2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

[WIrinkrat]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

"UNH Drops Tight Matchup with BU"

Good writeup and agree with almost everything you had to say...the notable exception is I didn't think Willows looked good at all aside from his one ambitious rush in the 3rd period. He was once again a turnover machine along the wall all night and while blessed with good speed he is incredibly slow in his reactions to game situations such as transition. He looks completely unsure of himself and his decisions and is playing without any confidence whatsoever. Instead of just reacting to the game as it happens he's looking around to see what everyone else does first before he makes up his mind as to what he's going to do. Whereas guys like Thrush and Downing and even Camper could pass as upperclassmen, he definitely looks like a freshman. It will definitely not happen now, especially with such a serious injury to Speelman, but I think he would benefit most from going back to juniors for the 2nd semester, getting a lot of ice time, growing his confidence, and giving it another go next season. I certainly think he has the upside and potential to be a very good player, he's just not ready right now.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Good writeup and agree with almost everything you had to say...the notable exception is I didn't think Willows looked good at all aside from his one ambitious rush in the 3rd period. He was once again a turnover machine along the wall all night and while blessed with good speed he is incredibly slow in his reactions to game situations such as transition. He looks completely unsure of himself and his decisions and is playing without any confidence whatsoever. Instead of just reacting to the game as it happens he's looking around to see what everyone else does first before he makes up his mind as to what he's going to do. Whereas guys like Thrush and Downing and even Camper could pass as upperclassmen, he definitely looks like a freshman. It will definitely not happen now, especially with such a serious injury to Speelman, but I think he would benefit most from going back to juniors for the 2nd semester, getting a lot of ice time, growing his confidence, and giving it another go next season. I certainly think he has the upside and potential to be a very good player, he's just not ready right now.

I understand what you mean - compared to the freshmen forwards who came out of the USHL and BCHL, Matt Willows is not polished or self-confident at this level. By nature, I tend to focus on the upside of 1st year players and I did see some raw talent (speed, grit, physicality) that may serve him well as he matures. He had some blatant miscues last night and during the first couple of periods in particular, he seemed to be looking around at his teammates (presumably) trying to gauge whether he was in the correct position on the ice. I'm not sure if this is a factor but when I saw him play for the Jersey Hitmen last season, he was playing center and last night he was on the right wing. Compared to his icetime in the exhibition game against New Brunswick, he looked more determined (last night) to do what he does best at this stage - go after the puck with speed and an edge. At the high school and EJHL level, he was a prolific scorer. He'll be a valuable addition to this year's team if he shows some of this scoring touch as he moves beyond his first NCAA game.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

They really didn't play that poorly tonight. Gotta stop giving up soft goals and need to bear down in front of the net offensively, but they took it to BU for large portions of the 2nd half of the game in particular. Had some decent chances early in the game and missed the net on every single one. Might have gotten themselves off to a better start if they could have put a few of those chances on goal instead of high off the glass and around the wall to start BU breakouts.

I thought UNH played pretty poorly in the first two periods last night, especially coming off their best game of the year. Granted, BU is a heck of a lot more talented than UML (despite the 7-1 thrashing they took) but, if the 'Cats had played in the first the way they played in the third, they could have won the game. Also thought the first BU goal was pretty weak. Can't let a shot from that angle go in short side, just can't. Second Saturday in a row DiGi has let in a softy. Puzzling to me because he can play so spectacularly at times.

After six weeks of play, and having seen all the teams except Merrimack and Providence, the watchword seems to be parity (I was going to say mediocrity but I'll be nice). No one except BC has stood out and even they seem to have some weaknesses. Despite an awful start, UNH can be right in the hunt for home ice but, to do so, they have to play with consistency, period after period, from the goalie on out. Next two games are against less than stellar non-conference opponents. Winning won't help the pwr too much, but losses could be a killer.

 

[Snively65]

UNH flipped 8 pwr points with UML in win last night. Yeah, I know, pwr does not mean much this early in the season, but it still amazes me what one win can do.

Looking forward to my second game at Lake Whitt next Saturday night. Cannot believe that these games are not selling out.

And one loss drops them 6 pwr points to 3 total, but lots of parity with BU and UML chasing Mac and BC.

Sadly, could be our last chance to see Alabama -Huntsville; what a storied hockey town.

 

[Umileated]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

I thought UNH played pretty poorly in the first two periods last night, especially coming off their best game of the year. Granted, BU is a heck of a lot more talented than UML (despite the 7-1 thrashing they took) but, if the 'Cats had played in the first the way they played in the third, they could have won the game. Also thought the first BU goal was pretty weak. Can't let a shot from that angle go in short side, just can't. Second Saturday in a row DiGi has let in a softy. Puzzling to me because he can play so spectacularly at times.

I was a bit surprised myself to see that shot make it in if only because point shots seemed to be the bread and butter of the UML offense Friday night, and UNH managed those quite well. Also, stamina in the 6 period weekends seems like it's an issue to me. Maybe they need a Friday night curfew.

 

[UNH09]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

I was a bit surprised myself to see that shot make it in if only because point shots seemed to be the bread and butter of the UML offense Friday night, and UNH managed those quite well. Also, stamina in the 6 period weekends seems like it's an issue to me. Maybe they need a Friday night curfew.

Normally I would agree with the premise of the Cats not being able to sustain 6 periods of solid hockey, however, the 3rd period of the game at the "House BU Football Built" was dominated on the stat sheet by the Cats with a 23-8 SOG advantage... To me its a lack of focus on the defensive end that is this team's downfall. Ty Conklin, Mike Ayers and Kevin Regan saved many Cats teams from their defensive lapses, Matt (Frozen Pizza) DiGorlamo doesn't seem to have that ability. Is he a solid goaltender? Yes. Gamechanger? No.

 

[i'zonprize]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

I understand what you mean - compared to the freshmen forwards who came out of the USHL and BCHL, Matt Willows is not polished or self-confident at this level. By nature, I tend to focus on the upside of 1st year players and I did see some raw talent (speed, grit, physicality) that may serve him well as he matures. He had some blatant miscues last night and during the first couple of periods in particular, he seemed to be looking around at his teammates (presumably) trying to gauge whether he was in the correct position on the ice. I'm not sure if this is a factor but when I saw him play for the Jersey Hitmen last season, he was playing center and last night he was on the right wing. Compared to his icetime in the exhibition game against New Brunswick, he looked more determined (last night) to do what he does best at this stage - go after the puck with speed and an edge. At the high school and EJHL level, he was a prolific scorer. He'll be a valuable addition to this year's team if he shows some of this scoring touch as he moves beyond his first NCAA game.

In summation it sounds like, Willows, in his first collegiate game was a bit green at the beginning- but better at the end. ok- I'll take that any day. Kid moved pretty good from the limited viewing that I saw. Reminissent of the old transition offense that UNH used to run! He'll be alright!

on another note- Correale coming in late- however, MC has made a habit over the recent yrs of stacking their incoming classes with 20 and 21yr yr olds- this yr is no different. There were no incoming kids younger than 20yrs of age and almost all of them will be 21 before the yr is out. Heck, they'll have 2 25yr olds on the roster- not that I would be excited to see UNH adopt that same regular strategy- but they are #1 in the country as I type this.

On a more serious note- an maybe this belongs in the recruiting thread- few of the similarities that Camper, Downing, TvR share are 'mutli' yrs of Jr's - they all carry the puck calmly and don't seem to panic for kids early in the Fr. yr.

I think of Smith, Hill, & Correale that will all have 3yrs of jr. experience coming into next yr and will be 'older'.

 

[WIrinkrat]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Reminissent of the old transition offense that UNH used to run!

I'm all for an unabashed support of one's team and eternal optimism, but I'd say it was actually nothing like that.

 

[Saetia22]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

In summation it sounds like, Willows, in his first collegiate game was a bit green at the beginning- but better at the end. ok- I'll take that any day. Kid moved pretty good from the limited viewing that I saw. Reminissent of the old transition offense that UNH used to run! He'll be alright!

on another note- Correale coming in late- however, MC has made a habit over the recent yrs of stacking their incoming classes with 20 and 21yr yr olds- this yr is no different. There were no incoming kids younger than 20yrs of age and almost all of them will be 21 before the yr is out. Heck, they'll have 2 25yr olds on the roster- not that I would be excited to see UNH adopt that same regular strategy- but they are #1 in the country as I type this.

On a more serious note- an maybe this belongs in the recruiting thread- few of the similarities that Camper, Downing, TvR share are 'mutli' yrs of Jr's - they all carry the puck calmly and don't seem to panic for kids early in the Fr. yr.

I think of Smith, Hill, & Correale that will all have 3yrs of jr. experience coming into next yr and will be 'older'.

I like the optimism, but to respectfully disagree with a few points:

IMO-
- I really don't think older players is the key to success, and I think/hope that this class of 2012 is a one time thing, due to some moving around/injuries etc. As opposed to a plan.
- I think Willows was okay - about where I'd expect him to be for his first game, against BU, and coming from the EJ. Someone mentioned sending him back to Jrs.. personally I think that'd do nothing but hurt his development. Nothing else he can learn there.
- Next year's class will be interesting. Smith and Hill don't seem to be progressing as much as I'd hope. Correale is a wildcard. Gaudreault will be interesting. 2 years in the USHL will do him a lot of good. Perhaps a slightly less polished Camper or Fall '10 Silengo come next October. MacDonald could very well have the same problems adjusting as other EJ'ers in the last few years (AIA, Willows, Rossman). Vecchione will hopefully be able to jump right in.

 

[WIrinkrat]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

I like the optimism, but to respectfully disagree with a few points:

IMO-
- I really don't think older players is the key to success, and I think/hope that this class of 2012 is a one time thing, due to some moving around/injuries etc. As opposed to a plan.
- I think Willows was okay - about where I'd expect him to be for his first game, against BU, and coming from the EJ. Someone mentioned sending him back to Jrs.. personally I think that'd do nothing but hurt his development. Nothing else he can learn there.
- Next year's class will be interesting. Smith and Hill don't seem to be progressing as much as I'd hope. Correale is a wildcard. Gaudreault will be interesting. 2 years in the USHL will do him a lot of good. Perhaps a slightly less polished Camper or Fall '10 Silengo come next October. MacDonald could very well have the same problems adjusting as other EJ'ers in the last few years (AIA, Willows, Rossman). Vecchione will hopefully be able to jump right in.

Just curious...but how would there be "nothing else Willows can learn there" by going back to juniors? He was an offensive force in one of the weaker Jr. A leagues. I'm not sure how things work as far as rights go but if he could go play in the USHL you don't think he could benefit from that? There's no benefit to being able to get consistent ice time? To the natural building of confidence that comes with earning consistent ice time? To being able to contribute...perhaps significantly...to the offense of a team playing in a much stronger Jr. A league? There's no benefit to becoming more responsible defensively and more confident in your ability to react and play quickly at a level that while maybe not the same as college is still a solid step above the EJHL?

I see nothing but benefit in that opportunity, particularly for a player that will probably spend a lot of time in the stands, especially if Silengo isn't injured badly. As I stated earlier, I don't think there is any way it will happen because of the significance of the injury to Speelman. If they lose anyone else they may need him to be able to go on any given night, but to say there would be no benefit for him in that situation is completely foolish, IMO.

 

[Saetia22]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Just curious...but how would there be "nothing else Willows can learn there" by going back to juniors? He was an offensive force in one of the weaker Jr. A leagues. I'm not sure how things work as far as rights go but if he could go play in the USHL you don't think he could benefit from that? There's no benefit to being able to get consistent ice time? To the natural building of confidence that comes with earning consistent ice time? To being able to contribute...perhaps significantly...to the offense of a team playing in a much stronger Jr. A league? There's no benefit to becoming more responsible defensively and more confident in your ability to react and play quickly at a level that while maybe not the same as college is still a solid step above the EJHL?

I see nothing but benefit in that opportunity, particularly for a player that will probably spend a lot of time in the stands, especially if Silengo isn't injured badly. As I stated earlier, I don't think there is any way it will happen because of the significance of the injury to Speelman. If they lose anyone else they may need him to be able to go on any given night, but to say there would be no benefit for him in that situation is completely foolish, IMO.

Obviously, the USHL would be a very different story for development. You mentioned "go back" which I interpreted as "go back to where he came from" aka Hitmen. Understandable right?
Of course the USHL would be much more beneficial than the EJHL. I am all about the USHL (Sorkin and Thrush's development after just 1 year there impresses me). What I meant was - he is better off working at practice (crisper passes, better goaltending, more skill to play with), and a game or two to catch up to the pace, rather than go and be unchallenged with the Hitmen.

 

[WIrinkrat]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Obviously, the USHL would be a very different story for development. You mentioned "go back" which I interpreted as "go back to where he came from" aka Hitmen. Understandable right?
Of course the USHL would be much more beneficial than the EJHL. I am all about the USHL (Sorkin and Thrush's development after just 1 year there impresses me). What I meant was - he is better off working at practice (crisper passes, better goaltending, more skill to play with), and a game or two to catch up to the pace, rather than go and be unchallenged with the Hitmen.

Fair enough. I would think he wouldn't have to go back to that situation as even if NJ retains his rights they really don't have any leverage to make him come back there. But again as I said, I don't know how that aspect of things works at that level.

 

[Umileated]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Normally I would agree with the premise of the Cats not being able to sustain 6 periods of solid hockey, however, the 3rd period of the game at the "House BU Football Built" was dominated on the stat sheet by the Cats with a 23-8 SOG advantage... To me its a lack of focus on the defensive end that is this team's downfall. Ty Conklin, Mike Ayers and Kevin Regan saved many Cats teams from their defensive lapses, Matt (Frozen Pizza) DiGorlamo doesn't seem to have that ability. Is he a solid goaltender? Yes. Gamechanger? No.

I'm not sure if you can call a 6th period rebound the case for stamina. Periods 1-3 are a strike first and stay ahead kind of attitude. Periods 4-6 are always a fight from behind kind of game. In other words, periods 4 and 5 are like January and February in the season. Period 6 is like the end of the season where they say to themsleves, "wait, how'd we fall out of contention?"

 

[New Hampshire 'Cats Fan]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

That was probably one of the most frustrating games I've seen UNH play. Just in complete shock about that loss!

 

[Saetia22]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Feeling very unhappy things about this team. Disgusted.

 

[scoreboard]

That was probably one of the most frustrating games I've seen UNH play. Just in complete shock about that loss!

After seeing their game against BU last week nothing shocks me. Tonight they had a lead of 4-0 in the first and lost 7-5. Unfortunately, this team is probably amongst the weakest in the last 15 years

 

[WildShawn]

After seeing their game against BU last week nothing shocks me. Tonight they had a lead of 4-0 in the first and lost 7-5. Unfortunately, this team is probably amongst the weakest in the last 15 years

What was shocking about the BU game? They lost to a more talented team on the road. Tonight was a disaster (7-6). Why was DiGirolamo still in net after the 2nd period? He was simply terrible tonight. 'Probably' and 'among'? Id say clearly.

 

[UNHhockey29]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

What was shocking about the BU game? They lost to a more talented team on the road. Tonight was a disaster (7-6). Why was DiGirolamo still in net after the 2nd period? He was simply terrible tonight. 'Probably' and 'among'? Id say clearly.

Wyer should get some time in net. I always like it better when there are 2 goalies competing for the same spot. Plus Digi was just plain out of it tonight. Lots of soft goals let in.

 

[[UNH]Rig]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

Wyer should get some time in net. I always like it better when there are 2 goalies competing for the same spot. Plus Digi was just plain out of it tonight. Lots of soft goals let in.

Soft goals is being nice.... He is his own worst enemy right now. He was stuffed more than the turkeys this thanksgiving will be...... 5 hole was open all night. He is back to the Digi we saw when Foster got injured and he gave up touchdowns in consecutive games. Only thing he didn't do was turn around and make a save with his back while facing the goal this outing.

 

[Saetia22]

Re: 2011-2012 UNH Wildcats

This is almost as mad as I was after that game:

Hopefully there is something behind this anger, and we'll see major improvements. A wake-up call perhaps.


- Stop allowing goals in the last minute of the period
- Put Sorkin and Moses back together - w/ Downing, Thrush, or Goumas
- Wyer against UAH?
- Does anyone have any positives? I thought UNH looked really fast at times tonight.. that's about it.