Might be some good deals on United Airlines now? UA and UAA might be tastier cupcakes than Bentley, Sacred Heart, and Mercyhurst, well worth the price of a long flight?
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UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
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Might be some good deals on United Airlines now? UA and UAA might be tastier cupcakes than Bentley, Sacred Heart, and Mercyhurst, well worth the price of a long flight?
No more decommits allowed!
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
Sometimes you find support in the most unexpected places. Not quite sure I hold Tirone in as high regard as you do, '32, but I'm with you that he's taken more than his fair share of stick for the program's recent problems. Anyway, you did chime in with quite a few thoughts (which is great), and some probably caught my eye more than others ...
As long as Coach Umile is still in charge of the in-game coaching, there are a few things you listed that will never happen, including but not necessarily limited to the following:
* McNicholas is NOT going from 2nd top scorer to centering a 3rd line. He and Salvaggio WILL stay together;
* Kelleher is NOT going to waltz into the program and begin the season on the first line. Not on Dick's watch;
* Likewise, BVR isn't going to be demoted to the 4th line. He has a better shot at the first line than Kelleher;
* I will be (pleasantly) surprised to see Fregona going from a spare part to a 3rd line regular
Love the enthusiastic support for a guy who took way too much criticism in some quarters. But "elite"? No ...
Not a huge fan of what Carvel is doing right now, but this is the way I look at it ... he gave these players a whole season to show him they were worthy of a D-1 roster spot in his program. The team proceeded to lose their last 17 games, and 22 of their last 23 games, with only an overtime win against *mighty* Alabama Huntsville (and for you fans of SOG's, A-H outshot UMass by more than 10 SOG's in that one). Losses included two back-to-backs against both UMaine
and ASFU , and they also got thumped 3-0 by AHC powerhouse Almost In College in the Pioneer Valley Classic. So that's pretty much a team that mailed it in after the winter break. They were historically bad this season. If Carvel did nothing, and UMass has another one of those seasons again next year ... it might be Carvel who is asked not to return for Year 3 of his contract. So it's not the greatest approach, but if I'm him, I gave these guys a shot, they rolled over and quit on me, I'm happy to see the back of them, and if they forced to play D-3 as a result ... hey, maybe that's where they always belonged anyway.
Not to be the bearer of bad news, '32 ... but Coach still needs 14 wins to get to the NRN. I'm not even sure they will have played 14 games by the end of November, and their chances of winning 14 out of the 17-18 they will likely have played by the end of December are slim and none. And as the saying goes, it looks like Slim's about to leave town soon. If Coach is going to get to the NRN, you can pretty much book it that it won't be happening until February at the earliest. It took until early March this season to get to 14, and in the old days of HE when you didn't get to play MBPBEGAM *playoff* games, he would have been stuck on 12 instead of the 15 he ended up with.
I'm not sure this year's schedule can't be tougher than last season's sched, simply by default. But I get the feeling the AD wants to bring Coach in for a soft landing on his way out ... so be prepared for more cupcakes!!
Sometimes you find support in the most unexpected places. Not quite sure I hold Tirone in as high regard as you do, '32, but I'm with you that he's taken more than his fair share of stick for the program's recent problems. Anyway, you did chime in with quite a few thoughts (which is great), and some probably caught my eye more than others ...
As long as Coach Umile is still in charge of the in-game coaching, there are a few things you listed that will never happen, including but not necessarily limited to the following:
* McNicholas is NOT going from 2nd top scorer to centering a 3rd line. He and Salvaggio WILL stay together;
* Kelleher is NOT going to waltz into the program and begin the season on the first line. Not on Dick's watch;
* Likewise, BVR isn't going to be demoted to the 4th line. He has a better shot at the first line than Kelleher;
* I will be (pleasantly) surprised to see Fregona going from a spare part to a 3rd line regular
Love the enthusiastic support for a guy who took way too much criticism in some quarters. But "elite"? No ...
Not a huge fan of what Carvel is doing right now, but this is the way I look at it ... he gave these players a whole season to show him they were worthy of a D-1 roster spot in his program. The team proceeded to lose their last 17 games, and 22 of their last 23 games, with only an overtime win against *mighty* Alabama Huntsville (and for you fans of SOG's, A-H outshot UMass by more than 10 SOG's in that one). Losses included two back-to-backs against both UMaine
and ASFU , and they also got thumped 3-0 by AHC powerhouse Almost In College in the Pioneer Valley Classic. So that's pretty much a team that mailed it in after the winter break. They were historically bad this season. If Carvel did nothing, and UMass has another one of those seasons again next year ... it might be Carvel who is asked not to return for Year 3 of his contract. So it's not the greatest approach, but if I'm him, I gave these guys a shot, they rolled over and quit on me, I'm happy to see the back of them, and if they forced to play D-3 as a result ... hey, maybe that's where they always belonged anyway. Not to be the bearer of bad news, '32 ... but Coach still needs 14 wins to get to the NRN. I'm not even sure they will have played 14 games by the end of November, and their chances of winning 14 out of the 17-18 they will likely have played by the end of December are slim and none. And as the saying goes, it looks like Slim's about to leave town soon. If Coach is going to get to the NRN, you can pretty much book it that it won't be happening until February at the earliest. It took until early March this season to get to 14, and in the old days of HE when you didn't get to play MBPBEGAM *playoff* games, he would have been stuck on 12 instead of the 15 he ended up with.I'm not sure this year's schedule can't be tougher than last season's sched, simply by default. But I get the feeling the AD wants to bring Coach in for a soft landing on his way out ... so be prepared for more cupcakes!!
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Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
Tirone elite? elite? seriously elite?
The numbers say he is a below average D1 goalie - not in the top 30 in save percentage, not in the top 47 in GAA. There are only 60 Div 1 teams average is 30... Sure he is number 7 in minutes, some of that is because there is nobody else on the team better, which is an indictment of recruiting. Now we can point out that his D was not great in front of him and both sv% and GAA are affected by the team around the goalie.
My eyes tell me he is maybe an average D1 goalie, maybe. The positives are his quickness and his drive. That obvious internal drive - effort, is an admirable quality. If we are being harsh, the problems are positioning is weak, doesn't control rebounds, form is all over the place and his glove hand is just atrocious. The number of problems that UNH had simply because Tirone can't cleanly catch a puck probably cost them 2-3 games.
A list of the goalies that played some level of significant minutes at UNH since Umile became coach (1990) Tirone ends up in the bottom 5. in order of playing:
Jeff Levy
Brett Abel
Trent Cavicchi
Mike Heinke
Brain Larochelle
Sean Matile
Ty Conklin
Matt Carney
Mike Ayers
Jeff Pietrasiak
Kevin Regan
Brian Foster
Matt DiGirolamo
Casey DeSmith
Adam Clark
Danny Tirone
That is 16 goalies that played half of a season in the last 27 years. There aren't many in there I would put below Tirone without a debate.
Now I do feel for Tirone, I doubt he is getting the goalie coaching many on this list received. If we look at the best stretch there was a former goalie on the bench that most likely had a big hand in recruiting and developing.
Minutes played and shots on goal does not make one elite.
Tirone elite? elite? seriously elite?
The numbers say he is a below average D1 goalie - not in the top 30 in save percentage, not in the top 47 in GAA. There are only 60 Div 1 teams average is 30... Sure he is number 7 in minutes, some of that is because there is nobody else on the team better, which is an indictment of recruiting. Now we can point out that his D was not great in front of him and both sv% and GAA are affected by the team around the goalie.
My eyes tell me he is maybe an average D1 goalie, maybe. The positives are his quickness and his drive. That obvious internal drive - effort, is an admirable quality. If we are being harsh, the problems are positioning is weak, doesn't control rebounds, form is all over the place and his glove hand is just atrocious. The number of problems that UNH had simply because Tirone can't cleanly catch a puck probably cost them 2-3 games.
A list of the goalies that played some level of significant minutes at UNH since Umile became coach (1990) Tirone ends up in the bottom 5. in order of playing:
Jeff Levy
Brett Abel
Trent Cavicchi
Mike Heinke
Brain Larochelle
Sean Matile
Ty Conklin
Matt Carney
Mike Ayers
Jeff Pietrasiak
Kevin Regan
Brian Foster
Matt DiGirolamo
Casey DeSmith
Adam Clark
Danny Tirone
That is 16 goalies that played half of a season in the last 27 years. There aren't many in there I would put below Tirone without a debate.
Now I do feel for Tirone, I doubt he is getting the goalie coaching many on this list received. If we look at the best stretch there was a former goalie on the bench that most likely had a big hand in recruiting and developing.
Minutes played and shots on goal does not make one elite.
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
UNH goalies work with an elite goalie coach - Mike Buckley. In addition to being the UNH "volunteer" goalie coach, Buckley is the goalie development coach for the Pittsburgh Peguins.
Former UNH goalies Kevin Regan, Brian Foster, Casey DeSmith (who, as a member of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, made the AHL All-Rookie team this season) and Jeff Wyer worked with Buckley for many years.
Last season, Buckley helped mentor goalie Matt Murray who backstopped the Penguins to their Stanley Cup win.
3rd Round draft pick Mike Robinson, who is on track to enroll next fall, is a longtime student of Buckley.
Buckley was a regular presence at many games and practices this season. UNH would be fortunate to have Buckley behind the bench on a full-time basis.
UNH goalies work with an elite goalie coach - Mike Buckley. In addition to being the UNH "volunteer" goalie coach, Buckley is the goalie development coach for the Pittsburgh Peguins.
Former UNH goalies Kevin Regan, Brian Foster, Casey DeSmith (who, as a member of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins, made the AHL All-Rookie team this season) and Jeff Wyer worked with Buckley for many years.
Last season, Buckley helped mentor goalie Matt Murray who backstopped the Penguins to their Stanley Cup win.
3rd Round draft pick Mike Robinson, who is on track to enroll next fall, is a longtime student of Buckley.
Buckley was a regular presence at many games and practices this season. UNH would be fortunate to have Buckley behind the bench on a full-time basis.
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Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
I had to read this one three times. But, I agree.
I'm not sure this year's schedule can't be tougher than last season's sched, simply by default. But I get the feeling the AD wants to bring Coach in for a soft landing on his way out ... so be prepared for more cupcakes!!
I had to read this one three times. But, I agree.
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
I would imagine JB - like the rest of us - knows this already, and his point is that a part-time, volunteer coach who runs a goalie school and spends a large amount of time working with the Penguins instead does NOT equal 24/7, fully-focused attention from an extremely well-regarded goalie coach in Dave Lassonde...
I would imagine JB - like the rest of us - knows this already, and his point is that a part-time, volunteer coach who runs a goalie school and spends a large amount of time working with the Penguins instead does NOT equal 24/7, fully-focused attention from an extremely well-regarded goalie coach in Dave Lassonde...
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
It would be awesome to have someone like Mike B behind the bench; but whomever it is, will be...they need to be strong in defensive coaching (which I imagine he would be?) and...be a cracker jack recruiter. I imagine Mike Souza has pondered who will fill his vacancy already; that selection is going to be HUGE going forward. UNH can't afford to "miss" this time around. (am not implying they have, mind you...but you get what I mean.)
It would be awesome to have someone like Mike B behind the bench; but whomever it is, will be...they need to be strong in defensive coaching (which I imagine he would be?) and...be a cracker jack recruiter. I imagine Mike Souza has pondered who will fill his vacancy already; that selection is going to be HUGE going forward. UNH can't afford to "miss" this time around. (am not implying they have, mind you...but you get what I mean.)
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
It was thinking exactly what Dan noted. There is a big difference between David Lassonde full time and Mike Buckley as a volunteer that really needs to focus and the folks paying the bills. I am not taking a shot at Buckley's skills. Clearly he is very talented and it is admirable that he volunteers, clearly his craft is his joy... enviable.
Lassonde's last year in Durham was 2010-2011. Tirone committed to UNH on 3/23/2013 (love Heisenberg lists...) so clearly wasn't a Lassonde recruit. Who knows if Tirone would be in Durham if Lassonde was, or be much better if Lassonde was still with UNH.
It was thinking exactly what Dan noted. There is a big difference between David Lassonde full time and Mike Buckley as a volunteer that really needs to focus and the folks paying the bills. I am not taking a shot at Buckley's skills. Clearly he is very talented and it is admirable that he volunteers, clearly his craft is his joy... enviable.
Lassonde's last year in Durham was 2010-2011. Tirone committed to UNH on 3/23/2013 (love Heisenberg lists...) so clearly wasn't a Lassonde recruit. Who knows if Tirone would be in Durham if Lassonde was, or be much better if Lassonde was still with UNH.
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
When Tirone committed in early 2013, he had already developed a working relationship with Coach Buckley (He had also just been named "Prep School Player of the Year" by US Hockey Report):
When Tirone committed in early 2013, he had already developed a working relationship with Coach Buckley (He had also just been named "Prep School Player of the Year" by US Hockey Report):
- From http://unhhockeyblog.blogspot.com/2013/03/unh-recruit-profile-goalie-danny-tirone.html
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
Prep School to D1 can be a big jump. I compare Tirone style and fundamentals to those of the goalies between Conklin and Foster. He doesn't fit the mold of what a UNH goalie looked like. Between the glove hand and the constant scrambling I can't see how he fits. Maybe some of that is regressing. His Freshman year he regularly ended up back to the play that is getting better. The successful style of goalie at all levels is big, square, calm, plays angles and position... That doesn't describe Tirone.
Prep School to D1 can be a big jump. I compare Tirone style and fundamentals to those of the goalies between Conklin and Foster. He doesn't fit the mold of what a UNH goalie looked like. Between the glove hand and the constant scrambling I can't see how he fits. Maybe some of that is regressing. His Freshman year he regularly ended up back to the play that is getting better. The successful style of goalie at all levels is big, square, calm, plays angles and position... That doesn't describe Tirone.
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
Thanks for the laugh Chuck! Tongue in cheek (14 wins before Xmas)and I hope we fill the Whit more frequently. Send me a note anytime you need a ticket as you might bring Coach luck for 21+ wins and NCAA championships. It will be great to hear you singing Umile's and Tirone's praises. We have defense now and more on the way next year. We have money for top recruits next year with 7-8 leaving and the focus will be on offensive players and a goalie. Krog was on second line most of his career (other than pp) and we had balanced lines. It might be Grasso on the first line but Kelleher is an assist guy with scoring potential and Blackburn has pedigree and actually wins faceoffs sometimes. The PP will be similar to last year's best offensive players on the ice. I do not know if they will use two defensemen but Wyse and Gildon have offensive and defensive skills. I hope to see you at the rink and spending less time on USCHO and it should be all good. Enjoy the summer and maybe you will go to the banquet next Saturday. If so, we will see you there.
Thanks for the laugh Chuck! Tongue in cheek (14 wins before Xmas)and I hope we fill the Whit more frequently. Send me a note anytime you need a ticket as you might bring Coach luck for 21+ wins and NCAA championships. It will be great to hear you singing Umile's and Tirone's praises. We have defense now and more on the way next year. We have money for top recruits next year with 7-8 leaving and the focus will be on offensive players and a goalie. Krog was on second line most of his career (other than pp) and we had balanced lines. It might be Grasso on the first line but Kelleher is an assist guy with scoring potential and Blackburn has pedigree and actually wins faceoffs sometimes. The PP will be similar to last year's best offensive players on the ice. I do not know if they will use two defensemen but Wyse and Gildon have offensive and defensive skills. I hope to see you at the rink and spending less time on USCHO and it should be all good. Enjoy the summer and maybe you will go to the banquet next Saturday. If so, we will see you there.
Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
Neutral Zone scouting report (from 2016 USA Selects 16 Camp) on UNH's newest commit Conner Sweeney (5/5/2000, 6'2", 185 lbs. left-shot forward):
"Connor Sweeney (L, Pingree School, Gray #10) Sweeney led his high school team, Pingree, in points as a ’00 this past season. He is a fluid skater who can carry the puck well and make plays off the rush. The son of former NHLer Bob Sweeney, who currently heads the Boston Bruins Foundation, has great upside, size and skating ability, but will need to grow into his frame and get more involved offensively. He was too perimeter here and wasn’t able to create many scoring chances in zone. An athletic, fluid skater with size and major upside. He was drafted by Muskegon in the seventh round of the USHL Futures Draft and is undecided about his plans next season. Uncommitted."
Sweeney scored 31 goals and 12 assists in 29 games for the Pingree School this past season (2016-17). He tied for most goals in the New England Prep Hockey.
Neutral Zone scouting report (from 2016 USA Selects 16 Camp) on UNH's newest commit Conner Sweeney (5/5/2000, 6'2", 185 lbs. left-shot forward):
"Connor Sweeney (L, Pingree School, Gray #10) Sweeney led his high school team, Pingree, in points as a ’00 this past season. He is a fluid skater who can carry the puck well and make plays off the rush. The son of former NHLer Bob Sweeney, who currently heads the Boston Bruins Foundation, has great upside, size and skating ability, but will need to grow into his frame and get more involved offensively. He was too perimeter here and wasn’t able to create many scoring chances in zone. An athletic, fluid skater with size and major upside. He was drafted by Muskegon in the seventh round of the USHL Futures Draft and is undecided about his plans next season. Uncommitted."
Sweeney scored 31 goals and 12 assists in 29 games for the Pingree School this past season (2016-17). He tied for most goals in the New England Prep Hockey.
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Re: UNH Commits & Recruiting: 2017 and Beyond
From twitter:
Jeff Cox @JeffCoxSports
'00 Connor Sweeney (Pingree) commits to UNH. Great get for the Wildcats. Explosive stride, heavy shot, game has really taken off last year.
Jeff Cox @JeffCoxSports
Sweeney will be at Lawrence Academy in Fall. Son of Bob Sweeney. He's a big time get for UNH staff. He and Marek Wazny are very good '00s.
From twitter:
Jeff Cox @JeffCoxSports
'00 Connor Sweeney (Pingree) commits to UNH. Great get for the Wildcats. Explosive stride, heavy shot, game has really taken off last year.
Jeff Cox @JeffCoxSports
Sweeney will be at Lawrence Academy in Fall. Son of Bob Sweeney. He's a big time get for UNH staff. He and Marek Wazny are very good '00s.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Woot!! Welcome to the'Cats!!! Very cool news!
I just got a warm and fuzzy reading this. I have a pic of my daughter and Dad Sweeney in the Bruins suite at the Garden! Very cool!
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