UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

Basically if your name isn't:

James vanRiemsdyk
Daniel Winnik
Andy Brickley
Bob Miller

and you left UNH early it was some level of not great.

There maybe a few more in there but not many.

I wit you mon ami mais only to a pointe, eh? So d'udder guy who not ave it grate when de lefted early, what would one two more year at UNHs ave did pour dem? I tinking it still not go grate mais juste 2 year lateur, eh?

Da ting dat get forgotted specially in a tred like dis is dis. Zey hole life what dese guy been dreaming bout ? Playing at UNHs? Non, playing in d'NHL. All alongs da dreem beened dat. So when dat ting dey been tinking bout pour 10 year finally rite in fronte of dem c'est tres TRES difficile to say non, den you adding da monie on eet et eet au revoir Durham merci pour da fun mais I gone. U cant blame dem

Et add Rods Langway to zee liste, eh

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

I wit you mon ami mais only to a pointe, eh? So d'udder guy who not ave it grate when de lefted early, what would one two more year at UNHs ave did pour dem?

Two years closer to a degree for when that NHL cup of coffee is empty. I understand it is hard to realistically look at and wait on dreams but hope they would seak out wise counsel before going through that one way door.

Et add Rods Langway to zee liste, eh

On Rod Langway: I had forgotten he didn't play all 4 years, in my defense he played before my memory of UNH hockey starts - my first UNH memory was in 79 in the Garden. Yes he should be on the list - I went back and added him. Funny side note he was at UNH to play football (linebacker) and walked on at hockey - at least that is the story I have been told.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

I have to agree with The “Rabbit”. A few years back I had a casual conversation with a man whose daughter dated a UNH player so I got the scoop on another player who had just left early. He received a $600K signing bonus and I assume a decent salary since he went to the AHL and has since been there mostly with a little NHL time. From talking to people close to Manchester Monarchs players those guys, some of them anyway, make a very decent living.

If I were part way through college and someone offered me $600K, a decent salary, a job in my chosen field where I would be noticed (good or bad) by those at the top of my profession AND be able to complete my education, it would be a no brainer to leave.

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

I just read the Quinn interview headlining the USCHO site ... and when I compare the content to UNH ... and I search my internal landscape .... all that surfaces is sadness.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

Basically if your name isn't:

James vanRiemsdyk
Daniel Winnik
Andy Brickley
Bob Miller
Rod Langway

and you left UNH early it was some level of not great.

There maybe a few more in there but not many.

I'm glad you mentioned those names since there are so many others who left early and had to regret it. I was just discussing the TVR question the other day and comparing it to Blake Kessel. Leaving aside the fact that Blake left after his junior year for obvious reasons, TVR and his advisors should ask themselves these questions when comparing - are you as big as Blake Kessel? Are you as physical as Blake Kessel? Do you have the speed to compensate for your slight frame? Although clever offensively at the D1 level, do you think might have to step it up a couple of notches to compete in the NHL or even AHL? And are you physically ready to take on the rigors of an 82 game schedule? If he asked me, I'd say no to all those questions. At this point TVR is a very nice college player. He does a lot of things well. But if thinks he's ready for the pros, he should be prepared for the ECHL/AHL merry go round version.

 

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

but hope they would seak out wise counsel before going through that one way door.

One way door? Pourquoi? Assuming you a studente en goode standing - et eef you not, den dis hole conversation pointeless anyway, eh - why you can not come back someday?

 

[Jacques "Rabbit" Poriveau]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

I'm glad you mentioned those names since there are so many others who left early and had to regret it. I was just discussing the TVR question the other day and comparing it to Blake Kessel. Leaving aside the fact that Blake left after his junior year for obvious reasons, TVR and his advisors should ask themselves these questions when comparing - are you as big as Blake Kessel? Are you as physical as Blake Kessel? Do you have the speed to compensate for your slight frame? Although clever offensively at the D1 level, do you think might have to step it up a couple of notches to compete in the NHL or even AHL? And are you physically ready to take on the rigors of an 82 game schedule? If he asked me, I'd say no to all those questions. At this point TVR is a very nice college player. He does a lot of things well. But if thinks he's ready for the pros, he should be prepared for the ECHL/AHL merry go round version.

Deed you miss Darius poste? Juste asking.

Et ECHL/AHL eez muche higheur level of hockey den D1, so eef you ave what eet take to play en NHL eet gonna develope fasteur der, non?

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

I just read the Quinn interview headlining the USCHO site ... and when I compare the content to UNH ... and I search my internal landscape .... all that surfaces is sadness.

Probably a good idea to not read BC, MN, UND, MI articles either . UNH will never have the financial, institutional support or length and magnitude of hockey tradition that these schools do. That we compete with BU and similar programs is a credit to our program.

Reading the piece, I did feel a hint of resignation.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

One way door? Pourquoi? Assuming you a studente en goode standing - et eef you not, den dis hole conversation pointeless anyway, eh - why you can not come back someday?

One way door on playing college hockey and getting a portion of there education for "free". Most certainly they could come back on their own dime. If you are one of the few to get a $600k signing bonus I wouldn't blame them particularly if they invested a large portion of that initial lump some and then live of the player salary. That would seem a wise life choice. I honestly feel bad for the guys that leave and get stuck below the AHL level. Seems a poor choice and the NCAA rules leave these kids no flexibility with hard choices.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

Another ramble the Chuck's questions started...

This leads me to looking forward.

If nobody goes early I think this year could be a stepping stone. The points by senior forwards is not huge to overcome (Henrion 4th, Block 5th, Pavelski 17th, Burke 20th) 37 goals, 24 assists. Of the 4 only Block regularly played on the top 2 lines. Some of that was injury to Burke (I really feel bad for him) and some because Henrion fit so well on the third line.

Hopefully Tyler Kelleher can be a top 6 forward impact freshman and pot some goals. This team struggled with goal scoring at the end of the year. Scoring as well as Tyler has the last 2 years against both USHL and College competition can’t hurt. I think you have to hope some of this year’s freshman step-up as I am not sure Poturalski or McNicholas (if he comes in) will help much on the scoring sheet. But many of the freshman got playing time as Umile (uncharacteristically) rotated the lineup a bunch.

The D-men Hardowa and Kostolansky had issues the longer the season went and the point totals are not a big concern for me. Hardowa was the 3rd best point scorer by one assist over Agosta and had significantly more PP time. Kostolansky had 10 assists but something tells me Pesce will take a big offensive step forward next year. Pesce’s history doesn’t show a ton of offense but he just handles the puck so well I have a hard time not seeing the assist number jump.

Quast in limited playing time seems serviceable, 3 GP and -2 isn’t great but at 6-4 215 hopefully year 2 is better. He has some more size that UNH could use.

In all this last year wasn’t bad for a one I figured to be down. If you told me at the beginning of the year UNH ends back in the NCAAs win their 1st game and be down 1-0 with 10 minutes to go in the 2nd NCAA game I would have taken it based on what I thought would happen. It is a bummer such a good chance slipped past, but I honestly think they will be better next year – enough better who knows.

As for Captain Knodel seems a steady hard worker and from where I sit I would give him the C but I don’t sit in the room…

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

In all this last year wasn’t bad for a one I figured to be down. If you told me at the beginning of the year UNH ends back in the NCAAs win their 1st game and be down 1-0 with 10 minutes to go in the 2nd NCAA game I would have taken it based on what I thought would happen. It is a bummer such a good chance slipped past, but I honestly think they will be better next year – enough better who knows.

That's the spirit!

As for Captain Knodel seems a steady hard worker and from where I sit I would give him the C but I don’t sit in the room…

Co-captain with Goumas?

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

Co-captain with Goumas?

For me NO.

Again all I know is what I see from the stands. In Knodel I see a self aware, hardworking, disciplined player. He seems to know he is slow so his positioning is excellent so he seems faster than he is. Puck gets on his stick and game slows down. I don't see panic. Appears to see the game and have a high hockey IQ again making up for the lack of speed.

In Goumas I see a talented player but one who via creative free lancing can cause problems. For me I want the leader to be more like Knodel.

Now for a captain there are a bunch of off ice qualities that need to be considered. Leadership is tough to see while watching the games, that is from off ice, weight room, and practice. I don't seeany of that stuff. I would plan on a couple alternates.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

For me NO.

Again all I know is what I see from the stands. In Knodel I see a self aware, hardworking, disciplined player. He seems to know he is slow so his positioning is excellent so he seems faster than he is. Puck gets on his stick and game slows down. I don't see panic. Appears to see the game and have a high hockey IQ again making up for the lack of speed.

In Goumas I see a talented player but one who via creative free lancing can cause problems. For me I want the leader to be more like Knodel.

Now for a captain there are a bunch of off ice qualities that need to be considered. Leadership is tough to see while watching the games, that is from off ice, weight room, and practice. I don't seeany of that stuff. I would plan on a couple alternates.

I think talent on the ice is overrated when it comes to being captain. Otherwise, why would have Pat Foley been a two time captain. I think it is more about how the guy is perceived in the locker room and, just as important, how he is judged by the coach. I have no idea who is going to be captain, I guess Knodel is a good bet as any. For a guy who didn't dress as a freshman, he has come a long way. Maybe Speelman? Paid his dues, that's for sure. Is it really that important who one, or two guys are. I think it is more about overall senior leadership, setting a tone way before the season starts, that we are all in this together. I'd like to think that those returning burn to get beyond the regional final. They've been pretty close over the past few years. If the goal is instilled to the entire team, particularly the incoming freshmen, who knows, maybe they can make it.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

"UNHHockey Notes: NCAA Northeast Regional and Costly Concussions"

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

According to Mike Morreale of NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL), David Gregory of NHL Central Scouting provided this description of Brett Pesce:
"He's one of the best defenders I've seen in his draft age in a long, long time"

 

[New Hampshire 'Cats Fan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

"UNHHockey Notes: NCAA Northeast Regional and Costly Concussions"

Great piece, Mike. Just a minor comment...it's not Denver University even though they are called DU. It is the University of Denver. It's a weird thing they do for the schools in that area (e.g., University of Colorado = CU, University of Kansas = KU, University of Oklahoma = OU, etc.)

 

[RockTheWhit]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

While I hope they all stay, it's also worth considering Toronto signing Knodel (drafted back in 09) as well as whichever team drafts Pesce pushing him toward the ohl route. If those two (and Tvr) are back, could be a heck of a blueline.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

Great piece, Mike. Just a minor comment...it's not Denver University even though they are called DU. It is the University of Denver. It's a weird thing they do for the schools in that area (e.g., University of Colorado = CU, University of Kansas = KU, University of Oklahoma = OU, etc.)

Thanks 'Cats Fan. I went back and made the correction. We'd never say "New Hampshire University" so the "University of Denver" sounds right - in addition to being the official designation. The "DU" does make it confusing - Go "NHU"?

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2012-2013 Postseason Thread

While I hope they all stay, it's also worth considering Toronto signing Knodel (drafted back in 09) as well as whichever team drafts Pesce pushing him toward the ohl route. If those two (and Tvr) are back, could be a heck of a blueline.

Speaking of the Ontario Hockey League, two UNH recruits were selected in the OHL Draft yesterday.
Patrick Grasso drafted #216 in Round 11 and
Joe Masonius #237 in Round 12.

They were pretty far down the list - the OHL Draft goes 15 rounds. For comparison, Ryan Bourque was drafted #117 in Round 7 of the 2008 QMJHL Draft. He's the only UNH recruit in recent memory to give up a UNH scholarship to play major junior.

 

[smitre]

According to Mike Morreale of NHL.com (@mikemorrealeNHL), David Gregory of NHL Central Scouting provided this description of Brett Pesce:
"He's one of the best defenders I've seen in his draft age in a long, long time"

Pesce's skills were evident early in the season but it was not until later in the season that I saw him consistently play with more confidence and an attitude that helped make him stand out.