UNH Men’s Hockey 22-23: the start of something new, or more of the same?

[Chuck Murray]

Maine has zero offense. Offense that can't make a goalie that big move is doomed to failure. Good to see Maine brings out a crowd after stinking for so long.

From watching and listening only, wally ... it felt like UMaine and UNH were battling for the imaginary HEA JV title.

I'm confident that you guys will be moving onwards and upwards. To ignore the consistent trends across Coach Barr's teams of improvement to the upper competitive D-1 rungs - and their fall-off upon his departure - you'd have to be willfully stubborn and/or an idiot (and I know you are neither) not to conclude that he knows the magic formula for D-1 success. The quality of the incoming recruits I'm hearing is predictably high, so Barr looks to be doing his Union/PC/UMass card tricks again, and you guys will be playing meaningful hockey into the early Spring soon enough.

On the other hand, it remains to be seen if MS7 did indeed strike some Faustian bargain during the Schenectady trip, or if this again goes pffftt later this season or early next? We've learned that next season is his last contracted season at UNH, so we know he's working for his coaching life every weekend now, and we can only hope he's stumbled onto something that can turn this thing around. Coach MacDonnell (UNH Football) had 5 crappy seasons at the start of his UNH HC career, and I famously gave up on him right before he went on a historical 14 year streak of winning seasons and postseason appearances. Obviously I had to do a re-think early in that turnaround; hopefully I'll have to re-assess on Souza too? He's had pockets of success earlier in his UNH career, but this one feels more extended, more committed, and more consistent.

We'll see.

 

[Darius]

In this morning's edition of the Union-Leader, in Kevin Landrigan's weekly political column ... But still, it's nice to see a fellow Effingwoodsian sharing his own vision for the future not far from our tiny burg.

Thanks for this. I saw the increase to UNH in the Governor’s budget proposal, didn't realize until a few days ago it was for the Whitt. It still has to clear the NH House and Senate and then have private donors contribute. Perhaps some of the private funds have already been pledged.

 

[Darius]

On the other hand, it remains to be seen if MS7 did indeed strike some Faustian bargain during the Schenectady trip, or if this again goes pffftt later this season or early next?… We'll see.

’cats really needed two actual wins this weekend. Four points = old school two. I suspect this weekend’s results would have been different if the games were in Orono. Several games remain, more for others than for UNH. If the season ended today the ’cats would be traveling to ME for a one and done Wednesday tilt. Next up in the playoff pecking order possibilities are BC (playing well), Providence (why not?) and UMA (please) away games. Not to say we cannot win a first round road playoff game, but assuming we lose, it is not pffftt unless we implode against UVM and UConn. The past few weeks have been very encouraging, especially with the team’s overall youth.

 

[Chuck Murray]

’cats really needed two actual wins this weekend. Four points = old school two. I suspect this weekend’s results would have been different if the games were in Orono. Several games remain, more for others than for UNH. If the season ended today the ’cats would be traveling to ME for a one and done Wednesday tilt. Next up in the playoff pecking order possibilities are BC (playing well), Providence (why not?) and UMA (please) away games. Not to say we cannot win a first round road playoff game, but assuming we lose, it is not pffftt unless we implode against UVM and UConn. The past few weeks have been very encouraging, especially with the team’s overall youth.

I see it mostly the same way Darius, but even if UNH wins the next/final two RS games, and then gets blown out on the road in Orono in a one-and-out ... then aren't we pretty much back to the old issue of whether we have a coach who can be successful in win-or-go-home scenarios?

I'm probably 90% of the way to thinking MS7 deserves the chance to finish out his contract next season, and I'll concede the new AD may even be at 100% based on the 2023 turn-around. What worries me is if a so-so finish to the season - or even a pffftt implosion/MBPBEGAM blowout - gets overlooked and too much emphasis ends up being placed on a positive month-plus run of about 10 games. We already know the AD f/k/a Blue Skies modestly (and very kindly) extended MS7 on his way out the door last year, for basically accomplishing nothing. We can't afford a repeat of that largesse towards mediocrity. More on this later.

Now, if UNH wins a MBPBEGAM road game, AND then a quarterfinal game on the road in two win-or-go-home settings, and we find ourselves scrambling to clear our personal schedules for an unexpected St. Patrick's Day Friday trip to Boston, then there is actually something to reward and improbably MS7 and his staff are arguably playing with "house money" for the duration of what would be an actually very real post-season.

Here is the sliding scale of my list of potential outcomes for UNH, and how that should reflect on MS7's future:

Pffftt ... no extension of any sorts awarded to MS7 and his staff, and early buyout(s) may be back on the table;
Routine exit ... two meh RS results to finish up, and loss at MBPBEGAM level ... finish contract but NO extension;
Routine plus ... same as routine, except road win in MBPBEGAM, loss in Quarters ... one year extension*
Boston exit ... lose in the Semis in Boston ... one year extension after 2023/2024 but possibly open to two?
Boston plus ... advance in the Semis, lose in the HEA Finals ... two-year extension after 2023/2024;
Dreamland ... HEA Tourney win, entry into NCAA's, early out ... three-year extension after 2023/2024;
Dreamland plus ... add one more year to three-year extension for every NCAA tourney win (7 yrs. whole enchilada)

* - one year extension, only to prevent outward "lame duck" status, but early buyout/dismissal still on the table if 2023/2024 flops (again)

Thoughts???

 

[HockeyRef]

Thanks for this. I saw the increase to UNH in the Governor’s budget proposal, didn't realize until a few days ago it was for the Whitt. It still has to clear the NH House and Senate and then have private donors contribute. Perhaps some of the private funds have already been pledged.

From what I understand private donor funds have been pledged...

 

[HockeyRef]

’cats really needed two actual wins this weekend. Four points = old school two. I suspect this weekend’s results would have been different if the games were in Orono. Several games remain, more for others than for UNH. If the season ended today the ’cats would be traveling to ME for a one and done Wednesday tilt. Next up in the playoff pecking order possibilities are BC (playing well), Providence (why not?) and UMA (please) away games. Not to say we cannot win a first round road playoff game, but assuming we lose, it is not pffftt unless we implode against UVM and UConn. The past few weeks have been very encouraging, especially with the team’s overall youth.

Am thinking those two Vermont losses really hurt but, at this point, we'll take what we can get and see what happens. At least, we've managed to be 'pairwise wreckers' of sorts...We are going to need alot of luck/help to host a game but that's prob not in the cards for this season.

 

[Darius]

From what I understand private donor funds have been pledged...

Makes sense. UNH guaranteeing 2/3 of the money gives it a much better chance with the legislature.

 

[Darius]

Am thinking those two Vermont losses really hurt but, at this point, we'll take what we can get and see what happens. At least, we've managed to be 'pairwise wreckers' of sorts...We are going to need alot of luck/help to host a game but that's prob not in the cards for this season.

Pathetic. When they happened and now.

 

[Felger]

’cats really needed two actual wins this weekend. Four points = old school two. I suspect this weekend’s results would have been different if the games were in Orono. Several games remain, more for others than for UNH. If the season ended today the ’cats would be traveling to ME for a one and done Wednesday tilt. Next up in the playoff pecking order possibilities are BC (playing well), Providence (why not?) and UMA (please) away games. Not to say we cannot win a first round road playoff game, but assuming we lose, it is not pffftt unless we implode against UVM and UConn. The past few weeks have been very encouraging, especially with the team’s overall youth.

As usual, Darius nails it. But leaving points on the table this past weekend was just the continuation of a trend. Blown third period leads cost UNH four points the three weeks before. Sure, it's exciting to win games in overtime (I guess) but you don't get full credit from Hockey East or in the PWR/RPI.

 

[Darius]

I'm probably 90% of the way to thinking MS7 deserves the chance to finish out his contract next season, and I'll concede the new AD may even be at 100% based on the 2023 turn-around. What worries me is if a so-so finish to the season - or even a pffftt implosion/MBPBEGAM blowout - gets overlooked and too much emphasis ends up being placed on a positive month-plus run of about 10 games. We already know the AD f/k/a Blue Skies modestly (and very kindly) extended MS7 on his way out the door last year, for basically accomplishing nothing. We can't afford a repeat of that largesse towards mediocrity. More on this later.

Other than the 6 - 2 UML loss, 2023 shows they can play with (mostly tie) their league opponents including some top teams. Losing both remaining RS games or getting blown out in any of their remaining three kind of undoes that. I don’t think it will happen.

 

[HockeyRef]

Wow Eric Esposito is having quite the season..a 7 point weekend and his first NCAA hattie. As Snively would say "why can't we get players like that...oh wait"...Seriously good for him!!

 

[Darius]

As usual, Darius nails it. But leaving points on the table this past weekend was just the continuation of a trend. Blown third period leads cost UNH four points the three weeks before. Sure, it's exciting to win games in overtime (I guess) but you don't get full credit from Hockey East or in the PWR/RPI.

Agreed. Better than an OT loss, but feels like a tie, especially a skills competition (as Coach Souza called it post game on NESN) win when you look at the standings. In the Beanpot championship I thought both teams were all all in during the final regulation minutes, wanting a real win.

 

[Snively65]

UNH (7-2-2) tied with NU (7-2-2) for best record in HEA since January 1st. I think it is much more likely that UNH will be playing MBPBEGAM game at Schneider or Conte rather than Alfond.

 

[HockeyRef]

UNH (7-2-2) tied with NU (7-2-2) for best record in HEA since January 1st. I think it is much more likely that UNH will be playing MBPBEGAM game at Schneider or Conte rather than Alfond.

If at Conte, I wonder if they still have my UNH Hockey hat I threw when Tyler Ward had a hattie there in last years OT loss to the Beagles...Off to the Bruins today to see 'what might have been' Tim Stutzle play. Go Bruins!

 

[Chuck Murray]

Off to the Bruins today to see 'what might have been' Tim Stutzle play. Go Bruins!

When all is said and done 15 or so years from now, I think Stutzle will have blown past JvR and challenge Rod Langway for the title of UNH's all-time greatest player. Very impressive kid, good all-around game, and he's just getting started.

 

[Felger]

When all is said and done 15 or so years from now, I think Stutzle will have blown past JvR and challenge Rod Langway for the title of UNH's all-time greatest player. Very impressive kid, good all-around game, and he's just getting started.

Where is Johnny Gaudreau in that mix?

 

[Whalers]

Where is Johnny Gaudreau in that mix?

Now that is good humor!

Never Attended UNH
Mike Eurozione
Mike Vecchione
Drew Commesso
The defenseman who went to Denver (??)

Went and Left
Mike Golden
Rich Burchill
Warren Foegele

 

[Chuck Murray]

Where is Johnny Gaudreau in that mix?

By forgetting to use the obvious qualifiers, I definitely stepped on a Monday morning rake there, for sure! ;-)

To make up for my gaffe, I'll put forward another non-UNH player whose less-talented younger brother was a standout with the 'Cats during the second wave of Umile's Frozen Four teams ...

Twenty years ago, Concord’s Tara Mounsey had a golden moment (concordmonitor.com)

Tell me that doesn't make you all feel VERY old. Never knew of her field hockey accomplishments at Brown, wow 'Ref!

 

[Snively65]

Now that is good humor!

Never Attended UNH
Mike Eurozione
Mike Vecchione
Drew Commesso
The defenseman who went to Denver (??)

Went and Left
Mike Golden
Rich Burchill
Warren Foegele

Warren Foegele (324) has recently blown by Norm Lacombe (319) and Pete Douris (321) for 14th all time for UNHers in NHL career games. Next up is Kevin Dean (331), once briefly speculated to be Umile’s successor as HC in these threads, then Jaime Hislop (345), speaking of “feeling old.” Foegele scored two goals in 6-5 OT loss to Avs last night. Bruins play Edmonton and Foegele next Monday on the Bruins four-game road trip.

edit: Joey Leleggia put up 132 points for DU (the other DU) after being awarded CHN Rookie of the Year in 2011/12. Now playing in Europe after three seasons in AHL.

Tyler Ward, who transferred from DU to UNH for his junior and senior years, chose not (or was not invited?) to stay on to play his Covid year and is now playing in Germany. Speaking of Germany, Stutzle did not distinguish himself on nearly two minutes of Ottawa 5-3 PP. But, Senators and Stutzle looked tired today after their 7-2 win over Blues last night.

 

[HockeyRef]

By forgetting to use the obvious qualifiers, I definitely stepped on a Monday morning rake there, for sure! ;-)

To make up for my gaffe, I'll put forward another non-UNH player whose less-talented younger brother was a standout with the 'Cats during the second wave of Umile's Frozen Four teams ...

Twenty years ago, Concord’s Tara Mounsey had a golden moment (concordmonitor.com)

Tell me that doesn't make you all feel VERY old. Never knew of her field hockey accomplishments at Brown, wow 'Ref!

Used to officiate Tara's FH games while she was a student at Concord High School...what a competitor..I used to tell her to "knock off" the ice hockey stuff lol