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  • Originally posted by Drew S. View Post

    What if you promoted Souza and hired a new coach?

    The one thing I think they should do is hire someone with ties to the school or area. Not that this guarantees success but I think they have a better shot than a complete outsider.
    Like NU did with Madigan? Nope; just don't think that could/would happen.

    UNH needs to bring in a fresh perspective to the job....Period. If they have ties to the school/area well ok but honestly? Someone who can come in and look at the program with fresh eyes and will facilitate change. Ooops, did I just say that out loud? And to Zlax45's point? I've said that as well and it would not surprise.
    Last edited by HockeyRef; 11-23-2021, 12:43 PM.
    I'm just here for the hockey...

    Comment


    • Originally posted by Drew S. View Post
      What if you promoted Souza and hired a new coach?

      The one thing I think they should do is hire someone with ties to the school or area. Not that this guarantees success but I think they have a better shot than a complete outsider.
      Souza hasn't proven he's able to do his current job, much less Blue Skies' job. If UNH feels compelled to hire a coach who is on his way out, MacDonnell would be a far better choice, if only because he's shown an ability to recruit successfully when the "stadium" was a prehistoric relic and a disincentive to the overall recruiting effort. How he and his guys pulled that off for so long, playing to what was the equivalent of a substandard HS stadium, making the tourney 14 years in a row, amazing. He's running out of steam and has had some health issues recently, but no one can question his dedication to the school/program.

      I'd rather see MacDonnell hired than Metcalf, Souza would be a non-starter and out of the question. He's already the walking talking example of the Peter Principle as it stands right now.

      But to be clear, UNH is overdue for the national search, be it for the AD and (hopefully) head coaching positions as well. As another poster has already said, it will at the least light a fire under some underperforming coaches on both sides of Main St. in Titletown USA. So Dean Dean should go with the national search approach, and let the chips fall where they may.

      If Blue Skies did one thing right, he certainly upgraded a lot of the facilities around campus ... so the new guy should be able to dedicate their energy and focus on getting the right people in place.
      Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
      Montreal Expos Forever ...

      Comment


      • Can't see any logical path to Souza as the new AD.

        Not to be Debbie (Darius) Downer here, but has a new AD ever been hired anywhere with the understanding that money is tight, need to do more with less and consider scaling back competitive aspirations?
        I will not be out cheered in my own building.

        Comment


        • Catching up...

          Originally posted by NCAA watcher View Post
          Manchester's Kaden Muir commits to Northeastern
          That hurts. Very Disappointing.

          Originally posted by wildcatdc View Post
          Nor has he ever darkened the door of an NHIAA locker room, to the best of my knowledge.
          Not my point, but thanks for playing.

          Originally posted by Dan View Post
          Re: Muir Commitment

          Recent prospects w/ UNH ties and All-HE ability heading elsewhere with barely a whisper of Wildcat interest: Rickwood, Wood, Hughes, Muir, Morrow, Pierson...

          Others w/ ties: Taylor, Hanley, Flinton...

          Other NH Natives: Steeves, Hache, Benoit, DeStefani...

          --

          Shameful; I'm sure there are also other names I've missed (this is off the top of my head). If UNH simply makes a dent in this list they're back in HE and NCAA contention.
          I would like to think this is lack of public communication not lack of interest.

          Yes!

          Originally posted by Dan View Post
          Im not sure, I don't have any inside information and I'm not sure it matters - the reality that they are landing none of these prospects for whom they should have an inside track is problematic no matter the reason. It's a failure.

          I would also have a hard time believing they haven't pursued these kids - but what does 'pursued' mean. I have a hard time forgetting Souza's line about wanting kids who 'want' UNH - that is an issue, because these kids do not know what they want and it is the recruiter's job to convince them they want UNH. Period. It is certainly strange not to hear any link between many of these kids and UNH throughout the process, however...

          There are FAR too many Division I coaches - in every sport - who make the recruiting decision for the prospect, because they fear losing out on a recruit or 'wasting their time' pursuing a top player. It's FAR from uncommon and I'm certainly not convinced UNH is putting the full court press on these prospects and making them decline an offer. Does the staff actually believe they are capable of recruiting these players? Or that their program offers enough to attract these players? If they do not get high interest immediately do they forge ahead? I have my doubts...

          So whether they ignore these prospects to begin with, give up too soon or simply lack the salesmanship to close top prospects doesn't really matter. They're not getting any of them - even with a built in advantage.

          It raises many questions, but my opinion/point is simply that an aggressive and capable recruiter would/should have capitalized and UNH would/could be back on track...
          I would hope our coaching staff has the hockey playing children of every Wildcat hockey alum currently living in NH (or MA) on their radar at a very early age. Clearly we are not going to get all or even the majority of the elites to play for the 'cats, but a few would be nice. Those that don't turn out to be elite are the subject of my NHIAA question a few weeks back.

          Originally posted by Felger View Post
          UNH hockey is undefeated when scoring at least 2 goals.
          If we allow only one goal we will will be in every game!

          I will not be out cheered in my own building.

          Comment


          • Originally posted by Drew S. View Post

            What if you promoted Souza and hired a new coach?

            The one thing I think they should do is hire someone with ties to the school or area. Not that this guarantees success but I think they have a better shot than a complete outsider.
            If I hadn't seen with my own eyes your longing for Gendron and disparagement of Barr, I'd be certain this was nothing more than a well crafted joke at a rival's expense. Souza was never qualified to be the head coach and now you suggest promoting him to the AD position? What world are we living in? This scenario reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine ends up with the unhinged mailroom clerk on her staff at the Peterman Catalogue and promotes him because he frightens her - its that ridiculous...

            Your next idea about 'needing' a UNH Insider is much more common, but equally misguided. That idea is such a negative, limiting and loser mentality and the absolute enemy of success. UNH may take the easy way out and hire Metcalf or make another promotion from within, but that would be an abject failure and abdication of responsibility. You don't give people jobs in college athletics because you know them (Souza!), because they're nice (Souza!) or because they have a certain connection to a school or a sport (Souza!). You give them a job when they work hard, build a track record of proven success, can create and lift a culture and because they are a winner with the right attitude and effort level.

            Ryan Bamford came to UMass from Georgia Tech - with limited (at best) hockey experience and no connection to UMass. He came with an attitude that demanded success and organized a winning culture. He hired good coaches. It seems to have worked just fine w/ a complete outsider. Find the best person. Period.

            Anything else is a path of least resistance, low effort mentality - one people think they're making for a reason or by connecting obvious dots, but one that is almost always made for the sake of ease. Certainly not because it gives any school or coach, anywhere, any extra bit of opportunity for success. Its nice when you have that candidate on campus or in connection already. UNH does not. If UNH takes that approach with this hire it would be a disgrace and MUCH more likely to fail. Even reading it theorized makes me angry...

            National search. Hire a winner. I don't care where they come from, what their experience is or what sports they've worked with.

            --

            I am not plugged into the AD job circles, but I do have one potential hire from off the radar and that is current Jacksonville AD Alex Ricker-Gilbert. He gets stuff done and makes excellent hires. He is a New England native so maybe that's a draw for him. He has no experience in hockey and I couldn't care less. I'm sure it won't be him, but someone similarly young, smart and energetic and who expects to succeed would be a great place to start.

            In the hockey world, NMU's Forest Karr has always been ambitious and a former Notre Dame goalie - which, of course, doesn't matter if he's not a fit in vision/ambition/etc for UNH at this time.

            Find the guy with the skill-set and desire to be the AD at Stanford or Alabama someday and let him prove it - don't beat yourself by talking yourself out of this type of hire, especially by trying to convince yourself you'd be better off with some NH/UNH lifer you might hire away from Colorado College (for example). That's the coach afraid to recruit talent and settling argument I made earlier. Make that candidate come to campus and tell you, in an interview, why UNH is a winner and he/she could turn it all around. If they can't or they make excuses, send them home...
            Last edited by Dan; 11-23-2021, 05:58 PM.
            Live Free or Die!!

            Comment


            • Originally posted by Dan View Post

              If I hadn't seen with my own eyes your longing for Gendron and disparagement of Barr, I'd be certain this was nothing more than a well crafted joke at a rival's expense. Souza was never qualified to be the head coach and now you suggest promoting him to the AD position? What world are we living in? This scenario reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine ends up with the unhinged mailroom clerk on her staff at the Peterman Catalogue and promotes him because he frightens her - its that ridiculous...

              Your next idea about 'needing' a UNH Insider is much more common, but equally misguided. That idea is such a negative, limiting and loser mentality and the absolute enemy of success. UNH may take the easy way out and hire Metcalf or make another promotion from within, but that would be an abject failure and abdication of responsibility. You don't give people jobs in college athletics because you know them (Souza!), because they're nice (Souza!) or because they have a certain connection to a school or a sport (Souza!). You give them a job when they work hard, build a track record of proven success, can create and lift a culture and because they are a winner with the right attitude and effort level.

              Ryan Bamford came to UMass from Georgia Tech - with limited (at best) hockey experience and no connection to UMass. He came with an attitude that demanded success and organized a winning culture. He hired good coaches. It seems to have worked just fine w/ a complete outsider. Find the best person. Period.

              Anything else is a path of least resistance, low effort mentality - one people think they're making for a reason or by connecting obvious dots, but one that is almost always made for the sake of ease. Certainly not because it gives any school or coach, anywhere, any extra bit of opportunity for success. Its nice when you have that candidate on campus or in connection already. UNH does not. If UNH takes that approach with this hire it would be a disgrace and MUCH more likely to fail. Even reading it theorized makes me angry...

              National search. Hire a winner. I don't care where they come from, what their experience is or what sports they've worked with.

              --

              I am not plugged into the AD job circles, but I do have one potential hire from off the radar and that is current Jacksonville AD Alex Ricker-Gilbert. He gets stuff done and makes excellent hires. He is a New England native so maybe that's a draw for him. He has no experience in hockey and I couldn't care less. I'm sure it won't be him, but someone similarly young, smart and energetic and who expects to succeed would be a great place to start.

              In the hockey world, NMU's Forest Karr has always been ambitious and a former Notre Dame goalie - which, of course, doesn't matter if he's not a fit in vision/ambition/etc for UNH at this time.

              Find the guy with the skill-set and desire to be the AD at Stanford or Alabama someday and let him prove it - don't beat yourself by talking yourself out of this type of hire, especially by trying to convince yourself you'd be better off with some NH/UNH lifer you might hire away from Colorado College (for example). That's the coach afraid to recruit talent and settling argument I made earlier. Make that candidate come to campus and tell you, in an interview, why UNH is a winner and he/she could turn it all around. If they can't or they make excuses, send them home...
              Here here Dan! Absolutely agree...100%! Also add 'young and hungry' (smiley) I really hope UNH takes their time; this is a huge appointment with many ramifications for us (?) in particular, ok, our interests, which is the hockey program (although I have great respect for all of them). Here's hoping...
              I'm just here for the hockey...

              Comment


              • Originally posted by Darius View Post
                Catching up...

                That hurts. Very Disappointing.

                Not my point, but thanks for playing.

                Confused by your snarkiness, Darius. I was actually acknowledging the fact that he wasn’t a NHIAA player (in the context of your earlier point) therefore not under our nose, and maybe not on our radar. And this one I darn sure hope was. But okay.
                Signature line intentionally left blank.

                Comment


                • Originally posted by Dan View Post
                  Find the guy with the skill-set and desire to be the AD at Stanford or Alabama someday and let him prove it - don't beat yourself by talking yourself out of this type of hire, especially by trying to convince yourself you'd be better off with some NH/UNH lifer you might hire away from Colorado College (for example). That's the coach afraid to recruit talent and settling argument I made earlier. Make that candidate come to campus and tell you, in an interview, why UNH is a winner and he/she could turn it all around. If they can't or they make excuses, send them home...
                  Yes, of course ... "for example" ... LOL.

                  Figured I'd leave a brief audio/video tribute to our soon-departing AD ...

                   
                  Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                  Montreal Expos Forever ...

                  Comment


                  • Dean was professor of Organizational Behavior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Kenan–Flagler Business School, and served as the school's dean from 2008 from 2013.
                    I have to have faith that Organizational Behavior 101 is not to let cronyism rule the company.

                    Still want to hear from Greg A.
                    Last edited by NCAA watcher; 11-23-2021, 09:06 PM.
                    The Souza record:
                    15-16 10th place
                    16-17 10th place
                    17-18 11th place
                    18-19 8th place
                    19-20 9th place
                    20-21 10th place
                    21-22 9th place
                    22-23 10th place

                    Comment


                    • I had a few text messages waiting for me this morning, all with the !! Such wonderful news, isn’t it?! I hope that the powers that be are as thoughtful as all you guys! Let’s hope that we get some fresh blood into Durham! Metcalf is a good guy but hopefully he’s content now at HE……as for other alumni, you do realize that we have 2 former Wildcats that are VP for NHL clubs! I’d even endorse Langway but I know he’s happy in DC, and I personally think we need a real strong financial whiz!
                      Any idea how many folks we have in fundraising for UNH? Maybe 10? We all know the NH State House still only appropriates diddly squat comparatively……
                      I’m curious now to see if both coaches can accomplish more now that I believe their yokes aren’t choking them! Hopefully both Souza and Witt are happy as well now! Let’s hope so….in the short term, let’s wish the best for men’s soccer as they take on #1 Oregon St. this weekend! Great road trip boys, go Wildcats!!

                      Comment


                      • Originally posted by wildcatdc View Post

                        Confused by your snarkiness, Darius. I was actually acknowledging the fact that he wasn’t a NHIAA player (in the context of your earlier point) therefore not under our nose, and maybe not on our radar. And this one I darn sure hope was. But okay.
                        Sorry. Took it the wrong way.
                        I will not be out cheered in my own building.

                        Comment


                        • Originally posted by Dan View Post

                          If I hadn't seen with my own eyes your longing for Gendron and disparagement of Barr, I'd be certain this was nothing more than a well crafted joke at a rival's expense. Souza was never qualified to be the head coach and now you suggest promoting him to the AD position? What world are we living in? This scenario reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine ends up with the unhinged mailroom clerk on her staff at the Peterman Catalogue and promotes him because he frightens her - its that ridiculous...

                          Your next idea about 'needing' a UNH Insider is much more common, but equally misguided. That idea is such a negative, limiting and loser mentality and the absolute enemy of success. UNH may take the easy way out and hire Metcalf or make another promotion from within, but that would be an abject failure and abdication of responsibility. You don't give people jobs in college athletics because you know them (Souza!), because they're nice (Souza!) or because they have a certain connection to a school or a sport (Souza!). You give them a job when they work hard, build a track record of proven success, can create and lift a culture and because they are a winner with the right attitude and effort level.

                          Ryan Bamford came to UMass from Georgia Tech - with limited (at best) hockey experience and no connection to UMass. He came with an attitude that demanded success and organized a winning culture. He hired good coaches. It seems to have worked just fine w/ a complete outsider. Find the best person. Period.

                          Anything else is a path of least resistance, low effort mentality - one people think they're making for a reason or by connecting obvious dots, but one that is almost always made for the sake of ease. Certainly not because it gives any school or coach, anywhere, any extra bit of opportunity for success. Its nice when you have that candidate on campus or in connection already. UNH does not. If UNH takes that approach with this hire it would be a disgrace and MUCH more likely to fail. Even reading it theorized makes me angry...

                          National search. Hire a winner. I don't care where they come from, what their experience is or what sports they've worked with.

                          --

                          I am not plugged into the AD job circles, but I do have one potential hire from off the radar and that is current Jacksonville AD Alex Ricker-Gilbert. He gets stuff done and makes excellent hires. He is a New England native so maybe that's a draw for him. He has no experience in hockey and I couldn't care less. I'm sure it won't be him, but someone similarly young, smart and energetic and who expects to succeed would be a great place to start.

                          In the hockey world, NMU's Forest Karr has always been ambitious and a former Notre Dame goalie - which, of course, doesn't matter if he's not a fit in vision/ambition/etc for UNH at this time.

                          Find the guy with the skill-set and desire to be the AD at Stanford or Alabama someday and let him prove it - don't beat yourself by talking yourself out of this type of hire, especially by trying to convince yourself you'd be better off with some NH/UNH lifer you might hire away from Colorado College (for example). That's the coach afraid to recruit talent and settling argument I made earlier. Make that candidate come to campus and tell you, in an interview, why UNH is a winner and he/she could turn it all around. If they can't or they make excuses, send them home...
                          I strongly disagree that I’ve disparaged Barr. I’ve been critical, but when a coach is 2-9-1 and his team hasn’t shown up for half the games I think that is fair.

                          Have you talked to any Umass fans? I’m close to someone who is a Umass hardo and he says the diehards want the AD gone. He has massively screwed up their two biggest sports. Carvel has obviously done a good job but I think for most folks that doesn’t come close to mitigating the damage to football and basketball.

                          I’m not saying the person has to be a UNH insider as much as someone with ties to the area. I don’t think you need someone to manage the athletic department as much as someone who can fundraise, bring some energy to the program, and hopefully raise its profile. All of the outsiders Maine has hired have ranged from underwhelming to harmful.
                          Originally posted by BobbyBrady
                          Crosby probably wouldn't even be on BC's top two lines next year

                          Comment


                          • WIS/Effingwoods Hockey Almanac Odds for Next UNH AD

                            National Search 1:1
                            Commish Nigel 2:1
                            Coach MacDonnell 10:1
                            Coach Hubbard 20:1
                            Coach Umile/MS7 50:1
                            Coach Herrion 99:1
                            Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                            Montreal Expos Forever ...

                            Comment


                            • Changing the topic briefly, the Union Leader had this article today on the issue of the timing of NHIAA soccer matches, which had generated some discussion on here earlier this month:

                              It's a matter of timing for New Hampshire high school tournament soccer | Sports | unionleader.com

                              “I think the concept is very good if done right,” said (Coach Rob) Grabill, whose Hanover team was the Division I runner-up this fall. “It allows the official to counteract any stalling measures by a team that might want to kill the clock. ... The final decision rests with the official. The watch is on their wrist.”

                              Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
                              Montreal Expos Forever ...

                              Comment


                              • Originally posted by Dan View Post

                                If I hadn't seen with my own eyes your longing for Gendron and disparagement of Barr, I'd be certain this was nothing more than a well crafted joke at a rival's expense. Souza was never qualified to be the head coach and now you suggest promoting him to the AD position? What world are we living in? This scenario reminds me of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine ends up with the unhinged mailroom clerk on her staff at the Peterman Catalogue and promotes him because he frightens her - its that ridiculous...

                                Your next idea about 'needing' a UNH Insider is much more common, but equally misguided. That idea is such a negative, limiting and loser mentality and the absolute enemy of success. UNH may take the easy way out and hire Metcalf or make another promotion from within, but that would be an abject failure and abdication of responsibility. You don't give people jobs in college athletics because you know them (Souza!), because they're nice (Souza!) or because they have a certain connection to a school or a sport (Souza!). You give them a job when they work hard, build a track record of proven success, can create and lift a culture and because they are a winner with the right attitude and effort level.

                                Ryan Bamford came to UMass from Georgia Tech - with limited (at best) hockey experience and no connection to UMass. He came with an attitude that demanded success and organized a winning culture. He hired good coaches. It seems to have worked just fine w/ a complete outsider. Find the best person. Period.

                                Anything else is a path of least resistance, low effort mentality - one people think they're making for a reason or by connecting obvious dots, but one that is almost always made for the sake of ease. Certainly not because it gives any school or coach, anywhere, any extra bit of opportunity for success. Its nice when you have that candidate on campus or in connection already. UNH does not. If UNH takes that approach with this hire it would be a disgrace and MUCH more likely to fail. Even reading it theorized makes me angry...

                                National search. Hire a winner. I don't care where they come from, what their experience is or what sports they've worked with.

                                --

                                I am not plugged into the AD job circles, but I do have one potential hire from off the radar and that is current Jacksonville AD Alex Ricker-Gilbert. He gets stuff done and makes excellent hires. He is a New England native so maybe that's a draw for him. He has no experience in hockey and I couldn't care less. I'm sure it won't be him, but someone similarly young, smart and energetic and who expects to succeed would be a great place to start.

                                In the hockey world, NMU's Forest Karr has always been ambitious and a former Notre Dame goalie - which, of course, doesn't matter if he's not a fit in vision/ambition/etc for UNH at this time.

                                Find the guy with the skill-set and desire to be the AD at Stanford or Alabama someday and let him prove it - don't beat yourself by talking yourself out of this type of hire, especially by trying to convince yourself you'd be better off with some NH/UNH lifer you might hire away from Colorado College (for example). That's the coach afraid to recruit talent and settling argument I made earlier. Make that candidate come to campus and tell you, in an interview, why UNH is a winner and he/she could turn it all around. If they can't or they make excuses, send them home...
                                Well said. Finally, an opportunity to turn the corner. It’s not time to settle. It’s time to be bold. Goodby, Marty…a decade too late.

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