UNH Women's Hockey

Cunningham Report - Sweeeep!

Hi Friends!
What a weekend!
 
Wisconsin leaves for home without a W.  
A great way to start the Holiday Season! Two exciting two-way hockey games, and we ended up with both W's!  I thought going into the 2 game series against the Badgers, considering the accomplishments they brought with them to Durham, that I would be ready to brag about a split. Then our 'Cats won the first game. Suddenly a split seemed a little more like a compromise, and who wants that? Two wins against Wisconsin became very do-able, and I raised my bar of expectations. Game two: Wisco got whistled for a penalty in the opening minutes. I was happy - why not be? I often sit with a fan  who has been a part of UNH hockey since before I arrived in 1978. He didn't see a first shift PP as a good way to start the game. "They're not ready" he said. "If they don't capitalize, Wisconsin gets a boost". NOT to WORRY! Martine Garland played her low point beautifully, and when she got the pass through the slot she had enough time to pick a spot and bury the puck. So much for that theory! Martine's goal was enough to keep the 'Cats in the lead until the third period when Wisconsin finally got on the board. Minutes later, Sam Faber hit Martine with a diagonal back pass, and our Senior Captain buried the game winner!  Congrats to our Wildcats on two playoff caliber performances against the reigning NCAA Champions! 
 
It's Getting Loud in Here!
Thanks to all of you for your attendance this weekend. For the first time since the Whit opened, we topped 1,000 fans two days in a row! The crowd was spirited,  the hockey was inspired, and hopefully a few newcomers were converted. Keep up the great work spreading the word about this special team.
 
Tag, We're it (again)
After a week away from the top, UNH has regained the lead in the National polls. Wisconsin is at number 2/3, and Mercyhurst, having only earned one point out of four against Clarkson this weekend, has dropped out of the top 5. St. Lawrence and Minnesota-Duluth are number three and four respectively. The Harvard (#5) - Clarkson (#10) matchup this Friday is looking like it might be a good game! It's exciting to see so many different teams working their way into the mix - never a dull moment!
 
Hitchcock, Hitchcock, Hitchcock
Senior Assistant Captain Jen Hitchcock set up three of the weekend's four goals, an effort that got her recognized by Hockey East as a Top Performer. For the third week in a row the TPS Player of the Week is from UNH, as Martine Garland takes over the honor from last week's winner, Sam Faber. Martine was also recognized as USCHO Defensive Player of the Week! Netminder Kaley Herman garnered Rookie of the Week honors for the second time thus far. Great job 'Cats!
 
Bionic Bellamy
Friends of UNH Women's hockey hosted the innaugural Coach's Blue and White Luncheon prior to the first game against the Badgers on Saturday. I confess - I thought Coach McCloskey would be high-strung prior to such a big series. Wrong again! Coach Mac was the consummate host. He spoke to the challenges, rewards, and differences, of coaching men versus women. He brought us through his development from Assistant Men's team coach to Head Women's coach. He credits a lot of his success in bridging the gender gap to Associate Head Coach Erin Hamlen and Assistant Coach Steph Jones, who are instrumental in many facets of the team's development and success.  He spoke openly about the season thus far, and his vision for the future, with humor and insight. The best news of the day came toward the end of the gathering, when one of the members in attendance asked Coach Mac how long he thought Kacey Bellamy might be out with the shoulder injury she sustained at the 4 Nations Tournament last week. In an award caliber deadpan, he replied, "Until 5:00 tonight."  Thanks to Coach McCloskey for an entertaining afternoon!
 
Audio and Video Links
Thanks again to Phil Kincade for bringing us the game reacaps from the perspective of Coach McCloskey, Martine Garland, Jen Hitchcock, Leah Craig, Kacey Bellamy, and Rookie Defender Julia Marty, whose first career goal was the game winner on Saturday. Follow the links below to hear their impressions of the weekend series.
 
Already?
As I write this, the snow is falling gently, and we are all looking forward to a short week as we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving. It seems like just last week I was in the garden picking tomatoes and peppers! On behalf of Friends of UNH Women's Hockey, I'd like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing day, and look forward to seeing you all back at the Whit this Saturday and Sunday for two 1 pm games against Niagara. The Purple Eagles bring a 6 - 2 - 2 record to Durham, and a history of playing tough games against our 'Cats. After last weekend, it should be pretty easy to convince your friends, neighbors, and family that a trip to the Whit to see this UNH Women's Hockey team play is well worth it. Let's make 1000+ fans the norm!
 
You are receiving this e-mail because you are in the Friends of UNH Women's Hockey database as a current or former member. If you have recently renewed, thanks again. If you want to renew, you may do so at any Women's home game at the Merchandise booth at the Whit. I will be sending e-mails periodically to notify Friends of upcoming events such as Post-game receptions and autograph sessions. If you do not wish to be on this e-mail list or would like to update your contact information, please e-mail me and I will take the appropriate action. If you know of someone who would like to become a member, please refer them to me by e-mail, or to the Merchandise booth at a Women's home game. Thanks, and as always, GO BLUE!
Have a happy day!
 
Deb Cunningham
Membership Coordinator
Friends of UNH Women's Hockey
  

Join the Friends

UNH Women's Hockey