing have been excellent at times this year, but another freshman (or more) may need to take on a bigger role down the stretch. TvR has been very solid from the blueline (also chipping in 12 points) and is second on the team with a +7. I'm looking for players like Casey Thrush (9 points and a team high +8) or Jay Camper to have a bigger impact down the stretch. 

The season ain't over 'till the fat lady sings and with 13 conference games remaining anything can happen. I believe in UNH. And anything really can happen: 

Stay classy not UMassy... and keep believing in UNH.

Santa Gnarlz, please come to Durham!

If only UNH's problems could be solved with an extra big Santa bag...

For President Huddleston:

A couple money trees to plant around campus. As a bonus, they produce more money when drunk students pee on them! Take that Concord, you're budget cuts mean nothing now!

For Hockey coach Dick Umile:

 

Team defense: A team that plays both ways for three full periods! I'm sorry, but they have let up way too many easy goals and it's not all on the goalies. I love the team, but they need something to change going into the second half of the season.

For football coach Sean McDonnell:

Wider field goal posts! (Too soon/harsh?) Okay, okay, how about that new stadium they drew plans for years ago?

For the Whittemore Center:

Enough said.

For SCOPE:

Earmuffs! What you don't hear, won't hurt you.

For Dean of the Business School Dan Innis:

Acela Train tickets! No more slumming it like the rest of us! (Probably one person gets this...)

For the new business school:

The indoor waterfall from Trump Plaza. You only deserve the best! 

For Hamilton-Smith and Nesmith Hall:

Even Santa doesn't care about you.

Basketball coach Bill Herrion:

Okay, maybe not the Ray Allen, but someone who can hit a free throw now and again would be nice.

For the dining halls:

Salt shakers on every table! Imagine the possibilities!

For ATO brothers:

Also a hammer and nails. Maybe they can borrow some duct tape from Ham-Smith too...

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and have a great New Years,

from The New Hampshirite. Stay classy, not UMassy.

BU's New Theme Song

So if you haven't heard by now, a few days ago a BU professor was busted for running a meth lab. Real life Breaking Bad shit right here. UNH hockey takes on BU in this year's Blue Out game at the Whit tonight, so I'm expected a few one liners and signs about meth. You know, because we're classy like that.

UNH is desperate for a win right now. The team has obviously struggled this year and they really need some momentum to build off heading into winter break. BU has had our number this year so a win would be huge. It's a Thursday so start you're thirstiness early and I'll see you at the bars after the game. Hopefully drinking in celebration and not in misery.

Videos For the Weekend

One a.m. quiet hours in the Gables and Woodsides again? Check.

Secured hockey tickets from a secret source (cough UNH player cough)? Check.

Lastly, in the latest Main Street Magazine @PrezHuddleston claimed he has as much influence as me without ever having to write more than two sentences. I like @PrezHuddleston, I like his style and I like his messages. But let's be serious for a second: Coming up with the term "Hallowcoming" or being responsible for restoring apartment quiet hours? I'm not trying to start anything, just stating facts. 

I plan on beating the quiet hours thing to death. It is my greatest accomplishment since I've been at UNH. National History Honors Society? Pah, that's nothing compared to this.

Have a great weekend. It's homecoming part II. See you at the hockey games, bars, tailgate, football game and parties. And if you find yourself at the Gables or Woodsides raging past midnight, you're welcome. I did it all for you.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Hallowcoming: In Review

Well that was one quite interesting weekend to say the least. Two awesome hockey games, one great football (although I never did leave the tailgate area... whoops) reuniting with old friends, awesome costumes and parties and helluva lot of alcohol. (Helluva. See what I did there?)

In preparation for the weekend I purchased some moonshine. I really don't feel I need to elaborate on that statement. Moonshine. Use your imagination.

Anyways, it was awesome to see the hockey team rebound with two awesome wins. I tweeted this the other night, but, I have been going to UNH games since 1999 (all hail Jason Krog, Ty Conklin and Darren Haydar) and the Northeastern game will go down as one of the most memorable games I've ever attended. It will be up there with the first game I attended, a 9-4 trouncing of Providence featuring a multi-goal game from Hobey Baker winner Jason Krog, the 5-5 tie against Miami a few years ago that featured a 9 goal second period and last year's Maine game where Paul Thompson netted the winner with 17 seconds left after Maine's Gustav Nyquist dodged a diving DiGi and missed an empty net.

 The other night wasn't a super close game, a big upset or a last second thriller, but everything that happened made it one to remember. UNH jumps out, the crowd - although it was smaller than usual- was loud and then Northeastern made it interesting. It was 3-2 with about 18 minutes left when the lights went out in the Whit for a third time. Most of the crowd left, but the majority of the student section remained. After 47 minutes of delays (which was 15 minutes longer than how fast the Maine tickets sold out today) the game resumed. The only thing was Northeastern never showed up after the power resumed and UNH netted three more goals to finish the game off with a 5-2 win. Being in the student section for that game was a great experience and it was nice to see so many students stay. I know (via twitter) the players really appreciate it and they were also excited to see how fast tickets went for next weekend. Hopefully next weekend will feature some great games too... oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention the huge 2-1 upset of Union the night before for the first win of the year.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

A Message to UNH Hockey Fans

This is my TNH column for the week. It basically expands on what I said last week, but I wanted it to get a bigger audience.

Despite what you may think, I do not always write about partying, barhopping, and being generally awkward. This is college and college life is so much more than those things, especially here at UNH.

For example, there is also hockey. If you are an ill-advised freshman or an upperclassmen who has been living in a box during your time in Durham, hockey is a major part of UNH culture. Our fans live, breathe and die Wildcat hockey.

Friday and Saturday afternoon activities in the fall and winter consist of body painting and sign making. I grew up about a half hour drive from campus, and ever since I attended my first game as a 9-year-old, I looked forward to the day I could stand in the student section.

For the past three seasons, I have only missed a handful of home games and some of my favorite memories of my time at UNH relate to hockey games. If you do not get that excited feeling in your stomach this time of year or irresistibly smile every Monday morning when you pick up your student ticket, you are not a true UNH hockey fan.

UNH hockey fans are our own breed. We are proud of our school, our team and our classmates who make up the team. We may not know the players on a personal level, but you would never know that by the way we support them through good times and bad.

While every student has the right to get tickets and stand in the student section, UNH games are for the most dedicated students. There is a reason why the student section sells out, usually as well as the rest of the arena, for every game. UNH hockey games are for those true UNH hockey fans, not just the students who show up to games just because it is the thing to do.

The season is underway and so far things have been shaky for the team on the ice. They lost a lot last year, but they also return many key players and will be looking for younger players to step up. For the dedicated fans, the slow start has not been too much of a surprise, but we fully expect the team to improve throughout the season and transform into a true contender.

Have faith, because we have Wildcat blood running through out veins and the season is still very young.

Those of you who attended Saturday night's game against Boston College probably noticed a few changes among the crowd.

Namely, the super-fans who have led the student section for years have moved on and passed the cowbell down to current students. This has given us a great opportunity to create new traditions as well as carrying on the old classic ones that make the Whittemore Center one of the best college hockey arenas in the country.

The Wildcat Army, the name the new student leaders have taken up, has brainstormed new cheers, chants and songs. They can be found on Facebook and Twitter by searching their name if you want to learn more. Flyers and cheer sheets are in the process of being made.

Nothing annoys me more, apart from terrible refereeing (cough Hanson brothers), than students who show up to games and don't participate in the cheers. Or even worse, they mock their fellow students who work hard to make the Whitt the intimidating arena that it is. The irony of a kid wearing a "we are the 6th man" t-shirt leaving the game halfway through the third period kills me.

It may take a few more home games for the crowd to return to its normal rowdiness because of the transition, but we believe that this is for the better and will help current students create a better bond with the team. While hockey is, always has been and probably always will be UNH's top sport, we shouldn't forget about our other student athletes who wear Wildcat colors.

While schoolwork may take priority over some games, it is important to try and show your Wildcat pride for all the different sports. Football, both soccer teams, volleyball and field hockey all have a handful of home games left and the basketball and winter sports season is just around the corner. Try to make it to a few of those games to show your Wildcat pride, because college is the last chance you have to really have a connection with the athletes you cheer for.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Hungover Hockey Thoughts: A PSA to the fans

I haven't got out of bed yet, but here are some very quick thoughts on the hockey team so far. They are obviously off to a slow start, but I have no fear. We have a very young team and it is going to take some time for them to all get on the same page. That being said, I expect nothing to change for the home opener. In fact, I think we need to be louder and rowdier. Top ranked BC is coming off a 4-2 loss to number 3 Denver and UNH is in dire need of a win; or a goal for that matter.  We need to get the Whitt rocking tonight and show the team that we still fully support them. We have the best home crowd in the country and let us prove that again tonight.


The superfans of old have moved on and it is now time for the students, and The Wildcat Army to take over. We have a few new cheers ready to unleash. One of the biggest things is that we are looking to keep the student section noisy without too many silent pauses. Hockey games are for the hockey fans, not students who just show up because it is the thing to do. Participate in all the chants and wear white.

Here is an Adobe link for some of the new cheers and for the old one's check out my Hockey Chant tab at the top of the blog.

Gorgeous.

Oh yeah, The Dude hates the Eagles too. Fuck 'em up, fuck 'em up, BC sucks!

Stay classy, not UMassy.

I Got the Hockey Bug

Over the last few days I have gotten the hockey bug. I cannot wait for the season to begin. I have been in close contact with the students who are forming "The Wildcat Army" and will be replacing the superfans this year. Let me just say that we have some awesome things in store and as the season approaches I'll have many more details, including new chants and traditions. It's going to be an awesome season and our main goal is to get the Whit louder than ever and make opponents tremble. Take a look at this gem from the old Snivley Area (what is now the rec center):

If that doesn't get you pumped then I don't know what will.

10 Questions with UNH hockey player Justin Agosta

1. Why did you choose UNH? Since I was young I knew I always wanted to play in Hockey East and with how reputable UNH is as a hockey program it felt like a perfect fit... When I came on my visit it was white out the whit and that made it a very easy decision as well.. I committed the next morning.
2. Do you have any pre-game rituals or any teammates that have strange rituals? I am very superstitious so at the start of every season I'll do some random things and then when I have a good game I'll continue to do it.
3. What’s been your best hockey moment throughout your career? Even though it didn't happen yet, Fenway vs Maine will probably be the best moment of my career.
4. Who do you see as having a breakout year at UNH? Any freshmen you think could step in and make an impact this year? I think any of our forwards can have a break out year.. I think Burke will have the best chance at having a breakout year.. he was pretty unlucky last year with getting mono and then having some shoulder problems. I also think Nick Sorkin will have a big year.
5. What’s the best part about being a hockey player at UNH? The best part is with no question our fans. Everyone knows UNH is one of the most exciting places to play and thats because of the fans.
6. What’s your favorite non-hockey aspect at UNH? Spring time is awesome here.
7. If the student section were to hold up an “Easy button” after goals, do you think players would hit it? Hahah.. I'm sure someone would do it. I would like to see that.
8. What music is playing in the locker room before a game? Is there a team DJ? All types of music is playing... I'll have my headphones in most likely.
9.  This came from another fan, describe one teammate as a fruit or vegetable. Who, what and why? Hah, this is probably the hardest one on here.. have to compare Knodel to cauliflower.. kids whiter then casper.. can't come up with anything else.
10. Over the summer UNH strength and conditioning director Paul Chapman did the “Slapshot Challenge” at JP’s. What teammate do you think would have the best shot at beating the challenge? If Blake Kessel was still here he would probably beat Chappy.

Cat Crew Knows What's Up

One of my friends who was accepted into the Cat Crew for next year texted me this picture from their marketing manuel:

Although I got to say, what's up with "one of the most popular bloggers representing the UNH campus?" Is there someone else I don't know about because I'm pretty sure I'm the top dog when it comes to UNH blogging. I'm not being cocky here, but seriously, is there? Either way, you got to love the Cat Crew, they always provide laughs between hockey periods and basketball timeouts. Maybe next year I can help them advertise for some promotions... I'm thinking a best sign at a hockey or basketball game contest? Cat Crew, aka the kids I know in it or Gnarlz, I'll be in touch next semester.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Reader Email: Lobster Explained

Whatup New Hampshirite??

My names (blank) and I'm one of the fish guys. I was the one that threw the much talked about lobster at the game on Sunday night, and I thought I should offer an explanation. The fish market that usually donates the fish to us was closed on sunday, and as the game approached we were scrambling to find a fish to throw. We literally called 20 different grocery stores and fish markets around both Durham and Manchester to no avail, so we had to go to Hannafords at 630 and grab the next best thing, a lobster. Not our choice, but the best we could do. You should have seen the guys at the Verizon center when they searched our bag and found a lobster...never have i seen so many people be so confused; we had to wait at the entrance for 15 minutes while they made sure we were okay to bring the lobster in, we had a crowd of verizon center management around us and it was hilarious. That is hopefully the last time we throw a lobster, and I guarantee that for the first game next year youll see us at the whit with a big, smelly fish like usual.

staying classy and DEFINITELY not umassy-

Ask and you shall receive. Not everything always goes to plan, but I'm glad to hear the real explanation about that mystery lobster. UNH's season is over and it is time to move on. Looking forward to big, smelly fish next season. Wildcat Blood.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Sometimes the Truth Hurts

I love UNH hockey with all my heart, mind and soul. For the past three seasons I have attended nearly every home game and I've made trips to Manchester and Boston to watch others. I still remember the first game I attended as a nine-year-old, when Jason Krog netted a few points in a 9-4 win over Providence. I remember the pain of the 1999 loss to Maine in the National Championship and again in 2003 to Minnesota. I remember screaming and running up and down the halls of Williamson when they tied North Dakota with less than a second left. I will always remember those games, just as I will remember the games this past weekend. The win over Miami-Ohio was as exhilarating as they come and the loss to Notre Dame hurt as bad as any other since I first watched the blue and white take the ice in the late 1990s.

Sunday night's performance against Notre Dame is a tough one to swallow. After UNH looked so good against arguably the hottest team in the country in Miami-Ohio, the team just did not seem to have the same fire in the second game. Every year it has been the same story. Early season promise, breakout players, great regular seasons followed by an early playoff exit. I love UNH hockey, but the truth hurts. I know I am not alone.

Following Sunday night's collapse, my Facebook, Twitter and text message inbox was full of similar reactions. Here are just a select few: "I hate reruns;" "Such is the life of a UNH hockey fan;" "UNH loses in disappointing fashion in March? Haven't we watched this episode before?" "They looked unmotivated until it was too late. Where was the team that shut down Miami?" "Can't believe UNH couldn't win a big game ... oh wait, yes I can." "Damn. UNH, can we win an important game for once?" "And the post season Umiliation of UNH hockey continues." "Still the University of No Hardware." "Now can we fire Umile? Please?" "$380,000 for what? Another early exit?"

Just like when every season ends, fans instantly brought up coach Umile's playoff history. I'll be the first to admit it is obviously not pretty. Let's face it, he has done a fantastic job, always fielding a highly competitive team. We rarely hear of UNH players having off-the-ice issues, and players develop extremely well during their UNH career. Recently, Bobby Butler and Paul Thompson are perfect examples of student athletes who have improved on and off the ice under Umile's watchful eye. But the truth hurts. UNH still has yet to win a national championship and like former Jets' coach Herm Edwards famously ranted, "You play to win the game." I mean no disrespect to coach Umile or the players, but facts are facts. For UNH to truly be considered a college hockey powerhouse, we need a national title.

Fans looked for other things to blame following the game. Many pointed out the fact that a lobster was thrown and not a fish. As soon as I saw the lobster I thought it might have been a bad omen. The fish is tradition; you cannot change tradition, especially with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line! At times the team looked flat, unmotivated and deflated up until the late goal. What else is there to say? That was a hell of a season that provided hours of entertainment for UNH fans, and although it ended with a sour taste in our mouths, I cannot help but still feel proud for this team and especially the senior class. Entering the season no one really knew what to expect. We had lost our leading scorer and had a virtually untested goalie. For most of the season, the team came up big and up and down the lineup, with different players of each class stepping up when the team needed them. It didn't end the way we wanted because "most of the time" is not the same as "always."

Looking back on the entire season, I think we can all say it was one of the most entertaining seasons in a long time. Maybe that's why this loss hurt so badly. I cannot end this without thanking our senior class. For the last four years Greg Manz, Mike Beck, Phil DeSimone, Paul Thompson, Matt Campanale, and Mike Sislo represented UNH extremely professionally on and off the ice. Thank you for the memories and best of luck with your future careers. I don't know any of them personally, but I'm proud to call them my fellow students.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Hockey East Season Recap

Back in late September I wrote a post previewing this year's men's hockey team and I briefly touched on Hockey East as well. I made the following predictions for the final Hockey East standings:

     My Predictions:              Actual Results:

1. BC                                   1. BC 
2. UNH                                 2. UNH
3. Maine                               3. BU
4. Merrimack                        4. Merrimack
5. BU                                   5. Maine
6. Vermont                           6. Northeastern
7. Northeastern                     7. Vermont
8. UMass                             8. UMass
9. UMass Lowell                   9. Providence
10. Providence                       10. UMass Lowell

Now, I'm not one to brag, but those are pretty accurate predictions. I was right or within one spot for every team except for the BU/Maine flip at 3 and 5 and in all fairness a lot of people thought Maine would finish even higher.  I nailed Merrimack's break out season, but I must admit BU really surprised me. They came out hot and then cooled off, but they got very solid play from their underclassmen.

UNH will host Vermont in the first round for the second season in a row. Hopefully we'll have better success this time around. UNH will be a bubble team to make the NCAA tournament if they get upset this year. That would be the ultimate letdown after they showed so much promise midseason. (Why do I feel like I've heard that before... oh.. right...)

Well, we are in the midst of midterm week, but only a few days until spring break. I hope everyone who can stay on campus will be around for the games this weekend. Every year there is a huge drop off in attendance when UNH hosts the first round because so many students leave and season ticket holders aren't required to buy playoff tickets. Hopefully the crowd will be decent enough to give UNH a home ice advantage because with the way they ended the season they could need all the help they can get. Hate to sound like this, I love the team, but we all know the history. Wildcat Blood.

Stay classy, not UMassy.

Photo and Caption Contest

First off, I proclaim that no matter how old you are, snow days are still the greatest thing in the world. Sorry to everyone who had to go to their morning classes, but my classes don't start until noon on Friday so I was pretty pumped at the timing of the curtailed operations. I have a feeling tonight's student section might be a little rowdier than usual due to students celebrating the day off. I expect a loud crowd tonight, I don't want any of that bullshit that went on in UConn's student paper where the editors asked students to not be so loud and rude at games. The crowd is a huge part of what makes college sports so awesome and UNH is known for having one of the best hockey crowds in the country. Let's give Northeastern a good ole' UNH welcome tonight. The Huskies have been playing well lately, so I expect a great game. UNH is neck and neck with BC and Merrimack at the top of Hockey East so these last four games are crucial. I heard there will be thunder sticks again tonight.

Photo and Caption Contest. Pick the grosser or more bizarre food combo and throw in a caption while your at it:

This is food my friend made last night:

That is banana, butter and maple syrup on white bread.

This is a food concoction one of my roommates ate last semester:

That is apple-dapples (Apple Jack ripoff) with pasta, sauce and whip cream... and coffee.

Stay classy, not UMassy.