No. 15: Catch Wildcat fever

Ah it's that time of year again. The first cool autumn breezes are blowing through Durham, signifying the start of another school year and the beginning of another exciting year of UNH Wildcat athletics. Sports are an important part of any university, and cheering on your school with thousands of your fellow students is, in my opinion, one of the most exhilarating experiences you can be a part of in your time here.

There are 18 varsity teams here at UNH, and six of them begin their seasons within the next two weeks. The football and men's hockey teams traditionally draw the most fans, but even if you're not the biggest fan of the ice or the gridiron Wildcat athletics offer something for everyone.

Soccer fans can head down to Bremner Field next weekend (Sept. 4-6) for the annual UNH Nike Fall Classic, while fans of the field hockey team can see the ‘Cats take on Lock Haven (Aug. 28) and Delaware (Aug. 29) this weekend in the annual Wildcat Invitational.

But if you know anything about UNH sports you know that in Durham hockey is king.  6,500 fans pack the Whittemore Center Friday and Saturday nights to see the Wildcat icemen take on the likes of Maine, Boston College, and the rest of Hockey East.  Last year the ‘Cats clinched the Hockey East regular season championship at home before a frenzied blue and white crowd, and they hope to continue that success this season.

The men's hockey team will play its home opener this year against perennial national powerhouse Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 16.

And what makes watching UNH athletic contests even better is that every UNH home game in every sport is absolutely free for students. For men's hockey games students must pick up their tickets from the Whittemore Center box office during the week leading up to the game (and make sure to get there early because they can sell out quickly). For all other sports simply show your student ID at the gate for free admission.

We hope to see all of you get out there and support your teams this year.