Can you be more specific re: donations? Additionally, seems like you may have some info re: questionable usage of donations. If so, can you share?
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UNH Hockey Off Season Thread 2026
- Thread starter HockeyRef
- Start date
I should amend my prior comment a bit. I meant there SHOULD be nothing special about a Garden trip. Not making it to the conference tournament semi-finals for 10 consecutive years while also not finishing in the top four in the regular season standings is an indication the hockey team is in wrong conference.
I am especially intrigued by Ryan Johnson, who I think would be grabbing more fanfare if his UAA seasons were reversed.
After scoring 27 goals and 52 points in his final junior season with New Mexico (NAHL) he posted 11-14--25 in 33 games as a freshman with the Seawolves. He backed that up with just 4-11--15 in 25-26. Was that him? Or UAA? What would be the reception if he had instead built from 15 points to 25 points?
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Another interesting note, two of UNH's pick ups - Simpson & Vass - both entered the portal with No Contact tags, implying that UNH was playing the pre-portal game and either seeking out players they liked at important positions or, at the very least, willing to listen on players seeking greener pastures. Another sign of 'desperation' and an awareness of program needs...
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Vass makes four players that have truly caught my attention. He played for Sweden at the U18 WJC and was a 3rd Round draft pick of Columbus. I think he could be a great pick up, despite being just a rotational player on BUs blueline as a frosh. Six of the seven Terrier defensemen to play regularly in 25-26 were drafted, five in the top-three rounds. At UNH, Vass will be one of two drafted defensemen, and easily the highest selection...
After scoring 27 goals and 52 points in his final junior season with New Mexico (NAHL) he posted 11-14--25 in 33 games as a freshman with the Seawolves. He backed that up with just 4-11--15 in 25-26. Was that him? Or UAA? What would be the reception if he had instead built from 15 points to 25 points?
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Another interesting note, two of UNH's pick ups - Simpson & Vass - both entered the portal with No Contact tags, implying that UNH was playing the pre-portal game and either seeking out players they liked at important positions or, at the very least, willing to listen on players seeking greener pastures. Another sign of 'desperation' and an awareness of program needs...
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Vass makes four players that have truly caught my attention. He played for Sweden at the U18 WJC and was a 3rd Round draft pick of Columbus. I think he could be a great pick up, despite being just a rotational player on BUs blueline as a frosh. Six of the seven Terrier defensemen to play regularly in 25-26 were drafted, five in the top-three rounds. At UNH, Vass will be one of two drafted defensemen, and easily the highest selection...
JB
Desk Chair Coach
I am curious about style of play for the in coming players. It is easy to assume that Svartstrom as a large frame forward is going to be good around the net. However his game might be from the half walls or he could be like Wisconsin's Montgomery how is a similar size yet more crafty with the puck on the move.
JB
Desk Chair Coach
Physician, heal thyself
Only footage I can find in a quick google is the ECAC ALL Rookie Team Svartstrom starts at about 1 minute mark. 4 of the 5 goals highlighted are at the crease.
Only footage I can find in a quick google is the ECAC ALL Rookie Team Svartstrom starts at about 1 minute mark. 4 of the 5 goals highlighted are at the crease.
Robert Balin
Well-known member
2026 incoming UNH freshman Niko Tournas ranked as 3rd Round 72nd Overall North American Skater in 2026 NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings.Last UNH forward from North America ranked that high was Warren Foegele (2014 3rd Rd 66th) Niko's QMJHL team the Moncton Wildcats have reached the semis and he has nine points in eight playoff games. TY to CHC for this info and all the work he puts in over there very well appreciated.
Robert Balin
Well-known member
Malte Vass is a defensive defenceman who kills plays through his physicality and motor. He suffocates opponents by taking away their time and space. He is an aggressive play-killer who can leverage his strength and skating to stop rushes early or engage attackers along the wall to separate them from the puck. -EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide. Can't wait to see him next year.
Robert Balin
Well-known member
Ronan Walsh is in Portal. Good luck to him.
I wonder if this means Souza looks to get one more?
Or perhaps the situation arose where Souza picked up more guys than initially anticipated, and he had a tough conversation with Walsh that he likely wasnt going to get much playing time, or any at all.
I wish him all the best. He is a bigger forward at 6’4”. I could see an AHA team taking a flyer on him, or perhaps a move down to DIII.
I'd be surprised if he wasn't the rumored DIII transfer previously discussed...
UNH has 25 players, with at least one (Kendrick) a designated student-athlete. So they do have two roster spots available if they did choose to wade back into the portal/recruiting realm. Id rather they pass unless they can find real impact.
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R. MacPherson to Robert Morris.
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I was thinking Hahn was gonna be the DIII guy. Perhaps there will be multiple though. I thought someone mentioned he was initially planning on going DIII before Souza convinced him to join UNH.
I agree in going back to the portal for impact only guys. Taking a quick look it appears Kasper Magnussen from Bemidji (1 year of eligibility left) is still available. In 36 games this year he had 10-21-31 (+3) and has shown steady improvement each year. Also Olivier Houde and Jacob Fletcher from Lindenwood. Both will be Sophomores and had 25+ points this season. On paper, both of them look like potential impact players.
Also saw that on MacPherson. I wonder if his brother will follow him to RMU. I wish them both the best.
A few people closer to the program than I are very pleased to have him. Miami just lost a defenseman to Notre Dame and Helledy seems the type to just slide right in to that spot without missing a beat…
JB
Desk Chair Coach
Magnussen is heading to North Dakota; He would have been an impact fit. The Lindenwood guys have good numbers, but your guess is as good as mine on how that translates. I wouldn't be surprised if they follow their recruiting coach (Bill Muckalt) to MTU. Houde's centerman has already done so this offseason...
If UNH did want to add/improve, I'd bet they could find room for Sascha Boumedienne on the blueline. Or, if I was Souza, I'd add another forward if it meant adding Hudson Malinoski (PC) or Hagen Burrows (DU). Omaha transfer Jeremy Loranger might be worth a flyer too...
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I thought he had a lot of potential and always hoped he'd earn a larger opportunity. I saw the exhibition with the US NTDP last season and liked his game. He reminded me of a little sturdier version of Michael McNicholas. McNicholas struggled through his first two seasons but took off as a JR when given a chance to be a playmaker in the top six.
Unfortunately, it never seemed like UNH saw MacPherson as that type of player, and I'd bet he's off to RMU to find a top-six role. I'm not sure many NCHC, BIG or HE programs (or top ECAC/CCHA) would afford him that opportunity based on how his two seasons went in Durham, but I hope he finds his niche in Pittsburgh. I'd almost expect (and hope) his brother will join him...
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JB
Desk Chair Coach
Interesting read RMS analysis of the junior leagues translating to college.
It points out, not directly, how far below expected point totals the UNH CHL 1st year players performed.
It points out, not directly, how far below expected point totals the UNH CHL 1st year players performed.