59 Teams in 59 Days New Hampshire

The 59 Teams in 59 Days tour continues as we hit day number 38 on the tour. Today we make a trip to Durham, New Hampshire where the UNH Wildcats are featured.

In the past few years New Hampshire has been an offensive team. They would usually win games 5-4, 6-5, in that nature. This year the offense is their but what about their defense?

Dick Umile is only losing four seniors from last years squad, however, the Wildcats also lost Daniel Winnik who made the jump to the NHL. Winnik was tied for second on the team in scoring with Brett Hemmingway, who both recorded 41 points. Jacob McFlikier was the teams leading scorer with 42 points, and he is returning for a Senior season. Some players to watch out for this year are Sophomore Trevor Smith, Senior Josh Ciocco, and Junior Mike Radja, each of them will be more than contributors this year. In fact one of them could play on the McFlikier, Hemmingway line.

On defense the Wildcats return six players who saw playing time. They do lose Brian Yandle, an all Hockey East performer, however, the experience will be there for the Wildcats.

Goaltending wise, Kevin Regan should be the clear number one netminder. After a solid Freshman year, Regan's numbers went downhill going only 8-8-5 with a 2.63 goals against average, compared to his Freshman year where he went 15-4-2 with a 2.35 goals against average. This will be a tough task for Regan, if he struggles early expect Freshman Brian Foster to attempt to take over the net.

Overall the Wildcats should be in the top four again in Hockey East this year. There is the potential to be a three or four team race to the top in Hockey East, and with only four Seniors gone, UNH will have plenty of experience and talent. I don't expect them to be the top team in Hockey East this year, but they certianly will be back up to the top in another year or two.

The predicted ceiling for UNH is second in Hockey East, while their gutter is sixth.

Tommorrow the Niagara Purple Eagles will be featured as we hit day number 39 on the 59 Teams in 59 Days tour.