August 4, 2008

PHIL DeSIMONE
New Hampshire
So. | F | East Amherst, N.Y.

New Hampshire loses its top two scorers from 2007-08 but will look to returnees like DeSimone to increase production this year.

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Key Statistics: DeSimone played all 38 games for the Wildcats as a freshman and put up modest offensive numbers: three goals and 10 assists for 13 points. Two of his goals were game-winners and the third came in the NCAA Tournament loss to Notre Dame.

What He Does: DeSimone is an offensive player who thinks pass first. His vision and hockey sense fit well with UNH's approach and the big sheet of ice at the Whittemore Center. That ability may not have been reflected in his freshman numbers, but the 47 assists and 73 points he put up as USHL Player of the Year in 2006-07 attest to his offensive skills.

The Bigger Picture: After such a successful junior career, DeSimone doesn't hide his disappointment at the 13 points he produced last year. He expects more as a sophomore, and his coaches and teammates do as well. DeSimone should find himself on one of the Wildcats' top two lines and with a role on the power play. He played his best toward the end of the year, including that goal against Notre Dame, and hopes to pick up where he left off — with even more opportunity — when the puck drops this fall.

UNH teammate Bobby Butler on DeSimone: “He's going to have a huge impact coming in for us this year. He's going to be counted on a lot more. I have a feeling he's going to have a great year, because he's got skill and he can dangle.”

— Nate Ewell