Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond
I agree with Bomber that the talent level was very good under Borek and yes there was a good run of talent in the late 90's in recruiting. Add all those who de-committed and did not get through admissions. I am far from a genius at hockey and talent, but I presume others on the board do not have jobs as chief recruiter with 18 scholarships at Hockey East Schools. Bomber and Watcher follow college hockey closely and seem to have some insights others do not. I like seeing all the posts of who we should sign but there are only so many full scholarships and almost all Canadians require four years. If we are bringing in 2-4 Canadians that some of you seem to want, than be prepared for more walk-ons as well as we probably have quite a few already with full rides.
Borek was fine when he was recruiting off of a couple of FF appearances that were led by McCloskey recruits. As those FF's became more distant memories, he struggled. He gets ZERO credit for recruits that never played at UNH. The only people who take Borek's side in the recruiting debate are you and Bomber - and you are BOTH good men. But you are also the two posters who are close to Borek personally. I agree 100% with Watcher's argument. The program has no legitimate reason to settle and they should be out chasing the absolute best players they can find. Period.
Its extremely troubling to hear these continued laments about the hardships UNH faces to attract anyone from people who are so connected to the coaching staff. Borek, and seemingly Souza, don't seem to think much about what UNH has to offer recruits and that's a problem...
Finally, this is the last time I'll mention this because I don't feel good when I do - but I AM a recruiting coordinator for NCAA athletics. I know how hard it can be, but I also know that if you don't believe in your school/program you're ***. You won't get anyone. And then you'll start coming up with all kinds of reasons why you can't compete - when what you really need to do is look in the mirror and adjust your attitude...
UNH can build a great roster, once the recruiters start to actively believe in UNH as a destination and start to pursue recruits aggressively with enthusiasm. It really is that simple when you boil it down...
I agree with Dan that next year might be the breakout year and I am more optimistic of the following years as well. I agree with much of what Dan has posted but he is underestimating the skill sets of some of the players. BVR will be a very good college player and Salvaggio has first line talent with the right linemates. He is a goal scorer and just needs the opportunity to play with those who will free him up. Dan Correale was the fastest skater in hockey east this past year and was a first line player. It irks me that people can second guess that other options were better. He had a very good year. I love Eiserman on the ice and hope he is on one of the top 2 lines with PP time next year.
I consider myself to be a pretty objective poster - I'll let it be known when I'm high on a player or optimistic about the upcoming season, but I'll also analyze what I see in front of me (with a lot of information to back it up). Correale had three goals as a freshman, four as a sophomore and four as a junior (despite playing most, if not all, of the season with Downing and Willows). That's 11 goals entering his senior season - where he exploded for 16 playing alongside two of the most purely, offensively gifted players in UNH history. You don't think that's a coincidence do you? In my opinion Eiserman is simply just a better player - much more talented, with better hands, more size and plenty fast - the line will be better next year because of his presence.
I hope you're right about BVR - I''m sure he'll be a good college player. He's a VR. I'm just not sure he'll be an impact player as a freshman.
I wish people would stop attacking Tirone's talent. He played magnificently for 85+% of his starts. He is a great goalie. Hockey East recognized his talents and he had many game stars throughout the year. He faced 140 + shots or so over the weekend and gave up 5 goals with breakaways and 5 on 3's. He had a couple of bad games. Kevin Regan had a few bad games in his day as well. Adam Clark is a very good goalie as well but please know that Umile sees Danny Tirone as his best current option. I know you are hoping Ken Dryden is walking through that door.
There is nothing Tirone did this year that raises him above criticism. He struggled. I don't know how anyone can argue that. He gave up a ton of goals because he was out of position and a lot of shots just snuck right through him. He played well this weekend at MC - but I stand 100% by my analysis of the Warriors offensive attack. If they had been able to handle passes in front of the net or hit open corners they would have swept this series by scores of 8-2 and 9-2. They pummeled the 'N' on Tirone's chest, missed the net, fumbled pucks and quite frankly, their finishing was BRUTAL.
Tirone was 64th in goals against average and 52nd in save percentage. We're all quick to blame the defense, but he let down his blueliners just as often as they let him down this season. He may get the starting job handed to him, but he certainly doesn't deserve to have it gift-wrapped for him. He had more than a few bad games. I'd counter your 85% magnificent with at least 50% below average.
Hopefully, he comes back next season and shoves this post down my throat. But, I don't care who the goalie is - someone needs only to be league average and UNH will be in a great position. Umile should be experienced enough as a coach to not care who that goalie is. Strip the names off their backs and play the best one...
As far as the stars of the game awards - they're meaningless. At best its two SID's and a couple of reporters voting on these awards. More often than not its just the home SID. So-and-so has a couple of goals, so-and-so made X amount of saves, so-and-so is our best player and had an assist. There is little to no analysis into who actually played well or impacted the game...
