UNH Offseason Contract Edition.

[TheGrouchyCat]

Some great conversations today. Nice to read after playing catch up on emails after two days with no power and internet because of the storm.

Both sides of the argument make valid points, but I think that we're missing the forest through the trees to some extent. Regarding recruitment, there are two games being played in parallel.

Game #1: Legitimate NHL prospects that are looking at a Top Tier program for one or two years to refine their skills to get to the show. Look no further than BC and BU this, or even this afternoon's announcement that Baby Nadeau is leaving Maine, for the greener pastures of the NHL. These studs will play for a year or two to have the "college experience" but more importantly get to play with a coach that can help prepare them for the next level. Why wouldn't Celebrini want to play for Pandolfo, a coach who won two Cups as a player? You don't think that kid is going to get real world advice on what it takes to be a pro? They get the requisite experience on a full athletic scholarship before the grind of pro life hits them hard.

Game #2 Strong players that may or may not have pro prospects, and those that do may top out at in the AHL level in North America or, if they're lucky, Tier 1 in Europe. These are not sure fire superstars, but are contributing members to the team, most of whom (well, the portal may say otherwise) will stay for four years, complete their degrees and live the life of a true student athlete.

Outside the rare exception, UNH has been more of a blue collar team than that of BC or BU. The same can be said of Maine. The focus here is on the team not the individual player. This isn't to say that UNH hasn't scored some significant talent over the years, but even the most casual fan can see that MS7, Stewie or Guiliano aren't bringing in the big guns. Could it be they don't have a track record of success in their post playing careers? Perhaps. Could it be that they're not good at their job off ice? Maybe.

Facilities aren't the primary reason UNH hasn't been successful. Great excuse that kicks the can down the road and buys MS7 an extension, but what happens when UNH upgrades are completed and other teams in HE and beyond have upgraded facilities as well? What will the excuse be then? It comes down to coaching, recruiting, culture and ultimately WINNING.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I can see that Souza may not be the guy. But I am concerned that so many here are letting the institution off the hook. Souza has not been a complainer - far from it. He apparently is the one that recruited Key Auto to spearhead the renovations. That’s precisely what a real leader does. He’s absolutely worthy of a three year extension for that.

Souza is not the guy.

The verdict is still out if any money has actually been captured and timeline of implementation has been made. Contracts and pledges fall apart all the time. That said, I'm willing to reserve judgement and take this donation at face value.

However, the university has an entire advancement office whose ONLY job is to secure funding and donations for the school and its associated programs, both academic and athletic. Why not let these professional fundraisers do their jobs with the mission and goals set not by the AD f/k/a SB, but rather the President and let MS7 do the job that he (supposedly) is qualified to do...recruit, coach and win?

The more the fans and administration give MS7 a pass on his failure to win because of facilities, the less accountability he has for the culture he has built, the players he has brought in and the lack of winning. Rather than being a catalyst to change the trajectory of UNH Hockey, keeping MS7 runs the risk maintaining the status quo and leading a once proud program into obscurity.

 

[Snively65]

Maximizing the use of the portal AND better communication to your fanbase are not mutually exclusive concepts.

Having said that ... the new kid looks like a Whale (j/k) of an acquisition, and should resolve the UNH goalie position for the next two seasons, and in many ways echoes the unheralded Hellsten addition at this time last season. If Mucinex is indeed headed down to UConn with Luce, the portal already is arguably a net plus for UNH, even if it ended right now. Goalie upgraded, discarded goalie "bust" signing with a league rival, and otherwise opening up roster slots/scholarship money to accelerate Sadowski (I'm hoping) and perhaps another helpful portal addition or two. Assuming Jenson and Hellsten are both back - no word on Reid, but I'm assuming he's leaving at this point - despite my frequent criticism of MS7 these last few seasons, this is starting to actually feel like some positive momentum towards getting back to consistent winning hockey.

Finish up the offseason strong, land a few high-profile recruits for future classes, and this might really start to cook ...

Not so sure about your first statement, as these two items indeed could be mutually exclusive concepts for MS7, and if that is the case, my guess is that we would agree that maximizing the portal (and retaining the players all of us want to see stay out of the portal) would be the preferred concept.

Otherwise, seems like a really upbeat post from you, Chuck.

I do not like to focus on what other HEA teams are doing, but so far it looks like at least Maine and UMass-Flagship are not faring as well as UNH to begin their off seasons.

 

[Chuck Murray]

I think it's worth noting that providence won its natty when the BU goaltender accidentally threw the puck into his own net. Umiles loss in 1999 in OT had something to do with simple misfortune.

LOL finally something we can entirely agree upon. Leaman is good, not great, and he's been pretty darned lucky.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Not so sure about your first statement, as these two items indeed could be mutually exclusive concepts for MS7, and if that is the case, my guess is that we would agree that maximizing the portal (and retaining the players all of us want to see stay out of the portal) would be the preferred concept.

Otherwise, seems like a really upbeat post from you, Chuck.

I like to consider myself as witheringly objective, Snives. If I'm presented with new information that challenges my long-held old opinions and assumptions, then I adjust my thinking accordingly. I'm still trying to convince half the UMaine board that I'm no longer the fire-breathing WIS detractor of old. Did Walshy break a few rules? Sure did. But was he a great recruiter, superb motivator, and he did accomplish some amazing things at UMaine, especially in '99 after the NCAA punished him, and he won a National Title at our expense with an inferior team. And besides that, the guy was great for the business of college hockey, most definitely the straw that stirred the drink on here. There's no one in HEA that even comes close to approaching him as a personality. Luce is a hugely flawed, self-promoting windbag too, but he's boring, predictable, and worse than that, he's unsuccessful.

We won't even go there with my reassessment of all things BC and BU. York turned out to be the real deal, ruining what was the best board rivalry USCHO has ever seen, the UNH fans vs. the BC fans. Chokers Jr. vs. Chokers Sr., until the guys with more practice at losing the biggest games started to win them. Umile teased us a little in the early part of the century, but ultimately reverted to form, and any debate ceased to be valid. As far as Parker is concerned, he was an entertaining guy who always wore his heart on his sleeve, and never attempted to downplay how important winning was to him. I'm sure his players loved him for that, and winning D-1 titles at the start, middle and end of his long time behind BU's bench shows that he adjusted to the times. They were probably my second HEA team for years. Now, they're just another team.

I'll argue/debate anyone about anything, so long as I'm doing it in good faith. If I don't believe it in my heart, I won't.

I still don't think MS7 is the guy, but his boss thinks he's the guy, so the analysis continues. If next season is better than last season, I'll point that out. He's had a good last few weeks, but it'll take until mid-March next season to truly determine if any progress has been made, 'cuz 5-0 in the HEA QF's isn't the kind of "progress" we want or need with UNH Hockey. It's just a faint, painful reminder of the last guy's shortcomings.

I do want to say in closing, I'm so pleased to see the addition/return of several posters - some new, some old - to add life to our little corner of the college hockey universe. Some I (definitely) recognize, others I don't ... but it all adds up to more perspectives, more discussion, and a lot more fun. I can live with a certain amount of agita with the UNH Hockey experience, as long as I get to share it with you guys (and gals); thx!

 

[Chuck Murray]

They do have positions other than Head Coach for fundraisers who love their school and deal well with 40 to 60 year olds, but not so much with 16 year olds.

• 1993–99 Northeastern University Assistant Director of Physical Plant Services
• 1999–04 Northeastern University Director of Athletic Development
• 2004–11 Northeastern University Associate Dean and Director of Development of the College of Business Administration
• 2021–Present Northeastern University Athletic Director

"Who is Jim Madigan, Alex?" OK good, next?

"I'll go with 'Hockey East Hotheads' for $400 ..."

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

I still don't think MS7 is the guy, but his boss thinks he's the guy, so the analysis continues.

Does she really think he's the guy? Or was extending him just the path of least resistance for her? Opening up a nationwide search ultimately puts on eyes on her role in the hiring process. If things go wrong and new hire doesn't work out, she can't shift responsibility and accountability back to Blue Skies or Umile. It runs the risk of exposing herself to her bosses, the team and the general public at large. That is not a recipe for career advancement.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Does she really think he's the guy? Or was extending him just the path of least resistance for her? Opening up a nationwide search ultimately puts on eyes on her role in the hiring process. If things go wrong and new hire doesn't work out, she can't shift responsibility and accountability back to Blue Skies or Umile. It runs the risk of exposing herself to her bosses, the team and the general public at large. That is not a recipe for career advancement.

I think we'll find out for sure once DB gets us more details on the new deal(s), grouch. If she's totally gotten rolled for the full 3 year extension with no provisions to enable an early exit if there's a return to sub-.500 performance, then either she really thinks he is the guy OR it could be a path of least resistance choice for a typical careerist AD in academia (a topic I think we discussed at length, many years ago) who wants to pick their shots very carefully. IF the deal(s) is loaded with various "outs" - and we're talking intended ones, not general "bad conduct" violations the U can try to drum up in a pinch (see McCloskey, Brian) - then I'll feel better that she's seeing the whole situation, and is reserving final judgment until he can extend this year's modest success into a 2-3 year upwards trend, while reserving her options to pull the plug early if he doesn't.

I'll admit it's probably way too early to be jumping to conclusions about next season's outcome, but assuming both BC and BU go back to reload status (if not full rebuild) after this year's FF exploits, and UMaine struggles with a momentary blip on their rise to the top after what has been a really tough week/end in Orono that could get even worse ... UNH may have a favorable competitive landscape to finally get themselves back to Boston and the NCAA's (at home in Manch) next season. There is potentially a path to this route that seems to be breaking UNH's way, and if so, MS7 and his guys had better be ready to seize upon it, which means selling your program to the recruits of tomorrow while you have something resembling success, or a trend to the top on the ice, that you can sell them on.

This whole portal thing is still relatively new, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out how important it will become in separating out the winners and losers in this league going forwards. UNH could get devastating news later this month, and we'll be feeling like the UMaine-iacs are feeling now. OR the guys might add more to the defense, accelerate Sadowski for this season, and next season could be a special one. We'll see ...

 

[Snively65]

Maines Bradly Nadeau signs with the 'Canes....wonder if he will be in the Bruins game I'm going to Tues?

Great convo on here today..keeping it real and professional. I hope those who have shown up lately continue to post! We need all kinds of opinions (and for the most part that is what they are...)

I would be surprised if you see Bradly Nadeau play against the Bruins tomorrow night. The ‘Canes have the third most points in the East and are a lock for home ice in the first two rounds, I think. No longer “NHL UNH South” with only Pesce remaining from the past foursome, although maybe Pots only played a couple games on the big club?

oops, correction: Pots with 2 games each in 2016/17 and 2021/22 did not overlap with TvR and Foegele when they played for the ‘Canes.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

This whole portal thing is still relatively new, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out how important it will become in separating out the winners and losers in this league going forwards. UNH could get devastating news later this month, and we'll be feeling like the UMaine-iacs are feeling now. OR the guys might add more to the defense, accelerate Sadowski for this season, and next season could be a special one. We'll see ...

One man's crisis is an other man's opportunity. Let's hope that MS7 has the ability and awareness to seize upon what could be very well be an lifeline/chance to capture some unexpected talent and leverage the misfortunes (and NHL exodus?) of the transfer portal to leapfrog some competition for the 24/25 season.

Simply put, don't F%^$ it up.

 

[JB]

Finally I get to Souza. He seems to be average. Three things stand out to me as red flags.

The first goes back to his initial press conference when he was hired. I recall him discussing recruiting and saying “there are a lot of good hockey players”. I saw that answer as troubling. The teams with the best players in general win. His recruiting has lived up to his answer at that press conference. But the recruiting his improved a bit recently. Maybe he’s learning and improving. I respect that if it’s true.

The second thing is that UNH kids frequently fail to substantially improve over time. Massive red flag. Once again, the more talented players, like the most talented students, grow more, so perhaps there’s a correlation to recruiting.

The third is his teams generally don’t improve much as the season progresses. That’s an out right indictment and absolutely is related to coaching. UNHs biggest victories are often in October, which is when the most successful head coaches such as Pecknold, Pandolfo and in the past Parker and York were tinkering with new players and new lines. The best programs are generally vulnerable in October and much less so in February. I thought the BC weekend in February, even though UNH lost twice, was a real good sign at the time. BC is an absolute wagon. UNH played real well. But then UNH got handled easily at Maine.

I can see that Souza may not be the guy. But I am concerned that so many here are letting the institution off the hook. Souza has not been a complainer - far from it. He apparently is the one that recruited Key Auto to spearhead the renovations. That’s precisely what a real leader does. He’s absolutely worthy of a three year extension for that.

Well this changes my perspective on you Potluck.

My view is all jobs have challenges. I just don't want MS7's less than average performance being excused away on scoreboard, ice size, facilities, etc. If it was ALL about facilities than UND should have more than 1 national title since the Ralph opened, because that place is a palace (entertainingly they had 2 in the 4 years before it opened and 1 in the 23 years since). Could MS7's job be easier with up grades? Sure.

At the same time I don't think any of that fixes the underlying problem that he just doesn't seem to be a good coach.

He certainly isn't the ambassador for the university Umile was, Umile made the rounds "shaking hands and kissing babies". I heard Blue Skies wanted the Friends gone long before they were and Umile wouldn't let it happen. The longer MS7 is around the more I think he wanted that group gone, just another uncomfortable public venue.

 

[TheGrouchyCat]

Well this changes my perspective on you Potluck.

My view is all jobs have challenges. I just don't want MS7's less than average performance being excused away on scoreboard, ice size, facilities, etc. If it was ALL about facilities than UND should have more than 1 national title since the Ralph opened, because that place is a palace (entertainingly they had 2 in the 4 years before it opened and 1 in the 23 years since). Could MS7's job be easier with up grades? Sure.

At the same time I don't think any of that fixes the underlying problem that he just doesn't seem to be a good coach.

He certainly isn't the ambassador for the university Umile was, Umile made the rounds "shaking hands and kissing babies". I heard Blue Skies wanted the Friends gone long before they were and Umile wouldn't let it happen. The longer MS7 is around the more I think he wanted that group gone, just another uncomfortable public venue.

The irony is not lost on anyone that in a world where access is everything and coaches around the country are engaging in social media, podcasts, interviews and behind the scenes videos, our very own MS7 is retreating into his concrete fortress of the Whitt. Not everyone is an extravert and can do the palm and grip like Umile, but as the figurehead of the program, he bears a certain responsibility to have some public persona and engage with the press, public and fans...especially as a state employee paid with tax dollars.

 

[Potluck]

I never met Mike Souza and don't know him at all personally but know a few people that have known him personally for decades in the hockey world. I have heard nothing but excellent things about his character, work ethic and motives. Top shelf all the way. I feel confident he's a terrific influence on his players. That matters to me a great deal, because one of the reasons I love D1 hockey is that it's not D1 football and basketball, which are filled with cretins.

Nevertheless, the head coach of a D1 hockey program must be a marketer, too. Souza's ability to draw a big financial donor for the renovations satisfies that requirement in spades for me. That's above and beyond from my perspective. But I am bothered to hear that he may intentionally avoid mixing with supporters and connecting with supporters by way of media availability. I know little about that. He certainly is not a celebrity with privacy concerns. Communications with supporters shouldn't be very invasive and taxing for him. But, once again, I am not close to the program.

I will add that UNH has seemed to benefit from the portal recently. The defensemen that have transferred in have been pretty good. Carfagna's loss was tough but it sounds like he had a very tight relationship with the new Ohio State coach from his USHL days. I'm fine with that transfer. Hellsten is a fantastic get, and I think the new incoming transfer goalie maybe a nice replacement for Muszelik, who may really benefit from a transfer. As for Sardarian, nice player but replaceable. Of course, things will change quickly if one of the key young forwards jumps ship.

 

[Ferrrao1994]

Has UNH got anyone from the transfer portal? How about the incoming freshman class?

 

[Potluck]

Very interesting story from Forbes last April on Quinnipiac and how the program was constructed.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcase...h=505127b51409


A few take aways:

1. Pecknold speaks about the key role facilities made in the rise of the program:

"Kids want to go play in a nice facility. They want to have a nice locker room, they want a good weight room, they want to travel well.”

2. Quinnipiac built a $52 million hockey facility and separate basketball facility in 2007 that transformed the program.

3. Despite the phenomenal success of the program, more renovations and NIL money is coming:

"The Bobcats aren’t satisfied with the status quo, though. Quinnipiac is set to begin a renovation of the hockey locker room and
lounges, and alumni and donors are planning to create a name, image and likeness program for hockey players, according to
Amodio, who added that he has “ongoing conversations” with Pecknold about the program."

The story shows that the key to Quinnipiac is a university commitment starting at the President and almost certainly the Board of Trustees to back hockey and give a talented coach what he needs. The seating of the arena is fairly modest, but the coach clearly recognizes that the amenities matter for recruiting. I don't think there's anything like this at UNH.

The role of alums at Quinnipiac seems to be big. Breaking up the friends of hockey at UNH without something dynamic to take its place clearly was a big mistake.

Clearly Pecknold is an excellent coach. But it takes good coaching in concert with a deeply committed athletic department and university administration to put a top flight D1 team on the ice. Simple question. Who has the better coaching job - Souza or Pecknold? The Quinnipiac job appears to be much better. It seems Quinnipiac is a much more attractive program than UNH.

 

[JB]

Very interesting story from Forbes last April on Quinnipiac and how the program was constructed.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/timcase...h=505127b51409


A few take aways:

1. Pecknold speaks about the key role facilities made in the rise of the program:

"Kids want to go play in a nice facility. They want to have a nice locker room, they want a good weight room, they want to travel well.”

2. Quinnipiac built a $52 million hockey facility and separate basketball facility in 2007 that transformed the program.

You did cherry pick just a little on these quotes.

“That’s a big deterrent,” Pecknold said. “Not having your own rink or having a bad rink is a big deterrent in recruiting….Kids want to go play in a nice facility. They want to have a nice locker room, they want a good weight room, they want to travel well.”

As a bit more context no on campus rink and practices 9:40 pm or later is a big difference. Having hockey facilities on campus is a minimum bar UNH crossed way back when Snively opened. Is the Whitt as good as "the Ralph"? No, but no college rinks are. This is not to say the Whitt can't be upgraded.

3. Despite the phenomenal success of the program, more renovations and NIL money is coming:

"The Bobcats aren’t satisfied with the status quo, though. Quinnipiac is set to begin a renovation of the hockey locker room and
lounges, and alumni and donors are planning to create a name, image and likeness program for hockey players, according to
Amodio, who added that he has “ongoing conversations” with Pecknold about the program."

The story shows that the key to Quinnipiac is a university commitment starting at the President and almost certainly the Board of Trustees to back hockey and give a talented coach what he needs. The seating of the arena is fairly modest, but the coach clearly recognizes that the amenities matter for recruiting. I don't think there's anything like this at UNH.

The role of alums at Quinnipiac seems to be big. Breaking up the friends of hockey at UNH without something dynamic to take its place clearly was a big mistake.

Clearly Pecknold is an excellent coach. But it takes good coaching in concert with a deeply committed athletic department and university administration to put a top flight D1 team on the ice. Simple question. Who has the better coaching job - Souza or Pecknold? The Quinnipiac job appears to be much better. It seems Quinnipiac is a much more attractive program than UNH.

Umile made the rounds at local Rotary Clubs etc. He understood the "all politics is local" and that part of his job was to keep the Hockey team top of mind. That keeps the build full(er) even in down times. It also keeps the wolves more at bay because there is a relationship. This leads to greater community support and giving via the Friends (at the time). With the NCAA changes around NIL that is where you are going to find that support as well.

 

[Chuck Murray]

I think 'Watcher was pretty clear on this ... if MS7 is so integral as head coach of UNH Men's Hockey mostly because he was able to coax a pile of money out of TDL, there are other jobs he can hold with the U that would allow him to spend more time with TDL and those like him (Joe Faro of Tuscan Village, to name one) and become a "rainmaker" for the U in general, and for the Athletics Department specifically. He can always be a Special Assistant to the AD f/k/a SB even. Both TDL and JF are fellow paisans who have passed into the legacy/giving phase of their lives, and both have UNH connections, plus piles of cash and other money-spinning ventures on their agendas (don't forget, TDL bought the McIntyre site in Portsmouth last year with $9MM in spare change simply because he "didn’t want to watch it being developed by another developer for the next five years”). That hardly sounds like a guy who's even close to tapping out between that project, the island home he bought in Portsmouth a few years earlier, and the $4MM chunk of change set aside for Key Auto Group Complex at Whittemore Center at Towse Arena, or whatever it's called now.

It may not be long before UNH has a "Faro Family Men's Head Hockey Coach" position funded entirely by Joe Faro, or TDL, or someone like that?? Seems to be the trend out there ...

 

[Snively65]

Has UNH got anyone from the transfer portal? How about the incoming freshman class?

MS7 got da Whale from da portal to back up or compete with Hellsten in net.

 

[Ferrrao1994]

MS7 got da Whale from da portal to back up or compete with Hellsten in net.

A backup goalie is nice, looks like he did well last year against Wisconsin and Providence. But I'd like to see us add more depth on defense through the portal.

 

[HockeyRef]

MS7 got da Whale from da portal to back up or compete with Hellsten in net.

It was a Whale of an eclipse today in Burlington!