UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

[puckskillz]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Zoofer I agree. It is really fun to watch these girls play a more aggressive offensive style now. The combination of opening things up and their tenacity is making this an exciting and much more competitive team. They have doubled their time in the offensive zone vs the first half of the year and they are starting to generate quality scoring chances vs just rebounds and power play goals. As they get more reps offensively the quick passes and give/gos will start happening more frequently and they'll be be ready and finishing more of those close calls. The defense is also doing a much better job of moving the puck quickly and their break out efficiency has improved dramatically. The seniors have really stepped and the team itself just seems like they are having a lot more fun right right now. They will need to tighten up defensively however and all five players on the ice will need do a better job of not getting beat 1:1, tying up sticks, and blocking shots. Those type of breakdowns kept things interesting this weekend but they are simple fundamentals and the girls know how to fix these things. They are also getting consistent goaltending right now so they really look poised to compete with any team they meet over the next three weeks. Go CATS!

 

[whoop87]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

The Cats are playing some pretty good hockey right now and seem to be peaking just in time for the playoffs.

Congrats to Chappy on an excellent game down at Providence...and to Farris for picking up a key goal in the tie at home.

And a big shout out to Alexis for another stellar weekend on D. She just got named Co-Rookie of the Week for her 2nd time this season.

http://unhwildcats.com/sports/wice/2012-13/releases/20130218h0bp2w

 

[Hux]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Offensively they are getting pucks to the net (though accuracy was a bit of an issue yesterday) and are playing pretty gritty. However, they have been a bit complacent in the D zone, turning over the puck with sloppy passing, and not winning battles for pucks.

Yesterday two of the Friars' goals scored were the result of blown coverage, with bodies left uncovered. In one case there were four white shirts within two stick lengths of the puck along the boards. If I recall there were two Providence players along the boards....thus three other black shirts left free to roam...and score. At any level above mite that is unacceptable. Tighter D zone coverage and that is a 3-1 W and two points in the books.

 

[whoop87]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Agreed Hux - I saw the blown D zone coverage but overall the breakout has been better, the passes are clicking better, the offense is really taking shape, and Gilly has been a rock in net. I'm not saying bring on the Gophers just yet ... there is still progress to be made heading into the final week of the regular season but I like the way they are playing.

 

[DC78-82]

Re: Saturday Feb 9 at BU CANCELLED

Re: Saturday Feb 9 at BU CANCELLED

Offensively they are getting pucks to the net (though accuracy was a bit of an issue yesterday) and are playing pretty gritty. However, they have been a bit complacent in the D zone, turning over the puck with sloppy passing, and not winning battles for pucks.

It is a much more exciting team to watch offensively, Army and Ti are really bringing it down the home stretch, and goals from less usual players, like Mork, who had a goal in each Providence game, and Farris, who gets little ice, but made it work Sunday. The O'Neill / Carlson / Hitchcock line was relatively quiet this weekend, but if they play the offensive game they're capable of, we are poised for success.

Need to strike early on Babcock Street tomorrow. I would really enjoy seeing the BU team that I saw play on the first two Tuesdays of February

Yesterday two of the Friars' goals scored were the result of blown coverage, with bodies left uncovered. In one case there were four white shirts within two stick lengths of the puck along the boards. If I recall there were two Providence players along the boards....thus three other black shirts left free to roam...and score. At any level above mite that is unacceptable. Tighter D zone coverage and that is a 3-1 W and two points in the books.

Agreed Hux - I saw the blown D zone coverage but overall the breakout has been better, the passes are clicking better, the offense is really taking shape, and Gilly has been a rock in net. I'm not saying bring on the Gophers just yet ... there is still progress to be made heading into the final week of the regular season but I like the way they are playing.

Agree. When the opposition has control low in our D zone, it doesn't always look like the 'Cats are communicating effectively, and the result is that Gilly has been left to fend for herself a few times, but when they gain control of the puck, they are moving it well to create advantages.

 

[zoofer]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

To be nostalgic is not my intent but how do you thank and show gratitude to the 7 seniors who will be finishing up their athletic careers this weekend? All they chose to do was come to a university that would give them an education and the chance to extend their love of hockey...I'm the one who chooses to allow them into my life and be much more, the
better for it! Thanks Chapps, Ti, Kleini, Bry, Christine, KB, and Gouli for sharing your dreams with us!! Go Wildcats!!

 

[Stick Boy]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Zoofer, from all accounts the senior class has been an awesome group setting a great example and strong leadership for a UNH Wildcat team emerging from the shadows and starting to show it's teeth after a couple tough seasons. The Cats compete hard nightly and are becoming a team to be reckoned with for sure. Let's hope the gang shows some spunk and plays with that sense of urgency needed to a win this coming weekend against PC! Go Cats!!!

 

[Stick Boy]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Still potentially lots of hockey remaining this year for UNH but I just noticed that UNH recruit Cassandra Vilgrain from Edge School finished third in scoring (4GP, 6 G, 2A) at the 2013 Female Sport School Challenge in Manitoba this past week. Edge also won the event too. Hopefully she brings that ability to put up points and the experience of winning along with her to UNH to combine with the ability of a great core group that is returning!

 

[DC78-82]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Still potentially lots of hockey remaining this year for UNH but I just noticed that UNH recruit Cassandra Vilgrain from Edge School finished third in scoring (4GP, 6 G, 2A) at the 2013 Female Sport School Challenge in Manitoba this past week. Edge also won the event too. Hopefully she brings that ability to put up points and the experience of winning along with her to UNH to combine with the ability of a great core group that is returning!

Saw her play at a local JWHL Weekend a month or so ago. She's a powerful skater. We also have some weapons returning from red shirts that should be able to bolster the offense next year.

Back to the present- Let's hope the team is getting a good week of physical and mental preparation for playoff action Saturday at 1pm at the Whitt! GO BLUE!

 

[joehockey]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Coming to see the play off game Saturday at the Whitmore Center is there easy parking next to arena?

 

[DC78-82]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Coming to see the play off game Saturday at the Whitmore Center is there easy parking next to arena?

Cool! Yes - park in the Elliot Alumni Center Parking lot D:


From Boston, MA and points South of UNH
Follow I-95 North to Exit 4 in NH (NH Lakes and Mountains/Spaulding Turnpike). Continue North to Exit 6W and follow Route 4 west. Exit at Route 155A and turn left towards Durham. Follow 155A past a stretch of fields and horse barns to the UNH campus; you are now on Main Street.
You will soon see the giant Whittemore Center Arena, playing field, and Wildcat sculpture on your left; take your next left on to Edgewood Road. Travel until the first street and take a left on to Strafford Ave. You will see the Elliott Alumni Center on your left. Parking is right there in "D" Lot.

From Manchester, N.H. and points West of UNH (via Route 101 ... UNH is approximately 50 minutes from Manchester)
Take Route 101 east to Exit 7 (Epping/Route 125). Continue north on Route 125 to the Lee Traffic Circle. Drive east on Route 4 to the Route 155A exit. Turn right towards Durham. Follow 155A past a stretch of fields and horse barns to the UNH campus; you are now on Main Street.
You will soon see the giant Whittemore Center Arena, playing field, and Wildcat sculpture on your left; take your next left on to Edgewood Road. Travel until the first street and take a left on to Strafford Ave. You will see the Elliott Alumni Center on your left. Parking is right there in "D" Lot.

The Elliott Alumni Center address is 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824

If it's in the least bit nice out, there will be some nervous fans and parents gathered in said lot for a nerve calming pre-game beverage. Feel free to join us!

 

[joehockey]

Cool! Yes - park in the Elliot Alumni Center Parking lot D:


From Boston, MA and points South of UNH
Follow I-95 North to Exit 4 in NH (NH Lakes and Mountains/Spaulding Turnpike). Continue North to Exit 6W and follow Route 4 west. Exit at Route 155A and turn left towards Durham. Follow 155A past a stretch of fields and horse barns to the UNH campus; you are now on Main Street.
You will soon see the giant Whittemore Center Arena, playing field, and Wildcat sculpture on your left; take your next left on to Edgewood Road. Travel until the first street and take a left on to Strafford Ave. You will see the Elliott Alumni Center on your left. Parking is right there in "D" Lot.

From Manchester, N.H. and points West of UNH (via Route 101 ... UNH is approximately 50 minutes from Manchester)
Take Route 101 east to Exit 7 (Epping/Route 125). Continue north on Route 125 to the Lee Traffic Circle. Drive east on Route 4 to the Route 155A exit. Turn right towards Durham. Follow 155A past a stretch of fields and horse barns to the UNH campus; you are now on Main Street.
You will soon see the giant Whittemore Center Arena, playing field, and Wildcat sculpture on your left; take your next left on to Edgewood Road. Travel until the first street and take a left on to Strafford Ave. You will see the Elliott Alumni Center on your left. Parking is right there in "D" Lot.

The Elliott Alumni Center address is 9 Edgewood Road, Durham, NH 03824

If it's in the least bit nice out, there will be some nervous fans and parents gathered in said lot for a nerve calming pre-game beverage. Feel free to join us!

Thank you! I will have to see if I can find some of that super sharp cheddar that Hux loves.

 

[Hux]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

Joe, follow the directions below, but not all the way to 155A. On Route 4 you will come to a light at Madbury Road in Durham (after the exit to Route 108 Dover/Durham). There is a left turn lane, so get in that and turn left onto Madbury Road. At the first intersection/stop sign, turn right onto Edgewood Road, then turn right onto Strafford at the next intersection. The parking lot is down the slight decline to the left.

 

[zoofer]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

So tomorrow's game of UNH vs PC will be the 140th meeting between these 2 great women's programs! Whether you're a Friar fan or a Wildcat, how can you not be impressed that these programs have long been the leaders in allowing women to show their athletic prowess and ability!
Kudos to Northeastern as well in my book....of course I'm hoping for a Wildcat win and a continuance of a great year with superior senior leadership! Enjoy the moment Wildcats and Friars but also be very proud of your being part of a great college hockey tradition!

 

[Stick Boy]

Go Cats! Kick Butt! Forget all that other sh-t! Now is the time to shine.

 

[zoofer]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

So why do we love this game so much when it always hurts us so badly at times! Give Providence all the credit.....never giving up, always playing thru the body, going to the net hard..but I personally could not ask more from UNH! Winning sure does cure a lot of ills but the strides that this team has made, sure leaves the future looking bright! I love these girls for their grit, hustle and determination on the ice but more than that I greatly appreciate them sharing four years of their lives with me...Fair winds and calm seas to the seniors...

 

[Stick Boy]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

It has taken me a few days to get over roller coaster ride on Saturday in the UNH - PC game. What a disheartening loss for the Cats'...up 3-0 and in control to losing some momentum and still pulling ahead to 4-2 in the third then giving up three straight to surrender the win to a tenacious PC squad in OT! I think in the end we expected a little too much from the Freshmen and their youthful inexperience caught up to the cats. The team also struggled as a group in the defensive end and weren't as sharp as they had to be to get into the final 4 in HE. Congrats to PC for sticking with it and chipping away for the win.
Good luck to the Seniors as they move on from UNH....they will be missed!

 

[zoofer]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

I agree Stick Boy that its taken a few days to get over this loss...DC called me and 3 days later we were digesting the game goal by goal...let's be honest, if your team is up by 2 goals with 7:05 to play, you win the game, plain and simple! Nothing in taking away from the Friars, but honestly you can't lose that game...we were emotionally and physically spent by games end which may or may not be of note but for me it means the girls gave it their all and " left it all on the ice". That's all I can ever ask for.....

 

[Hux]

I agree Stick Boy that its taken a few days to get over this loss...DC called me and 3 days later we were digesting the game goal by goal...let's be honest, if your team is up by 2 goals with 7:05 to play, you win the game, plain and simple! Nothing in taking away from the Friars, but honestly you can't lose that game...we were emotionally and physically spent by games end which may or may not be of note but for me it means the girls gave it their all and " left it all on the ice". That's all I can ever ask for.....

Had that been true the outcome would have been different. There were breakdowns that should not have happened.

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH WildcatS 2012-'13: The Dawn of New Prominence

The Bruins lost last night to the Senators .... up 3-0 and lost in overtime 4-3. Both UNH and the Bruins resorted to playing a defensive game after constructing a multi goal lead. We all know the old adage that a 3 goal lead is the hardest lead in hockey to "hold" .... turning to a defensive posture allows the other team momentum.

And yes I was at the UNH game .... and you could see (sense) the move to defense on the part of UNH.