Another non-technology post, so I apologize, but yesterday afternoon two of my kids and I, along with thousands of others witnessed what may very well go down as the greatest men's hockey game in University of New Hampshire history. I've been a UNH hockey fan since my days in Durham from 1982-1986. Over that span, I've seen my share of great hockey games, but yesterday takes the cake.
UNH was the underdog number three seed in the matchup against the number two seed, the Fighting Sioux of the University of North Dakota. UNH struck first, which everyone knew would be a huge boost to the team and the game that ensued was a hard fought one on both sides. Some of today's media reports characterize UNH's win as a come from behind effort, but personally, I didn't see it that way. It was a back and forth game with great play from both teams. With 5.7 seconds left in the 3rd with UNH trailing 5-4, the faceoff was ruled into the North Dakota zone after a lengthy official review. UNH Goalie Brian Foster was drifting far in front of the defensive circles, itching to get to the bench and give UNH the extra skater if it controlled the face off. I took note of Coach Lassonde trying to motion Foster back further into the defensive zone and Foster straining forward against his Coach. The crowd at Manchester, NH's Verizon Wireless Arena was loudly behind their home town Wildcats and the intensity of the moment was something you just had to experience. UNH got control of the puck, Foster hit the bench and with 0.1, yes you are not misreading that, one tenth of a second on the game clock, UNH tied the game and forced overtime. Just look at the picture I snapped of the scoreboard just before they posted UNH's tieing goal , it tells the whole story. The place erupted like I've never seen or heard in all the games that UNH has played there over the years and I was so glad for the team and the fans. It was poetic. Just 45 seconds into overtime, Peter LeBlanc scored the game winner and sends UNH to the Northeast Regional Final this evening at 5:30 PM. All NH is a buzz about the win. My phone started buzzing the moment the tieing goal was scored, including a friend from OH who was hoping for an Ohio State upset for a UNH/Ohio State matchup, but that was not meant to be. Instead, we face #1 overall seed BU. Who knows what will happen. What I do know is that I am grateful to live in a state that loves it's college hockey. I grew up on the pros, watching the Boston Bruins in their hey day. And while the Bruin's are turning Boston into a hockey town again, once I got the UNH Wildcat fever in me, I haven't looked back. There is nothing like Division 1 college hockey. We are very lucky to have a great University that supports a great hockey program, both men's and women's. We are fortunate to have such excellent coaches and such great players. They work hard and year after year put a top Division 1 team on the sheet. UNH has one of the premiere college hockey programs in the nation and last night underscores that fact. Check out this awesome post from the UNH Hockey Blogger and check out this fantastic video clip from last evening. I can't say it any better.
