What's new
By:
USCHO Fan Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.

UNH Offseason Contract Edition.

amkirby10 said:
The exceptions are for coaching changes, or if the player is getting his financial aid cut. Since Keefe isn't going anywhere, whoever that player is must be getting his aid cut down.
Click to expand...

Yes, this point escaped me in the moment and is likely the reason for the RMU portal entries. In other words - they were cut, meaning they're unlikely to change a new program's fortunes. The true underclass 'impact' will enter the portal on Easter Sunday or soon after. Apologies for my oversight and thank you to AMkirby for clearing that up...
 
Last edited:
REF - If Sadowski is interested in coming to UNH, I'd rather have him here developing in lock-step with the young forwards on the roster and building for the future. I don't think its out of the realm of possibility that he's a very good FR next season; certainly he can be a bottom-six hardworking player like his father was early in his career...

Wait and you may not get those years on the back end anyway. See Poturalski deferring and then staying for just two seasons...
 
Snively65 said:
I think that you are absolutely correct about Louis Lindner, and he should not be going anywhere. We really need the Austrian and the Swede to be back for their senior years. But why do you say that Reid would have to go because he was recruited?
Click to expand...

Snivley
I was making reference to him being drafted and that the drafting team has 4 years to commit to the player. I have no idea if they still have enough interest to make him an offer.
I also would love to see Sadowski come in next year. Sure he would benefit and grow in th BCHL but let him do that here.
 
Only surprised that Mucinex hasn't shown up in the portal (yet). One possible read on that is Hellsten may have told MS7 he is leaving to go pro so Souza has given assurances to this year's back-up that he'll get lots of rope next Fall.

Frankly, that would be a pretty disappointing development. Not sure what pro options are out there for Hellsten; he just turned 24, and that's probably the biggest factor cutting against his return.
 
freak said:
Recruiting was already being squeezed during Mac's last 4 years (sub .500), and they've now rewarded additional10 years of failure. I have no faith that it will change any time soon.

What I can't fathom is how Steph Jones (played/coached under Mac) and Faber (played for Mac) sit quietly there as the program is wrecked.
Click to expand...

What was done to McCloskey is something that's been a dark shadow over both UNH programs since it happened.

As to Jones and Faber ... there aren't too many paying jobs for women in D-1 coaching, so you'd have to think they both keep their thoughts to themselves, as a paycheck in their field is not something to be taken lightly ...
 
After the Whistle said:
Snivley
I was making reference to him being drafted and that the drafting team has 4 years to commit to the player. I have no idea if they still have enough interest to make him an offer.
I also would love to see Sadowski come in next year. Sure he would benefit and grow in th BCHL but let him do that here.
Click to expand...

Got it, thanks. Yup, Luke Reid drafted by Nashville (#166 overall) in 2020. Nashville tied for fifth in West at the moment and 10 points above the playoff threshold, so doubt that Reid would see any ice time on their NHL team this season.
 
Last edited:
Dan said:
Cafarelli is also officially in the portal.

I'd imagine both he and Gendron parted mutually with the staff. They want more playing time & opportunity, the staff wants/needs the money back for the incoming FR or portal additions of their own...
Click to expand...

Where are you seeing Nick in the portal? I haven't been able to confirm this. It doesn't surprise me in the least.
 
Dan said:
Cafarelli is also officially in the portal.

I'd imagine both he and Gendron parted mutually with the staff. They want more playing time & opportunity, the staff wants/needs the money back for the incoming FR or portal additions of their own...
Click to expand...

Both Cafarelli and Gendron are also "Seniors" and if they are on schedule will graduate this spring. So along with additional playing time there maybe a desire for a Masters degree. Depending on the topic, it is not unusual to go to a different university and learn from different voices. Neither of these players jump out as sure fire next level players (even if I think Gendron has been under used on a struggling power play... big body to screen the goalie and get tips and rebounds see PP goal in game at Uconn) so this opportunity to continue with graduate education and keep playing shouldn't be over looked. Just noting it is very different from a Sophomore moving to a different school to continue undergraduate education and hockey - see Dunlap and Carfagna

RE: Dunlap and Carfagna - went from UNH 2022-23 at 11-21-3 to OSU 2023-24 at 14-20-4. It turns out the two teams UNH and OSU basically swapped winning percentages. I don't begrudge either player for moving to a situation they felt fit them better, be it: coach, campus, program prospects, education, player development opportunities, etc. It is however hard not to see this a wow, bummer situation for these two.
 
Snively65 said:
Got it, thanks. Yup, Luke Reid drafted by Nashville (#166 overall) in 2020. Nashville tied for fifth in West at the moment and 10 points above the playoff threshold, so doubt that Reid would see any ice time on their NHL team this season.
Click to expand...

Gotta look at it this way ... as a fifth round pick four (4) years ago, Reid isn't exactly high on the Preds' prospects list, but he's still relatively young for a 4 year D-1 player (he'll turn 23 next Fall). After a typical UNH pattern of stagnant development over his first three seasons, Reid actually was the rare guy who showed improvement at both ends of the ice, becoming a plus player defensively AND also matching his scoring output (assists-wise) in one year as opposed to his first three years combined, suggesting he was getting more PP time.

I'd selfishly like to see Reid come back for another year, and I cannot imagine Nashville giving him any ultimatums at this late date, but I think they hold his draft rights for 30 days after he leaves school. So that could be this Spring or next Spring? I think the most likely outcome is if Reid's discussions with Nashville indicate they are still interested in him, he'll sign an entry level contract (ELC) shortly after leaving UNH, OR if Nashville isn't interested (remember, an older Mike Robinson was drafted late too, but never signed with the Sharks, who had moved on), then Reid can try to catch on with an AHL or (more likely) ECHL team on what would amount to a pro tryout deal for the duration of this season, and see where that may lead him to down the line?

5th round draft picks getting their pro debut at the NHL level is a rare occurrence. And as you point out, NSH is currently in full playoff prep (I think their 17 or 18 game point streak just ended?) so in the short chance Reid does sign an ELC with the Preds this year, he'd be getting that debut with Milwaukee (AHL) at best. I guess I wouldn't be too surprised either way, if he returns to UNH or starts a pro career in the minors ...
 
From a USCHO article

"There are lucrative contracts when you get it right like the one Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko signed after taking the Gophers to consecutive Frozen Fours or the one Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings signed after winning six consecutive conference titles at Minnesota State. Bench bosses who fail to make progress lead to open job postings at places like Miami, Bowling Green, Princeton, Lindenwood and Stonehill."

Well unless you coach at UNH then you get extensions just cause. No progress or development required.
 
JB said:
From a USCHO article

"There are lucrative contracts when you get it right like the one Minnesota head coach Bob Motzko signed after taking the Gophers to consecutive Frozen Fours or the one Wisconsin head coach Mike Hastings signed after winning six consecutive conference titles at Minnesota State. Bench bosses who fail to make progress lead to open job postings at places like Miami, Bowling Green, Princeton, Lindenwood and Stonehill."

Well unless you coach at UNH then you get extensions just cause. No progress or development required.
Click to expand...

It's like handing out "Participation" ribbons at track meets and swim meets. Everyone's a winner!! :-/

Then again...having friends/donors in high places to help "grease the wheels a bit" never hurts.

"YOU get a contract!....and YOU get a contract!...."

UNH Athletics Contract Presentations 2024
 
Short (incomplete) list of things we are waiting on from UNH Hockey in the offseason (please feel free to add) ...

(1) Further details on any other portal casualties (TBF, the current status is a "win" for UNH/MS7);
(2) Decisions from a small handful of remaining players on whether they are returning next season;
(3) Results of ATW's follow-up FOIA research on the terms & conditions of MS7's new contract(s);
(4) See who fills the remaining D-1 HC openings, and whether any would have been a candidate here;
(5) How often will our own "HEA COTY nominee" be appearing to chat with Jack & Brick during the playoffs;
(6) Can we count on MS7 to become besties w/Charlie Moore and appear on one of his "Outdoors" episodes;
(7) See if AD SugarBritches has forced MS7 to change at least one of his assistant coaches?
 
Chuck Murray said:
Short (incomplete) list of things we are waiting on from UNH Hockey in the offseason (please feel free to add) ...

(1) Further details on any other portal casualties (TBF, the current status is a "win" for UNH/MS7);
(2) Decisions from a small handful of remaining players on whether they are returning next season;
(3) Results of ATW's follow-up FOIA research on the terms & conditions of MS7's new contract(s);
(4) See who fills the remaining D-1 HC openings, and whether any would have been a candidate here;
(5) How often will our own "HEA COTY nominee" be appearing to chat with Jack & Brick during the playoffs;
(6) Can we count on MS7 to become besties w/Charlie Moore and appear on one of his "Outdoors" episodes;
(7) See if AD SugarBritches has forced MS7 to change at least one of his assistant coaches?
Click to expand...

(8) Details on a timeline for the arena improvements (better hurry, need to start lining up all those eager blue chippahs).
 
JB said:
From a USCHO article
Well unless you coach at UNH then you get extensions just cause. No progress or development required.
Click to expand...

And this is the problem. While I've come to accept that there is ZERO transparency at UNH, the decisions coming out of the Athletic Office are naive at best and negligent at worst. I can't wrap my head around the logic of extending MS7 unless it's for budgetary constraints. What is he doing behind the scenes that is so compelling to warrant a three year extension. If it's his prowess dialing for dollars, why hasn't a timeline been shared publicly regarding the capital raise and construction?

This can keeps getting kicked down the road.

I'm tired of pie in the sky promises regarding the new facilities and I'm sure that recruits have their own concerns well. Seems that UNH is dangling a carrot about upgrades that may or may not come to fruition at the expense of bringing in talent. Perhaps the graduating class of 2032 will be able to avail themselves of the "new Whitt" by their senior year.
 
Chuck Murray said:
Short (incomplete) list of things we are waiting on from UNH Hockey in the offseason (please feel free to add) ...

(1) Further details on any other portal casualties (TBF, the current status is a "win" for UNH/MS7);
(2) Decisions from a small handful of remaining players on whether they are returning next season;
(3) Results of ATW's follow-up FOIA research on the terms & conditions of MS7's new contract(s);
(4) See who fills the remaining D-1 HC openings, and whether any would have been a candidate here;
(5) How often will our own "HEA COTY nominee" be appearing to chat with Jack & Brick during the playoffs;
(6) Can we count on MS7 to become besties w/Charlie Moore and appear on one of his "Outdoors" episodes;
(7) See if AD SugarBritches has forced MS7 to change at least one of his assistant coaches?
Click to expand...

Let's add a few more for consideration

(8) Public unveiling of capital raise status and if any methodologies are being used outside relying on hockey alum donations
(9) Expansion of fundraising efforts at the individual, family, corporate level, (i.e. the guilt campaign)
(10) Announcement of ticket surcharge to season ticket holders and the gate to support development efforts
(11) Announcement of new parking fees for A Lot
(12) Requirement for MS7 to have weekly pressers, tv slots and engagement with the public at large to raise profile of team
(13) Ten Step Program to resurrect the PP (if for no other reason than to stop my bald spot getting bigger at every game)
(14) A pipeline of goaltenders
(15) Due to budget constraints (and to promote the risk of overfishing on Jeffrey's Ledge), goldfish will be thrown after the first goal
(16) Consistent appearances at the Whit from SugarBritches herself, you know, to show actual support to the team
(17) In a gross disregard of budgets, a life sized bronze statue of Dick Umile will be unveiled in the Lobby to taunt and torture long term fans
(18) Replacement of the Dippin' Dots stand with UNH Psychology Students (or catholic priests) to be onsite therapists for fans to vent frustrations
 
In our period of mourning during this NCCA Tournament season, our prayers are directed toward St. Souza, the Patron Saint of Overpromising and Underdelivering, Disappointment and the Power Play of Non-Existence

Strike that, let's focus our efforts on St. Jude, the Patron Saint of Lost Causes and get a coach, at the very least, who has winning track record. Or a power play.

5209.jpg
 
Last edited:
Interesting article about PC that has parallels to UNH

https://www.golocalprov.com/sports/...ason-and-ncaa-bid-evaporated-in-march-mcmahon

"PC has a big time Division 1 hockey program, but its fan support, even among students, is more like that of a Division 2 program. The PC Athletics Department needs to step up its game for the hockey program and help Coach Leaman and next year's hockey squad with more innovative promotion and marketing."

UNH needs to understand that there are no more laurels to rest upon to draw crowds and recruits. Effort needs to be exerted above and beyond the institutional arrogance that has permeated the Athletic Department for a decade and a half under the banner of Blue Skies. This starts with the basic understanding that success is defined by wins on the ice. The best marketing and promotion is a winning team. Unfortunately, it's a chicken and egg scenario.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top