UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Union and Quinnipiac have a total of FIVE players from Massachusetts and they seem to be on the rise. All this analysis about where players are from, players quitting, bridge traffic causing travel difficulties, etc. is all smoke. The fault dear Brutus lies not in xxxxxx ..... but perhaps the responsibility lies with ..... ah to hell with it .... who cares anymore.

 

[unh1982]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Right thought, wrong thread. The "Fire Dick Umile" thread doesn't get bumped until mid-February.

I suggest we start the thread Today , why wait . Perhaps its not the players , the country they live in , state , city, street , their motivation level , compete level etc etc etc. Perhaps the coach deserves the blame . look what PC has done with a new coach , Just sayin. %hit can Umile .

 

[Ryan422]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Union and Quinnipiac have a total of FIVE players from Massachusetts and they seem to be on the rise. All this analysis about where players are from, players quitting, bridge traffic causing travel difficulties, etc. is all smoke. The fault dear Brutus lies not in xxxxxx ..... but perhaps the responsibility lies with ..... ah to hell with it .... who cares anymore.

Well I don't think Union and Quinnipiac were ever really in the hunt for the top Massachusetts players ten years ago or today. Certainly they can go out and get great players from elsewhere but historically Mass. has produced a lot of top players and HE teams have battled for them and back then UNH got some good ones. But as CHC proved maybe those number are starting to dwindle of recent years. So the talent lies elsewhere in the country. And UNH hasn't quite found yet in recent years like the talent from 10-11 years ago they were getting....

How many top goalies did UNH have back in the day? UML , PC, NU, BC. This year their goalies are playing pretty strong. Ss did some of those teams last year. Doug Carr made a big difference when he showed up at UML, but when Hellebuvk showed up and got his shot it was a whole new level. When Merrimack had their recent success- pretty strong goalie. In no way knocking UNH goaltending. Often Goaltending can become the difference.

Good point. I think we almost got spoiled with all the great goalie we had during that time. But you're right a good team starts with a quality goalie. Nothing against DeSmith. He's pretty solid but can be hot or cold.

 

[Ryan422]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

I suggest we start the thread Today , why wait . Perhaps its not the players , the country they live in , state , city, street , their motivation level , compete level etc etc etc. Perhaps the coach deserves the blame . look what PC has done with a new coach , Just sayin. %hit can Umile .

And that's a point I was trying to make. I don't care where the players come from or where the talent lies but recent seasons are indicative of what types of players the coaches are able recruit today vs. the past and what the coaches do to develop the players while at UNH. I think it's on Umile and/or assistants.

 

[wildcatdc]

Let me pass along what I sawfrom the games this past weekend. If you go back and watch the video archive from the weekend broadcasts please notice that UNH had a hard time catching passes, winning board battles, winning faceoffs, winning foot races to the puck all weekend. Say what you may about your likes or dislikes about this team, those are not normal characteristics of this bunch. Compare that to the ND weekend when they won a high % of faceoffs and board battles etc. They controlled all of those situations that weekend. This Team physically hit their wall this weekend. Watch the archive. A tired player has problems handling passes, reaction times are slower, don't have the leg strength to win the board battles. I noticed situations when players were falling down just by trying to take hard turns to get back in the play. Tired players are slow to read and react to game situations as well. I thought that they were gased from their first shift Friday night. It happens. Vermont is not a team with abnormal size or exceptional footspeed. They don't really have any players that are likely to be placed on the All Hockey East team etc. Their defense is of average speed and size, and they have as many smallish forwards as UNH does. But they were fresh and rejuvenated. With the injury situations, ( not making excuses just using it as reference) the 3 oldest Def have been skating well in excess of 30 minutes a night for the past 3 weekends. The bottom 3 haven't picked up any additional on their share of reps in that time. Tough to keep up with long term. They key forwards are also getting exorbident time as well. They have had a tough post holiday stretch- Hoilday tournament- 2 against UNO- 2 against Union- 2 against Maine- 2 against ND- 2 against Vermont. Must be easy to play only 2 games a week? They practice hard 4 days a week- with old school coaches- ban the water bottle style- if 5 side boards is good for you then 10 must be better. Happens to every team- check the Bruins schedule out- I am sure they have had some unexplainable games. Vermont was off last weekend- do you think they had to put out as much energy last weekend as UNH did? Doesn't take much effort to pop open a Natty light.
The sky isn't falling down and the end of the world is not this week. Hopefully they can get their legs underneath them and get things going back in the right direction again. It is unfortunate, but the empty weekend they have coming up is in 2 weeks, and they face Merrimack and the playoffs after that. Hindsight says it would have been great to have had that last week or the week before. Don't question their intensity or enthusiasm. They care more than you do about results. There is not a person there that doesn't care.

You know, it's a valid concern. The team has played 32 games already, several more than most HEA clubs, and probably nearly the most in the nation.

Clearly, the sport does not lack in its aerobic requirements. I don't want to go too far afield, but is there a chance that from a fitness level, they have gone stale? Having competed in a couple of different endurance sports for the better part of 26 years now (Tour de Lowell bike race bring the first, for those of you who remember that race), I think most endurance coaches will tell you that you simply can't hold a peak for a season. That's why ample rest is so critical in those sports.

In the games I was lucky enough to be home to see live (clarkson, minn, mich 2x), we were flying. My Michigan buddy, whom I dragged to the Whitt, commented on just how fit our team looked; the teams simply looked to be operating at two different speeds by late in the 2nd and through the 3rd. Set aside the results, BTW... No amount of fitness can make up for an Inability to finish.

So, to geese's point, (and ONLY as a contributing factor, since we know that there are myriad issues right now), I wonder how the staff monitors the fatigue factor. Greg, you may have some insights here....

For those who might argue that ND was just one week ago.... Fair, but I am more likely to buy geese's fatigue point than the "they just didn't want it bad enough" point.

So, my conclusion?? I think a regimen of HGH, corticosteroids and EPO should be high on the list of priorities!!! ;-)

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

The tired player theory is a good one in prior years as well; catching up with us later in the season or tournaments when we face top teams and are forced to shorten the bench. The forward rotation this year has been similar to the past. I don’t recall a defensive rotation with minutes divided as unevenly as this year’s.

On the upside I thought Quast played some good shifts Saturday and hitting the wall early, if that is what happened, we have time to catch a second wind.

 

[HockeyRef]

You know, it's a valid concern. The team has played 32 games already, several more than most HEA clubs, and probably nearly the most in the nation.

Clearly, the sport does not lack in its aerobic requirements. I don't want to go too far afield, but is there a chance that from a fitness level, they have gone stale? Having competed in a couple of different endurance sports for the better part of 26 years now (Tour de Lowell bike race bring the first, for those of you who remember that race), I think most endurance coaches will tell you that you simply can't hold a peak for a season. That's why ample rest is so critical in those sports.

In the games I was lucky enough to be home to see live (clarkson, minn, mich 2x), we were flying. My Michigan buddy, whom I dragged to the Whitt, commented on just how fit our team looked; the teams simply looked to be operating at two different speeds by late in the 2nd and through the 3rd. Set aside the results, BTW... No amount of fitness can make up for an Inability to finish.

So, to geese's point, (and ONLY as a contributing factor, since we know that there are myriad issues right now), I wonder how the staff monitors the fatigue factor. Greg, you may have some insights here....

For those who might argue that ND was just one week ago.... Fair, but I am more likely to buy geese's fatigue point than the "they just didn't want it bad enough" point.

So, my conclusion?? I think a regimen of HGH, corticosteroids and EPO should be high on the list of priorities!!! ;-)

Welp all of this may be true..the boys hit a wall and every team does. They have leaned on the tough schedule thing at the beginning and absolutely a tough schedule. But we all know the entire season has put us where we are now and it's gonna take a miracle to make the Regionals. That's why to me it was hard to take with so much on the line (home ice etc). I don't think it's a crime to be disappointed as a fan. And I'm sure the team feels that too. I still support them and will continue to do so. Also totally see the validity in Greg's (and others) posts. What's past is past and on to BU! One final note I've looked at other teams threads and many of the posts are far worse in comparison to ours. There's a lot of truth in what's being said here and I think done with a lot of respect for the most part. Now think I'll watch the Beanpot and grade a few papers.

 

[wildcatdc]

Welp all of this may be true..the boys hit a wall and every team does. They have leaned on the tough schedule thing at the beginning and absolutely a tough schedule. But we all know the entire season has put us where we are now and it's gonna take a miracle to make the Regionals. That's why to me it was hard to take with so much on the line (home ice etc). I don't think it's a crime to be disappointed as a fan. And I'm sure the team feels that too. I still support them and will continue to do so. Also totally see the validity in Greg's (and others) posts. What's past is past and on to BU! One final note I've looked at other teams threads and many of the posts are far worse in comparison to ours. There's a lot of truth in what's being said here and I think done with a lot of respect for the most part. Now think I'll watch the Beanpot and grade a few papers.

Not a crime at all.. This is a disappointing time for all of us. I had high hopes early on, even though we didn't have the record to show for it. We'd played many top teams VERY well, and I thought that the brutal early schedule would reap huge dividends. Alas, doesn't look like it will happen, save for a huge run in the HEA tourney.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Not a crime at all.. This is a disappointing time for all of us. I had high hopes early on, even though we didn't have the record to show for it. We'd played many top teams VERY well, and I thought that the brutal early schedule would reap huge dividends. Alas, doesn't look like it will happen, save for a huge run in the HEA tourney.[/QU

I remember going to the Michigan game and coming away from it totally feeling the same; even though they lost and it was early in the season. There's a lot of ups and downs in any season but guess being realistic about it is the best way to go from here on out (at least that's my mindset) and enjoy it while it lasts..for as long as it lasts! Am going to make the trek to BU Sat (and Fri at the 'Whitt) for the "palace" experience of the Agganis. Speaking of miracles wonder what NU can do against the mighty first place Eagles?

 

[Hux]

Point taken. Good research and yeah obviously there has been a change in where the players UNH (& other teams in general I guess) are recruiting. It is kind of interesting though that the two teams you listed (UNH & Harvard) who have increased their number of players from NYC/NJ/Philly haven't seen much success in recent years (Looks like UNH will be missing the tournament for the 2nd time in 3 years). Certainly not because of those players, as you said, the kids coming out of that region have become really good players for UNH. But someone brought up the question the other day, where would Willows fit in on teams of years past? Good question. And I'm not saying they should stop recruiting there, it's more of just a coincidence than anything I would say. Also, I would say with UConn. coming to HE and Penn St. having a team now it will become much more of a battleground there recruiting for top players.


But definitely something is going on with recruiting... As you showed NU is a net -7 players from Mass compared to '02-'03 and they finished the regular season of HE in last place that year and are currently in third place and having a great year. UNH is a net -8 players compared to '02-'03 and are having a .500 season and likely they will finish in 7th maybe 6th, I think is the consensus, compared to 1st place back then. So you did kind of minimize the theory of Mass players providing success(But I did say in my previous post that it's not the one factor that will lead to success), but what theory I was trying to make in general is the type of players UNH is getting today compared to years past. Go where the talent is and I haven't really seen that lately...

And I think it was NCAA Watcher who said UNH has not had a player on their team in at least the last couple seasons who has been anywhere near the top of the USHL scoring. Obviously scorers can come out of the BCHL and other quality leagues but typically USHL is the premier talent producer(and I don't know about stats for UNHers who have played in the BCHL & where they ranked in league scoring. Maybe you do?) And I also had a fairly long rant about the fact that UNH does not have a drafted forward on their roster for the first time in over 30 years by my research. Just all of it kind of ties in with the talent level of recruits they have been able to get in recent years and the success they have see on the ice. I don't care where the players come from. They don't need to come from Massachusetts. Back then talent was from Mass. and UNH was getting them and now talent is coming from somewhere else it seems and UNH isn't really getting those guys anymore. Borek could go out and recruit in Guam for all I care. As long as he brings in some quality players who can put the puck in the back of the net. I know UNH is excited about recruits coming in (Looks like 2 NHL drafted forwards and another one who is in the top 10 or so in USHL scoring) and hopefully they develop to be quality D1 players like they're touted to be and get UNH back to being dominant again.

The depth of talent in Massachusetts is greatly diminished from a decade ago. Mass Hockey has done a very poor job of developing elite talent, and the proof is in the NHL draft.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Not a crime at all.. This is a disappointing time for all of us. I had high hopes early on, even though we didn't have the record to show for it. We'd played many top teams VERY well, and I thought that the brutal early schedule would reap huge dividends. Alas, doesn't look like it will happen, save for a huge run in the HEA tourney.[/QU

I remember going to the Michigan game and coming away from it totally feeling the same; even though they lost and it was early in the season. There's a lot of ups and downs in any season but guess being realistic about it is the best way to go from here on out (at least that's my mindset) and enjoy it while it lasts..for as long as it lasts! Am going to make the trek to BU Sat (and Fri at the 'Whitt) for the "palace" experience of the Agganis. Speaking of miracles wonder what NU can do against the mighty first place Eagles?

ps Just listened to the UNH Coach's show Jim Tortorella's take on the game "we just ran into a very good hockey team...we didn't quit like we've been reading about". So, there you have it folks...UVM was the better team. (as has been mentioned already).

 

[unh1982]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Raise your hands if your watching the beanpot, next question . How often does unh bring that energy level?well I can count on one hand

 

[scoreboard]

Raise your hands if your watching the beanpot, next question . How often does unh bring that energy level?well I can count on one hand

I'm watching the game. If UNH was playing either of those teams tonight they would be getting clobbered....

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

I'm watching the game. If UNH was playing either of those teams tonight they would be getting clobbered....

No comment on how we'd do in this game but I will say it was quite the game up to the last 2 mins...Amazing goal tending on both ends...Clay Witt stands on his head, Demko comes up big. BC...just dominant all over the ice and NU not too shabby either. Well done boys enjoyed the game and congrats to your fan base.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

Raise your hands if your watching the beanpot, next question . How often does unh bring that energy level?well I can count on one hand

I was at the Beanpot tonight. If UNH brought the energy level that both teams brought tonight, I daresay there would be very few on here who would have a valid complaint or issue, regardless of the outcome. If my team is not going to win a game, I want to see them going balls out right to the very end, like the Northeastern kids did. No shame in losing to a more talented foe if you empty your tank, and then empty the reserve tank too.

Remember when UNH was almost an annual shoe-in for the HE Semis? And even if they got upset, they'd still qualify for the NCAA's?

Seems a LONG time ago, doesn't it? And if UNH doesn't make it to Boston this March, next season starts with 0 players on the roster ever having had that experience. I think that's the thing that bothers me most. How can your program learn to perform in the really big games, on the really big stages, IF they never qualify and advance to play in those games? Answer: they can't and they won't.

 

[Snively65]

I was at the Beanpot tonight. If UNH brought the energy level that both teams brought tonight, I daresay there would be very few on here who would have a valid complaint or issue, regardless of the outcome. If my team is not going to win a game, I want to see them going balls out right to the very end, like the Northeastern kids did. No shame in losing to a more talented foe if you empty your tank, and then empty the reserve tank too.

Remember when UNH was almost an annual shoe-in for the HE Semis? And even if they got upset, they'd still qualify for the NCAA's?

Seems a LONG time ago, doesn't it? And if UNH doesn't make it to Boston this March, next season starts with 0 players on the roster ever having had that experience. I think that's the thing that bothers me most. How can your program learn to perform in the really big games, on the really big stages, IF they never qualify and advance to play in those games? Answer: they can't and they won't.

But, we beat DU and played Lowell tough last year in the Manchvegas regional, which was not nearly as upsetting to me as the beat down we received from RIT to deprive us of another FF in 2011.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

I'm watching the game. If UNH was playing either of those teams tonight they would be getting clobbered....

I was at the Beanpot as well last night. I think I've missed 2 or 3 in the last 35 years. I go because I know that the hockey will be played at a very high level, especially in the final. Last night's game did not disappoint. Both teams were playing at max level and I thought NU was quite impressive in keeping up with BC almost to the end. The winning goal was superb.

The point I want to make is when I go to the Beanpot I always try to relate how UNH would play in the same setting against either of the teams playing. Up to the past couple of years I always felt that UNH could skate and play at the level seen on the ice. But this year, no way. Just the way I see it.

 

[HockeyRef]

I was at the Beanpot as well last night. I think I've missed 2 or 3 in the last 35 years. I go because I know that the hockey will be played at a very high level, especially in the final. Last night's game did not disappoint. Both teams were playing at max level and I thought NU was quite impressive in keeping up with BC almost to the end. The winning goal was superb.

The point I want to make is when I go to the Beanpot I always try to relate how UNH would play in the same setting against either of the teams playing. Up to the past couple of years I always felt that UNH could skate and play at the level seen on the ice. But this year, no way. Just the way I see it.

Hey Greg it's an honest appraisal no sense in sugar coating it! That game last night was textbook; hard skating intense forechecking all the elements of great hockey. Thank God the refs let them play for the most part...Two teams that come to mind this season that brought that kind of hockey were Union and BC and we know the outcome of those games. Onward to BU who have nothing to lose at this point....Isn't it funny that I thought those two teams were too rough oh the humanity of it all! But now I get it...

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2013-14 Season Thread (Part 2)

I watched the game last night too. I was hoping for a NU win just upset the apple cart on BC's "trophy season" run but not mean't to be. NU put up a good fight though. That kid Hayes for BC is special.

Anyhoo, I think the trick for UNH moving forward, since they are solidly under the radar, is to regain some confidence in themselves. It would be nice to see UNH sweep the next two series with BU and Mack. Then go from there and maybe pull an upset and get to the Garden. I don't think it's pie in the sky either. Here's hoping they do it!

 

[HockeyRef]

I watched the game last night too. I was hoping for a NU win just upset the apple cart on BC's "trophy season" run but not mean't to be. NU put up a good fight though. That kid Hayes for BC is special.

Anyhoo, I think the trick for UNH moving forward, since they are solidly under the radar, is to regain some confidence in themselves. It would be nice to see UNH sweep the next two series with BU and Mack. Then go from there and maybe pull an upset and get to the Garden. I don't think it's pie in the sky either. Here's hoping they do it!

e.cat I don't think it's out of the question either! We've seen this team play well...I think it's possible and hope they rise to the occasion. Is it really a question of can't...or won't? Only they have the answer! Let's Go Cats!