2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

[RockTheWhit]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

I saw Coach Umile do this after the Merrimack game as well. Maybe it's a new away game tradition.

Oh interesting. I was on the other end of the ice at Merrimack, so I did not see it. I like it though.

 

[UNHhockey29]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Interesting about the speed. When the game started today, it was really clear that UNH had great jump and just looked ready to play. Even after the early Thompson penalty (that led to the first UVM goal), I still felt pretty good about our chances. We just LOOKED fast and good. It carried on all game long and UNH did what they needed to do in a tough building.

See I didn't feel that UNH game out flying. It only took them about 5 mintues or so to start buzzing but it seemed to me that we were chasing Vermont to gain control. It took a few minutes to get our first shot, but after that we were flying around the ice.

 

[PSW]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

1. Sislo, this year, has a better chance to drop in production than increase. He does have a nice finishing touch, but you can't underrate the impact JVR had on him last year.
2. Moses is the one guy of these four that can and will have a breakout year. I see his sophomore season playing out like Sislo's did last year. Both were trapped on grind lines their freshman year although they both had potential. Starting the year on a line with Sislo and Desimone will allow him to really shine. Moses has blazing speed and will be a very fun player to watch the next few years in Durham.
3. If Borisenok works hard, he will be a grind-liner, and nothing more.
4. Thompson does have the potential, as his Jr. Monarchs numbers show, but has lacked the work ethic and discipline his first two years here, and I think that is why he sat for half the season last year.

RTW's picks for breakout years among returning Wildcats are Moses and Phil Desimone.
My bold prediction is that John Henrion will have a very good freshman season and finish in the top 4 on the team in goals.

Always fun to go back and look a predications

 

[PSW]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

That 06-07 team was helped by getting a MONSTER sophomore year out of Trevor Smith, who would end up bolting for the AHL (where he's stayed) after losing to Miami in the NCAA's (in Manchester).

Now, I say to myself, who on this team is ready to have a year like Smith did in 06-07? There are a lot of names that stick out.

1. Mike Sislo - Could say last year was his "Coming out year" and it certainly helped playing on JVR's line. However, I think he's actually a very talented scorer, and if he and Butler play on the same line, they could put a lot of pucks in the net.

2. Steve Moses - I don't know what it was about this kid, but he always seemed to hustle his way into plays last year. That pays off, since hustle tends to create opportunities.

3. Mike Borisenok - Didn't play much in the second half of last year, but the kid has talent. Give him a full season, and he might surprise.

4. Paul Thompson - I'll admit, I'm a homer on this call. He's from my hometown. But I still remember the first half of his freshman season, where it seemed like he was trying to prove that he belonged, and ended up scoring a boatload of goals before dropping off the radar. He has something to prove again, and if he keeps grinding and fighting down low, he'll get chances to put the puck in the net again.

Those are my guys to watch for this season. I think if any, or preferably all of them, have breakout years, then UNH could be a serious contender.

always fun looking back...

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Always fun to go back and look a predications

1. Bingo
2. Moses hasn't put as many pucks in the net as I expected, but he is progressing and the scoring will come eventually.
3. I would say I'm half right on that one. Borisenok is a great hustle guy and is always busting his but out there.
4. Bingo here as well. He has worked very hard this year and has really made the most of his opportunity to play with Butler and Desimone.

I stand by my prediction on Henrion, as he has not gotten a chance yet to play with top linemates. Eventually, he will get this chance and make the most of it.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

always fun looking back...

Originally posted on 3/30/2009:

"There's no way of knowing for sure how this weekend's experiences will effect the underclassmen, but my guess is that they have benefitted greatly. I think they learned what it takes to succeed in the NCAA tournament. Most importantly, they discovered that hard, determined, never say die effort can trump any imbalance in "talent level".

I think this team is poised for an outstanding 09-10 season.
The Seniors
~ Peter LeBlanc - He works as hard as Greg Collins and his play-making and goal scoring skills have risen to star level. Wouldn't be surprised to see him as a Captain.

~ Bobby Butler - A fast, tough, sniper. On a team filled with right handed scorers, he may be the best. In the second quarterfinal game against BC, he laid two crushing checks on Petriecki, showing he can dish it when he wants to.

~ Nick Krates - Has quietly developed into a solid defenseman. I see him filling the role of difficult-to-beat defenseman being vacated by Jamie Fritsch.

~ Brian Foster - In retrospect, he probably should have played more often during Kevin Regan's final two seasons. This year, he essentially started from square one. His poised, standup technique is impressive to watch. Playing nearly every game this year will build up his stamina for next year. Although he didn't get much ink over the NCAA weekend, he kept UNH in the games, particularly against North Dakota.

A Few of the Other Bright Spots
~ Blake Kessel - The offensive defenseman we've been hoping to see since 1999. In addition to his obvious, superior skills, he plays with a passion that's fun to watch and will set the tone for others. A natural leader, I hope he stays four years when he will become the Captain.

~ Mike Sislo - Last year, as a key member of the checking line with Collins and Fortney, his scoring prowess was not as evident. What a season in 09! His scoring touch is almost Haydaresque.

~ Steve Moses - I'm way too biased over this kid. If he has a sophomore slump next year, which I doubt, I'll still think he's the next Micflikier/Saviano.

~ Phil DeSimone - He's mastered the game of keep away. When he's sprinting from one end of the ice to the other, rat-atat-tating the puck on his stick, it is nearly impossible to stop or control him.

~ Paul Thompson - As I've said before, he could become the right-handed Mike Souza - a tough, goal scorer.

~ JVR - This smart, gifted young man will make the best decision for his future. If he stays for one more year, I think he could make major improvements in his bulk, physical play, back-checking, and face-offs skills. I would love to see him return to his natural position of left winger.

There's so much more to look forward to in 09-10. I think we'll look back on the winter and spring of 2009 as a turning point for UNH hockey. It was the time when they solidified their position as a premier Division I program. For the first time since 1999, the Wildcats played well enough in the NCAA tournament to win the National Championship."

I'm obviously an eternal optimist when it comes to UNH hockey.
__________________

 

[Mosrite]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Originally posted on 3/30/2009:

"There's no way of knowing for sure how this weekend's experiences will effect the underclassmen, but my guess is that they have benefitted greatly. I think they learned what it takes to succeed in the NCAA tournament. Most importantly, they discovered that hard, determined, never say die effort can trump any imbalance in "talent level".

I think this team is poised for an outstanding 09-10 season.
The Seniors
~ Peter LeBlanc - He works as hard as Greg Collins and his play-making and goal scoring skills have risen to star level. Wouldn't be surprised to see him as a Captain.

~ Bobby Butler - A fast, tough, sniper. On a team filled with right handed scorers, he may be the best. In the second quarterfinal game against BC, he laid two crushing checks on Petriecki, showing he can dish it when he wants to.

~ Nick Krates - Has quietly developed into a solid defenseman. I see him filling the role of difficult-to-beat defenseman being vacated by Jamie Fritsch.

~ Brian Foster - In retrospect, he probably should have played more often during Kevin Regan's final two seasons. This year, he essentially started from square one. His poised, standup technique is impressive to watch. Playing nearly every game this year will build up his stamina for next year. Although he didn't get much ink over the NCAA weekend, he kept UNH in the games, particularly against North Dakota.

A Few of the Other Bright Spots
~ Blake Kessel - The offensive defenseman we've been hoping to see since 1999. In addition to his obvious, superior skills, he plays with a passion that's fun to watch and will set the tone for others. A natural leader, I hope he stays four years when he will become the Captain.

~ Mike Sislo - Last year, as a key member of the checking line with Collins and Fortney, his scoring prowess was not as evident. What a season in 09! His scoring touch is almost Haydaresque.

~ Steve Moses - I'm way too biased over this kid. If he has a sophomore slump next year, which I doubt, I'll still think he's the next Micflikier/Saviano.

~ Phil DeSimone - He's mastered the game of keep away. When he's sprinting from one end of the ice to the other, rat-atat-tating the puck on his stick, it is nearly impossible to stop or control him.

~ Paul Thompson - As I've said before, he could become the right-handed Mike Souza - a tough, goal scorer.

~ JVR - This smart, gifted young man will make the best decision for his future. If he stays for one more year, I think he could make major improvements in his bulk, physical play, back-checking, and face-offs skills. I would love to see him return to his natural position of left winger.

There's so much more to look forward to in 09-10. I think we'll look back on the winter and spring of 2009 as a turning point for UNH hockey. It was the time when they solidified their position as a premier Division I program. For the first time since 1999, the Wildcats played well enough in the NCAA tournament to win the National Championship."

I'm obviously an eternal optimist when it comes to UNH hockey.
__________________

Who's JVR??

Excellent post....then and now.

 

[JB]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Thoughts from my seat(s).

- Melrose is terrible as an announcer. He did note however, that UNH players and coaches keep saying playing Miami and Wisco was good for this team. He echoed that play tough competition improves a team. Even though they went 0-3-1 I think that I have seen growth because of those games.

- I think the games against Miami and Wisco have made UNH more of a puck possession team. You can see them treating the puck with care, they don't seem as eager to just try a dump and chase.

- UNH seems to have figured out how to play a team that traps. In years past they would always panic and dump the puck deep. This year with the puck possession style how often do the send the puck back to the D and start again instead of doing something dumb.

- I don't recall a UNH D unit that could handle the puck this well - collectively. I think Kostolansy and Kessel are obviously the best with the puck on their stick but as a unit they seem to be calmer. Many times UNH D just seem to try and get the puck off their stick, throwing it around the boards, this group doesn't do that as much, far more controlled. I am most surprised by Kostolansky, he is cool with the puck and handles it very well on his back hand.

- Team seems very physical for a UNH squad. They have some big bodies out there that will hit - Burke, Thompson, Butler, Henrion, etc. Last year JVR was a wizard with the puck at times but didn't understand his size or how to use it. Burke isn't as skilled as JVR at this point but he does understand his size. Against Lowell he created a scoring chance by forcing two Lowell D-men (1 couldn't handle him) to commit to him in the corner and then moved the puck cleanly. Also against Lowell I watched him pull the puck to his left, absorb the check with his right shoulder and then make a smooth pass to his now open line mate.

- In the news last week it was revealed that Umile was none to pleased about the loss at Lowell. It was the dumb penalties. Players that committed dumb penalties had to run bowls (up and down every stair case in the bowl of the Whitt) Tuesday AM before practice. Is this a new technique for Umile? It sounded it in the article, might also explain this teams attention to detail. Butler was quoted as generally not to found of running his bowls.

I still enjoy the growth of this team. The wins are nice but I have decide to not get caught up in what this team could be at the end of the year and instead enjoy watching them become whatever that will be.

 

[UNHHKYRKS]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

And finally after the two big wins over ranked opponents this weekend UNH finally moves back into the national rankings at #19, hopefully this upwrd trend continues.

 

[e.cat]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Thoughts from my seat(s).

- Melrose is terrible as an announcer. He did note however, that UNH players and coaches keep saying playing Miami and Wisco was good for this team. He echoed that play tough competition improves a team. Even though they went 0-3-1 I think that I have seen growth because of those games.

- I think the games against Miami and Wisco have made UNH more of a puck possession team. You can see them treating the puck with care, they don't seem as eager to just try a dump and chase.

- UNH seems to have figured out how to play a team that traps. In years past they would always panic and dump the puck deep. This year with the puck possession style how often do the send the puck back to the D and start again instead of doing something dumb.

- I don't recall a UNH D unit that could handle the puck this well - collectively. I think Kostolansy and Kessel are obviously the best with the puck on their stick but as a unit they seem to be calmer. Many times UNH D just seem to try and get the puck off their stick, throwing it around the boards, this group doesn't do that as much, far more controlled. I am most surprised by Kostolansky, he is cool with the puck and handles it very well on his back hand.

- Team seems very physical for a UNH squad. They have some big bodies out there that will hit - Burke, Thompson, Butler, Henrion, etc. Last year JVR was a wizard with the puck at times but didn't understand his size or how to use it. Burke isn't as skilled as JVR at this point but he does understand his size. Against Lowell he created a scoring chance by forcing two Lowell D-men (1 couldn't handle him) to commit to him in the corner and then moved the puck cleanly. Also against Lowell I watched him pull the puck to his left, absorb the check with his right shoulder and then make a smooth pass to his now open line mate.

- In the news last week it was revealed that Umile was none to pleased about the loss at Lowell. It was the dumb penalties. Players that committed dumb penalties had to run bowls (up and down every stair case in the bowl of the Whitt) Tuesday AM before practice. Is this a new technique for Umile? It sounded it in the article, might also explain this teams attention to detail. Butler was quoted as generally not to found of running his bowls.

I still enjoy the growth of this team. The wins are nice but I have decide to not get caught up in what this team could be at the end of the year and instead enjoy watching them become whatever that will be.

great post JB per usual

 

[goblue]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

...
Random observation from the Gutt: When UNH was leaving the ice after the game, Coach Umile stopped at the entrance to the tunnel and congratulated each player individually. I can't remember seeing anything like this in games this year. This was a very cool gesture and showed me that he is really happy with their effort and progress as well.

Maybe he picked it up from Jack Parker? JP was shown doing the same thing when BU played a televised game at UNH a couple weeks ago. Not sure if JP has done that before, but it impressed me. Good to see Umile doing it as well.

Compared to many other coaches (and perhaps York is the model here) who I have observed leaning over a player's shoulder to speak to him as the game is underway, whether in a teachable moment or one of congratulatory back-slapping, Umile has always struck me as being a bit removed from his players. He's often shown with his arms crossed, no matter the situation on the ice. Perhaps his style of communication is equally effective, but I personally prefer the engaged style.

 

[Snively65]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Random observation from the Gutt: When UNH was leaving the ice after the game, Coach Umile stopped at the entrance to the tunnel and congratulated each player individually. I can't remember seeing anything like this in games this year. This was a very cool gesture and showed me that he is really happy with their effort and progress as well.

"Hire Umile!" Got to listen to Sunday's game on radio; really sounds like the Cats are rolling now. They definitely cannot let down at PC this weekend, and need to carry this nice run into the break. Go Cats!

 

[WildShawn]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

And finally after the two big wins over ranked opponents this weekend UNH finally moves back into the national rankings at #19, hopefully this upwrd trend continues.

Yup, they finally, finally moved back into the meaningless polls, weeee. Respect UNH and Respect Ferris State!

 

[thecomicbookguy]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

4. Bingo here as well. He has worked very hard this year and has really made the most of his opportunity to play with Butler and Desimone.

He's also been a physical presence out there, which I did not expect from him (maybe I missed it in the past couple of years?).

And you guys can feel free to call me crazy, but I think this team is developing into a more physical team. They may not throw big hits, but they seem to grind plays out and muck it up in the corners more than they did earlier in the year. I like seeing that.

 

[UNHhockey29]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Yup, they finally, finally moved back into the meaningless polls, weeee. Respect UNH and Respect Ferris State!

It looks good to have your team in the polls, meaningless or not Shawn.

 

[JB]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

He's also been a physical presence out there, which I did not expect from him (maybe I missed it in the past couple of years?).

And you guys can feel free to call me crazy, but I think this team is developing into a more physical team. They may not throw big hits, but they seem to grind plays out and muck it up in the corners more than they did earlier in the year. I like seeing that.

I don't recall a recent UNH team better at grinding. Maybe some of the Gare teams as he and Callandar would good at it.

Each year over the last 3 or 4 I see better physical play at times during the year. Two years ago I wondered where that style went in the playoffs and NCAAs. Last year was the first in a while where I saw it actually show up in an NCAA game.

 

[WildShawn]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Since the UML loss, in the games I've seen live and on TV, the most impressive thing, other than the gradual improvement defensively, has been the 60 minute effort. Imagine what could have been if some of the more talented teams worked as hard as this team has... Good stuff so far, almost wish they didn't have a 3 week layoff after Friday's game!

 

[Nifty16]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Just like everyone else, have to say I am very pleased by what I see with this team over the last month. Going into the year my first thought was this team really didn’t have an identity, it was a team with a superstar to carry them, there was no sign it was a team that was going to gut out a hard defensive win every night, and after the first month there seemed to be no light at the end of the tunnel.
Not sure what has done it but man has this team turned it around. I think it is starting to find its identity, it looks like it will be a tough team to play for 60 minutes, where it can win a game 6-5 or 2-1. It went from taking stupid penalties and have a horrible penalty kill to a team that plays smart and can kill a penalty with the best of them. Some where the leadership of this team came forward to get them on the right track. Have to say I love to watch the defenseman play, they have turned it around in such a short time, not bad for all under classmen. The future does look bright on the blue line, who would have thought we would be saying that a month ago, with the D being biggest question mark. In my opinion the turn seemed to come when they realized that they had to play a physical game, every game. Last year they relied on style to win, now they have to rely on guts, which seems to fit this team more with some of the Freshman they brought in. Of course this change in attitude is a great reflection on the captains, Butler has really stepped up his scoring touch, and Lablanc is bring it defensively, he laid out some huge hits last weekend against Lowell.
Where do I see this team going the rest of the year? I have no idea, there are still some questions marks, will the D hold onto this great play, will the Freshman step it up another notch in the 2nd half? Will Foster be more coincident? But if they keep on getting better every weekend, it will be fun 2nd half. For a team that is in first there still seems to be no pressure on them and they are still flying under the radar, which a great thing for a young team. I know I cant wait to see if they are even better down in Providence and see how the 3 weeks off treats them, hopefully in a good way. But all I know is I have taken liking to this team, if it keeps up the play of the last month, might be my favorite team in a long time. Do I see them contending for the big one this year? No, but I am fine with that as long as they are playing hard for 60 minutes and keep getting better. If that happens never know what can happen in the next couple of years, and what ever does can go back and thank Mr. Butler and Mr. Lablanc for some of it.

 

[i'zonprize]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Agreed with most of the sentiment above. It truely has been quite a turn around and I for one (although I am an outsider) would credit the Coaching staff.

The one thing I think they need to get right at some point is what to do with the 3rd and 4th lines. Speelman and Block are getting more ice time than McCarey and Henrion.. Speelman does jump out from time to time as a very good passer, particularly to guys in the middle. yes, he had a nice assist this weekend, but he's made good centering passes several times this season.
Henrion, looks and plays a lot like Thompson, but a bit more physical as a Frosh. Kid is a natural shooter/scorer, whereas, Thompson gets a lot of pucks down low. Can't recall the last offensive forward that laid out so many hits. Henrion was a regular on the USNPDT last yr and as someone noted earlier, the more playing time he gets with solid guys the better. I think he's a bit lost right now, irregular PT.. and for a top end kid.. I just don't think that's what you want.

Assuming the Top 2 lines are set..

Burke_Borisenok_Henrion
Manz/Block_Speelman_McCarey

Heck.. It's not like Silso is lighting it up on line 2 either.. Yes, he had a goal on Sat and playing his tail off, but consider this..

Moses, LeBlanc, Henrion
Burke, Borisenok, Sislo
Manz/Block, Speelman, McCarey

either way, with Henrion on Line 3.. or 2, UNH could be looking at 2 legitimate 2nd lines...

 

[C-H-C]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

The one thing I think they need to get right at some point is what to do with the 3rd and 4th lines. Speelman and Block are getting more ice time than McCarey and Henrion.. Speelman does jump out from time to time as a very good passer, particularly to guys in the middle. yes, he had a nice assist this weekend, but he's made good centering passes several times this season.
Henrion, looks and plays a lot like Thompson, but a bit more physical as a Frosh. Kid is a natural shooter/scorer, whereas, Thompson gets a lot of pucks down low. Can't recall the last offensive forward that laid out so many hits. Henrion was a regular on the USNPDT last yr and as someone noted earlier, the more playing time he gets with solid guys the better. I think he's a bit lost right now, irregular PT.. and for a top end kid.. I just don't think that's what you want.

Assuming the Top 2 lines are set..

Burke_Borisenok_Henrion
Manz/Block_Speelman_McCarey

Heck.. It's not like Silso is lighting it up on line 2 either.. Yes, he had a goal on Sat and playing his tail off, but consider this..

Moses, LeBlanc, Henrion
Burke, Borisenok, Sislo
Manz/Block, Speelman, McCarey

either way, with Henrion on Line 3.. or 2, UNH could be looking at 2 legitimate 2nd lines...

Although I'm in the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it camp", it's fun to imagine tinkering with the lines. With a winning team, it's a luxury. With a losing team, it's desparation.

My vote:
Thompson-DeSimone-Butler
Burke-LeBlanc-Sislo
Speelman-Borisenok-Moses = Ridiculous Speed
Manz-Block-McCarey

I think these top three lines would be competing to see who is the #1 line.