UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

[C-H-C]

"UNH Recruits Update: Feb-12-2016"

Spotlight on Liam Blackburn, Charlie Kelleher, and Brendan van Riemsdyk.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

2015-16	2016-17	2017-18	2018-19	2019-20
Dan Correale	Liam Blackburn	Liam Blackburn	Liam Blackburn	Liam Blackburn
Max Gaudreault	BVR	BVR	BVR	BVR
Collin McDonald	Patrick Grasso	Patrick Grasso	Patrick Grasso	Patrick Grasso
Kyle Smith	Justin Fregona	Justin Fregona	Justin Fregona	Justin Fregona
Jamie Hill	Jamie Hill?	Eric MacAdams	Eric MacAdams	Eric MacAdams
T.Kelleher	T.Kelleher	J.Cipollone	J.Cipollone	J.Cipollone
C.Bourque	Charlie Kelleher	Charlie Kelleher	Charlie Kelleher	Charlie Kelleher
Andrew Poturalski	Andrew Poturalski	Andrew Poturalski	Eric Esposito	Eric Esposito
Warren Foegele	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Shane Eiserman	Shane Eiserman	Shane Eiserman	TBD	TBD
M.McNicholas	M.McNicholas	M.McNicholas	Jason O'Neill	Jason O'Neill
J.Salvaggio	J.Salvaggio	J.Salvaggio	TBD	TBD
Marcus Vela	Marcus Vela	Marcus Vela	Marcus Vela	TBD
A. Nazarian	A. Nazarian	A. Nazarian	A. Nazarian	TBD
Chris Miller	Chris Miller	Chris Miller	Chris Miller	TBD
J. Kalinowski	TBD	TBD	Aaron O'Neill	Aaron O'Neill
Harry Quast	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Matias Cleland	Matias Cleland	TBD	TBD	TBD
Dylan Maller	Dylan Maller	Liam Darcy	Liam Darcy	Liam Darcy
John Furgele	John Furgele	John Furgele	TBD	TBD
Cam Marks	Cam Marks	Cam Marks	TBD	TBD
Rich Boyd	Rich Boyd	Rich Boyd	TBD	TBD
Dylan Chanter	Dylan Chanter	Dylan Chanter	Corson Green	Corson Green
Matt Dawson	Matt Dawson	Matt Dawson	Matt Dawson	TBD

DEFENSE

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I count seven freshman forwards and one freshman D-man next season, although my guess is that we can also expect a freshman forward replacement for Poturalski. To borrow a phrase from the new season thread, there really appears to be a logjam on the blue line for the next two years.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I count seven freshman forwards and one freshman D-man next season, although my guess is that we can also expect a freshman forward replacement for Poturalski. To borrow a phrase from the new season thread, there really appears to be a logjam on the blue line for the next two years.

I had used the phrase more to reflect the future players in the pipeline, rather than those already on campus. As I was using it, I meant that there are commitments out there that from a current perspective look to be bad investments.
But, to use it in your context, they actually should have a decent amount of money available, even on Defense. Since last summer they A) lost Masonius, a high level commitment 2015-16 B) lost Ryczek, a high level commitment 2016-17, C) lost Warren Foegele.
They brought in Matt Dawson, a lower level (money wise) kid, and otherwise have committed no other money for 2016.
While the math is not that direct, in theory they should have had (and continue to have) immediate flexibility.

The silence on that immediate (2016-17) recruiting is ... let's call it interesting. I had though they might be able to swoop in on decommitments, but a bunch of those went elsewhere (Paschnruk to Arizona St; O'Leary to Notre Dame; Cam Lee to W.Mich; Conway & Duhaime to Providence; folkes to Penn St; Davies to Denver).

Maybe they will add a late European with all that flexibility

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

How about three 22-year-old Europeans to join TyK and Cleland as a starting five?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

How about three 22-year-old Europeans to join TyK and Cleland as a starting five?

Baby steps, Snively ... gotta learn to walk before you can run, "next" one would be the first (evah) at UNH.

 

[Snively65]

Baby steps, Snively ... gotta learn to walk before you can run, "next" one would be the first (evah) at UNH.

My thinking is that if BS35+3 is gong to break the bank by sending Stewie or MS across the Pond to recruit, makes more sense to come back with three commits for 2016-2017, instead of one. Hey, all of these guys speak 10 languages, so Admissions should not be a problem. With the silence on the home recruiting front, I believe that a big Euro score must be the grand plan. I am thinking about when UML brought over half the Finnish team a few years ago.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

My thinking is that if BS35+3 is gong to break the bank by sending Stewie or MS across the Pond to recruit, makes more sense to come back with three commits for 2016-2017, instead of one. Hey, all of these guys speak 10 languages, so Admissions should not be a problem. With the silence on the home recruiting front, I believe that a big Euro score must be the grand plan. I am thinking about when UML brought over half the Finnish team a few years ago.

Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to see it. And Souza has some experience (and hopefully productive contacts?) with European hockey, so I'm hoping you're right.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to see it. And Souza has some experience (and hopefully productive contacts?) with European hockey, so I'm hoping you're right.

Souza is a big Trump supporter. He's more likely to build a wall than have a foreigner take one of our jobs. Expect a continuation of the Umile Doctrine.

 

[Snively65]

Souza is a big Trump supporter. He's more likely to build a wall than have a foreigner take one of our jobs. Expect a continuation of the Umile Doctrine.

Hey, watcher, you got us going on this track; now you are deflating our hopes and dreams?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Souza is a big Trump supporter. He's more likely to build a wall than have a foreigner take one of our jobs. Expect a continuation of the Umile Doctrine.

I always chuckle when I read/hear about building walls along borders, and then no one says squat about keeping out the folks north of our border (not to mention that pesky NAFTA thing we signed to include Mexico in our free trade zone with Canada). If they're going to build a wall, the border between Mexico and Guatemala/Belize may be a little less costly, no??

Sorry for going off topic. If Souza really isn't willing to look abroad, I'm disappointed but not shocked.

*Maybe* it won't be the guy after THE GUY, but the guy who follows the guy after THE GUY who does it.

By then I should either be retired, very close OR pushing up daisies.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I always chuckle when I read/hear about building walls along borders, and then no one says squat about keeping out the folks north of our border (not to mention that pesky NAFTA thing we signed to include Mexico in our free trade zone with Canada). If they're going to build a wall, the border between Mexico and Guatemala/Belize may be a little less costly, no??

Sorry for going off topic. If Souza really isn't willing to look abroad, I'm disappointed but not shocked.

*Maybe* it won't be the guy after THE GUY, but the guy who follows the guy after THE GUY who does it.

By then I should either be retired, very close OR pushing up daisies.

UNH is diversifying, trying to attract more international students. This is a natural fit.

 

[NCAA watcher]

So, UNH has traditionally gotten Ontario kids on campus during their school breaks in February. (Leblanc, Foegele, Fregona). Any chance we might get some news the next two weeks? Or does Souza have a 1 year non-compete that has to expire?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

So, UNH has traditionally gotten Ontario kids on campus during their school breaks in February. (Leblanc, Foegele, Fregona). Any chance we might get some news the next two weeks? Or does Souza have a 1 year non-compete that has to expire?

Interesting theory - and one that might explain a few things we've been observing/not observing.

Does anyone on here know whether this would be a customary practice in D-1 hockey?

If so ... it doesn't appear to be putting a crimp in Borek's activities at PC, now, does it?

I would think a non-compete for recruiting activities would be difficult to enforce, and easy enough to evade ("Hey Glenn, can you take a look at this kid, I met him and his folks last year, he could help us, Luce didn't seem interested when I mentioned him", etc.).

Didn't bomber mention that Borek was working without a contract towards the end of his time at UNH?

If so ... then UNH would really have had no leverage to force a non-compete on Borek at PC.

And with Souza having just signed an associate head coach deal at UConn, Luce could have leveraged a non-compete out of Souza as part of allowing him to break the contract for what was at least initially a lateral move.

My recollection is it took some time to hammer out Souza's deal to come back, and this might explain it?

I know there is a lot of conjecture/speculation above, but 'Watcher's initial theory really can't be dismissed out of hand, as the recruiting activity has been quiet, and Souza's name has been noticeably absent from what little activity there has been to date. Things that make you go hmmmm ...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

http://collegehockeyinc.com/articles/hwaa-2016-state-state-mvps

College Hockey, Inc., has listed its most valuable college hockey players based on their home states. The most valuable player from NH is an elite puck-moving #1 defenseman who plays for...St. Lawrence...

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Re: Eric MacAdams:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MacAdams grew up playing for his dad's '97 Valley Warriors teams. Doesn't surprise me UNH offered. Souza when at UConn was first to notice.</p>— Jeff Cox (@JeffCoxSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffCoxSports/status/665601286637793281">November 14, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Interesting theory - and one that might explain a few things we've been observing/not observing.

Does anyone on here know whether this would be a customary practice in D-1 hockey?

In most sports head coaches would hope, and maybe even ask, their assistants would not take recruits with them, but that would only apply to a limited number of players. UConn may have asked Souza to not speak to current Husky recruits or a few additional players they were closing in on. UConn could never ask, or expect Souza to stop recruiting all together. He should, and likely does (I hope), still have a LONG list of prospects he likes outside of UConn verbals.

Or it could be as simple as UConn recruits committing to play for their head coach, where as UNH players have committed based only on interactions with an assistant. I worked at one school where the HC left all recruiting activity up to me and when I left I had a lot of kids that wanted to follow me. I worked at another school where the HC was every bit as involved as I was and when I made the decision to move on, they were sad to see me go but never questioned their commitment status...

In CHC's recent article, MacDonald mentions what has become a common refrain out of the UNH locker room - that he is just now getting to know Umile as a senior. Umile is far too old-school at this point and simply can't relate to today's prospects. The separation of HC and player is not, and cannot be, what it was when he started. Freshman and underclassmen have to play if they earn it. I swear, if they ever voted on making freshmen ineligible again Umile would run to the ballot box...

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

In most sports head coaches would hope, and maybe even ask, their assistants would not take recruits with them, but that would only apply to a limited number of players. UConn may have asked Souza to not speak to current Husky recruits or a few additional players they were closing in on. UConn could never ask, or expect Souza to stop recruiting all together. He should, and likely does (I hope), still have a LONG list of prospects he likes outside of UConn verbals.

Or it could be as simple as UConn recruits committing to play for their head coach, where as UNH players have committed based only on interactions with an assistant. I worked at one school where the HC left all recruiting activity up to me and when I left I had a lot of kids that wanted to follow me. I worked at another school where the HC was every bit as involved as I was and when I made the decision to move on, they were sad to see me go but never questioned their commitment status...

In CHC's recent article, MacDonald mentions what has become a common refrain out of the UNH locker room - that he is just now getting to know Umile as a senior. Umile is far too old-school at this point and simply can't relate to today's prospects. The separation of HC and player is not, and cannot be, what it was when he started. Freshman and underclassmen have to play if they earn it. I swear, if they ever voted on making freshmen ineligible again Umile would run to the ballot box...

I agree with much of what you say here Dan..at the same time isn't it true that many coaches 'allow' the Seniors, esp the Captains, in a little closer to the inner workings of things? I know I did when I was coaching... I get your main point, but explain to me how Jerry York still gets the job done and he's what, older, younger than DU(I could look this up EDIT, York is 70 and gee we haven't seen a retirement date for him yet have we?). Perhaps not the best apples to apples analogy but where's the evidence there's a huge disconnect with players/coach at the U?

I also thought UNH was heading in the 'right direction' with the hiring of these younger guys (Souza and Stewart) who could relate to the players. Will Souza do the same, when he becomes HC? (Hire an assistant close to his age or younger) Speaking of freshmen getting quality play time I'd say guys like Ara Nazarian, Chris Miller, Vela can't complain this year. I know we've talked about players who were 'overlooked' for Seniors and I have never thought that was a good idea either...and didn't practice it in my own coaching escapades.

From what I've seen in my short tenure as a fan is that DU fosters alot of family type connections, and he surely can't be faulted for that. Honestly...does anyone really know what's what in that locker room? And just how close, does a HC have to be with their players in order for them to perform? My husband always says "he can't skate for them" and after the Jekyll and Hyde performances I've seen this year sure bears that out...If they aren't doing it for him, well gosh darn it, do it for yourself.

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I agree with much of what you say here Dan..at the same time isn't it true that many coaches 'allow' the Seniors, esp the Captains, in a little closer to the inner workings of things? I know I did when I was coaching... I get your main point, but explain to me how Jerry York still gets the job done and he's what, older, younger than DU(I could look this up EDIT, York is 70 and gee we haven't seen a retirement date for him yet have we?). Perhaps not the best apples to apples analogy but where's the evidence there's a huge disconnect with players/coach at the U?

I also thought UNH was heading in the 'right direction' with the hiring of these younger guys (Souza and Stewart) who could relate to the players. Will Souza do the same, when he becomes HC? (Hire an assistant close to his age or younger) Speaking of freshmen getting quality play time I'd say guys like Ara Nazarian, Chris Miller, Vela can't complain this year. I know we've talked about players who were 'overlooked' for Seniors and I have never thought that was a good idea either...and didn't practice it in my own coaching escapades.

From what I've seen in my short tenure as a fan is that DU fosters alot of family type connections, and he surely can't be faulted for that. Honestly...does anyone really know what's what in that locker room? And just how close, does a HC have to be with their players in order for them to perform? My husband always says "he can't skate for them" and after the Jekyll and Hyde performances I've seen this year sure bears that out...If they aren't doing it for him, well gosh darn it, do it for yourself.

They say, 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.'

Jerry York is the exception and Dick Umile is the rule. York has consistently adjusted his coaching style, attracted and empowered young assistants and easily relates to people of all ages. Certainly coaches are likely to have closer relationships with their captains, but this is far from the only time I have heard a player utter that exact sentiment. Umile doesn't need to be bros with his players, but the days of coaches putting up a wall and only dealing with their players in terms of the sport are long gone. Umile clearly keeps that wall in great condition with his underclassmen AND more importantly with recruits. When you don't have at least a SLIGHTLY deeper relationship with your players, or if you can't be bothered to meet with prospects, you are going to have a difficult time in this day and age of college athletics...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I get your main point, but explain to me how Jerry York still gets the job done and he's what, older, younger than DU(I could look this up EDIT, York is 70 and gee we haven't seen a retirement date for him yet have we?). Perhaps not the best apples to apples analogy but where's the evidence there's a huge disconnect with players/coach at the U?

This is ABSOLUTELY apples and oranges. Why is York such an outlier as an older head coach still succeeding? Because its extremely rare and very hard to do. York is an amazing coach, in large part due to his flexibility and energy to relate to players and recruits. Umile was an amazing coach, who the game has passed by. As I said before NUMEROUS players have made statements to the effect of not having a relationship with Umile until their senior year or graduation. Bomber, and others, have made quite clear that Umile can't be bothered with wooing recruits. York has always thrown his young players right into the mix, if he thinks they represent his best option. Umile has consistently opposed playing younger talent, in order to play weaker upperclassmen that he 'trusts', unless his hand is forced.

Umile is stubborn and set in his ways, so his program is failing. York is flexible, open-minded and infectiously enthusiastic, so his program is thriving. It is that simple...