2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

[thecomicbookguy]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Big win for UNH last night....the 2 points will make it hard for anyone to catch them for the RS title and #1 seed. Assuming they can hold serve at home the rest of the way.....or basicly split every weekend. If they do this (5-4):

UMass would need to go 7-0-1 to tie them in points.
BC-----7-1-1
Maine 8-1-1
Lowell 9-0-1

So a split next weekend in Maine would be huge. On paper the toughest weekend left on the schedule (due to opponent and both on the road).

Not out of the realm of possibility to see BC go on a 9-0-0 tear. And, though I haven't seen them play since early in the season (when they looked awful), from what I've heard, it wouldn't be odd to see Maine make a run, either.

 

[Mosrite]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Normally Dan and Pete are quite reserved in their commentary re: the refs. They don't normally get to upset about the calls one way or the other. It's nice to hear that kind of objective commentary from a team specific broadcast team. That being said, they lost it a couple of times this weekend at some of the calls that were made. I can't fairly comment, only hearing a radio call, but I'm thinking this wasn't a banner weekend for the refs.

I was at the game...and I agree with ComicBookGuy, probably one of the worst officiated games that I have seen in a long time. The only saving grace was the five-minute major on Bigos, though it just may have costed Burke the rest of his season.

Yes, and Bigos is a whiner...I was tempted to heave what was left of my Coke at him as entered the exit tunnel, but decorum prevailed.

 

[dmjossel]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

They say with boxers, two differing styles tend to bring out the best in both fighters. The same for these 2 teams. Merrimack has certainly become a talented defensive team, and Braithwaite is a great goaltender.

I'm not sure, but I think you may mean "talented offensive team" there.

Merrimack's offense and powerplay are among the league's best this year. Their penalty kill is also quite good, but they are among the worst for team defense and shots allowed. It is poor team defense that is keeping Merrimack from being middle of the pack, fighting for home ice right now instead of being out of the playoff picture, fighting to get a playoff berth.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

I'm not sure, but I think you may mean "talented offensive team" there.

Merrimack's offense and powerplay are among the league's best this year. Their penalty kill is also quite good, but they are among the worst for team defense and shots allowed. It is poor team defense that is keeping Merrimack from being middle of the pack, fighting for home ice right now instead of being out of the playoff picture, fighting to get a playoff berth.

Indeed; Merrimack is 1-6 when scoring 4 or more goals. Huh? They can light the lamp, but often times not enough -- especially on the road. Having watched two the games this weekend, I think it was a great illustration of their rink versus ours; they used their team size (and the cherry pick) to slow us down offensively, and outworked our d in the corners more than has happened in a bit. Saturday at the Whit, UNH (albeit barely) used the larger sheet, and the more open space, to take advantage of the slightly slower Warriors. You could tell Merrimack was getting frustrated -- Bigos' hit on Burke was a straight up cheap shot.

 

[zoofer]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

In talking with Glenn Stewart before the game, he was very happy to use the size of his home rink the way that UNH uses the Olympic size, to the advantage of Merrimack. Yes there size does help them Greg but as was pointed out, Brathewaite had a great game, and their PP is very potent so how close we were to losing all 4 points is in question. You could also say that we should've swept them if not for the lazy in-zone turnover at Merrimack in the thrid!
As for forecasting the games ahead, back in the mid-70's we had Allen Chamberlain as our stats guy on the road with us, and he continually gave us the weekly updates like the ones shown here...if BC does this, or BU does that, then all we have to do is....it DID have it's affect on the team's performance....all Coach Holt,(bless him) would say in response, was all we had to do was win, never mind what anyone else would do.....I know we here look to have fun, and make conversation but old habits die hard I guess, as do superstitions....I'll simply worry about taking 2 points on Friday night!

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

The team says they are taking it "one game at a time", and that's the right mentality. I never agree with shutting it down to rest at the end of the season.

Having said that, it seems like they say that every year. Doing it's a whole different story.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season



I know we generally talk about the team and their play on the ice, but I'm pretty ticked off. The atmosphere at the Whit can directly affect the team's energy.

I am a UNH season ticket holder. I'm vocal, I know the game of hockey very well, and when something at a game upsets me, I say it.

More importantly, when things aren't goint well for the 'Cats, I'm the guy who starts a UNH chant in my section. For me, being a fan isn't just about watching the games; I know the team feeds off the energy when the crowd is in the game. This year's team is no exception to that. When things are going well, I'm loud for the team's effort.

Saturday's officiating was frustrating, to put it mildly, but other than my classic, "Does your wife know you're screwing us?" scream for the refs, I said nothing vulgar (yes I know, "screwing" is borderline). My wife is an elementary school teacher, and there are many school kids sitting around us so we are very careful, while being vocal, to also be respectful.

I just recieved a call from somebody in UNH Athletics (doesn't matter who) that there have been "several complaints about the people sitting in your seats, using vulgarity all the time". I called back and explained that we are extremely vocal, but also always cognisant to never use vulgarity (I admit, I did let an f-bomb slip when Burke was HFB, but I wasn't screaming) when yelling. We make it a point to use clean, and often humorous, language. The most offensive thing I said the whole game was when I berated Braithwaite for celebrating when Merrimack scored to make it 2-1, saying we have more goals in this game than you have wins on the road (and to hang his head in shame). I got a round of modest applause from people around us for that.

In short, I was told, "well we won't get into 'he said / she said' regarding the vulgarity, and we appreciate that you are cognisant of not using it, but you need to quiet down. There are people who are in those seats that have been there for 10 years who don't want to hear cheering like thatat a hockey game."



I paid for my seats, and I'll be ****ed if I'm going to be told not to cheer. Kick me out if you want. I have half a mind to bring a recorder to the next game to prove that I don't say anything vulgar. I'm not in the student section anymore, and I know it. Maybe I should never have left section 124. I understand more than ever why it's called the "Whittemorgue."

 

[JB]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

In short, I was told, "well we won't get into 'he said / she said' regarding the vulgarity, and we appreciate that you are cognisant of not using it, but you need to quiet down. There are people who are in those seats that have been there for 10 years who don't want to hear cheering like thatat a hockey game."

If it were me I wouldn't worry about it.

It is not like the place has been packed every game and we all know what happened to the waiting list.

Somehow I don't think Marty $$$ is going to do anything to a paying customer either way.

 

[irishfan85]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Re: Vulgarity, Whittermorge, etc in last 2 posts

I am a Merrimack fan. I have gone to every arena in Hockey East, including Walter Brown and Tully Forum (BU and UML's old rinks). Ever since 95 or 96, I have gone to every MC-UNH game at Whittemore. I loved the atmosphere and it is still great. The traditions like Two Step as they enter, the fish, etc. The rink is beautiful and the teams have always been fun to watch. Speed and skill, dating back to Bekar, Boginuki (sp?), Krog, Mowers, etc.

It is sad to see as many empty seats as there are now. I'd like to see every rink in Hockey East be sold out every night, but it's a shame that two of the best rinks to watch a game in, experience a college sports atmosphere (Alfond and Whittemore) no longer seem to be filled to capacity on a nightly basis like in late 90s/early 00s.

There was a man in Section 114 the other night who was out of control, yelling when no one else was at Brathwaite after MC scored their 2nd goal and even UNH fans around me were laughing at his immaturity. That is uncalled for. It's acceptable for college students to carry on like that, but when grown men do there is something sad.

Good luck the rest of the way.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Wow, UNHpuckfan. Seriously... Wow.

You must be so proud of your behavior. Calling a stupid line like "Does your wife know you're screwing us?" "MY classic" was my favorite part.

You admitted you dropped an F bomb BUT... you are always "very careful, while being vocal, to also be respectful." After all, your wife is an elementary school teacher! Since you mentioned the word "WE" in that sentence, does she also act like a nitwit? Or just you? It was respectful to the other fans, some with children, to use that language and berate the refs and belittle the opposing goaltender. Yep! Just like how you were respectful towards the referees and the opposing goalie? Absolutely! Good for you.

The atmosphere at the Whit can directly affect the team's energy... yet rather than cheer for the cats you prefer to berate the refs (apparently often with YOUR classic line!) and the opposing goalie. Yea, I'm sure the UNH players really got energized by that.

I'm just glad you're still out in the stands, fighting the good fight. You bought the ticket and that gives you the right to act like a twit, after all this is America!! Free speech!!!!!! Look at me everybody. I'm exercising my free speech!!!!

 

[zoofer]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Hey puckfan, i feel your pain and am like you in being vocal at the games, both men and womens....i know it doesn't help to say chill but it seems that you have self examined the situation and aside from the frustration of being tattled on, I can't see any true recourse to prove your point....I also wish that more of the crowd realized their ability to affect the players...rather than chat to your neighbor or friend, focus on the game and know when the team has had a strong shift vs. our usual 2nd period veggie state....that being when they need the fan's impedus...as for saying things a bit naughty, when last week, Birchard turned the puck over in front of our net, resulting in an easy goal against, I said "GD it" to myself, or so I thought when the guy in front asked me bruskly to watch my language since he was sitting with his 2 teenage daughters.....I apologized and asked him if he wasn't mildly upset at the play himself....all was cool after we chatted but point being you never know the volume level depending on the circumstance......all in all, I feel your pain and as was said elsewhere, I'm sure if you talked with Marty Scarano, all would be put into perspective

 

[hockey east fan]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

By reading the Fosters today, Umile seems to think Burke and Speelman could be done for the season.Both have shoulder injuries and he said it didn't look good.

 

[JB]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

By reading the Fosters today, Umile seems to think Burke and Speelman could be done for the season.Both have shoulder injuries and he said it didn't look good.

When Speelman skated off Saturday he was holding his arm the way you hold a separated shoulder. Never had one but I have been present for a number and he looked just like they did, arm kinda dangling and shoulder crumpled forward and in.

Burke didn't look so bad when he skated off and I originally wondered if it was a head injury. When he got to the bench the trainer didn't look at the arm but was talking to him, they looked like they were having the "do you know where you are conversation?". Burke has had shoulder issues in the past so it could also be extra precaution.

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Burke didn't look so bad when he skated off and I originally wondered if it was a head injury. When he got to the bench the trainer didn't look at the arm but was talking to him, they looked like they were having the "do you know where you are conversation?". Burke has had shoulder issues in the past so it could also be extra precaution.

Burke got hit early in the third and watched most of the period in street clothes from the UNH tunnel. He looked like he was holding his left arm gingerly, which was not the arm that was operated on last year. Speelman, whose injury was in the first period, was never seen after he left the ice, which leads me to believe his injury might be more serious.

 

[unhpuckfan2001]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Wow, UNHpuckfan. Seriously... Wow.

You admitted you dropped an F bomb BUT... you are always "very careful, while being vocal, to also be respectful."

The atmosphere at the Whit can directly affect the team's energy... yet rather than cheer for the cats you prefer to berate the refs (apparently often with YOUR classic line!) and the opposing goalie. Yea, I'm sure the UNH players really got energized by that.

I'm not sure how to respond to your post without sounding like I'm just trying to backpedal and whine, but what you say makes perfect sense. It also illustrates how poorly I tried to explain what was actually happening.

The two things worth mentioning are the 'f-bomb' I was talking about was spoken privately to my wife. If somebody overheard it . . . well, please stop eavesdropping. The line towards the refs is meant as joke, and I'd hardly call the one comment through the course of the game "berating", especially considering some of the comments around me (not that they make it right, but I keep my tounge in check when my emotions are high from the game, so that I don't say anything stupid).

The point of my post wasn't, "Hey I can say whatever I want," but I can see, reading it over again, how you got that. I'm just frustrated that it seems ANY type of cheering is frowned upon. I used bad examples in my post to illustrate that. Suffice it to say that I get more dirty looks when I try to start a "UNH" chant late in the game than anything else that I mentioned -- and I would like to think that sort of activity would be approved.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Burke got hit early in the third and watched most of the period in street clothes from the UNH tunnel. He looked like he was holding his left arm gingerly, which was not the arm that was operated on last year.

It sounds like Burke may have reinjured his left shoulder which was originally hurt against UMass on Nov 13th. That was the game at the Mullins Center in which UMass tied the game with seconds remaining and won in overtime. Burke injured the left shoulder when he got checked into the "half-boards" near the UNH bench. I hope he returns before playoff time rolls around. The only potential upside is that McCarey, Henrion and Pavelski should get some extra icetime.

 

[Snively65]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Cats have not played the Warriors in first round of HE Tourney since 2001-2002 (W6-5 and 5-4 ot), the year we lost to Maine in the FF semi's in St. Paul. But, this season I would prefer that the Cats face the Catamounts, Huskies, or Terriers, but maybe not the River Hawks, over the Warriors in the post-season at Lake Whitt.

 

[Mosrite]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Wow, UNHpuckfan. Seriously... Wow.

You must be so proud of your behavior. Calling a stupid line like "Does your wife know you're screwing us?" "MY classic" was my favorite part.

You admitted you dropped an F bomb BUT... you are always "very careful, while being vocal, to also be respectful." After all, your wife is an elementary school teacher! Since you mentioned the word "WE" in that sentence, does she also act like a nitwit? Or just you? It was respectful to the other fans, some with children, to use that language and berate the refs and belittle the opposing goaltender. Yep! Just like how you were respectful towards the referees and the opposing goalie? Absolutely! Good for you.

The atmosphere at the Whit can directly affect the team's energy... yet rather than cheer for the cats you prefer to berate the refs (apparently often with YOUR classic line!) and the opposing goalie. Yea, I'm sure the UNH players really got energized by that.

I'm just glad you're still out in the stands, fighting the good fight. You bought the ticket and that gives you the right to act like a twit, after all this is America!! Free speech!!!!!! Look at me everybody. I'm exercising my free speech!!!!

I don't know UNHPuckFan personally, but I can safely say that whatever he is screaming pales in comparison to some of the language I've heard from "nitwit" fans at UMass, Vermont...and yes, BC.

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Congrats to Bobby Butler and Blake Kessel for being nominated for the Walter Brown award for the best American-born player in New England college hockey. Double congrats to Butler for also being nominated for the Hockey Humanitarian award. Definitely a great honor for the captain!

 

[UNHhockey29]

Re: 2009-2010 UNH Wildcats Season

Cats have not played the Warriors in first round of HE Tourney since 2001-2002 (W6-5 and 5-4 ot), the year we lost to Maine in the FF semi's in St. Paul. But, this season I would prefer that the Cats face the Catamounts, Huskies, or Terriers, but maybe not the River Hawks, over the Warriors in the post-season at Lake Whitt.

You couldn't have said the year we won our first Hockey East Championship I would not like to face Lowell either. Could be because I still scared from 2001, but they always seem to be a challenge for us. I'm not sure if I would like to see them play Vermont, I haven't seen them play since December and a lot can change between now and then.