UNH Hockey Off Season Thread 2026

[Jellsville USA]

Wow! Back from Aruba and what a week for UNH. It seems as though the team is trending in the right direction. Add the incoming to last year's group and it appears as though we are in position to make a top 4 run. It stings a bit to lose Henriquez and MacPherson, however it is a sign of the talent in the room. I am thinking this may be a foreshadow of our captains for next year.... https://x.com/i/status/2039097996869067089
Go Blue!

 

[DLG]

Cross off Henriquez. Greg Brown flipped him.

easy choice- probably wasn't previiously recruited by high end teams
money not only factor
Chance to win on successful program
much bigger exposure
much better academics(if it matters)
nationally known program-play brand name teams

 

[FlagUp17]

easy choice- probably wasn't previiously recruited by high end teams
money not only factor
Chance to win on successful program
much bigger exposure
much better academics(if it matters)
nationally known program-play brand name teams

Saying BC has “much better academics” than UNH is a bit of a broad sweeping statement in my opinion. UNH has very strong programs in Earth/Marine Science, and in general many of the physical sciences that I would say may outcompete BC.

In business/humanities? Yes I would certainly give the edge to BC.

Also, given both BC and UNH are in the same conference, we largely play similar teams. BC likely has a stronger OOC schedule, but UNH still regularly plays some top dogs, including QU and MSU just this last year. It also appears we will be playing MSU again this fall.

I’d be curious to see the evidence that Henriquez decided to cut ties with UNH prior to the portal opening, and hence that influenced Souzas decision to get 2 goalies. I could easily see it being the other way around as well…

 

[Jellsville USA]

Saying BC has “much better academics” than UNH is a bit of a broad sweeping statement in my opinion. UNH has very strong programs in Earth/Marine Science, and in general many of the physical sciences that I would say may outcompete BC.

In business/humanities? Yes I would certainly give the edge to BC.

Also, given both BC and UNH are in the same conference, we largely play similar teams. BC likely has a stronger OOC schedule, but UNH still regularly plays some top dogs, including QU and MSU just this last year. It also appears we will be playing MSU again this fall.

I’d be curious to see the evidence that Henriquez decided to cut ties with UNH prior to the portal opening, and hence that influenced Souzas decision to get 2 goalies. I could easily see it being the other way around as well…

Honestly Henriquez is undersized. With the slightly wider rink at UNH a larger goalie, solid on angles, and with strong glove and blocker is better suited to succeed. Kendrick and Simpson give them immediate improvement in net while they continue to groom Grout. My guess is they will pick up another goalie in the portal. I am actually impressed with the goalie pickups. The defense is going to be very good, allowing the offense to take more chances. Go Blue!

 

[Snively65]

Saying BC has “much better academics” than UNH is a bit of a broad sweeping statement in my opinion. UNH has very strong programs in Earth/Marine Science, and in general many of the physical sciences that I would say may outcompete BC.

In business/humanities? Yes I would certainly give the edge to BC.

Also, given both BC and UNH are in the same conference, we largely play similar teams. BC likely has a stronger OOC schedule, but UNH still regularly plays some top dogs, including QU and MSU just this last year. It also appears we will be playing MSU again this fall.

I’d be curious to see the evidence that Henriquez decided to cut ties with UNH prior to the portal opening, and hence that influenced Souzas decision to get 2 goalies. I could easily see it being the other way around as well…

Although I do not disagree with any of the points made here, I must ask if UNH has had any hockey players major in Earth/marine science, or any physical science program? I recall that the football team’s field goal kicker in the late 1960’s Kurt Volbhurst (spelling?) was a geology major.

 

[JB]

Although I do not disagree with any of the points made here, I must ask if UNH has had any hockey players major in Earth/marine science, or any physical science program? I recall that the football team’s field goal kicker in the late 1960’s Kurt Volbhurst (spelling?) was a geology major.

There have been a handful over the years, Dr. Fortney being the most prominent.

Business, finance, communication, physiology/physical therapy tend to be the most common

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Although I do not disagree with any of the points made here, I must ask if UNH has had any hockey players major in Earth/marine science, or any physical science program? I recall that the football team’s field goal kicker in the late 1960’s Kurt Volbhurst (spelling?) was a geology major.

You beat me to the punch, Snives. More apt to see useless "Sports Management" degrees than engineering or any other hard science.

 

[bakchk20]

easy choice- probably wasn't previiously recruited by high end teams
money not only factor
Chance to win on successful program
much bigger exposure
much better academics(if it matters)
nationally known program-play brand name teams

That punch list is 50/50 at best. The truth is, money IS a factor and the biggest reason - that you missed - is he's got a goalie coach...

 

[HockeyRef]

That punch list is 50/50 at best. The truth is, money IS a factor and the biggest reason - that you missed - is he's got a goalie coach...

Was talking about this with someone's opinion that I trust...made the analogy of how we got Marty Lavins...he (Lavins) was told 1 more year in jrs which didn't
sit with him...UNH picked him up...same here with Henriquez but..I'm sure $$$ was a huge decision maker PLUS he wanted to play D1 now. Happens. UNH may have
their issues but it's still a great choice. BC..a great school to be sure. Can't blame him.. Sorry we lost him but think MS7 et al had choices to make for next season
and that was that. Onward!

 

[Snively65]

There have been a handful over the years, Dr. Fortney being the most prominent.

Business, finance, communication, physiology/physical therapy tend to be the most common

Really? What was Thomas Fortney’s major at UNH? I am dubious that it was Earth or marine science or any physical science. Maybe a biological science? Or, kinesiology?

I searched some online and could not find his undergrad major, so maybe you are correct and he is trying to “hide” a major in geology? Who are some other former UNH hockey players with degrees in Earth/marine science or a physical science?

 

[HockeyRef]

Really? What was Thomas Fortney’s major at UNH? I am dubious that it was Earth or marine science or any physical science. Maybe a biological science? Or, kinesiology?

I searched some online and could not find his undergrad major, so maybe you are correct and he is trying to “hide” a major in geology? Who are some other former UNH hockey players with degrees in Earth/marine science or a physical science?

I want to say Liam Blackburn had some kind of degree in the sciences??

 

[JB]

That punch list is 50/50 at best. The truth is, money IS a factor and the biggest reason - that you missed - is he's got a goalie coach...

UNH has not turned out goalies in more than a decade. While BC regularly does. I am guessing the sales pitch is simple, we (BC) have a successful program and 4 Goalies playing either NHL/AHL that have been at BC over the last 10 years (yes Demko is about to time out of that pitch) and part of that is having Mike Ayers a former goalie as one of you full time coaches....

While UNH can point only to DeSmith and he left under questionable terms (not him the AD) more than a decade ago. Looking deeper you can't easily find 4 UNH goalies from the last 10 years still playing "Pro" hockey.

 

[JB]

Really? What was Thomas Fortney’s major at UNH? I am dubious that it was Earth or marine science or any physical science. Maybe a biological science? Or, kinesiology?

I searched some online and could not find his undergrad major, so maybe you are correct and he is trying to “hide” a major in geology? Who are some other former UNH hockey players with degrees in Earth/marine science or a physical science?

I was noting a Hockey player getting a STEM education, which is rare. So yes, I was including biological sciences etc. Dr. Fortney has been in the news lately, so it wasn't even a search to find him.

Gemini says - Alex Gagne and Luke Reid were also STEM Biomedical Science and 4.0 GPA 2025 Hockey East Top Scholar Athletes.

 

[HockeyRef]

I was noting a Hockey player getting a STEM education, which is rare. So yes, I was including biological sciences etc. Dr. Fortney has been in the news lately, so it wasn't even a search to find him.

Gemini says - Alex Gagne and Luke Reid were also STEM Biomedical Science and 4.0 GPA 2025 Hockey East Top Scholar Athletes.

Daughter said Luke was an intern at a chiro she went to...fwiw dept

 

[emily422]

Daughter said Luke was an intern at a chiro she went to...fwiw dept

Luke was Exercise Science. Want to say Alex was Sport Management

Nick DeAngelis is an OT major

 

[Robert Balin]

Program Overview
The UNH/Northeast Passage sled hockey program was a pioneer in the sport, launched in 1994 as one of only three such teams in the United States. Today, it features three distinct teams with a total of 40 athletes:
Facebook +2

• NEP Wildcats: Competitive adult
• Key Details About UNH/Northeast Passage Sled Hockey:
  • Elite Development: The program is a significant pipeline for the U.S. Men's Sled Hockey team, which has won multiple consecutive gold medals.
  • History: In 1994, UNH launched one of only three sled hockey teams in the entire country at that time.
  • Structured Play: The program provides opportunities for all levels, including a structured youth program, intermediate programs, and a competitive team that plays in the Northeast Sled Hockey League, as well as national tournaments.
  • High-Level Coaching: The program focuses on fast-paced, competitive, and tactical play, similar to the training used by U.S. Paralympic gold medal coaches.
• that practice weekly and compete in the Northeast Sled Hockey League (NESHL) and the Midwest Sled Hockey League (MWSHL).
• Youth Sled Hockey: A developmental program for youth ages 5–18 with physical disabilities.
• National/Elite Teams: The program features a Tier 1 squad that competes in high-level national tournaments.
  Northeast Passage | University of New Hampshire +4 Never knew UNH was a pioneer for sled hockey it's actually quite enjoyable to watch.
  
  

 

[JB]

Gemini and I have different definitions. I say Biomedical Science is more "hard science" and Exercise Science, OT etc. are more Healthcare. There does seem to be a debate about what parts of health care are actually STEM. Do you need to be more research / hard science focused to be considered STEM? There is no debate that there is a TON of science in healthcare.

I wonder how Gemini decided Sport Management = Biomedical Science. Gemini defines - Biomedical science applies natural science principles to healthcare, focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing human diseases through research and technological innovation. I read this as more "hard science"... NOTE most people appreciate in health care "softer science" people.

 

[HockeyRef]

Imagine a few of us follow CHC...he's putting out reflections of our portal losses and pick ups from the Neutral Zone. Just saw one that said we have made
huge strides in every pick up so far...including goal tenders! Listed UNH as #5 team in pick up strength. Feeling encouraged!!!

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Imagine a few of us follow CHC...he's putting out reflections of our portal losses and pick ups from the Neutral Zone. Just saw one that said we have made
huge strides in every pick up so far...including goal tenders! Listed UNH as #5 team in pick up strength. Feeling encouraged!!!

Temperance. We were all optimistic about last year's CHL as well. Look how that turned out.

 

[Snively65]

I was noting a Hockey player getting a STEM education, which is rare. So yes, I was including biological sciences etc. Dr. Fortney has been in the news lately, so it wasn't even a search to find him.

Gemini says - Alex Gagne and Luke Reid were also STEM Biomedical Science and 4.0 GPA 2025 Hockey East Top Scholar Athletes.

Gemini and I have different definitions. I say Biomedical Science is more "hard science" and Exercise Science, OT etc. are more Healthcare. There does seem to be a debate about what parts of health care are actually STEM. Do you need to be more research / hard science focused to be considered STEM? There is no debate that there is a TON of science in healthcare.

I wonder how Gemini decided Sport Management = Biomedical Science. Gemini defines - Biomedical science applies natural science principles to healthcare, focusing on diagnosing, treating, and preventing human diseases through research and technological innovation. I read this as more "hard science"... NOTE most people appreciate in health care "softer science" people.

You are baiting and switching, JB. FlagUp17 wrote that UNH is stronger than BC in Earth/marine science and physical science (likely true), to which I responded that I doubted UNH has ever had any hockey players in those majors. Neither FlagUp17 nor I mentioned STEM or “hard science,” so you are being a jerk to attribute those words to us.