UNH's three-goal comeback to tie the Boston College Eagles on Senior Night and clinch the Hockey East regular season championship reflected the tenacity and effort that the seniors have put into this season to make the most of their last year as Wildcats.
Brian Foster, Nick Krates, Peter LeBlanc, and Bobby Butler have all played prominent roles in this year's success, and have given veteran leadership to this Wildcats team.
During Foster's career as a goaltender at UNH, he has played in 79 games, attaining a 38-25-12 record with 2.84 GAA and a save percentage of .908. Foster was a backup to previous UNH goalie Kevin Regan during the first two seasons of his career, but started last season when Regan departed for the NHL.
LeBlanc has been a very effective center and captain, playing in 146 games while recording 34 goals and 47 assists for a total of 81 points. LeBlanc was involved in one of the most memorable moments in UNH hockey history last season when he scored the game-winning goal in overtime against the North Dakota Fighting Sioux to give the Wildcats a 6-5 win. The victory allowed them to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2005.
Fellow captain Butler, a leading candidate for the Hobey Baker Award this season, , has been a dominant force on the first line this season. He has play in 146 games as a Wildcat, totaling 56 goals and 57 assists, for career 113 points.
Krates' accomplishments may not show up on a stat sheet, but he has provided solid defensive work and a presence in the defensive zone. Krates has played in 94 games, scoring two goals and nine assists for 11 career points.
Coach Dick Umile has always been a big proponent of senior leadership, and this season has been no different.
"They've been great," Umile said. "We've had great leadership from our captains, one defender, and goaltender."
LeBlanc felt like his four years playing at UNH have flown by for him, and has really enjoyed his time.
"Probably the fastest four years I've ever been through," LeBlanc said. "I love playing here at the Whit."
Sophomore Blake Kessel explained how more players should mimic LeBlanc's effort in games regarding his speed and effort.
"He's a senior leader," Kessel said. "He's moving his feet. We'll need guys like him for the playoffs."
Butler doesn't want to slow down now after getting the experience of the NCAA Tournament last season.
"We're just focused on the next one now," Butler said. "We could taste it last year."
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