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2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hawkieguy44 said:
Great post PuckRush. Whether we agree or disagree it's written with significant substance and perspective. In my opinion the coach crossed this line. Where the perspective is blurred, and in fairness to him, I believe it had been crossed before but there was nothing definitive in nature done about it. This particular incident is seemingly deeper then just a jersey pull. In my opinion he had lost this team on a number of levels.. they were consistently short handed (we're talking about a full scholarship program short handed?????) and the general tone was negative. Again, my opinion. I think there were players who had tuned him out. Maybe this was a player who had tuned him out and he reacted strongly. Whatever the case is, and only those inside the locker room really know the truth, from the outside this was seemingly not the first incident of its kind.
As for your distrust of the process and administration I cannot comment on this.. I don't know the program or the history enough to comment on how things are usually done. Maybe you have information on this that many of us on the outside do not. What I am quite clear about is in my opinion the program was fragile and there were issues.. NOT unlike many other programs, but there were issues. My guess is this was probably the last straw of a chain of events nobody outside the program really knew details about. It's happened before... Saw it in Indiana with Bob Knight, of course Penn State comes to mind...
Like you I have been in many locker rooms and played/coached in games that meant something. A program is more than what goes on the ice. It's tradition, it's culture, it's expectations. I think the culture was changing or had changed and it got away from the coach a bit...I'm sure he was frustrated... and maybe, just maybe, snapped.
Again, I respect your post PuckRush and appreciate your perspective. Such a shame others out here have to take their ball and run home.
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While everyone is entitled to their opinions on this thread, it is hard to lend credibility to yours when half of your posts remark that you joined this discussion out of curiosity, no horse in the race, etc. Yet the other half, you seem to know a lot about what has gone on before the coach's firing. Ie- the team being short handed for awhile, the coach having crossed the line before, negative tone, the players tuning him out...
Unless all parties involved can hold a press conference and tell their side of the story, there will always be differing opinions on what is perceived to have happened. We may never know what really happened. Everyone on here knows how you feel at this point and yet you keep shoving your opinion down people's throats. Have you changed anyone's mind yet? I doubt it.
I sincerely hope you don't have anyone affected by all of this as I'm sure there are some posters here who DO, in fact, have a horse in this. And I'm sure it's not enjoyable for them to have to endure any of this, including having to read posts of people who were not there and don't know what happened outside of what they've heard from the media.
Can we PLEASE move away from this and focus on the girls and wish them the best of luck the rest of the way?
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Pucko,
What you are saying is have a press conference so YOU can have peace of mind??? So fans have clarity?? Is that what the ire is about?? A decision is made without the consent of the fan base???
I came onto this board via friends and colleagues who were literally laughing at the absurd commentary put forth out here regarding the incident. Hockey fans who know enough about collegiate sports to say to me you've simply got to read this stuff...Passion is one thing.. but fans actually upset they weren't "involved" in the decision...Yes, other programs have been reading the posts out here for weeks.. I can only imagine a coach dealing with the culture within a struggling program... The minions have made it obvious there is a clear boundary problem outside the program banging on the door.

I've compared it to other programs under scrutiny right now because there are some similarities.. mainly this..NOBODY owes anyone except those directly involved with the program, an explanation.
What is owed is a healthy respect for the process of making decisions that are best for the school and program. If you don't agree with them, that's your right..PuckRush is an example of expressing concerns and views respectfully.
And the posters who "do have horses in the race", I guess they are "ahite" as long as they agree with DC and the Minions. Don't tell me that isn't true because virtually every post indicating support of the student-athlete was met with banishment... even to the point someone suggested they were "hurting themselves more than the coach" for reporting the incident. Don't like my style?? Don't like my tone??? I respect that and will do my best to speak with respect to those who return the favor.
Pucko I am certainly not trying to change anyone's mind out here.. I'm merely voicing an opinion that in my opinion there is more to this story then is obvious. Has to be. A history?? Maybe...deeper details then were reported?? Possibly...But I personally find it hard to believe a coach is let go mid season for no reason... It doesn't add up...Suspend him for a game or two and self discipline and we're talking about needing to rebound from a "tough season"..Sorry Pucko, it just makes no sense-again from the outside looking in... WHY would the athletic department bring this on themselves unless they had to.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hux said:
I find it rather comical that when looking over the posts it is you sir who is throwing barbs. It is you who seems to have trouble differentiating between fact and fiction.

The “We” that seems to bother you, someone who has only recently arrived on the scene, is in FACT something she and other supporters of the program are very much entitled to use.

It matters not whether they wear a replica or authentic jersey, a tattered hoodie, wave a flag, or rattle a cowbell. The “we” they use comes from having spent considerable time and money working behind the scenes for the benefit of the program as a whole, and the players themselves.

DC in particular has invested 36 years of blood, sweat, financial resources, and countless hours as a player, fan and volunteer on behalf of the University and UNH women’s hockey. The efforts of DC, and a small cadre of like-minded individuals, are responsible for ensuring there is video equipment, and a new laptop for the assistant coach when hers goes south, or a new portable skate sharpener when it gives up the ghost.

The funds raised by interacting with fans and creating new members of the Friends of Women’s Hockey, or by walking up and down the stairs and rows of the Whitt selling raffle and 50/50 tickets, enable players to take summer classes or coaches to go on recruiting trips when the budget has been exhausted. Or fund the team’s after-game meals when the legislature cuts funding to the athletic department, which then tightens the purse strings on those expenditures.

Flowers for the end of season banquet are obtained through the largess of a proud supporter. Refreshments and meals at post game receptions, and pre-trip bagels and snacks come out of the pocket and ovens of people who have been involved with this program for decades.

They are the band of fans that travelled to away games and for many seasons outnumbered the home team's fans.

Most importantly these people are there when the players need someone to talk to on subjects ranging from time management to eating disorders, from personal matters to placement for internships. They are there to offer counsel, or give a pep talk, to individual, or team.

So before you go casting aspersions and denigrating the likes of DC you would do well to take measure of what has just been said and realize they are very much the we of UNH women’s hockey.
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THIS..... (I just got back home from celebrating Senior Weekend and I thought this post was very timely. We have similar boosters on the program I'm connected with. They are the "unsung" heros of the program ).
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

OnMAA said:
:confused: You could have fooled me.
Why all the postings if you have no agenda or horse in the race ?.
(Observation: You have only posted in this thread, and never in any other threads with your handle)
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Hawkieguy44 said:
Well then I'll stop posting and go back to reading... Wishing all the best.
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What Happened to the promise...lasted only a few days. :o :( :mad: :mad: :mad:
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Bahaha.. my "handle"?? 10-4 good buddy...
And OnMAA, one more thing, people around the Penn State football program will spout the same thing as to their importance to a program... Reference Billy O'Brien to confirm this...
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hawkieguy44 said:
Pucko I am certainly not trying to change anyone's mind out here.. I'm merely voicing an opinion that in my opinion there is more to this story then is obvious. Has to be. A history?? Maybe...deeper details then were reported?? Possibly...But I personally find it hard to believe a coach is let go mid season for no reason... It doesn't add up...Suspend him for a game or two and self discipline and we're talking about needing to rebound from a "tough season"..Sorry Pucko, it just makes no sense-again from the outside looking in... WHY would the athletic department bring this on themselves unless they had to.
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Yeah ... and curiouser still, why would the athletic department extend a guy who was supposedly losing control of his program, with an unspecified and undefined *history*, for another 3 years just this past summer?

So I'm left to conclude that either (1) assuming for a moment (like you) there was a *history* ... the AD decided to overlook said *history* and "loss of control", developed a really bad case of "buyer's remorse" about 4-5 months into the extended deal, and opportunistically decided to act on it, or (2) there was no history, your assumptions are incorrect, and the dismissal was an overreaction, while the press release was/is still downright malicious and injurious.

Either way, BB35 exhibited VERY poor judgment, and it's come back to bite UNH in the butt big-time.

Once again ... can we leave the UNH Women's thread to the team and its fans to discuss the last few games of their season, and take this back over to the "UNH-Scarano" thread on the Men's D-1 board? Or do you find that objectionable?
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Well, the 'Cats couldn't handle the dogs this weekend, but we saw some increased offensive production. If the girls can tighten up defensively, and limit odd man rushes, they will challenge BC in the quarters. Despite the 1 vs. 8 pairing, I think UNH can beat the Eagles. There is more to this team than we've seen in February. Friday night 7 pm at Conte.

Let's go 'Cats!
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Hawkieguy44 said:
I'm merely voicing an opinion that in my opinion there is more to this story then is obvious. Has to be. [emphasis added] A history?? Maybe...deeper details then were reported?? Possibly...But I personally find it hard to believe a coach is let go mid season for no reason... It doesn't add up...Suspend him for a game or two and self discipline and we're talking about needing to rebound from a "tough season"..Sorry Pucko, it just makes no sense-again from the outside looking in... WHY would the athletic department bring this on themselves unless they had to.
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Everyone has an opinion, and most (if not all) of us are working off our own assumptions or pre-conceptions. There are (at least) two possibilities with respect to your "has to be" comment that you seem unwilling to consider - you have jumped to your own conclusion with respect to exactly what "has to be."

First possibility is that, in fact, there is no more to the story. A parent emailed, the AD/administration wet themselves and did the first thing that came to mind. Certainly they did not do a comprehensive investigation, as they neglected to interview the coach and (at least) some of the players.

Second possibility, there was history between the coach and AD. It has been suggested that that was not the most comfortable of relationships. It has been suggested that McCloskey was more vocal/persistent than some of his peers (Umile, Herron, McDonnell come to mind) regarding his dissatisfaction with the new (-ish, prob. ~ 5 years now) admissions policy. It has been publicly written by McCloskey that he did not want this particular player on the roster this season, the AD pressured him to keep her for Title IX reasons. Perhaps, just perhaps, the AD saw an opportunity.

There are, of course, other possibilities, including the one you seem to be married to. Yes, some (most?) of the reaction to your posts has been intense and reflexive. That would be both because your set of assumptions runs counter to our own experiences with the man and his players over a long period of time (yes, blah, blah, blah Joe Paterno), AND, because YOU have been arrogant and agressive in your approach and disrespectful to some in this thread who have been quite even in their responses to you. At least your written communication skills have improved since the original post. And, no, I no longer think you are a maroon [sic]. In the context I originally employed the term it implies a certain "innocent" lack of intelligence and logical aptitude. Alas, Elmer Fudd just was not very bright. You seem to be more a base jerk, intent on annoying and aggravating.

Now, would you PLEASE take any further "discussion" to the Marty Scarano thread on the Men's side where it belongs.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

DC78-82 said:
Well, the 'Cats couldn't handle the dogs this weekend, but we saw some increased offensive production. If the girls can tighten up defensively, and limit odd man rushes, they will challenge BC in the quarters. Despite the 1 vs. 8 pairing, I think UNH can beat the Eagles. There is more to this team than we've seen in February. Friday night 7 pm at Conte.


Agree with DC. They continue to create more high quality scoring chances and are now capitalizing on some of those. BC is playing well right now but they like the match-up. If they can stay disciplined and out of the box and play sound defensively in their end, this should be a good game. The title probably runs through BC so why not take them out in the quarter finals. Good Luck CATS!
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Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I take you all back to 1974' when #1 UNH met #8 RPI in the first round of the ECAC tournament.....a great game was had by all but in the end, it was RPI 8, UNH 7! So I'm hoping that history will repeat itself on Friday night....I agree with what DC and puckskillz have said but will add that regardless of the zone, we need to control the puck better! Even when there are no turnovers in the D-zone, our throw arounds and looking for a home run pass do nothing but get the puck thrown right back into our end....with this our offense is exhausted before they even get possession! If we control the puck, well you get the gist......either way, call them turnovers or better control of the puck, we can't give BC easy goals.....but we can win!!
BTW, for those hockey buffs out there, in that game the line of Cliff Cox, Jamie Hislop and Gordie Clark,(all three were All Americans), scored the fastest 3 goals in UNH history when they skated 3 on 3! I believe it was done in around 75 seconds, but no money on it.....
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

zoofer said:
I take you all back to 1974' when #1 UNH met #8 RPI in the first round of the ECAC tournament.....a great game was had by all but in the end, it was RPI 8, UNH 7! So I'm hoping that history will repeat itself on Friday night....I agree with what DC and puckskillz have said but will add that regardless of the zone, we need to control the puck better! Even when there are no turnovers in the D-zone, our throw arounds and looking for a home run pass do nothing but get the puck thrown right back into our end....with this our offense is exhausted before they even get possession! If we control the puck, well you get the gist......either way, call them turnovers or better control of the puck, we can't give BC easy goals.....but we can win!!
BTW, for those hockey buffs out there, in that game the line of Cliff Cox, Jamie Hislop and Gordie Clark,(all three were All Americans), scored the fastest 3 goals in UNH history when they skated 3 on 3! I believe it was done in around 75 seconds, but no money on it.....
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Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUEHAUJsKDE
 
DC78-82 said:
Because that is what UNH HOCKEY is!
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Wow the fan energy in the Snively unbelievable! Would love to see that equaled today...unreal clip! My sister used to go to those games in the 70's wish I had also...Onward UNH hockey!
 
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Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Thanks Cloud9! Some great memories there....I love the fence we had for glass that allowed the fans to grab jerseys and glove strings of opponents! And the room behind the net that you had to cope with to get around the "concourse"....forget about trying to get to the one food window in the corner! But as Hockeyref mentioned, you couldn't ask for a better hem arena back then! The fans lined up at 3 for the 7 o'clock game, the line winding down to the Scott Hall area!
I know UNH will be well represented down at Schneider this weekend....hope we can make as much of a commotion! C'mon Wildcats!!
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

It was a great to be in the stands that night for the game and the Clark, Hislop and Cox line was the best one I ever saw at UNH. Gordie was a fraternity brother at SAE then so we had good fun after the game, fantastic memories.
 
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