Cunningham Report: So Many Games
Hi Friends!
Sorry to have missed you all last week. No real excuses, but I did watch a lot of hockey!
Outshot in the Shootout
After a rough start on the road against the U Conn Huskies, UNH battled back from a two goal deficit midway through the third period to end their second league game in a tie. Following a scoreless overtime, the path was cleared for the second shootout in as many HE games for the Wildcats. Again, the opening three round act did not determine a winner, and the sudden death came at the fifth round. U Conn had opted to shoot first, and their fifth shooter, Monique Weber, was able to get a puck past Kaley Herman. Courtney Birchard, who had shootout success in the U-22's just months ago, had the daunting task in this score or go home situation.
Home Again
With a hard road game behind them, our 'Cats faced a tough Clarkson squad. Clarkson very narrowly missed a spot in the NCAA quarters last years, and has been on the cusp of joining the top 10 list this season. Jenn Wakefield put UNH up by 1 in the first, and was followed exactly a minute later by Sam Faber, who got the eventual game winner on a penalty shot. Clarkson made it interesting, scoring early in the third, but UNH held the lead for the 2 – 1 win.
Nipped By the Terriers
Although until last Thursday, UNH had never lost to Boston University, there have been more than a few games against the Terriers in recent years that could have gone their way instead of ours. This Thursday, BU played to win, taking a two-goal lead into the locker room after twenty minutes of play. Things looked better for the Wildcats and fans when they tied the game on two unanswered goals in the second, but BU was able to disrupt UNH's flow, and capitalized on a power play to take the lead for good. It's not a lot of fun to lose, but seeing Hockey East get stronger every year, and watching every game become more competitive, should make everyone happy. Fans are treated to exciting games, and teams that have been able to win easily need to bring their "A": game to every outing. I bumped into BU forward, sophomore Jillian Kirchner, at another game Friday night, where I congratulated her on the team's big win. "Are you guys mad at us?" she asked. I had to laugh for a few different reasons, because adversity in October can only make us stronger in March!
Guess Who I Saw!
I was away for the weekend, and although I didn't get to see the UNH – Yale game, I did see a lot of hockey, and a lot of former 'Cats. I joined some visiting friends in Concord, MA, to watch a few of the top U-19 teams in the country at the Assabet Tournament. Colette Bredin and Melissa Bourdon were there in a working capacity, as was 2008 graduate, Assistant Captain Nicole Goguen, recruiting for Plattsburg. She looks great, is working on her Master's, and thinks she may have caught the coaching bug! It's always fun to see our 'Cats using their knowledge and experience to make the game and players better.
Just WOW!
If you have any doubts about where the women's game is going, check out one of the bigger U-19 / U-16 tournaments. There is some incredible talent in the girl's game. Future D-1 and D-3, and current USA U-18 players are scattered on nearly every team. Some have given verbal commitments to their school of choice; others are just looking forward to getting their driver's licenses. All are incredibly talented athletes who will continue to raise the bar in Women's Hockey. The future is WOW!
And She Scores!
UNH had a day of rest before facing a team that hasn't been on the schedule in years, the Yale Bulldogs. With a short bench, UNH has had to rely more heavily on the entire roster. The line of Sisk, Allen, and Cuthbert had been silent on the scoresheet, but on Saturday, Shannon Sisk notched her first goal of the year, while Rookie Julie Allen picked up two assists in a 5 – 3 win at the Whitt. Great job ladies!
That Was SO Last Thursday!
A week after facing the Terriers at Walter Brown Arena, UNH has a chance to avenge their first regulation loss in Hockey East since November 2006. BU travels to the Whitt for a rematch at 7pm Thursday, October 30. Make plans to get to the Whitt and support your UNH Wildcats! I hope to see you all there!
Deb
Outshot in the Shootout
After a rough start on the road against the U Conn Huskies, UNH battled back from a two goal deficit midway through the third period to end their second league game in a tie. Following a scoreless overtime, the path was cleared for the second shootout in as many HE games for the Wildcats. Again, the opening three round act did not determine a winner, and the sudden death came at the fifth round. U Conn had opted to shoot first, and their fifth shooter, Monique Weber, was able to get a puck past Kaley Herman. Courtney Birchard, who had shootout success in the U-22's just months ago, had the daunting task in this score or go home situation.
Home Again
With a hard road game behind them, our 'Cats faced a tough Clarkson squad. Clarkson very narrowly missed a spot in the NCAA quarters last years, and has been on the cusp of joining the top 10 list this season. Jenn Wakefield put UNH up by 1 in the first, and was followed exactly a minute later by Sam Faber, who got the eventual game winner on a penalty shot. Clarkson made it interesting, scoring early in the third, but UNH held the lead for the 2 – 1 win.
Nipped By the Terriers
Although until last Thursday, UNH had never lost to Boston University, there have been more than a few games against the Terriers in recent years that could have gone their way instead of ours. This Thursday, BU played to win, taking a two-goal lead into the locker room after twenty minutes of play. Things looked better for the Wildcats and fans when they tied the game on two unanswered goals in the second, but BU was able to disrupt UNH's flow, and capitalized on a power play to take the lead for good. It's not a lot of fun to lose, but seeing Hockey East get stronger every year, and watching every game become more competitive, should make everyone happy. Fans are treated to exciting games, and teams that have been able to win easily need to bring their "A": game to every outing. I bumped into BU forward, sophomore Jillian Kirchner, at another game Friday night, where I congratulated her on the team's big win. "Are you guys mad at us?" she asked. I had to laugh for a few different reasons, because adversity in October can only make us stronger in March!
Guess Who I Saw!
I was away for the weekend, and although I didn't get to see the UNH – Yale game, I did see a lot of hockey, and a lot of former 'Cats. I joined some visiting friends in Concord, MA, to watch a few of the top U-19 teams in the country at the Assabet Tournament. Colette Bredin and Melissa Bourdon were there in a working capacity, as was 2008 graduate, Assistant Captain Nicole Goguen, recruiting for Plattsburg. She looks great, is working on her Master's, and thinks she may have caught the coaching bug! It's always fun to see our 'Cats using their knowledge and experience to make the game and players better.
Just WOW!
If you have any doubts about where the women's game is going, check out one of the bigger U-19 / U-16 tournaments. There is some incredible talent in the girl's game. Future D-1 and D-3, and current USA U-18 players are scattered on nearly every team. Some have given verbal commitments to their school of choice; others are just looking forward to getting their driver's licenses. All are incredibly talented athletes who will continue to raise the bar in Women's Hockey. The future is WOW!
And She Scores!
UNH had a day of rest before facing a team that hasn't been on the schedule in years, the Yale Bulldogs. With a short bench, UNH has had to rely more heavily on the entire roster. The line of Sisk, Allen, and Cuthbert had been silent on the scoresheet, but on Saturday, Shannon Sisk notched her first goal of the year, while Rookie Julie Allen picked up two assists in a 5 – 3 win at the Whitt. Great job ladies!
That Was SO Last Thursday!
A week after facing the Terriers at Walter Brown Arena, UNH has a chance to avenge their first regulation loss in Hockey East since November 2006. BU travels to the Whitt for a rematch at 7pm Thursday, October 30. Make plans to get to the Whitt and support your UNH Wildcats! I hope to see you all there!
Deb