Wildcats ink 13 recruits

Here's a complete list of the 13 student-athletes who signed their letters of intent to play football at the University of Hampshire, along with links to their high school film highlights and some quick stats and thoughts. The videos for Dalton Crossan, Casey DeAndrade, Kyon Taylor and Stephane Turner are must-see for the offensive highlights, while linebacker DeVaughn Chollette delivers the biggest hits.“I think a lot of these kids are UNH type of kids,” Coach Sean McDonnell said. “Blue collar, lunch bucket, hard hat type of kids.”  0

Signs of life

The Celtics finally beat a team with a winning record when they stifled Orlando on Monday, 87-56. It was the type of defensive effort that has been this team's identity in recent years. Paul Flannery of weei.com, a (relatively) hidden gem of a basketball writer, breaks down the game with an eye on the bigger picture in this worthwhile read. Highlights include:-Avery Bradley's ball pressure.-Jermaine O'Neal's altercation with Dwight Howard. 0

Coordinating coordinators

It may feel like Bill Belichick walked through a loophole to bring in Josh McDaniels at this late hour, and just before a game against his old team no less. But the real value of the move is not in relation to the Broncos, but rather to Bill O'Brien.  0

UNH vs. Providence

UNH (6-11-2, 4-8-1 Hockey East) at Providence College (8-8-2, 6-4-1 HE), 7 p.m. The Wildcats and Friars haven’t played each other yet this season. Providence could be just what the doctor ordered for a struggling UNH team that’s lost five straight games and doesn’t have a win against a conference opponent since Nov. 18. The Wildcats are 12-0-2 against the Friars dating back to Feb. 24, 2007, including a series-best seven straight victories. Senior Stevie Moses is UNH’s active scoring leader against Providence with three goals and eight… 0

Hockey Day in Boston

Stanley Cup rematch Vancouver Canucks at Boston Bruins, 1 p.m., NESN It’s been a little over half a year since the two teams locked horns in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals, but the six months has done little to cool off what has become a heated rivalry. Two of the hottest teams in the NHL will meet Saturday afternoon for the first time since the B’s skated off with Lord Stanley last June. Boston enters today’s game winners of nine of its last 10 and are 23-3-1 since Nov. 1. Like the Bruins, Vancouver felt the ill-effects of the dreaded Stanley… 0

Hockey East outlook

After tonight’s showdown with Boston University, UNH will have 22 days off until its next contest – a Dec. 30 meeting with Brown at the Whittemore Center. Here’s a look at what the rest of Hockey East has left on the docket until the holiday break: Boston College (12-5-0, 9-3-0 HE) – The third-ranked Eagles, who are a very ordinary 4-4 in their last eight games, travel to UMass Lowell tomorrow night for a confrontation with the scorching River Hawks. BC doesn’t play again until Dec. 29, when it faces Michigan in the first round of… 0

Wildcats draw Montana State

The Football Championship Subdivision playoff bracket was unveiled on Sunday and for the eighth straight season it includes the University of New Hampshire. The Wildcats will open the postseaon in Bozeman, Montana on Dec. 3, where they will face the Bobcats of Montana St. Here are the season stats for the Bobcats, who were ranked No. 1 in the FCS going into last weekend's games, but lost to rival Montana in the Brawl of the Wild, 36-10. For a look at the complete bracket, click here. 0

Maine 17-10, halftime

DURHAM - Once again its tackles and turnovers plaguing the Wildcats as they trail rival Maine at the half.   After giving up 56 points in last week's loss to Towson, the UNH defense gave up 14 more in the first quarter against the No. 11 Black Bears (8-2). Maine's Troy Russell, the reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Week, came up with an interception early in the first to set up Maine's first score, a 33-yard touchdown run from Pushaun Brown (10 carries, 53 yards). UNH answered with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Decker to RJ Harris on… 0

Senior moments

It will be Senior Day at Cowell Stadium when No. 12 New Hampshire (7-3) meets No. 11 Maine (8-2) Saturday at noon. There are all kinds of playoff implications (detailed here) and the rivalry game has its own trophy (read about that here), but it's also a day to recognize the 15 UNH seniors, who will most likely be playing their last game at Cowell (there's always a chance for a home playoff game).  0

Walker's story of perseverance

DURHAM - Rod Walker was a star running back at Portsmouth High School, earning All-State honors in 2006 and 2007. But when he walked on at the University of New Hampshire, Walker switched to defense and found little playing time, totaling 30 tackles in the last three seasons. Despite flipping from strong safety to linebacker and then back again during this offseason, Walker earned a starting spot just before the first game. The 6-foot, 202-pound senior has started ever since and has 49 tackles, a sack and an interception. UNH Coach Sean McDonnell talked at… 0