2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I'd say in many ways Witt is a very reasonable, safe choice for UNH as coach. You definitely know what you are getting with her. She has extensive D1 coaching experience. She is not a polarizing figure in any way. She's not a screamer, nor prone to creating controversy.

While she is unlikely to dramatically improve team results in short order based on her track record, really, how many new coaches around the league have made dramatic program turnarounds anyway? Maybe the kind of stability she provides is something UNH could benefit the most from at this point--especially if Wood and/or Jones are kept on. "[/I]

I think she'll do just fine and the program will steadily build. Coach Witt has enough varied experience that she has undoubtedly grown as a coach, communicator, and teacher, since her early HC days. She's energized and also sensitized to the types of issues that have derailed this and other programs. First impressions of those who have interacted with her are very positive so let’s see what she can do with the core group and the large class of incoming freshman next year.

This program has already turned the corner in that Woods and Jones created an upbeat and positive learning environment which improved player development, expectations and accountability, and opened up recruiting. Coach Witt can build on this momentum as she inherits a core group of committed athletes that will bring a positive and team first vibe to the rink every day. Though she'll have the first year dynamic of every player competing to solidify their role, she has an opportunity to create a truly positive culture in the rink this fall. That would be great for fans, players, alumni alike. On Saturdays and Sundays it will still come down to goaltending and scoring another 1 goal /game but they have the talent to be competitive every weekend.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I'd say in many ways Witt is a very reasonable, safe choice for UNH as coach. You definitely know what you are getting with her. She has extensive D1 coaching experience. She is not a polarizing figure in any way. She's not a screamer, nor prone to creating controversy.

Not pretending to know a fraction of what the folks who follow the Women's side more closely know, but my first reaction upon learning of Coach Witt's hiring is that she was indeed the safe choice. And under the circumstances, that's hard to criticize.

It will also open up some interesting marketing possibilities, what with Witt at The Whitt, etc.

 

[Call It]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What is the Roster Report at UNH? I heard 20 players asked for their release. Some of them were looking at schools in MN, however those schools are currently without a coach. This would never happen on the Men's side to this degree because of the sitting of a year rule.

 

[WIrinkrat]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What is the Roster Report at UNH? I heard 20 players asked for their release. Some of them were looking at schools in MN, however those schools are currently without a coach. This would never happen on the Men's side to this degree because of the sitting of a year rule.

I'm sure a handful will leave, but I have to imagine that the hiring of a coach will calm the waters down for several of the girls who were maybe just trying to cover their bases in case the University dragged this out all summer.

 

[Scott]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

What is the Roster Report at UNH? I heard 20 players asked for their release. Some of them were looking at schools in MN, however those schools are currently without a coach. This would never happen on the Men's side to this degree because of the sitting of a year rule.

20?? Uh, no. Not counting the three graduating seniors, there were only 18 players on the entire 2013-2014 roster.

And as far as I know, the incoming freshman class is still intact.

 

[HockeyEast33]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

20?? Uh, no. Not counting the three graduating seniors, there were only 18 players on the entire 2013-2014 roster.

And as far as I know, the incoming freshman class is still intact.

If you look at the uproar going on over in the Penn State thread related to them cutting 7 players from this year's team and link through to the original article, you will note that Coach Brandwene says he has been talking to a couple of girls from New England recently: "In addition to the six recruits the team announced in November, Brandwene said he has recently spoken to two more players from New England about being added for next season." He appears to be trying to clear some roster spots/scholarship money .... and it would be reasonable to guess that these two girls are from UNH....

 

[zoofer]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

My understanding is that it's less than a handfuls that have gone ahead and committed to other schools so far....yes the waters have calmed so to speak but dust hasn't settled entirely...hopefully Witt will talk to each player individually and that should solidify any doubts or questions,....I'm praying this whole thing is behind us NOW!!

 

[Trillium]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

It will also open up some interesting marketing possibilities, what with Witt at The Whitt, etc.

Well aren't you witty!

 

[Trillium]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

If you look at the uproar going on over in the Penn State thread related to them cutting 7 players from this year's team and link through to the original article, you will note that Coach Brandwene says he has been talking to a couple of girls from New England recently: "In addition to the six recruits the team announced in November, Brandwene said he has recently spoken to two more players from New England about being added for next season." He appears to be trying to clear some roster spots/scholarship money .... and it would be reasonable to guess that these two girls are from UNH....

From the frying pan into the fire?!

I don't understand now that things are getting settled why someone would choose to change schools if they are otherwise happy at UNH, especially to a school with ongoing issues apparent within its hockey program. Are they perhaps addicted to drama?

All kidding aside, the only thing I can think of is that tensions between player camps remain so great as to override everything else. That would be a shame, but probably ultimately in the best interests of the program moving forward.

 

[Hux]

From the frying pan into the fire?!

I don't understand now that things are getting settled why someone would choose to change schools if they are otherwise happy at UNH, especially to a school with ongoing issues apparent within its hockey program. Are they perhaps addicted to drama?

All kidding aside, the only thing I can think of is that tensions between player camps remain so great as to override everything else. That would be a shame, but probably ultimately in the best interests of the program moving forward.

Reading too much into it. One of the New Englanders is Aly Hardy, a PG forward from the Boston Shamrocks and St. Albans, Vermont.

As far as current UNH players I know that two will be transferring. One to BU and one to St. Lawrence.

 

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Agree with Hux. Things will settle down and you won't see anything out of the ordinary as far as transfers. Teams have non-graduation turnover every year and it isn't always hockey related. Student athletes stay where they are comfortable or move on to find a better fit. Everyone usually benefits. This team is no different and has had transfers every year including four last year. Players have also transferred in.

 

[Stick Boy]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Any word on Witt's assistant coaches?

 

[Trillium]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Agree with Hux. Things will settle down and you won't see anything out of the ordinary as far as transfers. Teams have non-graduation turnover every year and it isn't always hockey related. Student athletes stay where they are comfortable or move on to find a better fit. Everyone usually benefits. This team is no different and has had transfers every year including four last year. Players have also transferred in.

Actually a significant level of non-graduation turnover is not particularly common among the majority of teams. While occasionally a player may decide to transfer because they jumped too easily at a scholarship opportunity without fully evaluating overall fit versus other schools (sometimes due to undue coach pressure to commit quickly), these are atypical.

Other than in cases of attrition due to injuries, teams with a lot of player turnover and transfers on an ongoing basis are suggestive of a program with internal issues. For example, both Brown and UConn had lots of roster instability under previous coaching regimes.

There are several other programs, including UNH, which have had much more than their fair share of turnover for many years. Such a trend should beg questions both within the institution and to prospective recruits as to why so many more premature departures occur relative to most other schools.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Actually a significant level of non-graduation turnover is not particularly common among the majority of teams. While occasionally a player may decide to transfer because they jumped too easily at a scholarship opportunity without fully evaluating overall fit versus other schools (sometimes due to undue coach pressure to commit quickly), these are atypical.

Other than in cases of attrition due to injuries, teams with a lot of player turnover and transfers on an ongoing basis are suggestive of a program with internal issues. For example, both Brown and UConn had lots of roster instability under previous coaching regimes.

There are several other programs, including UNH, which have had much more than their fair share of turnover for many years. Such a trend should beg questions both within the institution and to prospective recruits as to why so many more premature departures occur relative to most other schools.

I would agree that a "significant level of non-graduation turnover" is fairly atypical, especially at the top end of a D-1 team's roster. The non-graduation turnover for top-end teams tends to come from the fringe players. If there is more than that, and on a regular basis, it would seem to be a "red flag" situation at best. Turnover happens everywhere and for different reasons, but it tends to be a bigger issue with the lesser programs. And that is usually not a coincidence. It's why trying to turn a program around is such a challenge.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I would agree that a "significant level of non-graduation turnover" is fairly atypical, especially at the top end of a D-1 team's roster. The non-graduation turnover for top-end teams tends to come from the fringe players. If there is more than that, and on a regular basis, it would seem to be a "red flag" situation at best. Turnover happens everywhere and for different reasons, but it tends to be a bigger issue with the lesser programs. And that is usually not a coincidence. It's why trying to turn a program around is such a challenge.

Announcement that two players have transferred, from today's New Hampshire

http://www.tnhonline.com/news/women...erm=The_NH_2&utm_campaign=The_NH_2_2014429620

Interesting comments in the article.

 

[Eeyore]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Announcement that two players have transferred, from today's New Hampshire

http://www.tnhonline.com/news/women...erm=The_NH_2&utm_campaign=The_NH_2_2014429620

Interesting comments in the article.

I'm sure claw will be along anytime now to let us know how immature they are for talking to a reporter.

 

[freak]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Phenomenal. Two of the players that this team could least afford to lose.

Fire Marty.

 

[pucko]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Considering what a power house UNH used to be, I can't imagine the alumni who built this program, to be very pleased with any of this. Especially Crossly's comments about how BU has such a great program and won all these championships. That used to be UNH. Good luck to Coach Witt, I have a feeling she will have quite the uphill battle not just with the administration, but with recruiting talented players. Gone is the UNH tradition of success which I'm sure was the attraction for any top recruit. It will basically be like building a new program from scratch for her.

 

[claw]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I'm sure claw will be along anytime now to let us know how immature they are for talking to a reporter.

They didn't try to throw anyone under the bus. Closest thing would have been Armstrong discussing Scarano, but at least she provided specific examples of what upset her....not "he's a bad athletic director" and he "didn't look at me for three weeks"

 

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Good article. Good kids and it's nice to see them get a fresh start at solid programs. As far as Coach Witt, I really don't think she will have any trouble recruiting to UNH. It's a great place to go to school, will be to play hockey, and recruits are forward looking anyways. From a recruit standpoint, this is a place where starting day one, nothing will be taken for granted, they will set a high standard, and they will build off of the core group and some of the positives the girls mentioned in their article. The biggest impediment to recruiting is no longer with the program and the recruiting since then had opened wide up for Wood and Jones. This should carry over to the new staff and they should be able to recruit the players they want and it sounds like Coach Witt can draw the talent. Offensive players will love the big sheet of ice and they will have an opportunity to contribute from day one. It's a great situation for a new player if you believe the coaching staff will be able to develop you as a player. The other issues (AD, Assistant AD,...) fade into the background, the coaching staff becomes the face of the program, and from the players perspective it's all positive with a lot to look forward to. This actually becomes a really compelling place to come to and I would not be surprised to hear of transfers coming in to UNH over the next couple of seasons. This team could turn the corner competitively fairly quickly. You'll still have the same recruiting dynamics of player, school, coach fit but things are already settling in. Hopefully the current players/prospective players will know who the full staff will be right after the Florida meetings.