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2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

OnMAA said:
Consulted on the hiring of a coach ?.....I'd be surprised if a school, any school would do that. Usually hirings are announced, and the staff (in this case the players), are informed, and potentially asked for a reaction on the hire, rather than being consulted about a specific candidate during the hiring process.

Leads me to the general question...Has that been done before.....Players being consulted about potential candidates during the hiring process ?
Click to expand...

When Yale was hiring a coach to replace Witt, Yale captain was part of the search/interviewing committee.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Cali said:
Amherst administration consulted their players after Plumer left. Many of them gave the thumbs up to Tracy Johnson before she was hired. That didn' go so well if I remember correctly.
Click to expand...

They must not have included the one(s) that led to her leaving....
 
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Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

OnMaa, I was referring to the statement that the AD gave to the team when they met just before spring break...he said they would break the team into class, and discuss the events and up coming season...AND they would be apprised of the coaching situation with some members being a part of the process....as of today, no one has talked to them.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

puckskillz said:
The good news is that candidates are on campus and the process is moving forward. I have no doubt they are looking at qualified candidates and may have some additional options to review. This needs to be completed before the weekend of May 2nd. The players and their peers that are affected need to have stability before they buckle down for finals prep the following week.

There’s been a lot of talk in hockey circles since the frozen four and even with other qualified candidates in the mix the consensus is that they should move forward with Wood. He’s getting endorsements from the most influential/respected coaches as well as Players/Olympians who feel that he can replicate the MN model for attracting and developing talent and creating a strong positive culture within the program and with boosters. Their perspective is straightforward and makes sense. Wood is known as one of the best recruiters in college hockey because of his ties across NA and his credibility with HS/Academy coaches and families. He’s committed to player development and understands that this is a day in / day out commitment that accelerates the teams’ effectiveness. He plays an aggressive offensive style that is exciting for players/recruits and especially for the fans which is crucial to building the fan base. He’s a positive male role model that the girls’ desire in their leadership with a consistent commitment to accountability with his players as well as himself. He’s a tireless worker who understands all of the facets of the program on and off the ice. The belief is that the issues that have plagued this program over the years just won’t surface again.

I have been an ongoing supporter of the current staff (Wood and Jones) and after all of these recent discussions it just seems very straightforward now. The consensus is that they will identify other strong candidates but not anyone “better” prepared to move the program forward. The view is that a totally new staff will cause a reset in the program. Hiring Wood HC and Jones would stabilize incoming recruits (good classes) and with control they could immediately begin the cultural transformation before the players leave campus. The other ancillary facts that coaches pointed out may be just as compelling to the program as a whole. He is engrained in the local hockey community and his wife is a key contributor in the community through work and volunteerism. And maybe just as important, the off-ice legal issues with the former coach are likely to surface again soon and he is in the best position to insulate the players/team from those distractions. The push should be for a competitive team in the mix when hosting the NCAA’s in 2016 and Wood provides the highest probability of success in that regards. Of course, all of these hard/soft attributes are also attractive to the other five programs looking for head coaches’ right now and I would assume both Wood and Jones will be pursued.

This is what I am hearing and the rationale makes sense. Whatever the coaching decision, UNH is a fabulous place for student athletes and this will become a warm/inviting program that will attract great kids and great players. It’s a terrific destination where players are challenged academically and surrounded by a unique mix of students, faculty, and local supporters. The faculty supports the student athletes without academic compromise and there is a unique bond/respect across the entire student population. And finally, the location is ideal and centric to so many activities. Where else can you practice on a Sat. morning and be surfing, hiking, kayaking, Red Sox game, other in the afternoon.
Go CATS!!
Click to expand...

The original posting said there was NO internal candidates interested in the job....
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

mattj711 said:
Same was true for Cornell in the past.
Click to expand...

If it was for the last Head Coach change there (8 plus years ago now ?), that was clearly worthwhile. That program went from "mired in losing" to a winning program in a real hurry soon after.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Zlax, the original posting was found to be wrong, as both Woods and Jones applied.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

zoofer said:
Zlax, the original posting was found to be wrong, as both Woods and Jones applied.
Click to expand...

Are people even reading what they are posting at UNH anymore? The press release and now the job posting...come on get it together
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What gets me Zlax is that this kind of incompetence has been shown since the beginning of this incident! Remember that this incident occurred about 3pm on a Saturday during the first Ohio St. game of a 2 game series.....nothing was reported until Monday morning because a couple of parents became indignant....none of the people on the bench thought the incident was note worthy enough to report it! After a week's worth of intimidation and non-investigative technique, a "carefully worded" press release began this fiasco.....when questioned about this release, AD Scarano was definitive that "much time was taken to correctly define the University's stance to protect the student-athlete above all". During this time, a gag order was put into place by Scarano and Huddleston because it seems that legal issues trump all else at UNH, even protecting the student athlete....jump ahead these 6 months, and what has changed in the University's position? Innuendo and gossip, along with lies and loss of trust have led to many players floundering in how their hockey career will proceed....a hail-Mary pass attempt to secure one of the top women's coach has wasted time and effort, to the point now that with less than a month to go of campus life, the UNH women's hockey program is, well (insert your own adjective here)! So Zlax, when you ask the University to get it's act together, of whom do you direct the question? Scarano, the UNH media dept., Pres.Huddleston, UNH's legal staff, or the Trustees?
By now, my question turns to the local press corp. Aside from one or two articles per paper, nothing has been written about this whole affair.....no questions to follow up the criminal investigation, no questions to follow up the initial McCloskey investigation, no article to alert the public of the decimation of a once proud, 40 year old program.......nothing! Why is this? How many stories are written simply of innuendo today? Here is a story that would be hard to believe if not for reality....maybe if they became involved, some Trustees might know the facts of what has been happening, instead of, believe this if you will, not even having heard of something going on!!!
Do I believe in UNH, as the new marketing slogan asks.....not on your life, but, more importantly for UNH, not in my wallet, nor in the wallet of many Alum realizing what is going on.....
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

zoofer said:
What gets me Zlax is that this kind of incompetence has been shown since the beginning of this incident! Remember that this incident occurred about 3pm on a Saturday during the first Ohio St. game of a 2 game series.....nothing was reported until Monday morning because a couple of parents became indignant....none of the people on the bench thought the incident was note worthy enough to report it! After a week's worth of intimidation and non-investigative technique, a "carefully worded" press release began this fiasco.....when questioned about this release, AD Scarano was definitive that "much time was taken to correctly define the University's stance to protect the student-athlete above all". During this time, a gag order was put into place by Scarano and Huddleston because it seems that legal issues trump all else at UNH, even protecting the student athlete....jump ahead these 6 months, and what has changed in the University's position? Innuendo and gossip, along with lies and loss of trust have led to many players floundering in how their hockey career will proceed....a hail-Mary pass attempt to secure one of the top women's coach has wasted time and effort, to the point now that with less than a month to go of campus life, the UNH women's hockey program is, well (insert your own adjective here)! So Zlax, when you ask the University to get it's act together, of whom do you direct the question? Scarano, the UNH media dept., Pres.Huddleston, UNH's legal staff, or the Trustees?
By now, my question turns to the local press corp. Aside from one or two articles per paper, nothing has been written about this whole affair.....no questions to follow up the criminal investigation, no questions to follow up the initial McCloskey investigation, no article to alert the public of the decimation of a once proud, 40 year old program.......nothing! Why is this? How many stories are written simply of innuendo today? Here is a story that would be hard to believe if not for reality....maybe if they became involved, some Trustees might know the facts of what has been happening, instead of, believe this if you will, not even having heard of something going on!!!
Do I believe in UNH, as the new marketing slogan asks.....not on your life, but, more importantly for UNH, not in my wallet, nor in the wallet of many Alum realizing what is going on.....
Click to expand...

I am asking in general for the entire university. They have had two terrible incidents in the last six months and held them under wraps instead of being in the front of the story. It should be noted that the basketball coach that was fired still hasn't been charged with anything in this case...
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Per UNH twitter feed, Hilary Witt is the new head coach.
 
puckskillz said:
The good news is that candidates are on campus and the process is moving forward. I have no doubt they are looking at qualified candidates and may have some additional options to review. This needs to be completed before the weekend of May 2nd. The players and their peers that are affected need to have stability before they buckle down for finals prep the following week.

There’s been a lot of talk in hockey circles since the frozen four and even with other qualified candidates in the mix the consensus is that they should move forward with Wood. He’s getting endorsements from the most influential/respected coaches as well as Players/Olympians who feel that he can replicate the MN model for attracting and developing talent and creating a strong positive culture within the program and with boosters. Their perspective is straightforward and makes sense. Wood is known as one of the best recruiters in college hockey because of his ties across NA and his credibility with HS/Academy coaches and families. He’s committed to player development and understands that this is a day in / day out commitment that accelerates the teams’ effectiveness. He plays an aggressive offensive style that is exciting for players/recruits and especially for the fans which is crucial to building the fan base. He’s a positive male role model that the girls’ desire in their leadership with a consistent commitment to accountability with his players as well as himself. He’s a tireless worker who understands all of the facets of the program on and off the ice. The belief is that the issues that have plagued this program over the years just won’t surface again.

I have been an ongoing supporter of the current staff (Wood and Jones) and after all of these recent discussions it just seems very straightforward now. The consensus is that they will identify other strong candidates but not anyone “better” prepared to move the program forward. The view is that a totally new staff will cause a reset in the program. Hiring Wood HC and Jones would stabilize incoming recruits (good classes) and with control they could immediately begin the cultural transformation before the players leave campus. The other ancillary facts that coaches pointed out may be just as compelling to the program as a whole. He is engrained in the local hockey community and his wife is a key contributor in the community through work and volunteerism. And maybe just as important, the off-ice legal issues with the former coach are likely to surface again soon and he is in the best position to insulate the players/team from those distractions. The push should be for a competitive team in the mix when hosting the NCAA’s in 2016 and Wood provides the highest probability of success in that regards. Of course, all of these hard/soft attributes are also attractive to the other five programs looking for head coaches’ right now and I would assume both Wood and Jones will be pursued.

This is what I am hearing and the rationale makes sense. Whatever the coaching decision, UNH is a fabulous place for student athletes and this will become a warm/inviting program that will attract great kids and great players. It’s a terrific destination where players are challenged academically and surrounded by a unique mix of students, faculty, and local supporters. The faculty supports the student athletes without academic compromise and there is a unique bond/respect across the entire student population. And finally, the location is ideal and centric to so many activities. Where else can you practice on a Sat. morning and be surfing, hiking, kayaking, Red Sox game, other in the afternoon.
Go CATS!!
Click to expand...

So much for the rationale Puckskillz. To me it is a slap in the face to Coach Wood and Jones. That being said I hope they choose (and have the chance) to stay around as they are both top notch individuals and hockey people as well. I do know Coach Wood has aspirations of being a Head Coach sooner than later though and this may impact decisons.

I don't know Coach Witt but I wish her and the UNH team the very best moving forward. Go Cats!
 
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Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

We are doomed to mediocrity. Wish I could be positive, but sorry, I can't.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

No offense to Al Pike but he doesn't have any quotes from Witt, nor anything from her....recaps this thread pretty well but if she was named Monday don't you think in 48 hours you could get an interview or quote? Mention Jones and Woods and maybe get a quite from Scarano on their future? Wow....
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

ExHockeyguy said:
We are doomed to mediocrity. Wish I could be positive, but sorry, I can't.
Click to expand...

Hillary Witt is actually a very good coach. Not saying the process was great, and obviously a lot of people had sentimental reasons for wanting Wood or Jones to be hired...but if you can step back, be objective, and look at the hiring for what it is then it's a pretty solid choice.
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

WIrinkrat said:
Hillary Witt is actually a very good coach. Not saying the process was great, and obviously a lot of people had sentimental reasons for wanting Wood or Jones to be hired...but if you can step back, be objective, and look at the hiring for what it is then it's a pretty solid choice.
Click to expand...

I agree based on everything I have heard. (I was also was wrong on UNH's ability to attract a top coaching candidate based on circumstances).
 
Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

WIrinkrat said:
Hillary Witt is actually a very good coach. Not saying the process was great, and obviously a lot of people had sentimental reasons for wanting Wood or Jones to be hired...but if you can step back, be objective, and look at the hiring for what it is then it's a pretty solid choice.
Click to expand...

I agree with WIrinkrat's insightful statement. I do not presume to be aware of the entire "process" .... elements of it certainly appeared to be flawed. It does seem that the focus now has to be on the future and what is best for the players who will be on the ice in 2014-15.

L. Korns said, "One always looking for flaws leaves too little time for construction." Time to rise up ....... and build.
 
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