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
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