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UNH Offseason Contract Edition.

And one more thing...actually a couple of things...

For those who remember the hockey banquets that were so lovingly put together by one person in particular, can we at least hear who got the awards? That used
to be one of the things that always made the season for me even if we didn't get very far. And I need to write the AD and inquire about WHY there haven't been any
Senior plaques set up in the visitor end of the 'Whitt? They were there for the women but have been noticeably absent now for 2 seasons.

It's the little things...
 
'Ref, you are on FIRE this morning. Kudos for laying out so many of the shortcomings of the current regime as it pertains to handling of PR and off-ice issues. It's inexcusable that this deterioration has been allowed to occur over the last generation or so, especially when the guy in charge was around "back in the day" as a player, and would have benefitted from all of these behind-the-scenes touches, but now cannot find time for them. Had it been down to an outsider with no institutional knowledge, you might even be able to understand it, if not excuse it. It's actually a reason not to equate the almost-criminal neglect of prior AD Blue Skies to the current "knows no better than what she walked into" AD f/k/a SB.

You'd have thought that a legit "turnaround" season after 8 years of abject mediocrity, and then having to spend the last 15+ months to save himself from professional disgrace would be enough to energize even the most low-energy, arm's length coaching personalities and turn them into proactive sellers of a new vision, a new message, having received the proverbial-last minute reprieve from the governor. Maybe the poor guy is exhausted from the last 3+ months of intense self-promotion through his network of enablers? But you would like to think any coach with the slightest sense of humility who'd just come through a reckoning like MS7 would be smart enough to appreciate the patience he's been granted, and at least outwardly try to paint a picture to his boss and recruits alike that he's learned, and is determined to make right what he's failed at before ...

... and while there is plenty of time to go in the offseason, it seems like MS7 has learned precious little, other than *maybe* that one (1) sixth place finish in 9 years is good enough in the eyes of those who sign his paychecks. That leads me to the conclusion that a prodigious sense of entitlement appears to be alive and well at Chez Souza.

God help us all ...
 
HockeyRef said:
And one more thing...actually a couple of things...

For those who remember the hockey banquets that were so lovingly put together by one person in particular, can we at least hear who got the awards? That used
to be one of the things that always made the season for me even if we didn't get very far. And I need to write the AD and inquire about WHY there haven't been any
Senior plaques set up in the visitor end of the 'Whitt? They were there for the women but have been noticeably absent now for 2 seasons.

It's the little things...
Click to expand...

All of this just feels little th slow cutting off of any substantive communications. It should be very easy and much of it does not require a ton of public facing to be effective.
As to the banquet and communicating the team awards. Make you feel a part of the team and gain an understanding of what the internal thinking is. This kind of stuff is worth complaining about.
 
After the Whistle said:
All of this just feels little th slow cutting off of any substantive communications. It should be very easy and much of it does not require a ton of public facing to be effective.
As to the banquet and communicating the team awards. Make you feel a part of the team and gain an understanding of what the internal thinking is. This kind of stuff is worth complaining about.
Click to expand...

It comes down to wanting a lack of accountability. You engage with the public, you risk hearing criticism of your performance. Can't let that happen and destroy the thin veneer of respectability of a well run organization.
 

Inspired choice of movie...

After nine years of futility, the question becomes are we, as fans, delusional for wanting a winning program OR is the administration delusional thinking that the fans and STH will accept the status quo. To our AD f/k/a SB and our illustrious coach MS7, stop gaslighting us for actually caring about this program.
 
I'm a bit surprised by the ferocity of the disagreement with my facilities post. 16 year olds (which is the age of top recruits when they often commit) are visual. College hockey players spend far more time at the facility on non game days, so the locker room, lounge, weight room and nutritional areas are where they spend a ton of time. Just google the locker facilities at the other hockey east schools and you'll see UNH is still in the the 1990s. Compare UNH facilities with UMass, BU. Lowell, BC, Providence and then check the HE standings the past 10 years....

Sean Collins picked UNH over BU when BU was still in Walter Brown Arena. Krog picked UNH over Michigan State right when the Whit opened. Mowers, Nolan and Bogie picked UNH over Michigan among many others right when the Whit was newly built and state of the art. Those types of players rarely even visit UNH anymore. Umile's stories about playing in Snively in the 70s likely had nothing to do with their decision, just like Souza's story about meeting his wife at UNH likely means nothing to recruits.

If the programs aren't putting big money into the facilities, the lack of funding almost certainly carries over the coaching salaries and recruiting budgets. You don't think parents and advisors are quick to notice and note it to the recruit?
 
Potluck said:
I'm a bit surprised by the ferocity of the disagreement with my facilities post. 16 year olds (which is the age of top recruits when they often commit) are visual. College hockey players spend far more time at the facility on non game days, so the locker room, lounge, weight room and nutritional areas are where they spend a ton of time. Just google the locker facilities at the other hockey east schools and you'll see UNH is still in the the 1990s. Compare UNH facilities with UMass, BU. Lowell, BC, Providence and then check the HE standings the past 10 years....

Sean Collins picked UNH over BU when BU was still in Walter Brown Arena. Krog picked UNH over Michigan State right when the Whit opened. Mowers, Nolan and Bogie picked UNH over Michigan among many others right when the Whit was newly built and state of the art. Those types of players rarely even visit UNH anymore. Umile's stories about playing in Snively in the 70s likely had nothing to do with their decision, just like Souza's story about meeting his wife at UNH likely means nothing to recruits.

If the programs aren't putting big money into the facilities, the lack of funding almost certainly carries over the coaching salaries and recruiting budgets. You don't think parents and advisors are quick to notice and note it to the recruit?
Click to expand...

Personally as I said absolutely facilities matter! Was just saying that you do have programs that succeed without all the bells and whistles. In total agreement there.

In fact when the first announcements were made regarding the Key Buick deal alot of the UNH alums I follow in social media were very excited and most said it would be a big.draw for the program. Hope so.

But can we at the same time agree UNH needs to be ready for a Friday night game next season esp against teams we should (and need) to win??

And while a few don't want to hear this there WAS money that was raised by the FOH to improve a players and staff lives while at UNH AND...that also included recruiting travel help. But that's a dead horse and I should stop beating it...I will try.

All I can say is when all is said and done...I hope it was worth it. Time will tell.

Love your.posts keep coming back...
 
HockeyRef said:
Personally as I said absolutely facilities matter! Was just saying that you do have programs that succeed without all the bells and whistles. In total agreement there.

In fact when the first announcements were made regarding the Key Buick deal alot of the UNH alums I follow in social media were very excited and most said it would be a big.draw for the program. Hope so.

But can we at the same time agree UNH needs to be ready for a Friday night game next season esp against teams we should (and need) to win??

And while a few don't want to hear this there WAS money that was raised by the FOH to improve a players and staff lives while at UNH AND...that also included recruiting travel help. But that's a dead horse and I should stop beating it. ..I will try.

All I can say is when all is said and done...I hope it was worth it. Time will tell.

Love your.posts keep coming back...
Click to expand...
There WAS money handed from assistant coaches to captains to ensure recruits enjoyed themselves and met student athletes from a particular women’s team while visiting Durham. Those days aren’t coming back either. Times change.
 
Darius said:
There WAS money handed from assistant coaches to captains to ensure recruits enjoyed themselves and met student athletes from a particular women’s team while visiting Durham. Those days aren’t coming back either. Times change.
Click to expand...

Yes..I understand that. The FOH provided alot more than a pizza from DHOP as you are aware. Most fans had no idea of the impact of that group.

Yep...times do change...but I havent bought one single 50/50 since that money no longer went to the hockey program...or does it? No idea...

The small pittance that we have given to the UNH 603 challenge prob wont matter either since the big donors are the thing now...
 
TheGrouchyCat said:
Inspired choice of movie...

After nine years of futility, the question becomes are we, as fans, delusional for wanting a winning program OR is the administration delusional thinking that the fans and STH will accept the status quo. To our AD f/k/a SB and our illustrious coach MS7, stop gaslighting us for actually caring about this program.
Click to expand...
Nope. This past season we had one.

Nope. Check out the attendance numbers and contribution $$$.
 
Last edited:
HockeyRef said:
Yes..I understand that. The FOH provided alot more than a pizza from DHOP as you are aware. Most fans had no idea of the impact of that group.

Yep...times do change...but I havent bought one single 50/50 since that money no longer went to the hockey program...or does it? No idea...

The small pittance that we have given to the UNH 603 challenge prob wont matter either since the big donors are the thing now...
Click to expand...
The Friends had significant impact back in the day. In their wildest dreams they could not have raised Key money. Keep giving. Every bit helps and the hand written thank you notes from Coach are cool to receive.

One of my favorite Friends stories is from the semester break team meal that FOH arranged. One of my friends moving away after chatting with a player, heard him turn to a teammate and inquire, “Who ARE these people?”
 
TheGrouchyCat said:
Inspired choice of movie...

After nine years of futility, the question becomes are we, as fans, delusional for wanting a winning program OR is the administration delusional thinking that the fans and STH will accept the status quo. To our AD f/k/a SB and our illustrious coach MS7, stop gaslighting us for actually caring about this program.
Click to expand...

I agree with Darius (I have always wanted to write that). :-)

TGC, I think that your arguments are a year too late, as you apparently missed that MS7 had a winning season in 2023-2024. You should have been posting here last year, and the 10+ years before that, which have turned many of us into cynical nutcases.

Also, UNH was third in average home attendance this past season in the HEA (5464), 12th overall in Div 1, behind only BC (6895, 5th overall) and UMass-Flagship (5544, 11th overall). Good year for HEA attendance overall, with BU (14th), UML (15th), and Maine (16th).

My guess is that the AD paid more attention to these two above facts in extending MS7’s contract rather than the long-winded whining by many of the posters on this thread. Do I think that MS7 is a good recruiter, in-game coach, or public communicator? Not at all, but facts are facts, just like with global climate change being caused by humans, bovines, and fossil fuel emissions. :-)
 
Snively65 said:
I agree with Darius (I have always wanted to write that). :-)

TGC, I think that your arguments are a year too late, as you apparently missed that MS7 had a winning season in 2023-2024. You should have been posting here last year, and the 10+ years before that, which have turned many of us into cynical nutcases.

Also, UNH was third in average home attendance this past season in the HEA (5464), 12th overall in Div 1, behind only BC (6895, 5th overall) and UMass-Flagship (5544, 11th overall). Good year for HEA attendance overall, with BU (14th), UML (15th), and Maine (16th).

My guess is that the AD paid more attention to these two above facts in extending MS7’s contract rather than the long-winded whining by many of the posters on this thread. Do I think that MS7 is a good recruiter, in-game coach, or public communicator? Not at all, but facts are facts, just like with global climate change being caused by humans, bovines, and fossil fuel emissions. :-)
Click to expand...

My arguments have been shared privately for years. As a member of these boards since 1999 (old account and name inexplicable frozen and deleted) and a fan since the 70s, I certainly have seen the up and downs of the program and posted accordingly. That said, until I see a string of two, three, four, five years of sustained winning, I reserve judgement on the qualifications of MS7 and the long term viability of this program.
 
Darius said:
The Friends had significant impact back in the day. In their wildest dreams they could not have raised Key money.
Click to expand...

You're right, FOH wouldn't be able to raise TDL and Key money, but it would have been another "revenue" stream that could have provided the "nice to haves" for the program rather than just the "need to haves." Imagine getting both TDL money AND contributions from FOH. For a program and university that whines about competing teams having bigger budgets, boosters (etc), eliminating The Friends was a shocking move that alienated the program's most ardent supporters and fans.

Short sided move by Blue Skies and MS7 and a blatant attempt to consolidate power and minimize the power/influence from outside interest groups. Reeks of insecurity and a vain attempt to consolidate control.
 
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Potluck said:
I'm a bit surprised by the ferocity of the disagreement with my facilities post. 16 year olds (which is the age of top recruits when they often commit) are visual. College hockey players spend far more time at the facility on non game days, so the locker room, lounge, weight room and nutritional areas are where they spend a ton of time. Just google the locker facilities at the other hockey east schools and you'll see UNH is still in the the 1990s. Compare UNH facilities with UMass, BU. Lowell, BC, Providence and then check the HE standings the past 10 years....

Sean Collins picked UNH over BU when BU was still in Walter Brown Arena. Krog picked UNH over Michigan State right when the Whit opened. Mowers, Nolan and Bogie picked UNH over Michigan among many others right when the Whit was newly built and state of the art. Those types of players rarely even visit UNH anymore. Umile's stories about playing in Snively in the 70s likely had nothing to do with their decision, just like Souza's story about meeting his wife at UNH likely means nothing to recruits.

If the programs aren't putting big money into the facilities, the lack of funding almost certainly carries over the coaching salaries and recruiting budgets. You don't think parents and advisors are quick to notice and note it to the recruit?
Click to expand...

Back in the day, Bogie said to me, "Why be just a third line player at Michigan when I can be a star at UNH?"

Just because we aren't landing these players, doesn't mean that they aren't being courted or even brought in for visits. Coaches and staff matter just as much as facilities, if not more. Everything begins and ends with belief in the coach and that begins/ends with Coach's ability to communicate. If a coach can't communicate his vision for the program and the role said player will play in the the team's development, the recruitment process is over before it ever really begins. Does MS7 really strike you as a grand communicator and a natural sales person?

Speak with former (and current) players about team selection, and almost to a player, they mention the vision of coach and the culture he has built. This assumes, of course, players have options of school selection. Many don't.

I guess there are different recruiting philosophies between schools. Where the BUs and BCs of the world are actively recruiting First or Second Rounders that may stay on campus for a year or two, UNH, in my own opinion, historically has done a good job bringing in the B+/A- player that can develop over a four year period and provide stability and growth over a defined four year period of time.

s
 
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Sorry, but I feel the need to correct and add context to misrepresentations on the timing of past star players ...

Potluck said:
Sean Collins picked UNH over BU when BU was still in Walter Brown Arena. Krog picked UNH over Michigan State right when the Whit opened. Mowers, Nolan and Bogie picked UNH over Michigan among many others right when the Whit was newly built and state of the art. Those types of players rarely even visit UNH anymore. Umile's stories about playing in Snively in the 70s likely had nothing to do with their decision, just like Souza's story about meeting his wife at UNH likely means nothing to recruits.
Click to expand...

Bogie and Tommy Nolan both played their freshman years at Snively. Mowers (with Nickulas) played his frosh season at JFK Coliseum in Manch, and Kroggie's decision to come to UNH was made when the new arena (not yet even The Whitt) was still a hole in the ground. Ditto Bekar who pretty much came as a result of McCloskey's tireless work out in Western Canada. None of them would have known what the new arena was gonna look like, much less feel like, any more than me or Grouchy or other old-timers on here seeing black & white renderings in Foster's or the Union Leader. It was sold as an upgrade to Dartmouth's Thompson Arena by comparison. Actually a pretty fair take, and hardly boasting about any "state of the art" facility even then. The giveaway would've been seeing Snively's basic scoreboard posted at the far end of the new place.

The school/AD's office was running weekly ads in the Boston papers, trying to find takers for the 2,500 or so delta between the capacity of old Snively and the new arena. That it turned out as wonderfully as it did, doesn't change the fact that UNH took a huge chance building their new arena, and they were very much wide-eyed and naively hoping that if they built it, "they" (fans and better players) would come. The upgrade on the ice was a modest and gradual one - not a sudden, "lookie what we have here" thing too. The first year of The Whit was also the first losing season in Coach Umile's career. UNH had the newest (and arguably best) facility in HEA for all of, what, a year or two, then Tsongas came on, and Lowell zoomed to the top of HEA, never to be ... oops, errrr ... I guess they continued to be mediocre, before and after.

Please do continue, though ...
 
Chuck Murray said:
Sorry, but I feel the need to correct and add context to misrepresentations on the timing of past star players ...



Bogie and Tommy Nolan both played their freshman years at Snively. Mowers (with Nickulas) played his frosh season at JFK Coliseum in Manch, and Kroggie's decision to come to UNH was made when the new arena (not yet even The Whitt) was still a hole in the ground. Ditto Bekar who pretty much came as a result of McCloskey's tireless work out in Western Canada.
Click to expand...

Thank you for validating my thesis regarding McCloskey. So much talent came out of the bush leagues of BC and the was due to the ridiculous work of McCloskey and the connections he had out west for under scouted talent. Colin Hemmingway immediately comes to mind.

Again, I'm hearing a lot of excuses from certain posters here trying to justify the sub .500 record of MS7, specifically relating to facilities. While admittedly a factor, it isn't the sole factor. Do you think BU or BC would hang on to a coach with the record of MS7 after six years? Nope. How about Minnesota or North Dakota or Denver? They'd probably pass the hat around Mariucci or the Ralph for fan donations to buy out the poor SOB's contract.
 
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