UNH men’s hockey: Wildcats vs. Vermont and UMass Lowell matchups and notes

Joshua Shaw, Sports Writer
February 11, 2022

Preview

The University of New Hampshire (UNH) Wildcats will face off in a weekend series against two different opponents, the Vermont Catamounts on Friday and the UMass Lowell Riverhawks on Super Bowl Sunday.

After a five-game winning streak, UNH has hit a rough patch, losing their last three games. During their earlier win streak, the Wildcats outscored opponents 20-6, but during their skid, they’ve been outscored 5-14 by their opponents.

Friday’s match against the Catamounts will conclude a season series that started all the way back in November when the two teams traded wins. Currently, Vermont’s 10 points are tied with Maine for last in the Hockey East. Like the Wildcats, the Catamounts will carry a three-game losing streak into Friday’s match.

Four hours before the Super Bowl kicks off, the Wildcats will return to the Whitt to host the No. 13 UMass Lowell. The Riverhawks will come into Durham riding a two-game win streak, with wins against Boston College and Dartmouth. While home ice has been a comfort for the Wildcats, with an 8-4-1 record, the Riverhawks have traveled well on the road, with an 8-4 record away from Tsongas Center.

Friday, Feb. 11th, 2022

University of New Hampshire Wildcats (12-13-1, 6-10-1) at Vermont Catamounts 5-18-2, 3-10-2)

When: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Hutterson Fieldhouse, Burlington, VT.

Watch: College SportsLive.

Listen: WGIR 610 AM, WQSO 96.7 FM, WPKX 930 AM.

Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022

UMass Lowell Riverhawks (16-6-3, 8-6-0) at University of New Hampshire Wildcats (12-13-1, 6-10-1)

When: 2:00 p.m.

Where: Whittemore Center, Durham, N.H.

Watch: College SportsLive.

Listen: WGIR 610 AM, WQSO 96.7 FM, WPKX 930 AM.

UNH lines vs. UConn (Feb. 5)

Forwards

#15 Chase Stevenson, #11 Jackson Pierson, #26 Liam Devlin

#14 Tyler Ward, #16 Filip Engarås, #19 Eric MacAdams

#29 Joseph Cipollone, #18 Harrison Blaisdell, #24 Robert Cronin

#9 Connor Sweeney, #21 Cam Gendron, #12 Eric Esposito

Defensemen

#5 Will MacKinnon, #8 Nikolai Jenson

#8 Alex Gagne, #20 Colton Huard

#3 Ryan Verrier, #27 Luke Reid

#10 Kalle Eriksson

Goaltenders

#31 Mike Robinson, #41 David Fessenden

Key Players

UNH senior goalie Mike Robinson has now made eight straight starts for the Wildcats, winning five. Robinson’s early struggles this season have resurfaced, allowing nine goals over his last two games.

Though the Wildcats offense has struggled as of late, sophomore defenseman Luke Reid has been a bright spot. Reid has one goal and one assist and accounted for two of their three goals in the Wildcats last two games.

While on the surface, Vermont has little firepower, just like the Wildcats, they have five players with 10 or more points. Senior forward Philip Lagunov leads the team, however, with 13 points and seven goals.

Sophomore Gabe Carriere has started the Catamounts last seven games and will most likely be in the net Friday. Through his 15 starts this season, Carriere is touting a 2.48 goals-against-average and a .918 save percentage. In addition, Carriere has been the winning netminder in all five of Vermont’s victories this season.

Junior forwards Andre Lee and Carl Berglund have fueled the Riverhawks offense so far this season, both tied for the team lead with 20 points.

Senior goaltender Owen Savory has been dynamite for Lowell so far this season. In his 20 starts, Savory has won 15 games and has posted a 1.79 GAA, a .929 save percentage, and four shutouts. Among all Hockey East goaltenders, Savory ranks third overall in wins, second in save percentage, shutouts, and save percentage.