UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

[Hokydad]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Agreed and of course everyone cares. Everyone though has different reasons. Coaches have ego, money, status etc, players are their pawns
Junior coaches have same agenda but add in the fact they tend to look at program as a stepping stone, not all but many. D1 coaches are smart and know pro coaches are hired to be fired, period, look at Quinville in Chicago. Shocking that he barely now has job security. Julian was hoisted on everyone's shoulders two weeks ago, giving notice on his lease today. It takes an act of Congress or a fifth of Jack Daniels to lose a D1 job

Parent, that's a whole other story... They are still the key advocate for Their kids and are in charge pretty much until dropped off at campus. Advisors are insane.... Nothing junior/colleges want to do less is talk to one who has zero interest in what is best for team. Couldn't fathom dealing with some of the BC and BU advisors every Monday morning...

For years, you could count on some things. A politician getting caught cheating on his wife, a stupid reality show, Red Six choking and for a long while, the big four heading to the Garden. I hope that comes back, loved Me, UNH, BC and BU, that never few old...

 

[Snively65]

Sigh...at least I'll hopefully be retired from teaching by then! Hey I have learned a lot over the posts and it seems to me that what stands out most from those of us with 'skin in the game' that is, fans of UNH (no disrespect Hoky as your input is valuable as well on the decision making of recruits) is that we honestly do care about the team, want to see it succeed, and feel frustration at the process of getting UNH back to its once former winning ways. That said, Chuck, you don't see Souza as the one who will be able to get this ball rolling; is it because you think he won't get his chance and will be frustrated/leave? I'd like to think he knew exactly what he was getting into, and is/was given a lot of latitude when it comes to bringing in his own guys for his future. When that future actually starts to show up, is what gives cause of concern since it's been slow in coming...

I dunno Toto...I don't think we are in Kansas anymore...the landscape is ever changing. And speaking of changing landscape I'd be interested to know how many STH UNH gains next year, against non-renewals? Looking forward to see what incentives they give to keep people in the seats, esp. those who have declared enough is enough...

If I am reading the last 2-3 pages correctly, the consensus is that MS is not a good or experienced recruiter, and he is a better on-ice coach, but what we really need right now is anyone who can recruit a couple of high-end, puck-moving D-men, and until that happens, our team is going nowhere.

 

[E.J. Smith]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Agreed and of course everyone cares. Everyone though has different reasons. Coaches have ego, money, status etc, players are their pawns
Junior coaches have same agenda but add in the fact they tend to look at program as a stepping stone, not all but many. D1 coaches are smart and know pro coaches are hired to be fired, period, look at Quinville in Chicago. Shocking that he barely now has job security. Julian was hoisted on everyone's shoulders two weeks ago, giving notice on his lease today. It takes an act of Congress or a fifth of Jack Daniels to lose a D1 job

Parent, that's a whole other story... They are still the key advocate for Their kids and are in charge pretty much until dropped off at campus. Advisors are insane.... Nothing junior/colleges want to do less is talk to one who has zero interest in what is best for team. Couldn't fathom dealing with some of the BC and BU advisors every Monday morning...

For years, you could count on some things. A politician getting caught cheating on his wife, a stupid reality show, Red Six choking and for a long while, the big four heading to the Garden. I hope that comes back, loved Me, UNH, BC and BU, that never few old...

Agreed on the advisors, and you pay a pretty penny for that insanity, but I'd be interested in knowing more about what you think of them.

Edit to add:

I’m far from an expert on family advisors but here’s what I think I know.

They’re freaking expensive. In my travels, I’ve heard anywhere from $2,000 - $10,000 to become a client. Depending on who the advisor is, how long they’ve been in business. And if your kid is good, they want him more, but that’s balanced by how much money they think you have and how much they think they can get out of you. Let’s just say it’s fluid.

Another factor is where along the way you’re bringing in an advisor. Trying to get into juniors? Trying to get from juniors to D1? D1 to pro? It might make more or less sense depending on where you are in the process.

My feeling is an advisor makes less sense if you’re going Prep. It’s unlikely you’re going to be looking to change schools, where you might be looking to change programs if you go the Jr. route. My feeling there though is if you’re paying $10K+ per year for U16 or U18 hockey, your coach ought to be an advisor, or the organization should have a full-time advisor on staff. Which I get, their loyalty is going to be to the person signing their paycheck, which isn’t you, but still…

All in all I think advisors are sort of a luxury, or a status symbol. I think the route can be negotiated without them, especially if you do what you can to find a decent guy for a prep or Jr. coach.

But I’d love to hear other’s opinions.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Question for you recruiting gurus;

Are there any deadlines for recruits to adhere to regarding committing to a program for the upcoming season? When should we expect to see any action on signings? Do the kids have to sign an LOI? How binding are these commitments?

Okay, let me clarify and expound! I know kids can go to a program midseason a la Tirone a couple of years ago and I know kids are committing to programs at much younger ages these days. There must be guidelines on this stuff. Can UNH realistically expect to get a high profile recruit for next year at this late stage? Fans seem to be clamoring for the next first round NHL'er but at this point is that even realistic?

Please enlighten this mere mortal!!

 

[Nifty16]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

If you were trying to encourage a discussion, editing your post to include a snipe about my "puff pieces'" wasn't the best way to go about it.
Watcher asked me some fair questions and he did so with respect. I'm happy to engage in a discussion with anyone who extends a modest level of respect.

I for one enjoy your post and blog. Has always had some good insight, and I don't remember you ever saying you are an investigated journalist. As far as I know you don't get paid to do any of what you do, do it for fun and your passion for UNH Hockey, not sure how anyone can go on a board about UNH hockey and fault you for that. I thank you for what you do

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I for one enjoy your post and blog. Has always had some good insight, and I don't remember you ever saying you are an investigated journalist. As far as I know you don't get paid to do any of what you do, do it for fun and your passion for UNH Hockey, not sure how anyone can go on a board about UNH hockey and fault you for that. I thank you for what you do

+1

Same...many here (and at the 'Whitt) echo your sentiments about Mike and his blog. I hope he continues to bring his well thought out posts to this board, and always look forward to info on UNH recruits.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I for one enjoy your post and blog. Has always had some good insight, and I don't remember you ever saying you are an investigated journalist. As far as I know you don't get paid to do any of what you do, do it for fun and your passion for UNH Hockey, not sure how anyone can go on a board about UNH hockey and fault you for that. I thank you for what you do

+2

Mike does a great job and spends a lot of time on it and his credibility is second to none!

 

[Hokydad]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

I don't believe that Souza is not a good recruiter. I would guess and for a fact, know that the players like and respect him
The buzz though is that kids don't want to go there. To many rumors about hostility towards freshmen and not getting ice time. I remember watching Agosta and the other D, kid drafted by Philly, seeing them pace around in suits talking to parents and advisors, all flustered. To many quirky things you hear kids repeating about UNH.
The program's sell themselves. Was Cavanaugh a better recruiter at BC? Nope, but most don't want to go to u conn

 

[Snively65]

+2

Mike does a great job and spends a lot of time on it and his credibility is second to none!

+3

We like Mike! (I remember this phrase from when Mike Greenwell patrolled left field for the Red Sox. We would yell to him from the left field stands, "Hey, Mike, you wanna join us for a beer after the game?" And, he would flash us the thumbs up!

But, back to our Mike, he even contributed something positive to our Bentley thread, which needs all the positive contributions that we can get these days.

 

[Dan]

Well, I guess I'm the bad guy today. So, I apologize to Mike for attacking his blog. It's noble of him to spend the time congregating all of the information people don't have the time to find themselves and the recruiting updates and interviews are much appreciated. It is certainly your prerogative to make the blog as positive as you wish and kudos to you for your ability to stay positive through all that is happening currently. I wish I had that ability.

The rest I stand by 100%. If what you contribute to this board is information from anonymous sources and you expect everyone to take why you say as fact it is ridiculous to attack and lecture other posters for doing the same. Watcher, Bomber, hoky, Chuck and others have many sources. I have many connections. If I post something and indicate it is factual it IS factual to the best of my knowledge. Whether it's what you want to hear or not.

If someone has additional information that can supplement or correct what I have reported - I welcome it. I certainly won't assume someone is attacking my integrity and attack them I return. I have no use for condescension insinuating that who I heard from is not as valuable as the sources of others and I need to classify it for the benefit of the board. Especially since when I do decide to share information I have often not only heard from a friend regrading that information but posted research that backs up my opinion.

Yesterday's altercation started when I simply posted an article that contradicted a source. I assume that since he did not like or agree with what I said earlier he thought t was an attack. It was not. It was just clarifying information.

It is a fact, as I know it from many resources, that Cavanaugh is heavily involved in talent identification and takes the lead on closing at Uconn. It is a fact that he recruited nine Minnesota players to BC since 2000, include two from Benilde St Margarats. I thought people would welcome that information to the discussion, including CHC. But he took offense. Disagreements are fine, but I won't be talked down to...

 

[scoreboard]

Well, I guess I'm the bad guy today. So, I apologize to Mike for attacking his blog. It's noble of him to spend the time congregating all of the information people don't have the time to find themselves and the recruiting updates and interviews are much appreciated. It is certainly your prerogative to make the blog as positive as you wish and kudos to you for your ability to stay positive through all that is happening currently. I wish I had that ability.

The rest I stand by 100%. If what you contribute to this board is information from anonymous sources and you expect everyone to take why you say as fact it is ridiculous to attack and lecture other posters for doing the same. Watcher, Bomber, hoky, Chuck and others have many sources. I have many connections. If I post something and indicate it is factual it IS factual to the best of my knowledge. Whether it's what you want to hear or not.

If someone has additional information that can supplement or correct what I have reported - I welcome it. I certainly won't assume someone is attacking my integrity and attack them I return. I have no use for condescension insinuating that who I heard from is not as valuable as the sources of others and I need to classify it for the benefit of the board. Especially since when I do decide to share information I have often not only heard from a friend regrading that information but posted research that backs up my opinion.

Yesterday's altercation started when I simply posted an article that contradicted a source. I assume that since he did not like or agree with what I said earlier he thought t was an attack. It was not. It was just clarifying information.

It is a fact, as I know it from many resources, that Cavanaugh is heavily involved in talent identification and takes the lead on closing at Uconn. It is a fact that he recruited nine Minnesota players to BC since 2000, include two from Benilde St Margarats. I thought people would welcome that information to the discussion, including CHC. But he took offense. Disagreements are fine, but I won't be talked down to...

+9. I like your posts. Would have given you a +10, but you disagreed with me once. Hence, the 9.

 

[Snively65]

+9. I like your posts. Would have given you a +10, but you disagreed with me once. Hence, the 9.

I like Dan's posts and insights also, especially given that they are coming from 2000 miles away in Colorado. The recent squabbles here have been disheartening, especially given the unhappy situation of our hockey program at UNH.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

That said, Chuck, you don't see Souza as the one who will be able to get this ball rolling; is it because you think he won't get his chance and will be frustrated/leave? I'd like to think he knew exactly what he was getting into, and is/was given a lot of latitude when it comes to bringing in his own guys for his future. When that future actually starts to show up, is what gives cause of concern since it's been slow in coming...

I'd like to think that too, HR ... but I think most first-time HC's are just so eager to take control - and exponentially so when the job is at their alma mater - that they dismiss the seemingly small details, and just have faith in themselves to overcome the obstacles once they're in charge. In some ways, I think UNH did a major disservice to Souza by designating him publicly as the future successor. Of course, the self-important chirping little idiot who was Souza's former boss at his last post couldn't restrain himself in his quest to initiate the first bud of the Luce Canaan Coaching Stump, and that didn't do the process any good early on.

At the end of the day, I suspect Souza the Recruiter will prevent Souza the Coach from succeeding at UNH. I really have wanted some insight into Coach Stewart's situation for some time now - I've seen and read and heard and confirmed all I need to know from folks I trust about where Coach Umile is at this late stage of his career - and to be honest, embarrassingly I still have zero insight into Stewart's mindset on whether he's at UNH for the long haul or just passing through. Just thinking as an ambitious coach of his age might think, I can't imagine he was thrilled to be bypassed by Scarano/Umile in favor of Souza. But even if Stewart was 100% committed to UNH for the long haul as Souza's 2nd in command ... it's pretty clear that neither of these guys has even measured up to Borek's level to date. That's not to belittle Borek - it's just an objective assessment of the weak returns since Borek left. And maybe that's because Souza will have to do it by himself out there? If that's the case, he could have a deep hole to dig himself out of by the time he's officially in charge.

You actually said it pretty well yourself, when you said ... "When that future actually starts to show up, is what gives cause of concern since it's been slow in coming." Unless Coach Umile steps aside earlier than planned, I just think the job he leaves to Coach Souza gets more and more difficult - not easier. Fans are likely to be even less patient with a new coach after 3 years of losing - especially if the "new" guy has been around for all of those down years in a lesser capacity. Then again ... Herrion was given an extremely long leash with UNH Hoops and has only now finally started to turn the corner, but that's with a low-profile program - not the long-standing flagship of the UNH Athletics program. Our new friend EJ has spoken with excellent clarity on the prevailing culture at UNH, and rash action is not high on their agenda. No one is hoping that Coach Souza becomes "our" Coach Bazin than myself. But the start has not been promising.

I dunno Toto...I don't think we are in Kansas anymore...the landscape is ever changing. And speaking of changing landscape I'd be interested to know how many STH UNH gains next year, against non-renewals? Looking forward to see what incentives they give to keep people in the seats, esp. those who have declared enough is enough...

I'd be shocked to see a net gain, and frankly expect to see a heavy loss, regardless of what deals are offered. The on-ice product is at a generational low, and there is no positive energy at all around the place. Or so I hear, since I was so rarely present this season myself.

 

[QUAlum2004]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

@Angusshanks8: Very proud to announce my commitment to @UNHHockey thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

@Angusshanks8: Very proud to announce my commitment to @UNHHockey thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way

Thanks for the info! Just initial digging:

http://www.burnabywinterclub.com/news_article/show/585837?referrer_id=934447

 

[QUAlum2004]

Thanks for the info! Just initial digging:

http://www.burnabywinterclub.com/news_article/show/585837?referrer_id=934447

He had 42 goals for BWC this past season.

 

[e.cat]

I like Dan's posts and insights also, especially given that they are coming from 2000 miles away in Colorado. The recent squabbles here have been disheartening, especially given the unhappy situation of our hockey program at UNH.

+1
I like Dan's posts also. Hope this turf war doesn't stop either Dan or C-H-C from posting.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Well, I guess I'm the bad guy today. So, I apologize to Mike for attacking his blog. It's noble of him to spend the time congregating all of the information people don't have the time to find themselves and the recruiting updates and interviews are much appreciated. It is certainly your prerogative to make the blog as positive as you wish and kudos to you for your ability to stay positive through all that is happening currently. I wish I had that ability.

The rest I stand by 100%. If what you contribute to this board is information from anonymous sources and you expect everyone to take why you say as fact it is ridiculous to attack and lecture other posters for doing the same. Watcher, Bomber, hoky, Chuck and others have many sources. I have many connections. If I post something and indicate it is factual it IS factual to the best of my knowledge. Whether it's what you want to hear or not.

If someone has additional information that can supplement or correct what I have reported - I welcome it. I certainly won't assume someone is attacking my integrity and attack them I return. I have no use for condescension insinuating that who I heard from is not as valuable as the sources of others and I need to classify it for the benefit of the board. Especially since when I do decide to share information I have often not only heard from a friend regrading that information but posted research that backs up my opinion.

Yesterday's altercation started when I simply posted an article that contradicted a source. I assume that since he did not like or agree with what I said earlier he thought t was an attack. It was not. It was just clarifying information.

It is a fact, as I know it from many resources, that Cavanaugh is heavily involved in talent identification and takes the lead on closing at Uconn. It is a fact that he recruited nine Minnesota players to BC since 2000, include two from Benilde St Margarats. I thought people would welcome that information to the discussion, including CHC. But he took offense. Disagreements are fine, but I won't be talked down to...

+10

Dan is the man

 

[E.J. Smith]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

Well, I guess I'm the bad guy today. So, I apologize to Mike for attacking his blog. It's noble of him to spend the time congregating all of the information people don't have the time to find themselves and the recruiting updates and interviews are much appreciated. It is certainly your prerogative to make the blog as positive as you wish and kudos to you for your ability to stay positive through all that is happening currently. I wish I had that ability.

The rest I stand by 100%. If what you contribute to this board is information from anonymous sources and you expect everyone to take why you say as fact it is ridiculous to attack and lecture other posters for doing the same. Watcher, Bomber, hoky, Chuck and others have many sources. I have many connections. If I post something and indicate it is factual it IS factual to the best of my knowledge. Whether it's what you want to hear or not.

If someone has additional information that can supplement or correct what I have reported - I welcome it. I certainly won't assume someone is attacking my integrity and attack them I return. I have no use for condescension insinuating that who I heard from is not as valuable as the sources of others and I need to classify it for the benefit of the board. Especially since when I do decide to share information I have often not only heard from a friend regrading that information but posted research that backs up my opinion.

Yesterday's altercation started when I simply posted an article that contradicted a source. I assume that since he did not like or agree with what I said earlier he thought t was an attack. It was not. It was just clarifying information.

It is a fact, as I know it from many resources, that Cavanaugh is heavily involved in talent identification and takes the lead on closing at Uconn. It is a fact that he recruited nine Minnesota players to BC since 2000, include two from Benilde St Margarats. I thought people would welcome that information to the discussion, including CHC. But he took offense. Disagreements are fine, but I won't be talked down to...

Love your posts and perspective, these threads wouldn't be as interesting without them.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2016 and Beyond

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Congrats to a good friend <a href="https://twitter.com/Angusshanks8">@Angusshanks8</a> on his commitment to <a href="https://twitter.com/UNHWildcats">@UNHWildcats</a>, well deserved!</p>— Jordan Sandhu (@jordansandhu19) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordansandhu19/status/719757513697005568">April 12, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

http://board.uscho.com/showthread.php?99859-UNH-Recruits-2012-2018&p=6239837&viewfull=1#post6239837

Well, its nice to think they're adjusting their strategies, building relationships and targeting higher end kids, but I hope they don't take too long. They're going fast out in BC, too - Tufto off the board today (Quinnipiac). Time for them to take note of the kids they like and pounce, before its too late. They can start here...

* F, Colin Grannary, '97 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1214291
* F, Scott Conway, '95 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1344454
* F, Ty Westgard, '98 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1121385
* F, Jordan Sandhu, '99 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1263788
* D, Griffin Mendel, '99 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1242164
* D, Jake Harrison, '99 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1239108
* F, Jeffrey Stewart, '98 - http://www.bchl.ca/leagues/rosters_p...ayerID=1243856

As far as the British Columbia midget ranks, they should just follow the Penticton coach around as he recruits for his team...

In some ways, this lending of recruits to junior teams is part of the process. UNH has farmed Jason O"neill to Langley and now Aaron O'Neill to Chilliwack. (They did take Cippolone away from Vernon and send him to the USHL.) Combined with Stewart having connections out there, I would like to see UNH go back to the BCHL rather than recruiting kids from the US who then get lost on the lower lines of the USHL.

Nice to see them working the BCHL and particularly the Bobby Henderson/Langley connection. Finally a thread we can follow.