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University of "Not again" Hockey Wrap Up

Wow, it's been more than a month since my last post. After UNH fell out of the NCAA tournament, it took me this long to recover.

Right. Unfortunately it has become a comfortable reality here in NH to expect losing in the first round after winning the regular season. So really, it didn't take very long to get over. There was some residual sting however after watching Boston College take the cake though. Ok, less “sting” more “slap in the face.”

But, like I said, I'm over it. Honestly.

Speaking of UNH hockey, the Wildcats finished off their season officially with their end of the year banquet where they eat well, hand out awards and announce the captain for next year. After a break out year for former UNH captain Bobby Butler (who signed with the Ottawa Senators soon after the NCAA exit), next year the Wildcats will boast the leadership of Superior, Wisconsin's finest, Mike Sislo. Also, Matt Campanale was named the Alternative captain for the Wildcats and both will be seniors next year.

Sislo was an easy choice and was to be expected. His sophomore year he garnered the most goals on the team at 19. While he played on a ridiculous line with James van Riemsdyk and Phil DeSimone that year, helping him out with those 19 goals, he also contributed this season with 29 points (14 goals, 15 assists) with 2 short handed goals and four on the power play.

Sislo's going to be joined with a strong senior class and sturdy underclassmen. While Butler will graduate this year, his two linemates DeSimone and Paul Thompson will return to the ice. Looking at the underclassmen, there are a lot of names that make the paper all the time-- Dalton Speelman, Mike Borisenok, Greg Burke, Blake Kessel—all of whom remain juniors or below. Not much to scoff that there.

Along with Butler, three other seniors will be graduating including former alternative captain Pete LeBlanc, defenseman Nick Krates, and the ever important position, goaltender Brian Foster. Foster who has been the primary goalie for the Wildcats for two full seasons will be replaced with Matt Di Girolamo—a junior who will have big skates to fill.

This seems rather familiar though, as Brian Foster, a rather unknown player stepped up to meet the media after Kevin Regan hung up his UNH jersey two years ago. And he certainly made the best of his two years, starting in 38 of 39 games and ranking first in Hockey East in saves (1,128), minutes (2,297:10) and wins (17). Foster also made some school history with 1,128 saves this season-- second behind All-American Mike Ayers (1,139 - 2002-03) on UNH's single season saves list.

Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the two goaltenders is the disposition of each. While Foster seemed to be calm and cool at any point during the season, according to Sislo, who said this with a smile on his face, Di Girolamo can tend to have a temper at times, which might make for an entertaining show. Fire on ice is always a good time.

But back to the banquet. Here's a list of the award recipients in all their glory. Check it out at unhwildcats.com for full descriptions of each award too.

Awards

Roger A. LeClerg Trophy (MVP)
Bobby Butler Sr. Forward

2010-11 Captains
Capt. Mike Sislo Jr. Forward
Alt. Matt Campanale Jr. Defense

Most Improved Player Award
Paul Thompson Jr. Forward

Ted Karmeris Fan Favorite Award
Bobby Butler Sr. Forward

Warren R. Brown Memorial Trophy
Mike Borisenok So. Forward
(Best Defensive Forward)

Guy Smith Award
Bobby Butler Sr. Forward

Sid Knight Award (Best GPA)
Greg Manz Jr. Forward

Robert A. Kullen (Unsung Hero)
Brian Foster Sr. Goaltender

Charles E. Holt Coaches Award
Peter LeBlanc Sr. Forward

Rod Langway Best Defenseman Award
Blake Kessel So. Defenseman

SCO Nate Hardy Ironman Award
Brian Foster Sr. Goaltender

Snively Citizenship and Service Award
Bobby Butler Sr. Forward

Terry Morton Most Worthy Opponent
Gustav Nyquist So. Forward (Maine)


P.S. Gustav Nyquist is ridiculous if you haven't caught on by now.


Well, I was going to post some stuff about the NHL playoffs, but I feel like 685 words and counting is good enough for now. Look for a post in the near future.

Let's just sum it all up with one word for now: wowzers.

Now that I have left you all with a cliffhanger, and you are waiting with bated breath, (and I am now close to 750 words), check back soon. I promise 30 days won't stand between me and this blog again—after all UNH is out for a couple of months.

Thanks for reading!

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