Dec. 9, 2004

Box Score

DURHAM, N.H. - No. 7 New Hampshire defeated UMass by the score of 4-0 Thursday night at the Whittemore Center, with the gamewinner being scored at 19:37 of the second to hand the Minutemen their fifth Hockey East loss of the season. Massachusetts junior netminder Gabe Winer made 23 saves in the contest.

UMass (7-10-1/4-5-1 Hockey East) was able to largely contain the Wildcats through two periods, killing off two UNH power play opportunities before Garrett Summerfeld was called for hooking at 19:06 of the second. New Hampshire's Daniel Winnik was able to get a second shot past Winer for the go-ahead goal, assisted by Jacob Micflikier and Brian Yandle.

"Our strategy was to take the ice away and to deny possession," said Head Coach Don Cahoon. "For awhile in the first and in the second, it looked like we might have a chance. We played an improved game, but we need to be more thorough, more confident."

The Wildcats added to their lead with an even-strength goal by Sean Collins early in the third and extended the advantage with Collins' second goal of the game--a 4-on-3 power play goal--with 6:38 left in the game. New Hampshire closed out the scoring with little over a minute left in the contest to make it 4-0.

Though shots were 27-17 in favor of the `Cats, UMass certainly challenged UNH goalie Jeff Pietrasiak with quality chances in the middle stanza, while also holding their opponents to just five shots in the period. Pietrasiak was up to the challenge, earning his first career shutout.

The Minutemen now return home for Saturday's nonconference matchup vs. Sacred Heart. The Pioneers currently sit atop Atlantic Hockey standings, but UMass owns the only win between the two teams: a 13-2 victory back in 1994. Game time is set for 7 p.m. Eastern.

Saturday is also Mullet Night at the Mullins Center. The first 1,500 fans in attendance will receive complimentary mullet wigs!