The varsity hockey team opens its season tonight against a young but potent University of New Hampshire squad in UNH's Snively Arena at 7 p.m.

The Wildcats, who posted a 16-10-3 record last year, have a powerful offense but an inexperienced defense. Six freshmen, including three defensemen, will see regular action tonight.

Injuries and illness have hurt UNH this year, and five starters are currently unavailable. Junior left winger Dave Bertollo, who notched 30 points last season and veteran center Rick Olmstead, who collected 15 goals last year, are both ill.

Fractured Wrist

Senior defenseman John King has been sidelined with the flu, while freshman Paul Powers, a top Massachusetts high school defenseman last year, has a fractured wrist.

Sophomore Peter Noonan, younger brother of Harvard co-captain Mark Noonan, recently underwent an abdominal operation which will keep him out of his third line wing spot for six to eight weeks.

Despite injuries and the flu, UNH has scoring punch. Senior All-American winger Gordie Clark will present the Wildcats' greatest offensive threat, having led the team last season in goals, assists, and total points.

Professional Caliber

Clark, who has been drafted by the NHL Boston Bruins, already places tenth among the Wildcats' all-time leading scorers. Last year he scored four goals, including the overtime game winner, against Providence to set a UNH record for individual performance.

Sophomore Jamie Hislop and veteran left winger Ed Freni will join Clark on the first line. Hislop proved himself last year by collecting three assists against Bowling Green while playing with a broken hand.

UNH coach Charlie Holt will play two sophomores and a junior on the second line and three freshmen on the third line. Junior Glen Hunter and freshman Tim Burke, a high school teammate of the injured Powers, will form the first defensive pair, while freshmen Jim Harvie and Joe Rando will make up the second unit.

Sophomore goaltender Cap Raeder returns this year after compiling a 3.35 goals-against average last season. Reader's best performances came in relief last year against RPI, Boston College, and Clarkson, when he stopped 118 out of 128 shots.

The Wildcats have the advantage of four games' experience already this season. They stand 2-2, having split against St. Mary's of Nova Scotia and against Bowling Green.