Thompson Leads his Team Past Vermont in 5-1 Victory

In front of a feisty, sold out crowd at the Whittemore Center in Durham, the University of New Hampshire Wildcats played host to fellow hockey east team, the University of Vermont.  UVM appeared to struggle with a confused defense through the first 2 minutes as a result of a miscommunication between players, and both teams looked stale to start the game, but UVM picked up the pressure and started to find their game towards the end of the period with 8 scoring chances to UNH’s 5. While UNH won several face-offs, they failed to make contact with players at the point.  A slow ice surface also lead to multiple icing calls against UNH. The silver lining for the wildcats occurred when Dalton Speelman had an incredible hit against a UVM forward in the attacking zone, leveling both players and leaving them a little shaken.

The scoring opened up in the second period when UNH went on the powerplay as a result of  Vermont’s H.T. Lenz’s elbowing penalty.  Brett Kostolansky scored for the wildcats while Paul Thompson tallied the assist on the top-shelf play.  Vermont was quick to even the score when they returned to full strength on a goal by Tobias Nilsson-Roos assisted by Josh Burrows and Brett Leonard. UNH goaltender Matt DiGirolamo  lost sight of the puck during the play as UNH’s forwards seemed to hesitate to jump into the defensive play.

After several minutes of frustrated play, UNH was finally able to start connecting on offensive passes, and their top line was once again successful in beating UVM goaltender Rob Madore.  UNH’s second goal was scored by Thompson. Phil DeSimone received the primary assist, while captain Mike Sislo recorded the secondary assist.  With just seconds left in the second period, UNH was able to increase their lead on a goal by defenseman Blake Kessel, assisted by Sislo and Kostolansky.  Shots on goal at the end of the second period were almost even, with UVM leading UNH 17-16 as the score favored the wildcats 3-1.

The third period saw some riveting action. Vermont looked to be getting desperate as they started throwing massive open ice hits, and one hit against the boards that resulted in Drew Mackenzie receiving a five minute penalty and being ejected from the game, leaving UVM down a man for 5 minutes.  Thompson scored a goal during the powerplay, assisted by DeSimone and then scored again, unassisted to give UNH the 5-1 lead, and ultimately the final score.  New Hampshire’s top line were responsible for all 15 points received in the game and Thompson’s hat trick was rewarded with hats sprinkling the ice after being thrown by some very happy fans.  UNH pulled DiGirolamo in the final 2 minutes of the period and allowed for junior goaltender Tyler Scott to make his collegiate debut.