By Katherine Van Buskirk Special to UNHWildcats.com
While the start of the new season is a time of excitement, it's bittersweet to the seniors who will be moving on to a new chapter of life when May comes around.
As they embark on their final season at UNH this Friday and Saturday at Miami, seniors Liam Blackburn (Prince George, British Columbia), Matt Dawson (Delta, British Columbia), Justin Fregona (Mississauga, Ontario), Joe Lazzaro (Hampstead, N.H.) and Anthony Wyse (Newton, Mass.) reflect on some of their most memorable moments, what they will miss, hopes for the season and what it means to put on the UNH jersey and represent the University while doing what they love.
The Wildcats home opener is at the Whittemore Center on Friday, November 1 when they take on Boston College at 7 p.m. Individual game tickets with affordable options that start as low as $9 and a convenient six-ticket flexible miniplan can now be purchased for the season by calling the Whittemore Center Box Office at (603) 862-4000 or by visiting the men's hockey ticket page. BEING A WILDCAT Anthony Wyse (Photo by Meghan Murphy)
Due to the incredible history that UNH men's hockey has, the seniors know the importance and responsibility that comes along with wearing the UNH jersey.
Lazzaro shared what getting the opportunity to be a Wildcat has meant to him and pushed him to work to the best of his ability. "Being a member of the hockey team at UNH has been the honor of my lifetime. Growing up a hockey player in New Hampshire, I saw the excellence and tradition of this program first-hand and it was always a dream of mine to be a part of it one day. The responsibility of representing my state school and all of the players who came before me is not something I take lightly, and it pushes me to get better every day. I'll forever be grateful for the opportunity to be a Wildcat."
He's not the only New England native with a sentimental connection to UNH. Wyse also discussed some of his fond memories growing up watching the Wildcats. "It's been surreal. Growing up in the New England area, I watched Hockey East games every Friday and Saturday night on NESN. There was nothing like watching a UNH home game. The atmosphere was always electric and now being lucky enough to put on a UNH jersey and play in those games is truly humbling, especially when you consider all of the history behind it."
Being a Wildcat comes with responsibilities and certain standards. "Wearing the UNH jersey is an honor and to wear it you have to show up every day and work your hardest," said Blackburn. "The Wildcat past is so unbelievably strong, so you want to put in that extra effort for those who cannot wear it anymore as they once did."
Head coach Mike Souza is looking forward to the official start of the season, expressing his strong belief in this team and this group of seniors. "We have a great group of seniors who are strong leaders. Senior leadership is very important and I think collectively they're going to do a great job." TEAMMATES BECOME BROTHERS
Working tirelessly towards the same goal as a team for days on end has understandably brought this group of athletes together and formed a bond unlike any other. While it'll be difficult to leave behind his friends at the end of the year, team captain Wyse is currently trying to put his energy towards playing to the best of his ability and rallying the team together. "From a personal standpoint I hope they all understand just how much I care about them and always will. From a hockey standpoint we all know what we plan to accomplish this year." Matt Dawson (Photo by Meghan Murphy)
Dawson, on the other hand, expressed just how difficult it will be to leave this group. "I'll miss many things about playing for UNH, but not being around my teammates will be the hardest thing."
As they go through the season, their time together may seem like it's fleeting, but they'll always remember the brothers they've gained and the memories they have together. RETURN TO THE ICE Justin Fregona (Photo by Meghan Murphy)
Being a DI hockey player has its fair share of challenges, as there's always potential for injury and unexpected game changers. Dawson and Fregona were unable to play for a long period of time due to injury and although they could have let it discourage them, they got back up on their feet and worked hard to prepare for the season.
Dawson described the experience of getting injured towards the beginning of last season as a valuable lesson he's learned. "I'll never take playing this sport and playing at this program for granted. It has shown me that this experience can end very quickly and that every day I get to play here is a privilege."
Fregona echoed his sentiments, sharing that he's learned to cherish every opportunity on the ice. "Sitting in the crowd for half a year was definitely tough and made me want to work hard to get back on the ice." LESSONS LEARNED Liam Blackburn (Photo by Meghan Murphy)
Being a student-athlete is very rewarding. The early morning practices, training, workout routines and those cherished celebratory moments bring these individuals together as team.
"UNH is filled with hardworking individuals that push you to be the most successful you can be," noted Blackburn. "I have become more of an independent and mature person and I'm extremely thankful for all I have learned and experienced."
Dawson shared how much he feels time has flown by. "I think I have become a better person and have learned valuable life skills from my coach, teammates, professors, friends and UNH fans."
Lazzaro found that his professors were consistently supportive. "Being on the road is tough because I have to be away from the laboratory, but my professors have been extremely helpful in making sure I have enough time to get in there when my school week is cut short, which I'm grateful for." Joe Lazzaro (Photo by Meghan Murphy)
Fregona discussed facing adversity but how he has experienced more positive things than negative. "I've built great relationships with friends and teammates that will last long after graduation. In addition to what I've learned from athletics, I've been given tools that I will be able to use moving forward into any endeavor I pursue."
Wyse summarized this mindset perfectly stating, "UNH has shaped my future. It's not just a part of who I am but has provided me lifelong relationships that will continue to benefit me socially and professionally."
As they fight on through the season with UNH pride, these seniors are ready to be relentless, passionate and driven with each prepared to leave it all on the ice.
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