UNH- How Far West Do We Go?

[Snively65]

As for Souza and a contract extension, if it was up to me, definitely still need to show me more. Two wins at Maine doesn't change a 100-122-27 (.456% - ugh) record. Look Souza has never had more than 8 wins before Christmas, I don't think he has had the team above .500 at Christmas. Can we hang him the Potluck 2025 1st half banner? - you might not be 1st half Champs but Mike Souza you still deserve a trophy (err banner).

As to knowledgeable - meh could be debated. As to loyal I am a season ticket holder and have been going to games for more than 45 years, I am certainly loyal (may need my head examined) and want UNH to win. Hell I was one of the few that saw the UNH-Wisco and UNH-BU games in Albany live in 1998. That epic collapse down the stretch made the bandwagon super roomy.

As for the team this weekend, you can probably count the number of UNH sweeps at Maine (since Walsh) on 1 hand, this is a GIANT accomplishment. I am hopeful as always that UNH has figured it out, there are positive signs on the defensive end that the group is starting to gel. They need to play better defense still, there were some significant lapses and Maine didn't make them pay (see below). Yes, Lavins is back and was all over the ice which helped, only thing missing in his game is his shooting. That UNH was missing Felix (the Cat) Gagnon, #2 in goals and #3 in points and others stepped up is also a fantastic sign.

The cold water is game 1 period 1 there were some crazy saves and some missed opportunities by Maine, same with Game 2 period 3. I am not sure this is a winning strategy by the coaching staff. I just don't see the plan being let see if the other team can miss fire AND our goalie can stand on his head at the same time for most of a period as a good thing. Flip side that the team didn't panic in either game is big bonus to the culture that might be forming. (Or Sparkee might be right, Maine might be in a Barr off year they have been a bit erratic since Halloween - still for UNH a sweep at Maine in any year is a significant thing)

Interesting aside: UNH has some of the best road wins in the country as the NCAA counts them @MSU, @UConn, @Maine, @Maine. More good signs there have been plenty of years when UNH had a rough go away from home.

More on Souza - congrats on win 100... it only took 249 games and 7+ years. For reference Umile playing in Snively and one year in Concord got to win 100 in less than 186 games (60+ games faster) and less than 5 years (I am not figuring out when in 94-95 Umile crossed the 100 win mark). At the end of year 5 Umile was 109-63-14 (.623%).

As for what is next... Dartmouth. I just looked Dartmouth has played 1 team with a record over .500 at the time they played this year (Cornell was 2-1 when the puck dropped). USCHO happily publishes the record of both teams for the conclusion of the game. That means UNH will be Dartmouth's second opponent with a winning record at game time. Dartmouth is doing a great job feasting on cupcakes, scoring like crazy, seriously good for them. UNH vs Dartmouth games have be wild games in the past, could be an interesting Sunday afternoon. (It would be very UNH for Dartmouth to stumble over Army and then blow UNH's doors off)

Only two,other UNH sweeps at Alfond, JB.

8-9 Feb 2008
2-3 Feb 1985

So, happens roughly once per generation!

 

[JB]

I too was at the UNH-Wisco game in Albany. Great win for UNH after having many losses to them over the years. Watched the UNH-BU game on tv the next day and another big win for UNH. HAPPY DAYS! Agree it's taken MS longer than DU to find his footing but I remember some big losses under DU especially in the NCAA's. Denver, what was 9-1 or some such debacle. Michigan 4-0 in Boston and of course Maine 7-2 in Minny not to mention Maine in Anaheim.

At this point would you rather the current irrelevance?

Getting clobbered in the NCAAs, particularly the Frozen Four, sucks. Honestly I think I would take that kinda suck over the last decade of irrelevance.

I am not certain Souza has "found his footing" for me the Jury is still out. Show Me!

 

[Snively65]

I too was at the UNH-Wisco game in Albany. Great win for UNH after having many losses to them over the years. Watched the UNH-BU game on tv the next day and another big win for UNH. HAPPY DAYS! Agree it's taken MS longer than DU to find his footing but I remember some big losses under DU especially in the NCAA's. Denver, what was 9-1 or some such debacle. Michigan 4-0 in Boston and of course Maine 7-2 in Minny not to mention Maine in Anaheim.

In fairness to MS7, Charlie Holt and company left the program in great shape for Dick, whereas Dick left the program in a shambles for his mentee MS7.

 

[Felger]

Only two,other UNH sweeps at Alfond, JB.

8-9 Feb 2008
2-3 Feb 1985

So, happens roughly once per generation!

January 16 & 17 1998

 

[JB]

In fairness to MS7, Charlie Holt and company left the program in great shape for Dick, whereas Dick left the program in a shambles for his mentee MS7.

ummmmm... what?

Sarcasm?

.539
.384
.176
.250
.283
.353
.500

Yes a case can be made that UNH had turned the corner after 86-87.

NOTE: Umile was Assistant Coach in 88-89 and 89-90 Kullen's last two full years (Umile took over the fall of 90 - I don't recall if Kullen coached any games) ... so like Souza he had a chance to help shop for the groceries he would eventually need to cook with (play on Bill Parcel's)

 

[Felger]

Bob Kullen left the program in great shape for Dick Umile

FYP

 

[Potluck]

You are such an absolute a$$clown, potty.

So Buford has weighed in. Relative to his level of intelligence, this is appropriate.

As to knowledgeable - meh could be debated.

Elwood provides a thoughtful post, albeit with a little swipe.

As for Meathead, where art though, Meathead? My guess is that he's wearing a black armband by the sudden resurrection of Souza's career.

 

[Potluck]

A not so small factor in Souza's resurrection is the role of the CHL freshman and sophomore transfer. These guys have played a ton of hockey against men in the CHL. They are physically and mentally tough and have the wherewithal to play tough defensive minded hockey. Alfond Arena isn't a big deal to them. Not very sexy to watch always but effective. The new recruiting rules have been the difference for this years team.

The upperclassman haven't improved much. But I'm not going to go negative on the coaches today.

 

[JB]

Elwood provides a thoughtful post, albeit with a little swipe.

That swipe was at myself, context the rest of the paragraph was referencing my loyalty to the program - (now one at you) I know that required a bit of brain power so I can see how you missed it.

 

[e.cat]

At this point would you rather the current irrelevance?

Getting clobbered in the NCAAs, particularly the Frozen Four, sucks. Honestly I think I would take that kinda suck over the last decade of irrelevance.

I am not certain Souza has "found his footing" for me the Jury is still out. Show Me!

Absolutely not and I’m no fan of Souza. The problem is we have no control over the situation. It’s frustrating no question but the U seems to circle the wagons when it comes to making changes.

 

[e.cat]

In fairness to MS7, Charlie Holt and company left the program in great shape for Dick, whereas Dick left the program in a shambles for his mentee MS7.

The other factor is that Souza was handpicked by Umile. He had no track record as a head coach and never should have been hired in the first place. But I digress.

 

[Jellsville USA]

The other factor is that Souza was handpicked by Umile. He had no track record as a head coach and never should have been hired in the first place. But I digress.

Just to keep the record level. MS7 had 2 stops as an assistant prior to being handed the keys to car at UNH. He was an assistant at Brown for 2 years (went to the ECAC conference finals in 2013) and then worked as an assistant at UConn for 2 years under Cavanaugh during their transition from the Atlantic to HE. I have to admit; I was on the bandwagon to make a change but have hit the pause button. He deserves credit for being out in front of the change allowing Canadian pros. He also focused on bringing in players with past leadership experience. There is a lot to like this year only 1.5 years removed from a 20-win season. Like most, I am not ready to hand him another 3-year extension, but he is certainly on his way to earning one.

 

[e.cat]

Just to keep the record level. MS7 had 2 stops as an assistant prior to being handed the keys to car at UNH. He was an assistant at Brown for 2 years (went to the ECAC conference finals in 2013) and then worked as an assistant at UConn for 2 years under Cavanaugh during their transition from the Atlantic to HE. I have to admit; I was on the bandwagon to make a change but have hit the pause button. He deserves credit for being out in front of the change allowing Canadian pros. He also focused on bringing in players with past leadership experience. There is a lot to like this year only 1.5 years removed from a 20-win season. Like most, I am not ready to hand him another 3-year extension, but he is certainly on his way to earning one.

Valid points there Jellsville. The proof is in the pudding. I’m in the JB prove it to me camp at this point.

 

[Snively65]

FYP

Yes, Bob Kullen was my “and company”

 

[Potluck]

That swipe was at myself, context the rest of the paragraph was referencing my loyalty to the program - (now one at you) I know that required a bit of brain power so I can see how you missed it.

Damn, thats a double down back door subtle swipe. Bravo.

 

[Snively65]

January 16 & 17 1998

Oops, thanks, Felger, as not sure how I missed that one. So, we have swept four two-game series of the 20 played at Alfond since 1985 (three of those were postseason, I think). I suppose that is not all that bad considering the longterm rivalry. Now I need to check the two-game series with the Black Bears at Snively and the Whitt.