UNH- How Far West Do We Go?

[2013hockeyfan]

I think UNH is at high risk of a mass exodus this offseason via a variety of avenues (trxfer portal, back to major juniors, quitting, etc) given the second half results. There are few guys on the roster expected to return next season with a strong tie to the program, really only Lavins and Fitzgerald come to mind.

Northern Michigan following the 23/24 season a recent example of this, 13 kids left from their roster after that season.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Was it widely known among folks here that the mother of the Hughes brothers was a UNH soccer alum?? Great piece about her in The Athletic for anyone who has a subscription, covers the work she has done with USA Women's hockey.

Wouldn't mind seeing her behind the bench as HC for either UNH hockey program.

Edit: do remember seeing that Luke Hughes' bios have listed a Manchester, NH birthplace

Why would a 56 year old woman living comfortably in suburban Detroit, with no coaching history, ever want to uproot herself to take a flyer on her alma mater?

I don't think she's ever coached at a competitive level? Having said that ... if she was interested, it could be an awesome hire for the UNH Women's program.

All due respect, why would she ever be considered for the UNH Men's job - woke quotient? Probably already being better qualified than MS7 would be a super low bar for her to clear. As a PR stunt, it could be awesome ... or maybe a laughing stock? UNH can't afford to take that chance right now. Desperation is not a good look.

There's probably a close to 50% chance Quinn will sign as a UFA with Detroit after next season to add to the equation. If so, other son(s) may follow??

Sounds like she has the perfect mostly-at-home job doing what she's doing right now anyway. I love out of the box thinking, but this dog won't hunt, sorry.

 

[Chuck Murray]

I think UNH is at high risk of a mass exodus this offseason via a variety of avenues (trxfer portal, back to major juniors, quitting, etc) given the second half results. There are few guys on the roster expected to return next season with a strong tie to the program, really only Lavins and Fitzgerald come to mind.

Northern Michigan following the 23/24 season a recent example of this, 13 kids left from their roster after that season.

Agreed. This was pretty much Coach Souza's last bite of the apple, seeing that many others veered away from the Major Juniors route to let others give it a test drive. Unless he pulls off a miracle turnaround in the next month or so, it's only going to make things even more challenging with his new fave fishing hole.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Agreed, he is the C...if he doesn't transfer or go pro. Word out of Toronto is that Leafs are very high on him.

While I think he has a pro future, he's a marginal NHLer. I see a long career in the SHL, Singapore or the NL, however.

Lavins' success, hustle and attitude is in spite of MS7, not because of it.

Well, he'll definitely have his choice of pro options, seeing that no one holds his draft rights.

When you say the "Leafs are very high on him", I'm tempted to temper your enthusiasm, but I know you have some pretty good contacts in the game. I don't see "very high" for Lavins meaning much more than maybe a bottom six role next year on the Marlies at best if he pops in preseason camp, otherwise he's the 'Coast prototype. And if that's his realistic outlook, spending his senior year of eligibility in Titletown, possibly under a new coach(es?) who could better develop his game where others have let him down, might be just what the doctor ordered for a kid who deserves a break soon, before he gets injured badly and those slim hopes totally evaporate.

norbie, I see our exchange about potty has been expunged from the boards. Must've hurt xir feelings ...