Thompson’s Late Goal Lifts UNH over Merrimack

The Whittemore Center in Durham was bustling at the start of the game between UNH and


divisional rival Merrimack College. UNH was looking to improve on their dismal game against


Brown University and Merrimack came in riding the tails of another victory over Boston College.




Merrimack certainly looked like they had something to prove during the first period when they


came out skating strong. It wasn’t long before UNH seemed to wake up and maintain puck


While the score remained 0-0 through the first period, there were some spectacular defensive


plays by both teams, including a massive open ice hit by UNH defenseman Blake Kessel.


Merrimack goaltender Joe Cannata made an incredible save during a UNH powerplay, robbing


speedy senior Phil DeSimone on a breakaway opportunity. The best chance for UNH came


during the final seconds of the first period with a solid minute of maintained pressure in front of


the Merrimack net, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The score remained 0-


0 through the end of the first period.




The game remained scoreless through the second period with both teams continuing their


excellent defensive play. Neither team seemed to be able to form a cohesive attack against


the other. Merrimack’s captain Adam Ross was solid in front of his own net while Brett


Kostolansky was equally as effective in front of UNH goaltender Matt DiGirolamo. Shots on


goal at the end of the period were 27-18 in favor of Merrimack, but DiGirolamo was stellar in


net to keep UNH in the game.




Merrimack opened up the scoring in the third period with a powerplay goal by Chris Barton


assisted by Stephane Da Costa. UNH responded with a goal by defenseman Damon Kipp,


assisted by Paul Thompson and DeSimone. The second UNH goal was scored by Thompson


and assisted by senior captain Mike Sislo and DeSimone. Both teams seemed determined to end


the game on a physical note, as the period was also littered with a slew of penalties that resulted


in an extended time of 4 on 4 play that both teams were able to successfully kill off.


The three stars of the night were awarded to Merrimack forward Barton, UNH goaltender


DiGirolamo and UNH's Thompson.