UNH 2024/2025 Goldberg Edition

[d.gerry]

My money is on uhn “stealing” one this weekend. Then coach can claim he was one of a few that won in Alford, further claiming his program has turned a corner. Winning at the Fond might be the worst case scenario for your

I don't buy that UNH is the 11th best facilities in Hockey East which is what you are asking me to believe. That the teams record is commensurate with the facilities.

As for coaching salary Ben Barr was at $256k in 2023 and yes now that he has proven "it" he is paid $425k. In 2008 Umile was making $383k so they have paid more for a coach in the past, one that was winning.

Maine is a good case study. Barr gets there they start winning and now his pay is going up and the facilities are getting an upgrade.

Agree with all of this JB. Also, UNH has always had funding issues, even during its heyday.

 

[Chuck Murray]

The only chance UNH has of getting anything out of this weekend is commensurate with how badly they lose on Friday night.

UNH getting drilled in an ol' fashioned Friday night blowout is the only thing that could make UMaine overconfident Saturday.

It would look something like UMaine 7 UNH 1 on Friday night, followed by a 3-1 UNH win Saturday.

It could just as easily (probably way more likely) turn out to be 7-1 and then a 6-2 sweep for the home team.

That would be a 10 goal spread. Skippy, all you need to give me is 9.5 goals, let's go for two beers to the winner ...

-------------------------------

Scotty, I could be talked into UNH returning to the ECAC, but as someone has already pointed out, why would the ECAC go for it? The only way I can see that happening anytime soon is if UVM came to the same conclusion, so adding two from the same Northern New England universe could be a sell for the other league. But the UMaine "rivalry" would go out the door too, and the long-anticipated return to the league tourney would involve Albany and not Boston.

I guess I'm still of the opinion that all UNH needs to do is find a real coach with a real vision. Coach Umile has taken a lot of broadsides here among "friendly fire" (not to mention elsewhere) ... but has there been a more successful coach in HEA history not named York, Parker or Walsh who won more games over a longer period of time than Umile? Constant top four league finishes, several RS titles, nearly annual trips to Boston, and nearly annual trips to the national tourney? Four out of six seasons in the Frozen Four?? None of the current coaches across HEA can say that, yet Umile pulled it off in an era when he was coaching against giants like the three I mentioned above.

The facility is fine. The fan base is here, but waiting for the savior to arrive. UMaine has shown how it can still be done, but I'm not sure the current person in charge is any better at spotting a successful coaching candidate than her predecessor was. The one thing that's become disconnected (unfortunately) is UNH's fantastic history of winning hockey through the Holt and Umile eras, interrupted initially by changes in the landscape and Holt growing old, and now interrupted for longer with Umile growing old, and messing up the succession plan. Now there is a new generation of students, fans and potential fans who don't know what it's like for UNH to be a perennial national contender. You get a lot of grease for those trips out on the recruiting trails ... but if you're not making those trips anymore, people forget. Quickly.

We heard all of the same excuses back in the day, so money isn't a new issue. And even if it is an issue, as I've pointed out many times in recent memory (with many more reminders to follow I'm sure) there is plenty of money nearby, if only folks want to tap into it.

A $240,000 buyout isn't that hard to do - actually it's downright cheap - IF the institution wants to make it happen.

The biggest problem may be (as TGC pointed out) no one who's anyone in Durham seems to give a flip anymore ...

 

[Jellsville USA]

I have 2 tickets for UNH vs ME in Orono on Saturday night. We are staying behind due to weather. Let me know if any UNH fans are interested before I post on the ME website. NN 13 7/8.

 

[bakchk20]

Ryan Conmy would be the 4th best forward at BC, chasing Ryan Leonard for the team lead in goals if playing with either Gabe Perreault or James Hagens on a nightly basis...

--

At what point in the game was the review you mentioned? I missed the start - but thought UNH could/should have taken a flyer on challenging Ryan Leonard's late penalty for CTH. It would have been borderline, but could have potentially given UNH a five-minute power play with just over five minutes to play (worth the risk in a normal situation).

As far as I can tell, Souza never challenged that late call (if he had lost a second challenge UNH would have been penalized themselves). Did he fail to challenge late because he wasted a chance early...? Frustrating if so...

Hmmm, as an extension of that take, Conmy hits the portal and jumps to BC, saying good bye to the train wreck in Durham. I can see it now... And why not? Much higher upside at BC.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

The only chance UNH has of getting anything out of this weekend is commensurate with how badly they lose on Friday night.

UNH getting drilled in an ol' fashioned Friday night blowout is the only thing that could make UMaine overconfident Saturday.

It would look something like UMaine 7 UNH 1 on Friday night, followed by a 3-1 UNH win Saturday.

It could just as easily (probably way more likely) turn out to be 7-1 and then a 6-2 sweep for the home team.

That would be a 10 goal spread. Skippy, all you need to give me is 9.5 goals, let's go for two beers to the winner ...

-------------------------------

Scotty, I could be talked into UNH returning to the ECAC, but as someone has already pointed out, why would the ECAC go for it? The only way I can see that happening anytime soon is if UVM came to the same conclusion, so adding two from the same Northern New England universe could be a sell for the other league. But the UMaine "rivalry" would go out the door too, and the long-anticipated return to the league tourney would involve Albany and not Boston.

I guess I'm still of the opinion that all UNH needs to do is find a real coach with a real vision. Coach Umile has taken a lot of broadsides here among "friendly fire" (not to mention elsewhere) ... but has there been a more successful coach in HEA history not named York, Parker or Walsh who won more games over a longer period of time than Umile? Constant top four league finishes, several RS titles, nearly annual trips to Boston, and nearly annual trips to the national tourney? Four out of six seasons in the Frozen Four?? None of the current coaches across HEA can say that, yet Umile pulled it off in an era when he was coaching against giants like the three I mentioned above.

The facility is fine. The fan base is here, but waiting for the savior to arrive. UMaine has shown how it can still be done, but I'm not sure the current person in charge is any better at spotting a successful coaching candidate than her predecessor was. The one thing that's become disconnected (unfortunately) is UNH's fantastic history of winning hockey through the Holt and Umile eras, interrupted initially by changes in the landscape and Holt growing old, and now interrupted for longer with Umile growing old, and messing up the succession plan. Now there is a new generation of students, fans and potential fans who don't know what it's like for UNH to be a perennial national contender. You get a lot of grease for those trips out on the recruiting trails ... but if you're not making those trips anymore, people forget. Quickly.

We heard all of the same excuses back in the day, so money isn't a new issue. And even if it is an issue, as I've pointed out many times in recent memory (with many more reminders to follow I'm sure) there is plenty of money nearby, if only folks want to tap into it.

A $240,000 buyout isn't that hard to do - actually it's downright cheap - IF the institution wants to make it happen.

The biggest problem may be (as TGC pointed out) no one who's anyone in Durham seems to give a flip anymore ...

Everything is dependent on the definition of success. For fans, we want a perennial powerhouse of a team which makes routine (and expected) appearances at the Garden and NCAAs.

Our ADs, Rich, and formerly Scarano, have different definitions which have more to do with capital raises, new facilities and meeting/exceeding compliance standards to further THEIR own careers and bona fides.

It has nothing to do with success on the field or rink.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Hmmm, as an extension of that take, Conmy hits the portal and jumps to BC, saying good bye to the train wreck in Durham. I can see it now... And why not? Much higher upside at BC.

Would BC even want him? Despite television broadcasts touting him as an underrated player in Hockey East, I'd argue he is grossly overrated and a major defensive liability.

 

[Jellsville USA]

Hmmm, as an extension of that take, Conmy hits the portal and jumps to BC, saying good bye to the train wreck in Durham. I can see it now... And why not? Much higher upside at BC.

I am not so sure that would be a bad thing. I hate to talk negative about the kids I am cheering for but Conmy is generally out of position in the defensive zone always looking to go on offense. I am certain the scouts are seeing that as well

 

[Potluck]

Souza is not the biggest problem but he’s far from the solution. The only clear act of negligence on his part has been a consistent lack of effort to market the program. With UNH playing at home in front of reduced crowds, Souza should be more visible. To the extent that he is having coaching issues, that goes more to his talent level. That’s on the AD to assess; accordingly his problems are her responsibility

 

[Potluck]

As for knocking Conmy, he’s the Pastrnak of UNH. I’m wary of those that blame team failures on its best player(s). UNH is offensively challenged because the most skilled recruits generally get gobbled up by the most successful programs. Conmys defensive shortcomings have little to do with UNHs last place standing. As one of the only players that can consistently generate offensive pressure at even strength, conmy is under tremendous pressure.

Conmy likely will transfer this spring as will Lavins and perhaps Ring. Simply stated, their talent is not suited for a program so comfortable with failure.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

As for knocking Conmy, he’s the Pastrnak of UNH. I’m wary of those that blame team failures on its best player(s). UNH is offensively challenged because the most skilled recruits generally get gobbled up by the most successful programs. Conmys defensive shortcomings have little to do with UNHs last place standing. As one of the only players that can consistently generate offensive pressure at even strength, conmy is under tremendous pressure.

Conmy likely will transfer this spring as will Lavins and perhaps Ring. Simply stated, their talent is not suited for a program so comfortable with failure.

I'm not placing any individual blame on Conmy for the dumpster fire of a season that the team is having. It's merely an observation that his defensive game needs A LOT of work.

 

[JB]

Conmy likely will transfer this spring as will Lavins and perhaps Ring. Simply stated, their talent is not suited for a program so comfortable with failure.

This is the problem.

As for Souza I don't see the coaching. He is gassing his guys every game and not learning. They lack structure and discipline to play a 60 minute game. They do the same thing on every 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 and it doesn't work. Even watch them warm up compared to teams like BC. BC has a well structured warm up with a purpose, UNH is more chaotic and floating.

If UNH isn't getting the players, that is on Souza
If UNH isn't disciplined and structured, that is on Souza
If UNH is gassed every game in the 3rd, that is on Souza
If UNH fails to make adjustments in game, that is on Souza

He wanted to be head coach, buck stops on this desk and letting Souza have excuses about facilities etc. that is the AD not doing her job. Accepting this horrible product that is AD not doing her job. A program so comfortable with failure, that is AD not doing her job.

It seems to me this program is now plagued with victim thinking, and not much accountability.

 

[Jellsville USA]

Everything is dependent on the definition of success. For fans, we want a perennial powerhouse of a team which makes routine (and expected) appearances at the Garden and NCAAs.

Our ADs, Rich, and formerly Scarano, have different definitions which have more to do with capital raises, new facilities and meeting/exceeding compliance standards to further THEIR own careers and bona fides.

It has nothing to do with success on the field or

This is the problem.

As for Souza I don't see the coaching. He is gassing his guys every game and not learning. They lack structure and discipline to play a 60 minute game. They do the same thing on every 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 and it doesn't work. Even watch them warm up compared to teams like BC. BC has a well structured warm up with a purpose, UNH is more chaotic and floating.

If UNH isn't getting the players, that is on Souza
If UNH isn't disciplined and structured, that is on Souza
If UNH is gassed every game in the 3rd, that is on Souza
If UNH fails to make adjustments in game, that is on Souza

He wanted to be head coach, buck stops on this desk and letting Souza have excuses about facilities etc. that is the AD not doing her job. Accepting this horrible product that is AD not doing her job. A program so comfortable with failure, that is AD not doing her job.

It seems to me this program is now plagued with victim thinking, and not much accountability.

Well said JB. Anyone who is there early, leaving late, and watching all the games see's a talented team with bad habits and zero coaching. Even my wife asked me last week during a time out, "why isn't he talking to the kids?"

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Well said JB. Anyone who is there early, leaving late, and watching all the games see's a talented team with bad habits and zero coaching. Even my wife asked me last week during a time out, "why isn't he talking to the kids?"

Mrs. Grouch says the same thing! No in game coaching because MS7 is as stiff as the Tin Man and as scared as the Cowardly Lion

 

[Potluck]

Mrs. Grouch says the same thing! No in game coaching because MS7 is as stiff as the Tin Man and as scared as the Cowardly Lion

It's common during timeouts that the assistant draws up a play and talks to the players. I have noted that many times, including in the NHL. As for who's picking the players, well Souza must take responsibility for that. But a recruit sees the facilities and clearly recognizes which schools make the biggest commitment to the programs. Second rate facilities, especially player amenities, stick out like a sore thumb to 18 year olds that love cars, pretty girls and cool stuff.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

It's common during timeouts that the assistant draws up a play and talks to the players. I have noted that many times, including in the NHL. As for who's picking the players, well Souza must take responsibility for that. But a recruit sees the facilities and clearly recognizes which schools make the biggest commitment to the programs. Second rate facilities, especially player amenities, stick out like a sore thumb to 18 year olds that love cars, pretty girls and cool stuff.

North Dakota has the best facilities in the country and it's having a below average season. Does the Ralph need upgrades to become competitive again?

Yes, UNH needs to make upgrades and should have begun that process a decade ago. However, with challenging economic conditions, a budget shortfall and an increasingly apathetic fanbase who has been ignored by the coach, AD and administration at large for years, any large scale investment is going to get kicked down the road.

Buying out the contract of MS7 and bringing in fresh blood, a winning attitude and someone who has the charisma to recruit and attract talent is infinitely cheaper than $10mm, which the school doesn't have (nor can it raise).

 

[Jellsville USA]

It's common during timeouts that the assistant draws up a play and talks to the players. I have noted that many times, including in the NHL. As for who's picking the players, well Souza must take responsibility for that. But a recruit sees the facilities and clearly recognizes which schools make the biggest commitment to the programs. Second rate facilities, especially player amenities, stick out like a sore thumb to 18 year olds that love cars, pretty girls and cool stuff.

All the recruits are seeing is an absentee coach. Next year he will be working from home while the assistants run practice.

 

[Dan]

As for knocking Conmy, he’s the Pastrnak of UNH. I’m wary of those that blame team failures on its best player(s)...

Exactly.

Plus-Minus is an imperfect stat, sure, but Conmy is a +2 (Cronin is a -4, Devlin is a -4, LeClerc is a -8 and Ring is a -9) all while leading the forwards in ice time (19:35), goals, points and ranking third in assists. For what its worth, College Hockey News' CHIP analytics ranking (think WAR) rates Conmy as the best player on the team at 40.5. Gagne is next six full points behind. The next forward is LeClerc 16.5 points behind...

Conmy may not be Jonathan Toews, but to answer the question, YES, it would be an absolute nightmare if he transferred anywhere, let alone BC. And ANYONE would love to have him.

He's the last player who deserves a finger pointed in his direction. And if we want to blame the 'best' players, there are several other candidates to discuss before we even get around to considering Conmy...

Some big let's play Colin MacDonald over Warren Foegele from the board this morning...

 

[Dan]

But a recruit sees the facilities and clearly recognizes which schools make the biggest commitment to the programs. Second rate facilities, especially player amenities, stick out like a sore thumb to 18 year olds that love cars, pretty girls and cool stuff.

Again, actual research and data disputes this. Second rate facilities and player amenities stick out like sore thumbs to coaches and admins seeking excuses and to outside analysis trying to explain recruiting success/failure without access to the actual conversations. Eighteen year old hockey recruits are like young children - they believe/show what the adults tell them to believe...

If UNH acted/believed their facilities were good enough (they are) and that upcoming additions would only strengthen that reality that's the vibe/belief prospects and players would have as well.

 

[Dan]

Conmy is the best player, so he gets the target - deservedly or entirely undeservedly so. Oh well, we've seen it before. From Gildon to Poturalski and all the way back to JVR, Hemingway, Bekar and Nicklaus. Even Haydar himself at times his SR season...

I've seen criticism of Conmy's scoring all season, specifically during the team's losing stretch post Jan. 1. He's one goal shy of his 2023-24 total, and his PPG are up from a season ago. He has five goals since the new year...

So who is really coming up short? What's missing? Its not Harrison Blaisdell.

--

LeClerc has just seven goals this season, which is right on pace with what he did last season - and remains down from his 13-goal freshman season. He's 15 goals worse in plus-minus. He needed to make a jump, at best he's stayed the same. He has just TWO goals since Jan. 1.

Devlin has also scored only seven goals in 26 games this season. He scored 13 in 28 games a year ago. That's one goal less every five games. He's had a ten point negative swing in his plus-minus. He has ZERO goals since Jan. 1 and, in fact, if you remove a six-game stretch from Nov. 22 to Dec. 28 he has ONE goal in the remaining 20 games he's played this season...

Huard has been a no-show on offense this season. After entering the season with 14 career goals and 57 career points, he's still looking for goal number one and has just seven assists. He has just two assists since Nov. 22. Of UNH's top-six defenseman, he is one of just two to be negative in plus-minus. Reid is -1 and Huard is a -8!

While several players have seen their production and development stall - where it was expected to advance - this season. Those are the three players who really should have taken big strides this season but have yet to do so. If UNH has a trick up their sleeve down the stretch, its those three that need to perform. If they'd simply produced at Conmy's 'disappointing rate' in the second half, your Wildcats are squarely in the NCAA Tournament...

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Ryan Conmy would be the 4th best forward at BC, chasing Ryan Leonard for the team lead in goals if playing with either Gabe Perreault or James Hagens on a nightly basis...

Drugs are bad, Dan. Just say no.