UNH Offseason Contract Edition.

[freak]

The fact that the university has any “control” over fans in the student section is pretty funny. Back in my days as a student fan at Snively we couldn’t’ have care less what university admin wanted, In fact if they did try to exert control we would have most likely done the exact opposite. This explains the “inorganic” feel of the student section mentioned by the Grouch.

I've not been able to go to many games since my son was born, but made a few women's games this year. Surprisingly there's a bigger student presence than I can ever recall. Sadly, they don't do all that much.

 

[Chuck Murray]

I guess the question for MS7 is what is an acceptable rate of players transferring out of the program? Is this bad recruiting or just a bad fit? One way or the other Saint Souza bears responsibility for not only bringing in the right players, but fostering a culture to allow these players to succeed.

For the current window ... if the damage is limited to Cafarelli, Gendron and Sardarian, I think MS7 would accept that, and I don't think I can get too worked up about any of them leaving, either. Cafarelli never got over the hump, and neither did the other two. As you point out, though, since at one point these guys were all sought-after recruits by Souza, MS7 has to bear some of the blame for not developing them into a better fit with the program - on and (perhaps especially with Sardarian?) off the ice. Now, if this translates into some extra flexibility where he can bring on Sadowski a year earlier than anticipated, and/or add some valuable finds in other programs' portal cast-offs, then all the better. As things have evolved with the NCAA, this is another demanding part of the job of a successful D-1 coach, another skill to master, and he and his staff are not working 70 hour weeks for the next month or so, then they're simply not adapting to the demands of their position to be successful. We'll see ...

 

[JB]

Not sure what you're seeing there, JB ... Giuliano was hired to fill the slot on the staff vacated by MS7 when he took Umile's HC job, so he's been along for the ride for the full length of Souza's HC tenure. If he's taken on a more prominent role these last few seasons, or (*gasp*) actually gotten better at his job over time, as some folks outside of UNH are known to do, then kudos to him. Must be Guiliano's BC/York lineage overpowering the Umile DNA from his two colleagues.

So I have been busy watching at least part of 10 NCAA Regional games and to do that and attend 3 means staying off any of the college hockey websites (I don't watch games when I know the results already) and so just catching up.

I will start with I have no inside information.

This years vaunted 6th place finishes was built (partly) on an upgrade in forwards, 74 goals scored in 22-23 to 106 in 23-24. If I look at the scoring it is Conmy, LeClerc, Winters, Devlin, Cronin as non-transfer talent. Two of the five are Juniors. This group of forwards (even the extended group, Ring, Sardarian, Lavins, Skrastins) look like upgrade in talent over the first 6 years of Souza (3 as head recruiting coach in waiting and 3 as coach cooking with the ingredients he brought in). The first 2 are the Juniors Devlin, committed on 09/14/2018 and Cronin, on 02/09/2019.

So what changed? MS7 started being head coach and Giuliano came on staff. The new voice would be Giuliano So did he scout these players? Did he help land them in some way (44 vs 53 years old)? Maybe he just agreed with Stewart and together they got MS7 to let them bring in something different. Maybe it was the Ewing theory and Umile was out of the way.

I just look at the talent on the ice and I do see a bit of an upswing that lines up commitments starting the fall of 2018 and really getting into swing the spring of 2019. I would guess it is either a new voice or the absence of an old one.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

A supporters culture would've been pretty darn novel in NCAA hockey circles. Watch some videos of Euro hockey with the entire arena singing along, and it's quite inspiring.

That said, certainly the university later asserted control with the whole Cat Pack thing, and fundamentally their influence will limit creativity and edginess. Add in the down years and even basics haven't been passed along, to the point that current students aren't even aware of a lot of older chants and stuff.

Yes, I've traveled the international markets for almost 30 years and have seen more than my fair share of EU hockey games. It's great, they're fun but trying to replicate that environment in Durham is an exercise in futility.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

The fact that the university has any “control” over fans in the student section is pretty funny. Back in my days as a student fan at Snively we couldn’t’ have care less what university admin wanted, In fact if they did try to exert control we would have most likely done the exact opposite. This explains the “inorganic” feel of the student section mentioned by the Grouch.

Right? Jesus, if the administration had told us to do anything during the halcyon days of Snively, we all would have laughed, flipped them off and immediately would have done something even more outrageous and offensive. Ahh, the glory days before the internet, social media and lifelong accountability to poor decision making.

 

[Chuck Murray]

The fact that the university has any “control” over fans in the student section is pretty funny. Back in my days as a student fan at Snively we couldn’t’ have care less what university admin wanted, In fact if they did try to exert control we would have most likely done the exact opposite. This explains the “inorganic” feel of the student section mentioned by the Grouch.

Before stepping on some of the other fault lines out there ... I will say that "kids these days" have been conditioned to be more compliant to the institutional demands made upon them. It wasn't too long ago that students weren't allowed on campus without doing certain things mandated by the school, much less attend a hockey game in close proximity to other fellow students, the general public, etc. Unthinkable restrictions for those of us who grew up in freer times, with much more individuality, creativity and spontaneity. And I went to a school noted for accountancy, ferchrissakes. But the school newspaper back then treated the college president with about as much reverance and respect as I've afforded the previous AD and the current Men's Head Hockey coach. I just don't know if the current generation is wired for independent civil disobedience??

One needs to look no further than the current state of the USCHO boards, and compare that with the "anything goes" approach that we used to revel in, back in the glory days of UNH Hockey. I'll stop here, before I start sounding like the "git off ma lawn" guy, but you were there too, so I'm not telling you anything you, or grouchy, or e.cat, or at least another dozen of our regulars don't already know. Sad, if you ask me, but life goes on, right?

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

So what changed? MS7 started being head coach and Giuliano came on staff. The new voice would be Giuliano So did he scout these players? Did he help land them in some way (44 vs 53 years old)? Maybe he just agreed with Stewart and together they got MS7 to let them bring in something different. Maybe it was the Ewing theory and Umile was out of the way.

I have an unnamed friend that was an assistant at a national championship winning program. For years, he called recruiting a young man's game, especially in today's environment. For the top programs, full blown social media outreach strategies are implemented, podcasts, weekly features online are (relatively) inexpensive ways to reach a wider pool of recruits. While the head coaches are featured prominently, it is the younger assistants that develop and maintain the personal relationships. Closer in age, more recent and similar experiences, the assistants are more relatable than a HC that is older than the parents of the recruits. That sense of belonging and personal connection can go a long way (in addition to a strong program, world class facilities, etc). A Head Coach can seal the deal and be a closer, but 95% of the work is done by the junior coach.

Let's be frank, MS7 is not a strong communicator and makes Umile look eloquent. I don't seen St. Souza having the skills to close a Tier 1 recruit; it has to be Giuliano.

 

[freak]

Before stepping on some of the other fault lines out there ... I will say that "kids these days" have been conditioned to be more compliant to the institutional demands made upon them. It wasn't too long ago that students weren't allowed on campus without doing certain things mandated by the school, much less attend a hockey game in close proximity to other fellow students, the general public, etc. Unthinkable restrictions for those of us who grew up in freer times, with much more individuality, creativity and spontaneity. And I went to a school noted for accountancy, ferchrissakes. But the school newspaper back then treated the college president with about as much reverance and respect as I've afforded the previous AD and the current Men's Head Hockey coach. I just don't know if the current generation is wired for independent civil disobedience??

One needs to look no further than the current state of the USCHO boards, and compare that with the "anything goes" approach that we used to revel in, back in the glory days of UNH Hockey. I'll stop here, before I start sounding like the "git off ma lawn" guy, but you were there too, so I'm not telling you anything you, or grouchy, or e.cat, or at least another dozen of our regulars don't already know. Sad, if you ask me, but life goes on, right?

I also think the Patriots generation started the decline. By that, I mean, the kids who grew up never knowing the Patriots to be bad. They were football centric sports fans and less inclined to become die-hard hockey fans when they got to Durham. Add in university meddling and the events of the last few years, and it's not a good combo.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

One needs to look no further than the current state of the USCHO boards, and compare that with the "anything goes" approach that we used to revel in, back in the glory days of UNH Hockey. I'll stop here, before I start sounding like the "git off ma lawn" guy, but you were there too, so I'm not telling you anything you, or grouchy, or e.cat, or at least another dozen of our regulars don't already know. Sad, if you ask me, but life goes on, right?

My daughter is a senior in high school. When were were doing college visits, she mentioned that UNH students seemed like feeble sheep compared to other schools that she visited, not just at hockey games but in general. "Dad everyone at UNH acts like they're scared to get in trouble. Aren't the college years about making questionable life decisions and raising a little hell?"

Of course, she says this as "to be" double major of metallurgical engineering and physics; she'll have no time to raise hell unless it's pouring molten steel

 

[HockeyRef]

Hey Freak welcome and keep on postin'! One name that hasn't shown up...yet...in the portal is Moose. I see Jeremy Forman has as a side note. Still early
in this game of course but we all kind of thought we'd see Moose jump in. Makes me think Hellsten is either staying...or is going pro / Moose given the re-assurance
he'd be in the mix for next season?

Things that make you go hmm...

EDIT...in chatting with fellow poster he thinks if Hellsten were to leave UNH would still be looking for a 'starter' ....how's about UConn's
Sergeev??

 

[freak]

Hey Freak welcome and keep on postin'! One name that hasn't shown up...yet...in the portal is Moose. I see Jeremy Forman has as a side note. Still early
in this game of course but we all kind of thought we'd see Moose jump in. Makes me think Hellsten is either staying...or is going pro / Moose given the re-assurance
he'd be in the mix for next season?

Things that make you go hmm...

Thanks. I go way back on these boards but have found that I've lost the ability to waste as much time as I used to, so the reality is that I'm likely to get distracted and disappear again. The last month or so, however, has really bothered me. The university's apparent disinterest in hockey is bad enough, but rewarding failure in both programs (especially 10 YEARS) just p*SS*s me off.

 

[HockeyRef]

Thanks. I go way back on these boards but have found that I've lost the ability to waste as much time as I used to, so the reality is that I'm likely to get distracted and disappear again. The last month or so, however, has really bothered me. The university's apparent disinterest in hockey is bad enough, but rewarding failure in both programs (especially 10 YEARS) just p*SS*s me off.

It's mind boggling. I know quite a few who will give it one more season and then, they are done if things don't get any better....waiting 3 more years seems like more of a waste of
time then posting on this board haha...here's hoping...

 

[Dan]

It’s a lot to ask of 18-22 year old kids to show up to a losing product and a half-empty arena and will the team to victory on their energy alone. Spontaneous energy and cheering stems from on-ice excitement and winning games…

 

[Chuck Murray]

I also think the Patriots generation started the decline. By that, I mean, the kids who grew up never knowing the Patriots to be bad. They were football centric sports fans and less inclined to become die-hard hockey fans when they got to Durham. Add in university meddling and the events of the last few years, and it's not a good combo.

Certainly a possibility I wouldn't discount. Which may be good news for UNH Hockey going forwards, as I suspect the Pats are gonna be mired in mediocrity for a good chunk of the rest of the decade. The two major building blocks are gone and not coming back, the owner is sounding like he's ready to slide off into the sunset, and that will leave "Thanks Dad" in charge, with a coaching staff that currently resembles a Chinese fire drill, and with a decidedly mediocre talent pool still on hand. Even the 20 or so year old facility down in Foxboro is starting to take the heat for not being up to NFL standards (despite being a fantastic retail hub). Location location location ... I hope for the sake of current diehard Patriots fans that whatever roots they developed over the last 20 years of rampant success, they can withstand a loss of their bandwagon fans (already in progress), and the return to mediocrity that marked the prior 40 year history of the franchise, not to mention their dalliances with moves to Hartford, Birmingham, St. Louis, Arizona, etc. etc.

On further review (1) I doubt the Pats are going anyplace, the NFL won't want to leave the market, it's too valuable, and I do think the roots laid down over the last generation were real, and will withstand some down times ... but more importantly, (2) I don't think a successful UNH Hockey program and a successful Pats' franchise in or near Greater Boston are mutually exclusive. University meddling off the ice, and refusing to more positively "meddle" off the ice with a better quality coaching staff to ensure the continued success of the program were (still are?) the culprits, and if MS7 and Co. can improbably continue to build on one glorious over .500 season, we've all seen what fun that can all be ...

 

[Chuck Murray]

One name that hasn't shown up...yet...in the portal is Moose. I see Jeremy Forman has as a side note. Still early in this game of course but we all kind of thought we'd see Moose jump in. Makes me think Hellsten is either staying...or is going pro / Moose given the re-assurance he'd be in the mix for next season?

Things that make you go hmm...

So now, the transfer portal list is Cafarelli, Forman, Gendron and Sardarian. Pretty tame list, and even if Mucinex leaves, so long as Hellsten is beck, and Souza can backfill with someone in the portal and/or accelerating a goalie recruit, all looks pretty manageable as far as '23/'24 UNH Wildcats Hockey. Can we close the portal now, please??

EDIT...in chatting with fellow poster he thinks if Hellsten were to leave UNH would still be looking for a 'starter' ....how's about UConn's Sergeev??

The goalie from RIT (Tommy Scarfone, the fave of the RIT broadcast crew a few months ago) is also available.

 

[Dan]

Miami is hiring Tri-Cities (USHL) coach Anthony Noreen; One of the better junior hockey coaches over the last half-decade-plus and often described as energetic and personable in addition to his hard coaching skills. It's a name that certainly makes this alum optimistic and one that would have been on my list for - at least - an interview if UNH had an opening this off-season...

--

Bedford native & center Cade DeStefani (Lindenwood) is in the portal after scoring 9 goals and 19 points in 35 games over one-plus seasons in Missouri. I believe, he originally committed to Western Michigan before signing w/ Lindenwood. Twenty-four years old w/ two (maybe three) years of eligibility remaining.

 

[Scott]

Can we close the portal now, please??

Sources say AD Rich has now entered the AD transfer portal, cites excessive online performance reviews from passionate-yet-angry fans.

News at 11.

 

[HockeyRef]

Sources say AD Rich has now entered the AD transfer portal, cites excessive online performance reviews from passionate-yet-angry fans.

News at 11.

Fake News...Ha!

 

[HockeyRef]

So now, the transfer portal list is Cafarelli, Forman, Gendron and Sardarian. Pretty tame list, and even if Mucinex leaves, so long as Hellsten is beck, and Souza can backfill with someone in the portal and/or accelerating a goalie recruit, all looks pretty manageable as far as '23/'24 UNH Wildcats Hockey. Can we close the portal now, please??




The goalie from RIT (Tommy Scarfone, the fave of the RIT broadcast crew a few months ago) is also available.

Yes we discussed him too forgot to mention...love the last name...talk about paisan eh??

 

[walrus]

My daughter is a senior in high school. When were were doing college visits, she mentioned that UNH students seemed like feeble sheep compared to other schools that she visited, not just at hockey games but in general. "Dad everyone at UNH acts like they're scared to get in trouble. Aren't the college years about making questionable life decisions and raising a little hell?"

Of course, she says this as "to be" double major of metallurgical engineering and physics; she'll have no time to raise hell unless it's pouring molten steel

Curious as to where one goes to major in metallurgic eng. I took a metallography class in my time at UMaine, one of my favorite classes. Thought about pursuing it but didn’t. Long time ago now. Must be a smart young lady.