UNH- How Far West Do We Go?

[TheGrouchyCat]

Potroast,

Since you're a UNH insider, I'd like to ask a few questions. I want to learn from your brilliance and depth of experience navigating the halls of the poorly managed and chronically underfunded university.

According to a long time friend in the advancement office, the mantra for years was that UNH "competed for the tuition dollars" and spent recklessly on "nice to haves" rather than "need to haves."

The second athletic/fitness center immediately comes to mind, as does the 2017 upgrade to the outdoor pool. Luxury items, not academic necessities, all while the school relies in adjunct staff paid by the hour.

The LED chef's table at Holloway Commons which the admin admitted that it wasn't fully aware of the cost and it was a poor use of university resources is a good one.

As is the ECenter/Innovation Hub which hasn't had any major research output, produced any meaning IP portfolio or created any revenue generating partnerships.

What about the administrative bloat which expanded student life staff, marketing staff, compliance staff, student affairs, DEI and middle management/administrators? All recurring costs with salaries, benefits and Healthcare for staff that doesn’t raise the profile of the school, increase research capacity or academic rigor and most certainly didn't polish the school's reputation.

As a UNH administrative apologist, do you really think these initiatives were the best use of limited funds or was it merely a strategy to fully employ a bevy of middle aged college graduates who couldn't succeed outside the bubble of a college campus?

UNH has shown time and time again tjat it is more concerned with optics and risk mitigation than any tangible outcomes.

 

[HockeyRef]

To chime in on the flawed logic -- even if UNH *****presently ******* is relegated to bottom three in resources, and would only be able to get someone who is crazy enough to give it a go, why are we thinking that is a "no, we have to keep Coach Souza for a lot longer." How much worse can it get? And if Mike M. is simply warning us that it won't get much better, at least that new guy might be able to get to the Garden once every blue moon.
Or more realistically, since UNH has spent millions before Souza, and then spent millions to help Souza even as his failures dried up the resources, why are we assuming that would not change if a new guy stepped up? Either an up-front commitment to a new coach (Dumais), or "play it by ear but if we have some success, we'll funnel it back to the program"?


I'm just not getting the logic of "we're screwed, so let's not try anything new." Even a newbie would have a better story to tell recruits than 11 years of failure. Sometimes change for the sake of change also works. I mean, Pecknold (Quin) and Powers (Arizona St.) showed that one can build something without resources.

This this this this this this....and this.

 

[HockeyRef]

I may be oversimplifying it, but isn't the bottom line 1) Can he recruit/close the deal on recruits, and 2) Can he coach?

HE has some top echelon coaches. I think most would agree that Carvel and Leaman qualify. Maybe Jerry Keefe and Pandolfo fit here? Is Barr Top Tier or middle tier? BC posters here seem less than enamored with Greg Brown (doeOtherss BC succeed because of or inspite of him), while Cavanaugh at UConn now has the Huskies in the mix on a regular basis. I think Scott Borek does a very good job with the resources he has (and he's ramping up his recruiting). There's really no book on UVM coach Wiedler. I've always thought Norm Bazin is a good coach, but the results haven't been there recently.

So where does Mike Souza slot in? Where to you rank him on recruiting and where do you rank him on flat out ability to coach?

Others are going to be a bit more detailed but I always point to how well players develop from year to year. Not necessarily whether or not they get to 100 points but you should see it from year to year...
Since alot of our players stay 4 years these days especially you should be able to point to improvements. I dunno...I am not sure this happens as much as it should. That is my mark plus getting to big games from time to time.
I love the players we get so I'm not going to say anything about them. I think when you look at a 50 points in a season (Sam O comes to mind) you kind of hope ot transfers...? Maybe next year...
And finally..sigh..you are what your record says you are keeps popping up. So thats my take.

 

[FlagUp17]

Most of this back and forth has been great. I’ve tried to keep up with it around work. We’ve had more action on here since the season ended than the few weeks preceding!

Anyways, I feel most of this really comes down to a “chicken or the egg” argument. Take your pick on which you want to call the chicken or the egg on what needs to happen first to “rejuvenate” a program, and thus give rise to the other (a new coach versus facilities/institutional support/injection of $$$).

You can only do so much to convince someone on the other end of the aisle. Not that different than politics…

I imagine most of us here are generally people who don’t like to idly stand by when you see something wrong - heck that is part of what has drawn us to comment for 154+ pages on what should be fixed with the program and us offering our opinions on how to do it etc.

At the end of the day, I don’t have a physical vote as to Souza’s future with the team. I don’t know if anyone here does, but what I’ve tried to focus on (knowing this limitation) is:

“Even if I’m not happy with the job he’s done, what can I(we) do to try and make is job easier?”

A few pages ago I spoke about trying to revive the FoH. I was never affiliated with the group, but i remember its impact on the program when I was a student. I shared my preliminary proposal with Darius and a couple others. I’m happy to share with others if they want (shoot me a DM). I’ve also started to reach out and speak to others affiliated with the University to gather more background info on what’s going on…

I would hope the school would welcome the opportunity to bring this back to help support the hockey program, especially if resources are “so terribly lacking” as has been spoken about at length… FoH shouldn’t cost the school much at all, just some of MS7s time and energy. If he’s not up for that… well I don’t know what to say. He HAS to realize what he has been doing isn’t working, and more support can only help…

I’m not saying it will change things overnight. But small wins over time can add up. Rome wasn’t built in a day as they say…

 

[e.cat]

Multiple sources have confirmed this independently. A number of schools in and out of Hockey East approached him.

Sources include, one from UNH. One from BC. And, another affiliated with the Big 10.

I don't doubt it but it brings up more questions than answers.

 

[norbert]

I don't doubt it but it brings up more questions than answers.

I was told Wisconsin was one of the teams.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I was told Wisconsin was one of the teams.

I've heard the same.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Chuck over there talking about Conmy pulling an NHL pension just made me spit out my drink. Dear God that's the funniest thing he's probably ever said.

C'mon Nick, don't be a tool. Every Kid like Conmy dreams of making The Show, and once they do, they hope to stick around to earn a pension.

Never said he would make it - he's a 6th round pick, ferchrissakes, a super long shot - but he thinks he will, and he's the only one who counts, no??

 

[JB]

I think I am in the same general boat with Dan and NCAAWatcher.

I am guessing we all agree on the what, and as FU17 (OK - FU you need a better shortened name) notes it is a bit of a chicken and the egg.

1) Funding - YES, UNH Hockey would be better with more money. I think the clear disagreements are the HOW. I am in the camp you can and do need to what you have more judiciously. You need to start winning more. That puts more butts in seats which brings in more money and gives you more political pull. I just don't see cases of more money coming before the winning starts. The case of winning first then more money into the program are all around us.

2) Coaching - YES UNH Hockey needs a different coach. Is this job impossible with the current budget - NO. Honestly that it is "hard" will help get the right kind of crazy. The current product on the ice has problems across multiple dimensions that all lead to the head coach - recruiting, player development, game strategy and in game adjustments are all poor.

Unfortunately the worst fears of Souza and the potential difficulties of that transition have come true. He had limited experience. He was put into a harder situation than he was ready for, and may not ever be ready for the role of head coach. It seems to me there are just parts of that job that Souza just doesn't like and not doing them is a problem.

Is it fixable - ABSOLUTELY. My first step is some fresh air of a new head coach. New sales pitch to recruits. Chance to re-engage with the STH, with the local community and bring in new fans. Create a winning belief and then a winning culture.

 

[JB]

I also would like people to attempt to back up there assertions with some additional facts that are relevant to the claim. As an example the claim that UNH is a failing University because of a 88% acceptance rate

Using AI - so my usual warning about errors

​

Universities Ranked by Acceptance Rate (2025–2026)​

University Name	Acceptance Rate	Average/Mid-Range SAT Score
Lake Superior State University	100%	920–1150
University of Maine	97%	1060–1280
Saint Cloud State University	95%	1000–1280
Minnesota State Univ. Mankato	91%	1190
Ferris State University	91%	1040 (Avg)
Arizona State University (ASU)	90%	1120–1180
University of Minnesota Duluth	89%	1140–1350
University of New Hampshire	88%	1100–1320
University of Nebraska Omaha	87%	1040–1240
Western Michigan University	85%	980–1200
Northern Michigan University	84%	1060 (Avg)
Michigan State University	84%	1100–1310
UMass Lowell	83%	1200–1360
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)	80%	1320–1470
Bemidji State University	78%	1040–1180
University of North Dakota	77%	1120–1310
Univ. of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)	65%	1070–1310
University of Vermont	65%	1300–1420
Ohio State University	61%	1310–1480
UMass Amherst	60%	1330–1480
Univ. of Alaska Anchorage (UAA)	60%	1020–1210
University of Connecticut (UConn)	54%	1210–1440
Penn State University	54%	1220–1400
University of Wisconsin–Madison	43%	1370–1490
University of Michigan	18%	1350–1530

​

​

​

​

How many of these schools are failing?

Applications are up, admission rates are up and for many of these schools enrollment is down. Some of that is fewer students going to 4 years schools, there is a renewed interest in trade schools or a 2 year community college first. Also students are applying to more schools then 20 years ago. The last piece is many of these schools have shrinking student bodies, the growing schools are generally in the South.

This data illustrates an interesting problem using "acceptance rate". UNH clearly gets more applications in a SAT range of 1100-1320 (88% acceptance) than UND does 77% acceptance rate for the same general range. University of Minnesota is the opposite, by acceptance that 80% rate is 20% higher than similar SAT schools and University of Wisconsin is about 20% lower than similar SAT scores. So Minnesota gets way more qualifying applications than Wisconsin does... not sure what to infer from that

 

[FlagUp17]

I think I am in the same general boat with Dan and NCAAWatcher.

I am guessing we all agree on the what, and as FU17 (OK - FU you need a better shortened name) notes it is a bit of a chicken and the egg.

1) Funding - YES, UNH Hockey would all be better with more money. I think the clear disagreements are the HOW. I am in the camp you can and do need spend what you have more judiciously. You need to start winning more. That puts more butts in seats which brings in more money and gives you more political pull. I just don't see cases of more money coming before the winning starts. The case of winning first then more money into the program are all around us.

2) Coaching - YES UNH Hockey needs a different coach. Is this job impossible with the current budget - NO. Honestly that it is "hard" will help get the right kind of crazy. The current product on the ice has problems across multiple dimensions that all lead to the head coach - recruiting, player development, game strategy and in game adjustments are all poor.

Unfortunately the worst fears of Souza and the potential difficulties of that transition have come true. He had limited experience. He was put into a harder situation than he was ready for, and may not ever be ready for the role of head coach. It seems to me there are just parts of that job that Souza just doesn't like and not doing them is a problem.

Is it fixable - ABSOLUTELY. My first step is some fresh air of a new head coach. New sales pitch to recruits. Chance to re-engage with the STH, with the local community and bring in new fans. Create a winning belief and then a winning culture.

Haha maybe just go with Flag, or FL17. Whatever works best for the masses. I never thought of this shorthand problem when creating the handle!

 

[acs64]

Just for chits and giggles, here's my list, top to bottom, of the HE coaches. Based on getting the most out of what resources they have available.


Leaman
Carvel
Barr
Borek
Pandolfo
Brown
Keefe
Cavanaugh
Bazin
Wiedler
Souza

 

[Jellsville USA]

Had to share this. A bit like Collin Hemingway's goal in 2006. although CH did it between the legs in live action vs 1-1.

https://x.com/barstoolsports/status/2033660039647424752?s=20

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I don't doubt it but it brings up more questions than answers.

You're not wrong.

All three instances, the person with whom I was speaking brought it up themselves.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Geezus, effin' KeeeeeeRIST!!!!! The answer is so gal-durned SIMPLE that you lunkheads wouldn't know it until smacked ya in the face.


1. SOOOUUUZA, A.D. SUGARBRITCHES, ET.AL......PULL OFF THE FRIGGIN BANDAID AND GET THE HELL OUT OF HOCKEY EAST!! EITHER MOVE BACK TO THE ECAC OR BECOME AN INDEPENDENT TEAM.

2. GIVE SOOOUUUZA THREE MORE YEARS TO TURN THE TEAM AROUND.

3. IF THIS DAMN TEAM IS STILL A DUMPSTER FIRE IN 2030, DROP THE DAMN SPORT, FIRE EVERYONE, AND CALL IT A DAY!!!!!!

Let's face it, all you long-time fans, and even the youngins.......THE GLORY DAYS OF UNH HOCKEY ARE OVER. FINI. KAPUT. It was a fun ride 25-30 years ago but it ain't comin' back!

Go to the games, renew your season tix if you want, hell, some the games can be damn exciting! BUT DO NOT EVER EXPECT THINGS TO CHANGE ANY TIME SOON IN DURHAM!!!!

NOW MOVE THE F--- ALONG, AND STAY THE HELL OFF OF MY LAWN!!!!!!!!

... now there's a sight for sore eyes ... GUNHer!!!! Mon ami, emerging from your usual winter hibernation, just in time to hit the sauce on St. Paddy's Day!!

Your opinions seem a little bit ... errr ... rash and disjointed, my octogenarian friend. "Pull off the band-aid" and change leagues, but keep Captain Abysmal in charge for three more years, in a league (ECAC) he has no familiarity with?!?!? And give the program only 5 more years before potentially turning The Whitt into the World's Largest Morgue?!? Wow, if you think Concord isn't fond of Titletown now, I can't even begin to imagine how those kids are gonna get along in the future, yikes ...

Anyway ... always fun when you're lucid enough to join us, old man!!! And give my regards to your wonderful paramour, the lovely Ramona!!!

 

[Potluck]

I think most are missing an obvious problem. Souza is meeting expectations relative to the resources he has. That's most likely why he got the extension two years ago and why he may get another one. Souza is the lowest paid coach in Hockey East. UNH is among the bottom two programs (UVM is the other) in resources. UNH is one of the two poorest performing programs in the conference. UNH hockey hasn't experienced any NCAA violations and the players are excellent off the ice academically and as citizens. Souza can make a reasonable argument that he has done his job competently - at a very low cost. UNH has very low standards academically and athletically. Souza meets UNH's general standards quite well.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I think most are missing an obvious problem. Souza is meeting expectations relative to the resources he has. That's most likely why he got the extension two years ago and why he may get another one. Souza is the lowest paid coach in Hockey East. UNH is among the bottom two programs (UVM is the other) in resources. UNH is one of the two poorest performing programs in the conference. UNH hockey hasn't experienced any NCAA violations and the players are excellent off the ice academically and as citizens. Souza can make a reasonable argument that he has done his job competently - at a very low cost. UNH has very low standards academically and athletically. Souza meets UNH's general standards quite well.

Spoken like a bureacrat managing expectations to justify poor performance.

Accountability used to matter. Then again, so did self respect.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Just for chits and giggles, here's my list, top to bottom, of the HE coaches. Based on getting the most out of what resources they have available.


Leaman
Carvel
Barr
Borek
Pandolfo
Brown
Keefe
Cavanaugh
Bazin
Wiedler
Souza

You know ... there have to be mornings when Coach Umile wakes up at his Bow Lake retirement estate, sits down to have his morning cup of joe, comes on here to check out how the UNH faithful are feeling about his old program ... and then he sees a list like the one acs64 has cranked out above (good list BTW Larry) ...

... and immediately thinks how much easier it would have been to amass hardware AND NRN's in Titletown, if only he had to go up against this list of relative mediocrities, as opposed to the likes of Parker, Walshy and York - legends all, and all multiple D-1 title winners.

He rolls his eyes, takes a last belt at his cappuccino, and slowly closes the lid to his well-worn laptop. Then he sighs and dials up MS7 to invite him over for the usual end-of-season fishing foray and debrief, once an "ice out" is confirmed on the lake. Maybe it's time to make him an offer he can't refuse?

MS7 always did look and act a little Fredo-ish, after all ...

 

[Chuck Murray]

Spoken like a bureaucrat managing expectations to justify poor performance.

Accountability used to matter. Then again, so did self respect.

Can you even begin to imagine, this guy is actually in charge of stuff?!? Prime example of what it means to say that the "fish" rots from the head down ...

 

[norbert]

I think most are missing an obvious problem. Souza is meeting expectations relative to the resources he has. That's most likely why he got the extension two years ago and why he may get another one. Souza is the lowest paid coach in Hockey East. UNH is among the bottom two programs (UVM is the other) in resources. UNH is one of the two poorest performing programs in the conference. UNH hockey hasn't experienced any NCAA violations and the players are excellent off the ice academically and as citizens. Souza can make a reasonable argument that he has done his job competently - at a very low cost. UNH has very low standards academically and athletically. Souza meets UNH's general standards quite well.

So we just are supposed to accept this and stay with status quo? If as you say this is a resource problem shouldn’t he be fighting for more? One way to advance the program is through fundraising but since he’s in the Rich Witness Protection Program that won’t happen