Wow, you think that UMass-Bazin’s team is going to take two out of three, with two games at the Whitt? And I thought that I was Mr. Negative.
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UNH Hockey 2023-2024 Season Thread - End Of The Cellar-Dweller Era??
- Thread starter Scott
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Wow, you think that UMass-Bazin’s team is going to take two out of three, with two games at the Whitt? And I thought that I was Mr. Negative.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Hey much obliged and there's probably a clip of it out there.
On the tie breaker stuff no worries alot to shake out and by Sunday we will know what's what.
And I am with you sweep the Ospreys and beat them again if we have to! Can't believe we are at this point in the season...
HockeyRef
Well-known member
BTW Chuck these are just reflections from the conversations here on this board...not how they
would actually transgress?
No idea how it will be worded but while I'm waiting looking forward to see how the 'Cats fare in the games ahead.
Meanwhile Hilary Witt is a finalist for HE COTY. Good luck to her 'Cats v NU Wednesday
Ironically, I can see a possible scenario where MS7 vindicates HIMSELF for the loss in the big one in 1999 against....lets hear it, UMAINE! This is how, you might ask....easy,...... beating Maine in the HE quarterfinals (at Alfond no less). Yeah, I know its small consolation compared to a NC game, but what motivation it would be and it definitely would be enough for your AD to extend Mikey for 3 more years. Think about it....insert smiley
This is tough to read as I know you're pretty connected with the program, 'Ref. Are you able to elaborate on this any further? I am not doubting this is true, but I can't for the life of me wrap my head around any 'UNH faithful' lobbying for more Souza.
Reading that took the wind out of my sails for a bit, but it motivated me to do something I've been meaning to for awhile which is sending an email to Dr. Rich imploring her to move on from Souza and begin a new era at UNH. I just cannot fathom looking at his tenure and thinking 'let's bring this guy back for more.' He's been with the program for almost 10 years and this (unfinished) season is the only one to date that could even be deemed mediocre.
Sparkee
Blackbear
That is why they need to extend MS7 now, and quick, while it makes *some* sense.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
There are quite a few fans who support him actually and like those who do not have voiced their views to the AD as well. Having gone to alot of away games I've had these conversations. This 'turn around season' seems to be enough and the promise of more to come. Esp with the improvements on the horizon to attract skilled recruits.
He has his supporters.. this should not come as a surprise. I'm glad you sent an email...the more she hears from fans the better. That said...it goes both ways and he's getting support from these fans who are very pleased with the job he's done.
You'd think that looking at the over all record would speak for itself but when you bleed blue no matter what it doesn't matter. As much of a slam that might seem to these fans it's not meant to be. There are times I wish I had less of an emotional investment tbh...
They have been long time supporters of not only the hockey team but of all things UNH and theres nothing wrong with that. They like him as a coach and personally and they think he's the right guy for the job.
Everyone has the right to be the fan they want to be. Heck I get accused of being a 'bad fan' because I've voiced my opinion here. Ok whatever!
Thats all I got on the issue.
I like this scenario. But we also cannot forget UHN’s 2002 debacle at St Paul’s Exel Center post-MS7.
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It comes down to what your expectations are and how you define success. I started following UNH in '99 and the next 15 years were a period of sustained success. At their high water mark they made the NCAA's something like 17 of 20 seasons. Compared to that, Souza's tenure couldn't be more dissimilar. You know the results but they've finished 10th, 10th, 11th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 9th, 10th and 6th in his nine seasons on UNH's payroll.
My expectations in 2024 are not what they were in 2010. The conference has gotten more competitive and there is more parity, but I still have (what I think are reasonable) expectations of success. Generally speaking I'd define success as an NCAA berth every ~3 seasons and a trip to Boston ~5 times in a decade.
Shifting back to 23-24 I will acknowledge this season is not over, but going into the year I felt that he needed to make the NCAA tournament to keep his job. As it stands now the absolute bare minimum for me to deem it successful is a trip to Boston. While it's not impossible, I'm not holding my breath.
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Darius
Go 'cats!
First sentence: agree. Second sentence: Timing. New AD and his contract is about to end. Third sentence: it is a conundrum. I’ve been all over the map on this and probably will be until a decision is made, but at this moment I think a two year extension at the same pay rate is warranted. Check back with me if we get less than two of remaining six available points or lose in the play in round. I’ve said before that the decision will say a lot about UNH’s vision for the hockey program. I can live with it either way as long as the as the U steps up and owns the decision they make.
I feel your pain bro, we had it with Timmay and to a greater degree with Red over the years. You want the team to succeed on the one hand and on the other you want it to fail to ditch your mediocre coach. I will say I think UNH is playing some pretty tuff hockey right now.....remember all teams eventually get exposed on the big stage...BU took a 9-1 thrashing to Lake State in 94. Maine got handcuffed what 5-2 in the NC by BU the following year after the marathon Michigan-Maine semi. BC with what was supposed to be a stacked team got biatch slapped by Colorado College. Who knows, you might get surprised down the stretch, and us too. I say give MS a one year extension to see if he can improve on this season. If not, yank the chain.
d.gerry
Five for Fighting
Call me a sucker, but I think I'm falling into this camp. The team has seemed to turn a corner this season but, is this a one year blip/mirage or the actual beginning of a sustainable upward trend? Who knows, but if you pull the plug now you'll never find out. Barring losing out (both games to UML and the one MBPBEGAM) I'd say give him one more shot. If he wins out the next three (2 UML and 1 MBPBEGAM) any wins after that would just be gravy. Really what the hell does one more season matter at this point? Give him ONE more year to show recruiting and player development are improving, really improving. If he succeeds and UNH has an even better and deeper run next year, more power to him. If team falls back into mediocrity (or worse), no harm no foul, call it a day and move on. The only fly in the ointment, is there a high profile head coach out there interested in UNH now? If so no one could blame the AD for making the move ASAP.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
I've said as.much (1 year) then I get the point that 1 year doesn't do much for the development of players / recruits...doesn't send a message of stability in the program...? - this is the push back I get when I mention 1 year. Has UNH ever done that with a coach? (1 year)
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d.gerry
Five for Fighting
Never seen a one year deal, but could have been one somewhere along the line, who knows. As for stability, we already have our recruits pretty much lined up for next year anyway, so a one year deal shouldn’t really change that. If he goes out a puts up a good season next year and renews early (hopefully results will warrant inking a new deal say sometime in late January early February) then the stability issue is solved.
Hard to imagine a 1-year extension, which is what faculty automatically receive when they are denied tenure after six years of service. My guess is that the Cats will win at least one of their last three games against the Ospreys for MS7’s first winning record as HC, which is all that the AD would need to cover her decision to offer a 2-year extension. As far as not making the NCAA’s, the AD can point to the HEA being a highly competitive conference, especially if five HEA teams make the cut.
Also, the AD can remind us that Lawlor is “a tough place to play.”
Also, the AD can remind us that Lawlor is “a tough place to play.”
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TwoStep93
New member
I agree with player development / recruits being of the utmost importance and I believe that the core we have now is capable of really getting the ship off of the ground / knocking down the door for near-future talent. They're (mostly) young, quite talented and if they stick around TOGETHER for 1-3 more seasons - the sky is the limit, IMO. Unsure if giving Souza the kibosh and bringing someone new in would help or hurt that possibility.. I'm curious as to how the locker room feels?
It's been a good bit since I've posted anything here and I've posted very little but shoot - seems as though that they should just put all of you in charge!
Welcome back, TS93. Well, I am sure that I could do a better job managing the Red Sox, but probably not our Wildcats.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Excellent points about the importance of continuity...looks like strong recruits coming in the next two seasons as well...strong core remaining.
Keep coming back! I for one need a perspective check
from time to time!
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