2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Tough losses this weekend but team is vastly improving. Playing more in the offensive zone and creating more quality scoring chances. Fun to watch this team now. They are actually playing a transition game and it is great. Lot's of catch-up on things they didn't cover early in the season but could be a very formidable foe come tourney time. Unfortunately, another hit-behind/boarding by BC took out another UNH player today. BC has so much skill, they play hard, and are fun to watch but why ???

 

[wwhyte]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

http://www.tnhonline.com/sports/women-s-hockey-brawl-ensues-in-sunday-s-unh-bc-tilt-1.3133375

This was a fun article. I wouldn't describe what happened as a brawl, though. There was an entertaining a bit of chippiness in front of the UNH net, in which it looked like Kate Leary was trying to pull Dana Trivigno away from the confrontation by putting a hand over her mouth to shut her up... which of course doesn't work so well with cages. It seemed like Leary was trying to calm things down, but she was then the one who was hit with the penalty. Not stellar officiating.

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

http://www.tnhonline.com/sports/women-s-hockey-brawl-ensues-in-sunday-s-unh-bc-tilt-1.3133375

This was a fun article. I wouldn't describe what happened as a brawl, though. There was an entertaining a bit of chippiness in front of the UNH net, in which it looked like Kate Leary was trying to pull Dana Trivigno away from the confrontation by putting a hand over her mouth to shut her up... which of course doesn't work so well with cages. It seemed like Leary was trying to calm things down, but she was then the one who was hit with the penalty. Not stellar officiating.

I was surprised when I saw that described as a brawl too. It was a two person shoving match with a couple of teammates trying to limit it to that. Interesting too, that they initially gave the BC penalty to Scarupa. Pick a number, any number, but make sure they are at least dressed

Good meeting you and the Daughter Sunday. I hope she gets that sweatshirt situation straightened out! That maroon and gold clashed with the blue and white jacket!

 

[ARM]

That maroon and gold clashed with the blue and white jacket!

The key is picking the correct maroon and gold, and then it always looks stylish.

 

[wwhyte]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Good meeting you and the Daughter Sunday. I hope she gets that sweatshirt situation straightened out! That maroon and gold clashed with the blue and white jacket!

Good meeting you too! She usually has a Skarupa jersey on, so no blue and white necessary . Good thing she wasn't wearing the Skarupa jersey at the weekend or she would have had to take that penalty...

 

[ExHockeyguy]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

In a seacoast publication yesterday:


"Jan. 27 — To the Editor:

One important way to assess the character of an organization is by how it treats its employees. Judging by the way the University of New Hampshire dismissed women's ice hockey head coach Brian McCloskey last month, school administrators have a lot to learn about human decency.

It would be beyond charitable to describe as amateurish the decision of administrators to release a terse and misleadingly vague three-paragraph press release late in the afternoon of Dec. 5, and then effectively disappear for a weekend in Maine with the football team. News reports were left to echo the phrase "could not be reached for comment." Cowardice is a more fitting definition of such conduct.

As a result, one of the nation's most respected hockey coaches was defamed, one of the nation's most hallowed hockey programs has been immeasurably undermined, and many loyal alumni are questioning their allegiance to a school that behaves so callously toward people who have given it so much.

It's incomprehensible that the school's leadership, which boasts of its media savvy, couldn't foresee that these would be the logical consequences of its actions. The obvious conclusion is that officials were preoccupied with, and thus blinded by, petty personal agendas. Efforts to blame one-side media coverage are ludicrous. If coverage was one-sided, it's because of the university's inept communication skills.

Since no one at UNH is allowed to utter a syllable in acknowledgment of coach McCloskey's two decades of achievement or of his unwavering support to men's and women's hockey, we, as private citizens with decades of commitment to the team, are compelled to fill the sound of silence.

Beyond the hundreds of wins, the many Hockey East regular season and tournament championships and two trips to the Frozen Four, Brian McCloskey is a man of impeccable integrity and compassion whose commitment to fellow coaches, players, boosters and fans was unmatched. He will forever have our unbridled respect and support.

He deserved to be treated better, much better, especially from a school that fashions itself a world-class university.

Deb Cunningham (player, 1978-82)

Bridget Stearns (player, 1982-85)

Donna Martineau (player, 1977-81)

Phil Kincade

Todd Huxley-Smith

Former and current board members of The Friends of UNH Women's Hockey"


All I can say is "Well done."

 

[Stick Boy]

In a seacoast publication yesterday:


"Jan. 27 — To the Editor:

One important way to assess the character of an organization is by how it treats its employees. Judging by the way the University of New Hampshire dismissed women's ice hockey head coach Brian McCloskey last month, school administrators have a lot to learn about human decency.

It would be beyond charitable to describe as amateurish the decision of administrators to release a terse and misleadingly vague three-paragraph press release late in the afternoon of Dec. 5, and then effectively disappear for a weekend in Maine with the football team. News reports were left to echo the phrase "could not be reached for comment." Cowardice is a more fitting definition of such conduct.

As a result, one of the nation's most respected hockey coaches was defamed, one of the nation's most hallowed hockey programs has been immeasurably undermined, and many loyal alumni are questioning their allegiance to a school that behaves so callously toward people who have given it so much.

It's incomprehensible that the school's leadership, which boasts of its media savvy, couldn't foresee that these would be the logical consequences of its actions. The obvious conclusion is that officials were preoccupied with, and thus blinded by, petty personal agendas. Efforts to blame one-side media coverage are ludicrous. If coverage was one-sided, it's because of the university's inept communication skills.

Since no one at UNH is allowed to utter a syllable in acknowledgment of coach McCloskey's two decades of achievement or of his unwavering support to men's and women's hockey, we, as private citizens with decades of commitment to the team, are compelled to fill the sound of silence.

Beyond the hundreds of wins, the many Hockey East regular season and tournament championships and two trips to the Frozen Four, Brian McCloskey is a man of impeccable integrity and compassion whose commitment to fellow coaches, players, boosters and fans was unmatched. He will forever have our unbridled respect and support.

He deserved to be treated better, much better, especially from a school that fashions itself a world-class university.

Deb Cunningham (player, 1978-82)

Bridget Stearns (player, 1982-85)

Donna Martineau (player, 1977-81)

Phil Kincade

Todd Huxley-Smith

Former and current board members of The Friends of UNH Women's Hockey"


All I can say is "Well done."

Well said! I still can't get past how this was handled from the University end and have had difficulty understanding and accepting the fact that the President of the University refused to meet a group of Players to discuss the issues and allow them to have a voice. Very disappointing.

 

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Big weekend for the CATS to pick up some momentum. Starting to generate some sustained offense and are now getting more quality scoring chances especially from the slot. All three lines getting some good looks now and they need to start finishing. Would be nice to see some higher goal counts leading into the last three weekends. They still have an opportunity to move up into the 3 or 4 spot for conference tourney. That was a very good BC team they played toe-toe with this past weekend. They keep progressing like they are and play solid defense they could move up a few spots. Heard about some incoming recruits this past weekend. Pretty exciting group of scorers coming in which will fit in well with the more aggressive and offensive minded system. It was nice to catch up with players and hear about all of the positive things happening inside the Whit. As the season peaks it is also impressive to see how hard Gifford and Hitchcock continue to work. They have been consistent and rock solid all season especially when the team was down to 13 skaters. They continue to generate scoring chances on nearly every shift and just work their tails off. Great Sr role models. Good luck this weekend CATS!

 

[freak]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Any updates on Curtis? Did BC take her out for good again?

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Big weekend for the CATS to pick up some momentum. Starting to generate some sustained offense and are now getting more quality scoring chances especially from the slot. All three lines getting some good looks now and they need to start finishing. Would be nice to see some higher goal counts leading into the last three weekends. They still have an opportunity to move up into the 3 or 4 spot for conference tourney. That was a very good BC team they played toe-toe with this past weekend. They keep progressing like they are and play solid defense they could move up a few spots. Heard about some incoming recruits this past weekend. Pretty exciting group of scorers coming in which will fit in well with the more aggressive and offensive minded system. It was nice to catch up with players and hear about all of the positive things happening inside the Whit. As the season peaks it is also impressive to see how hard Gifford and Hitchcock continue to work. They have been consistent and rock solid all season especially when the team was down to 13 skaters. They continue to generate scoring chances on nearly every shift and just work their tails off. Great Sr role models. Good luck this weekend CATS!

AGREE! Go 'CATS!

 

[ExHockeyguy]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

From the Men's Division I thread about Marty Scarano (UNH AD). This is an excerpt from the UNH Friends of Women's Hockey Newsletter (Author not identified in the post):

Time For A Change
I have served on the board of Friends of UNH Women’s Hockey in some capacity for over a decade. What I have to say now does not come lightly, and has taken a lot of thought. First, and foremost, I support, and believe in this team with all my heart, and will continue to do so. I have faith that Coaches Wood and Jones will continue to bring the team forward with the integrity and tradition that has always been UNH Hockey, but I feel compelled to resign from the board. While I cannot pass judgement on the circumstances leading to the abrupt dismissal of Coach McCloskey, as I did not witness the event in question, I most certainly have an opinion about the way the situation was handled, particularly with regard to the immediate and misleading press release. In a meeting with the Athletic Director, we were told that as board members, we were “agents” of the University, and therefore obliged to function in the best interest of the school. We were told that if we were to publicly voice our opinion, we could be subject to legal action. In that moment, I no longer felt like I was “working” (VOLUNTEERING) for the UNH Women’s Hockey team, but for an administration that, in the course of my tenure, has rarely, if ever shown it’s gratitude for our efforts. Indeed, the more we gave, the more they asked and took from us, and until I feel confident that my time and effort are going in the right direction – toward positively enhancing the student-athlete’s experiences, and growing and recruiting our fan base and supporters, not functioning as a puppet of the administration, I must resign from the board, effective immediately. I will continue to send recaps and news of team related events, but I will be doing so as a private citizen, a former player, and always, a fervent supporter of this team.

Wow. Not a pretty picture, is it? Call me naive if you will, but threatening litigation against VOLUNTEERS ... just wow. I'm speechless, and that takes some doing. And if BS35 is this heavy-handed with VOLUNTEERS, just imagine how he treats his dozens of minions - oops - "employees" ..

Again ... draw your own conclusions, folks.

As an alum of the U myself, I find this absolutely disgusting. The shameful stance that Scarano and other administrators is taking with regard first to Coach McCloskey and now to volunteers working hard to make things better is just shocking. And now he/they are diverting attention by rolling out a very ill-conceived stadium plan early...almost like an attention diversion. Embarrassing right now to be an alumnus of what used to be a great school with character (both physical and moral), charm and excellent academics. I can't wait to get the annual fund-raising call now.

 

[Scott]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Scarano will be coming after people who post on the USCHO forums next....after all, fans are "agents" of the University too, are we not???

AUUGHHH!!! I HAVE JUST BEEN TARGETED!!! I SHOULD NOT HAVE POSTED THIS!!!

 

[DC78-82]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

As an alum of the U myself, I find this absolutely disgusting. The shameful stance that Scarano and other administrators is taking with regard first to Coach McCloskey and now to volunteers working hard to make things better is just shocking. And now he/they are diverting attention by rolling out a very ill-conceived stadium plan early...almost like an attention diversion. Embarrassing right now to be an alumnus of what used to be a great school with character (both physical and moral), charm and excellent academics. I can't wait to get the annual fund-raising call now.

'Tis I who wrote such words of resignation. I send a weekly email to any UNH Women's Hockey fan who wants to be included, and have done so for years. I appreciate everyone who has reached out here in support of Coach Mac, but many of you are doing so as part of an anti-Scarano movement. I am taking a stand because I feel strongly that Coach Mac was wronged, but also in support of a team that maybe some of you haven't even seen play. I thank you for your support, but I also ask that you maybe spend a couple of hours of your time at the Whitt supporting a hockey team that could use some friendly faces in the crowd. It's $5.00 a ticket (adults), you can let your kids run free, safely, to play with WildE or Gnarlz, and the hockey is much better than you might think.


And you never know who you might be able to give the cold shoulder to between periods. It is someone's new favorite sport.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

'Tis I who wrote such words of resignation. I send a weekly email to any UNH Women's Hockey fan who wants to be included, and have done so for years. I appreciate everyone who has reached out here in support of Coach Mac, but many of you are doing so as part of an anti-Scarano movement. I am taking a stand because I feel strongly that Coach Mac was wronged, but also in support of a team that maybe some of you haven't even seen play. I thank you for your support, but I also ask that you maybe spend a couple of hours of your time at the Whitt supporting a hockey team that could use some friendly faces in the crowd. It's $5.00 a ticket (adults), you can let your kids run free, safely, to play with WildE or Gnarlz, and the hockey is much better than you might think.

And you never know who you might be able to give the cold shoulder to between periods. It is someone's new favorite sport.

I'm admittedly here to support Coach McCloskey's cause first and foremost, but I would agree that the quality of the women's hockey is pretty impressive. I've seen a few games over the years - less than 5 in the last 10 years - and it has always been entertaining, and if you have daughters (like we do) it's a strong message for them to see top-notch athletes playing at a very high level.

Please keep me on your e-mail list, DC78-82. Keep up the great work in support of the program ... on YOUR terms, as a free "agent".

P.S. - that is one VERY clever post.

 

[freak]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

So...I received an interesting email from UNH PD this afternoon, regarding an investigation and search for potential witnesses to the incident that happened vs Ohio State.

Things that make you go, hmmm......

 

[puckskillz]

Re: Veteran Bellamy has eye on Olympic gold (Three parts)

Re: Veteran Bellamy has eye on Olympic gold (Three parts)

Big weekend for the CATS! Need some points this weekend to have any opportunity
to move into 4th and gain home ice for tourney. BU down a bit lately and they played
the Terriers tough up at the Whitt so maybe today is the day for a breakout in scoring.
Need some solid D and goaltending this weekend. CATS consistently outshooting their
opponents since the break but have to start converting and making their own luck
around the net.

GO CATS!

 

[Stick Boy]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Are you kidding me!!! UNH is poised to finish in last place????? Hard to believe given the fact the team was doing so well prior to Christmas.

I can't help but think that the bulls--t of the last 2 months created by the University in firing the coach, refusal to communicate effectively with athletes, allowing an inmate or two (and their families) to run the asylum, police interviews, etc etc has set the program back beyond immediate repair! I am embarrassed for the program and for the many players that have given so much. Sure there are still games remaining but the damage has been done! Shame on those selfish few who spear-headed the program's demise!!!

 

[ExHockeyguy]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

So...I received an interesting email from UNH PD this afternoon, regarding an investigation and search for potential witnesses to the incident that happened vs Ohio State.

Things that make you go, hmmm......

Just curious, how is it they know who to send an email to? Were you part of the initial "investigation" by UNH? Why is it escalating to a criminal investigation? This is getting more and more disturbing to me. I've written to Marty and Huddleston and neither has replied. No surprise. I have stopped attending the games (sorry girls. I support you, just not the institution anymore) and pulled all my yearly donations to UNH (over the past two ears). When I get the spring fund-raising appeals I usually spend about 10 minutes politely telling the young lady at the other end of the line why I am no longer contributing. I don't know if they pass the message along as I ask, but I'm going to educate someone along the way just how one alum views it.

People can't and shouldn't hide behind any curtains here. If not for McCloskey's public dissimenation of information everyone would have a very slanted view of the whole affair. It's tawdry and disgusting the way my school is acting. Shame on them! Once, not so long ago, this university did things the right way. We didn't always win athletic events, but we knew about sportsmanship and respect. We didn't go to the NCAAs year after year but when we had a special athlete or two, they were at least humble and grateful for their opportunity to be here (well, most of them anyways). Our professors were class acts and taught well beyond just the syllabus. They weren't changing scores of colleagues in the middle of the night and other such stupid things. And even though UNH was the brunt of jokes in some cases, we could still carry our heads high. Because we knew this was a very special place.

Now, we have parents of roommates seemingly pushing an agenda way beyond the incident. Is this the legacy we are to leave to our kids? Swear your head off, be disrespectful. Can't handle failure? Too bad! Swear some more. It's all about you anyways, right? It's okay. Be a jerk. Strip a man of his reputation and his livelihood, of his ability to provide for his family. It's okay. It's all about you anyways. F--- him. Your all of 20 years old. Your parents think you're a little princess. Can't handle adversity? Big deal. When you hit the "real world" you'll be able to scream "Assault!" and "Sexism!" and "Racism" and throw random and improbable acccusations at anyone you dislike. Instead of looking at a situation and thinking "How can I handle this? How do I make it better? How did I contribute to it? What is the ultiimate goal here? How do I better myself?" you can simply hide behind "I'm uncomfortable. I don't feel safe. You intimidate me. I deserve that raise because I have more self-esteem because my mommy told me I'm special!" ....btw, this is a non-gender rant. In my 60 years I've run across all kinds.

I'm sorry to vent, folks. It's Sunday morning and I'm watching exceptionalism on the tv (Olympics) and reading and seeing incredible stories about people young and old all over the world with great character; overcoming great odds for the glory of something much larger than themselves. This UNH deal just really ticked me off. And the shameful act of the player, the player's parents, her roommates and their parents and most especially Marty Scarano is truly disappointing. I saw him in the parking lot of a grocery store two or three weeks ago and tried to approach him for a brief chat. He moved away from me, almost literally running. Beyond silly. Beyond childish.

Okay. Just my two cents. Enjoy the Olympics everyone!

 

[freak]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

I would guess they got my email from the FOWH or season ticket holder rolls. I was not at the game in question, as I was up north with family, so that couldn't be how they got my contact info.

 

[puckskillz]

Re: 2014 UNH Wildcats: Ending Strong and Starting Fresh

Note to Players: Girls if you are reading this then unfortunately you have been exposed to the negative comments posted earlier. Those of us that know you, your families, the coaches, and support staff around the hockey program want you to know how proud we are of all of you in how you have dealt with this adversity. We know you have all had varying emotions on the entire situation but we are so impressed with how you have held together as a team, had each other’s back, and stayed focused in the classroom and at the rink. As passionate and competitive as you are, we are amazed at how disciplined you have been in not openly addressing the distorted information in the public domain. We respect your knowledge of the facts and the sensitivity you have shown in allowing the appropriate authorities to address. We also appreciate the fact that you respect other people’s opinions and do not judge teammates or adults on hearsay and singular events.

We also understand how proud you are of your University and of being a WILDCAT. While others may think of you as being entitled or spoiled, we fully appreciate the huge effort it takes in this day and age to become a Divison I athlete. The sacrifices made for 15 yrs to get to this level and the continuing challenges in balancing school, athletics, and the full college experience set you apart from most of us. We know how much you appreciate the opportunity to be at UNH, and how proud you are to pull that jersey on each weekend and represent your school. You do that with passion on the ice and in the classroom as demonstrated by leading Hockey East in academic scholars.

Sometimes, the most informative lessons are “how not to do things” and unfortunately you have been exposed to several lessons inside the rink and now outside that will provide perspective on how to deal with adversity moving forward. As you can see, adding years does not automatically demonstrate stronger character or wisdom. In fact, in writing this we wonder if you aren’t the “real adults” in this whole issue. You haven’t crossed the line in attacking anyone, you haven’t quit or threatened to quit anything, you haven’t abandoned your teammates, and most importantly you have represented your University with integrity.

We are excited for this program moving forward and hope the issue at hand is dealt with swiftly so you can focus on your academics and hockey. Recruiting channels have opened up, you have a great coaching and support staff, and some truly great character/ hockey players are joining the program in the next two years. We are excited for those players to join a mature and caring group of teammates and a positive program environment. UNH will once again become a top tier destination as you build to the final four coming to Durham in 2016.

And finally, while some of the adults around you have failed you, assailed you, or pulled their support, you have demonstrated patience, acceptance, and objectivity. We are excited that you are the next generation of leaders. We can all learn from you in taking the “high road” and the lessons learned here will be well applied as you move out in to your careers. When you leave, you will represent your University with pride and dignity and make us all proud in your achievements. You are not alone. Adversity, surfaces in many places and others have traveled your path. They respect and appreciate your maturity through all of this.

Go CATS!!