2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

[e.cat]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

After reading the Globe article, I was left with the thought that Mac should have cut his losses with this girl a long time ago. I realize hindsight is 20/20 but she made his blood boil and he let it cloud his judgement. JMHO

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Actually, what surprised me most about the article is that fact that it said that McCloskey had her play more shifts that game, and that she suited up for the next game as well.

One of the possibly extenuating circumstances leading to a decision to keep her in the line up may (and I am just speculating here) be that the team had just finished a long stretch with just 13 skaters, a few of whom were banged up. Crossley and Curtis returned from injury to play their first hockey that weekend, and were obviously not expected to be at game speed out of the gate. If he sits one player for disciplinary reasons, the bench gets shorter, and although everyone wants max ice time, given the level of competition, the remaining players could be the ones who bear the brunt of the punishment.

I remember years ago at UNH, a basketball player got into some trouble with the local gendarmes, and was suspended for the season by the coach. After a week or so of playing without her (she was one of their better players in this instance), the team petitioned the coach to have her return to the team, and work a certain amount of community service / outreach instead, because her team felt her absence from the lineup was just as much a punishment to them. It was a difficult circumstance for all.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hard to pursue a criminal case without the alleged victim's support. The fact it took 60+ days to pursue it in the first place suggests there *may* have been pressure brought to bear on the player from others. Why else wait so long?

I view pursuing a criminal case as a poor choice by Breedlove and/or her parents (who I do not know or really anything about her other than this story). If what happened is as reported, then I think there is little chance that any finding in her favor will occur as a result or if it does, that any significant award will result. But her name, which until now had been largely out of sight, is now plastered across the internet associated with this story. Future employers/friends/teammates/etc. will see this. What employer would hire a potential employee who was clearly insubordinate and then filed a criminal case based on a fairly minor incident with no apparent harm done resulting from that (again assuming the published story is accurate)? You can say that employers should respect her for standing up for her principles/self and value that quality, but the true reality is that they will be more focused on the risk that she will do the same in their employ. IMHO, she seems to have done herself a grave disservice (regardless of whether she is right or wrong).

 

[brookyone]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What award would there be in a criminal case? And to my knowledge, it isn't the alleged victim that files charges in a criminal case.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What award would there be in a criminal case? And to my knowledge, it isn't the alleged victim that files charges in a criminal case.

No award in a criminal case; that is the province of a civil suit. And the victim doesn't file charges but it is rare that a criminal case can be made without one's cooperation.

 

[brookyone]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

No award in a criminal case; that is the province of a civil suit. And the victim doesn't file charges but it is rare that a criminal case can be made without one's cooperation.

These things I know. What I think personally, it's not for anyone but the principle to decide if a complaint of potential criminal activity should be reported to those who would then investigate the validity. What is threatening or unacceptable physical contact to any particular individual is just that, a personal thing. It bothers me when others pass judgement on what another individual should consider unacceptable physical contact. No one gets to make that judgement for another, or anyone but themselves IMO...when it comes to a decision to report an incident, or not.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

After reading the Globe article, I was left with the thought that Mac should have cut his losses with this girl a long time ago. I realize hindsight is 20/20 but she made his blood boil and he let it cloud his judgement. JMHO

If I recall correctly, from one of the documents posted at Fosters when Coach Mac first went public on this ... I believe he was prepared to cut ties with the player, but was convinced otherwise by the same person who would later go on to fire him. Apparently there were issues with Title IX compliance cited to keep her in the program.

No good deed goes unpunished, eh?

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

These things I know. What I think personally, it's not for anyone but the principle to decide if a complaint of potential criminal activity should be reported to those who would then investigate the validity. What is threatening or unacceptable physical contact to any particular individual is just that, a personal thing. It bothers me when others pass judgement on what another individual should consider unacceptable physical contact. No one gets to make that judgement for another, or anyone but themselves IMO...when it comes to a decision to report an incident, or not.

- My unstated presumption is that the criminal case is being pursued in order to set up a civil suit - often/usually the case - and any award would be related to the civil case. Pursuing a criminal case makes almost no sense if this is not the plan. The man's career is ruined. Aside from a few days in jail (not likely for a first offense) and being able to say you were right, what else would be accomplished from only a criminal case?
- A criminal case is indeed pursued by the appropriate authorities based on their assessment of the evidence. But it is almost always initiated by the victim (except obviously in the case of a murder). In this case, there seems to be no dispute that Breedlove approached the UNH police who turned it over to the local police to evaluate. Whether a criminal case is pursued is then up to them to determine. It seems unlikely to me, especially with support being provided against it by members of the team. We will see.
- It is of course up to an individual to determine if they want to initiate an investigation. My opinion (as stated) is that the negative ramifications of this for the player are far more likely to outweigh any benefit obtained. It isn't always about being right (don't know if she was or not), but it is ALWAYS about the perception and long term ramifications, especially for a college age student.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

- My unstated presumption is that the criminal case is being pursued in order to set up a civil suit - often/usually the case - and any award would be related to the civil case. Pursuing a criminal case makes almost no sense if this is not the plan. The man's career is ruined. Aside from a few days in jail (not likely for a first offense) and being able to say you were right, what else would be accomplished from only a criminal case?

This approach also affords a civil plaintiff the benefit of "free" investigation from law enforcement personnel, who can later be asked to testify in the civil case with the benefit of neutrality. Win-win for a civil plaintiff who might otherwise be forced to spend thousands on a private investigator, without the neutraility nor the same authority/access to get at key information.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Can I respectfully make a suggestion here ... doesn't it make sense for us to continue this discussion either on a separate thread on this forum OR on the "other" thread on the Men's Forum already?

The Women's team and their fans have been through quite a bit, and with Senior Weekend coming up in a few days, it would be the least we can do to let them have their thread back.

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Can I respectfully make a suggestion here ... doesn't it make sense for us to continue this discussion either on a separate thread on this forum OR on the "other" thread on the Men's Forum already?

The Women's team and their fans have been through quite a bit, and with Senior Weekend coming up in a few days, it would be the least we can do to let them have their thread back.

THIS! And thanks!

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Bump

The last couple of weeks have been rough on the 'Cats, as the outcomes of the games are not what any of us hoped for. Looking past that, this team has battled a short bench, a mid-season coaching change, and numerous injuries, yet has still managed to come out fighting every game. One of the reasons for this is the solid leadership of our 2013 - 2014 Senior Class.


Sunday at 2pm marks the last game at the Whitt for this class, and the last regular season contest. To celebrate the class of 2014, there will be a ceremony on the ice prior to the game, so plan on getting to the Whitt early to honor three special Wildcats. After the game, join us at the Alumni Center for a reception to continue the Senior Day celebration. If you would like to bring a dish to share, please do. If you have questions about how or what to bring, please contact me at this email, and I'll help you out!


Nicole Gifford
Giff has worn a letter on her sweater for three of her four years, and has grown as both a player and a leader during her time at UNH. Voted Best Defensive Forward beginning her Rookie Season, Nicole has taken her game further, and at the time of this writing, leads the Wildcats in points (21) and goals, (11). She has scored in three of the last four games, and has reduced her penaly minutes from a season high of 26 as a sophomore to just 12 this year, while logging many minutes on both special teams in addition to her regular shift. She also ranks 10th overall among Hockey East players and 9th in Hockey East only in face off wins.
In this, her Senior year, as sole Captain, Nicole Gifford has had to deal with many obstacles both on and off the ice, and has done so with strength and dignity, traits that not only enabled her to face the challenges of this year, but serve as an example to those who follow in her footsteps, and will lead her to success as she steps into her future.

Arielle O'Neill
Arielle exploded onto Lake Whitt in her Rookie season, finishing as the second highest scorer on the team, and the highest among her classmates, but what set her apart from all is her ability in the faceoff circle. This year, O'Neill sits atop the list in Hockey East, having the highest winning percentage both over all, and within the Hockey East schedule. With the shortage in the ranks, Arielle was asked to make the change from forward to defense, and did so naturally. Some might argue that playing from the back with her vision and experience made her even a greater offensive threat. as she led all defensemen in goals before being moved back to the forward line a few games ago. Her career numbers of 28 goals and 25 assists speak to her ability to set up a play as well as finish.

Jessica Hitchcock
By the grace of the hockey gods in Niagara came Jess Hitchcock, and in the two years we were fortunate enough to have her in blue and white, she certainly made a name for herself. Currently one point behind leader Nicole Gifford in points, Hitchcock leads the team in helpers, with 13. She is also on the top of the career points list with 73, and shots on net, with 120,and the leader in plus/minus. Two years in Durham were not enough for Wildcat fans, but we are grateful that she chose to finish her career at UNH!

 

[e.cat]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

If I recall correctly, from one of the documents posted at Fosters when Coach Mac first went public on this ... I believe he was prepared to cut ties with the player, but was convinced otherwise by the same person who would later go on to fire him. Apparently there were issues with Title IX compliance cited to keep her in the program.

No good deed goes unpunished, eh?

Wow! If that's the case then Mac got dealt a no win situation. My daughter was the captain of her college rugby team this year. If she ever spoke to her coach the way it allegedly went on with Mac I would expect her to be gone ASAP! It never should have come to this point for Mac. Boss man should have found a way to discipline the student athlete instead of sticking Mac with a kid who new what buttons to push

 

[prideofthecats]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Yeah, take the discussion back to the Scarano forum.

If you all want to know what really happened, I just posted it on there.

 

[zoofer]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Thanks Pride but I'll take the team's say so as to what really happened....but thanks for the offer. I do endorse CM's opinion and look forward to seeing the Wildcats chow on some Huskies this weekend!! Love to see them vent on their opponent, eh!

 

[theprofromdover]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Yeah, take the discussion back to the Scarano forum.

If you all want to know what really happened, I just posted it on there.

Thank you, Haley. Dope. ©

 

[Scott]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Thank you, Haley. Dope. ©

Why, Jack.....why??

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Bumping again. PLEASE take any other discussion over to the UNH-BB35 thread on Men's D-1 forum.

The last couple of weeks have been rough on the 'Cats, as the outcomes of the games are not what any of us hoped for. Looking past that, this team has battled a short bench, a mid-season coaching change, and numerous injuries, yet has still managed to come out fighting every game. One of the reasons for this is the solid leadership of our 2013 - 2014 Senior Class.


Sunday at 2pm marks the last game at the Whitt for this class, and the last regular season contest. To celebrate the class of 2014, there will be a ceremony on the ice prior to the game, so plan on getting to the Whitt early to honor three special Wildcats. After the game, join us at the Alumni Center for a reception to continue the Senior Day celebration. If you would like to bring a dish to share, please do. If you have questions about how or what to bring, please contact me at this email, and I'll help you out!


Nicole Gifford
Giff has worn a letter on her sweater for three of her four years, and has grown as both a player and a leader during her time at UNH. Voted Best Defensive Forward beginning her Rookie Season, Nicole has taken her game further, and at the time of this writing, leads the Wildcats in points (21) and goals, (11). She has scored in three of the last four games, and has reduced her penaly minutes from a season high of 26 as a sophomore to just 12 this year, while logging many minutes on both special teams in addition to her regular shift. She also ranks 10th overall among Hockey East players and 9th in Hockey East only in face off wins.
In this, her Senior year, as sole Captain, Nicole Gifford has had to deal with many obstacles both on and off the ice, and has done so with strength and dignity, traits that not only enabled her to face the challenges of this year, but serve as an example to those who follow in her footsteps, and will lead her to success as she steps into her future.

Arielle O'Neill
Arielle exploded onto Lake Whitt in her Rookie season, finishing as the second highest scorer on the team, and the highest among her classmates, but what set her apart from all is her ability in the faceoff circle. This year, O'Neill sits atop the list in Hockey East, having the highest winning percentage both over all, and within the Hockey East schedule. With the shortage in the ranks, Arielle was asked to make the change from forward to defense, and did so naturally. Some might argue that playing from the back with her vision and experience made her even a greater offensive threat. as she led all defensemen in goals before being moved back to the forward line a few games ago. Her career numbers of 28 goals and 25 assists speak to her ability to set up a play as well as finish.

Jessica Hitchcock
By the grace of the hockey gods in Niagara came Jess Hitchcock, and in the two years we were fortunate enough to have her in blue and white, she certainly made a name for herself. Currently one point behind leader Nicole Gifford in points, Hitchcock leads the team in helpers, with 13. She is also on the top of the career points list with 73, and shots on net, with 120,and the leader in plus/minus. Two years in Durham were not enough for Wildcat fans, but we are grateful that she chose to finish her career at UNH!

 

[theprofromdover]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Why, Jack.....why??

ZI've never liked sanctimonious little twerps. Remember Machnik?

 

[Hawkieguy44]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hawkieguy - Your attempt to minimize the experience of the Associate Head Coach and Assistant Head Coach was clearly a poor one. You left out the NCAA championships, and combined 14+ years of college coaching experience, the vast majority of it at the D1 level. And shame on you for trying to connect this is some sick way to the Penn State tragedy. But more than that, let me go out there and suggest that your assumption that the coach "crossed a line" is incorrect. I coached for 30+ years, some in high school, many in college, some internationally, at many levels. Even the worst description I can find of Coach McCloskey's actions - to me and many CURRENT Division 1 & 3 coaches I know - isn't crossing a line. It's called disciplining an insubordinate player. You want to assume the worse. I would submit to you that one of the worst actions here is the damage inflicted on the now former coach and the UNH women's ice hockey program by the Athletic Director. I personally feel this player in question is being used by others. I'd like to hear her story first hand, not through investigations.[/QUOTE)

You know what I find interesting, you come out here and tell me about the vast knowledge the current coaching team has... Yet in the same breathe tell us that due to your "30 plus years" of coaching .. some in hs, some in college, some internationally... possibly assisted Herby Brooks in 1980...hey, were you there with Phil Esposito when they played in Russia???

So which is more important??? Answer??? Neither, sir...

The current coaches stepped into a MESS and have handled themselves as well as most could have. I have tremendous respect for them collectively and individually but PALEEZE do not tell me they have stepped in and done anything.. NOT THEIR FAULT... but the fact remains.. They haven't won. New concept to you.. Facts.. But here's some more...
FACT: this is potentially a top ten program in the country consistently and deserves a top ten candidate to coach the team. Is our duo top ten coaching candidates??? They may be very good... they may someday have the opportunity to bring a program to that place and it might be this one... Are they now??? Not in my opinion... In fact I'll challenge you even more.. Would you hire this team of coaches over ANY of the coaches currently in the top 10??? Not that any are available, but if the answer is yes then I want you on my schedule every year.

FACT: I honestly don't care how many years you've "coached", don't hide behind "what you've heard"... stick to FACTS.... Fact...the coach snapped... He snapped.. he admitted to snapping... people witnessed it... it sucks.. it's sad... it unfortunately is a black mark on what was seemingly a successful coaching career.. BUT IT HAPPENED... and quite honestly, don't throw out your bs 30 years of coaching at anyone and tell us it's common practice to discipline the way it occurred..

And finally, what prompted me to write, to call out a student to "Tell her story" like she owes you an explanation is pathetic. The damage inflicted here was by a coach who admitted to it... Furthermore, if a player or PLAYERS were that insubordinate I dare say the coach had lost his team..and obviously in the process lost himself.