BUTLER GARNERS HOCKEY EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK

WAKEFIELD, Mass. – Senior forward Bobby Butler (Marlboro, Mass.) of the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team was named Hockey East Player of the Week. The announcement was made Monday by the league office. He earns this award for a league-best third time this season and the first time since Jan. 11.

Butler, a Hobey Baker candidate, scored a career-high four goals including a natural hat trick in the third period, which proved to the difference in UNH's 5-2 win over Providence on Friday night. Butler's three-goal third broke a 2-2 deadlock and gave the senior his first career hat trick. He scored the game's first goal, the game-winning goal and a short-handed goal during the night. It marks the first time since Dec. 11, 2008 a UNH player recorded four goals and a natural hat trick in a game. Mike Sislo accomplished both in a 9-4 win over Holy Cross. Butler, the league's leading scorer with 35 points in HE play, is tied for the nation's lead in goals scored with 23 and ranks in the top five nationally in points, points per game, goals and goals per game.

#13 UNH returns to action when it begins a two-game homestand against Vermont. The teams will play Friday, Feb. 19 (7:30 p.m.) live on NESN and complete the series Saturday, Feb. 20 (7 p.m.). Both games will be played at Whittemore Center.