The New Hampshire

Issue date: 1/23/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Associated Press Peter LeBlanc's first college goal would bounce off his skate in the first period, nevertheless the Wildcats had their way with Umass.

Without scoring leader Mike Radja and assist leader Jacob Micflikier one would think the Wildcats offensive production would be stagnant when squaring off Friday against Hockey East foe the University of Massachusetts. Any thoughts of a halt on offensive production would be put on hold as five different 'Cats would score en route to a 5-1 win over the Minutemen.

The 'Cats record of 18-3-1 ties a school record for the best start in the season with the 1999-2000 squad.

"It's great to have a little piece of history," said Matt Fornataro, who had a goal and an assist on the game. "It's been a great start. It comes from everybody, everybody's producing, [and] everybody's playing. It's been overall great for the team."

Deep; it's the only word to describe this hockey team as many players have stepped up with Radja and Micflikier injured. Freshman Peter LeBlanc, who was moved up to the front line in place of Micflikier, scored his first career goal at the college level. Another freshman Bobby Butler added a goal, his fifth, and defenseman junior Brad Flaishans scored his second goal of the season.

"It's a good thing other guys are stepping up and getting the job done for us," said UNH Coach Dick Umile. "I thought LeBlanc played really well. He's a skilled player who can play in the top line. I thought he played extremely well tonight. I'm not talking about the goal; I'm talking about how he handled the puck."

Of course some of the usual offensive suspects helped propel the Wildcats. Sophomore Trevor Smith continued his offensive tare with a goal and an assist. Smith, the team point leader, took over as goal leader with his 15th of the season.

Fornataro, a junior, continues to build upon his breakout season as he ended with a goal and an assist. Fornataro now has 29 points on the season compared to the 32 points he had in his freshman and sophomore campaigns.

The Wildcats came out firing in the first period with a quick eight to one shot advantage. They wouldn't score until 11:52 when Fornataro found a wide open Smith heading towards the Minuteman goaltender Jon Quick. Smith quickly put the puck in the back of the net.

Continued...

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