UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

[Scott]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Oh just in case you were curious/wondering how we match up with Maine:

http://www.collegehockeynews.com/schedules/taleoftape.php?gid=504

It's sad on how "the mighty have fallen". Ten, twelve years ago, stats like these would have been considered blasphemy for either team.

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

You have hit on the major points of engagement for our season sir. I think the team has responded admirably under said circumstances, when they battle on the ice, they are formidable even in their youth. Also from what I gather in reading other boards is yes, we are doing ok. What I am also interested in is what they (our Freshman 10) have had to adjust to the most from their previous game to the D1 game.

UNH freshmen have to adjust to the same realities as do the 14 freshmen playing for highly ranked Lowell .... and a few other teams with a heavy freshman presence.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

I think that the "harsh reality" for this year is that three veteran D-men who could have come back to anchor what would have been one of the best top two D pairings in Hockey East decided not to come back. Add to that loss, our senior goalie screwed up and got tossed from the team, and our remaining veteran D-man got seriously injured. So, what could have been one of the best, if not the best, defensive teams in Hockey East is now mediocre. And, of course, we knew that scoring goals was going to be difficult, at least early in the season, with the poor recruiting at those positions the previous three years. I think that we will do better on that front as the freshman forwards gain experience.

But, there are a bunch of other mediocre teams in Hockey East that have even "harsher realities" than ours, so I think that the Cats will do better in the second half than they have done in the first, and not just in SOG.

However, the final harsh reality is that this improvement will be too little too late for this season, as the thread title predicted.

Very good analysis 65. My only beef/question is that with TVR, Agosta and BIG K leaving is this a failure of the coaching staff? Caveat; I am a long time supporter of Umile but I've seen a lot of players bolt the program over the years. This irks me to no end! Yes I know the money is in play and yes I do not fault the players as much as I fault the agents but ferrchrissakes Umile ought to be able to sell the idea of an NC being paramount at this point.

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Very good analysis 65. My only beef/question is that with TVR, Agosta and BIG K leaving is this a failure of the coaching staff? Caveat; I am a long time supporter of Umile but I've seen a lot of players bolt the program over the years. This irks me to no end! Yes I know the money is in play and yes I do not fault the players as much as I fault the agents but ferrchrissakes Umile ought to be able to sell the idea of an NC being paramount at this point.

Really, if we had Knodel and Agosta we would be heading towards a NC? A resounding NO! To respond to your larger point, how many players have bolted since Umile became coach in 1990? At least ones that were worth anything. Let's see, there is Eric Nickulas, Derek Bekar (that one still sticks in my craw), Eddie Caron (does he really count?), and JVR (did anyone really think he was going to last more than two years). That's about it. On the other hand, the truly great players in the Umile era played all four years - Boguniecki, Mowers, Krog, Conklin (really 3), Haydar, Hemingway, Saviano, Collins, Butler. Agosta and Knodel were serviceable at best. I guess we miss K's shot from the point but, really, what business does a 25 year old have playing college hockey. He is what he is by now and if he has anything to show he'll move up the ladder from ECHL to AHL and maybe the show.

I want to grab onto Watcher's once sentence skepticism though. Although I have not been in person for every game this year, I was one of the few UNH diehards who attended both BC games this past weekend. While the Wildcat showing on Friday was passable, I want to say that Saturday night at BC was an abomination. Yes, it was a one goal game with an empty netter but does anybody really see what is going on out there? BC is just average, they are not even close to what they were last year, never mind their heyday. However UNH was unable to compete 5-on-5. We were never able to sustain a presence in the offensive zone. The puck would come in (usually on a dump and chase), the lead forward would challenge and, boom, the puck would come right out. In 60 minutes I don't think UNH made more than a handful of plays that one would consider offensively clever. Yup, they scored two PP goals, one on a 5-on-3, the other on a scramble and fortuitous backhander by Willows (who decided to get mouthy after the goal). But what I see out there is not UNH Hockey. Not much speed except for Willows and Kelleher and almost zero playmaking by any of the forward. I guess the days of Clark-Hislop-Cox or Krog-Haydar-Hemingway are over.

UNH is averaging about 2 goals per game and letting up about 3 (save the 8-2 Lowell debacle) in HE play. It's hard to believe that this is UNH I am watching. I want someone to tell me how it gets better this year or next. This year's team has a lot of D1 impostors on it, mainly thanks to the abysmal recruiting over the past 3-4 years. I can see potential in a few freshmen, not all, but I need to know if I can anticipate things getting better or is it going to be more of the same.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Warren Foegele and Shane Eiserman are speedy.
Marks and Maller have well-above average mobility for defensemen.
Poturalski has already demonstrated his play-making ability.
When Michael McNicholas gets a chance to play center on a regular basis, he'll show his play-making ability.
Waiting in the wings:
Danny Tirone - 6th best save percentage in USHL last season.
Liam Blackburn - 2nd leading scorer in BCHL.
Marcus Vela - Potential 4th, 5th or 6th round draft pick in 2015 NHL Draft.
Joseph Masonius - US NTDP U17 and U18 Defenseman, physical and mobile.

 

[HockeyRef]

Really, if we had Knodel and Agosta we would be heading towards a NC? A resounding NO! To respond to your larger point, how many players have bolted since Umile became coach in 1990? At least ones that were worth anything. Let's see, there is Eric Nickulas, Derek Bekar (that one still sticks in my craw), Eddie Caron (does he really count?), and JVR (did anyone really think he was going to last more than two years). That's about it. On the other hand, the truly great players in the Umile era played all four years - Boguniecki, Mowers, Krog, Conklin (really 3), Haydar, Hemingway, Saviano, Collins, Butler. Agosta and Knodel were serviceable at best. I guess we miss K's shot from the point but, really, what business does a 25 year old have playing college hockey. He is what he is by now and if he has anything to show he'll move up the ladder from ECHL to AHL and maybe the show.

I want to grab onto Watcher's once sentence skepticism though. Although I have not been in person for every game this year, I was one of the few UNH diehards who attended both BC games this past weekend. While the Wildcat showing on Friday was passable, I want to say that Saturday night at BC was an abomination. Yes, it was a one goal game with an empty netter but does anybody really see what is going on out there? BC is just average, they are not even close to what they were last year, never mind their heyday. However UNH was unable to compete 5-on-5. We were never able to sustain a presence in the offensive zone. The puck would come in (usually on a dump and chase), the lead forward would challenge and, boom, the puck would come right out. In 60 minutes I don't think UNH made more than a handful of plays that one would consider offensively clever. Yup, they scored two PP goals, one on a 5-on-3, the other on a scramble and fortuitous backhander by Willows (who decided to get mouthy after the goal). But what I see out there is not UNH Hockey. Not much speed except for Willows and Kelleher and almost zero playmaking by any of the forward. I guess the days of Clark-Hislop-Cox or Krog-Haydar-Hemingway are over.

UNH is averaging about 2 goals per game and letting up about 3 (save the 8-2 Lowell debacle) in HE play. It's hard to believe that this is UNH I am watching. I want someone to tell me how it gets better this year or next. This year's team has a lot of D1 impostors on it, mainly thanks to the abysmal recruiting over the past 3-4 years. I can see potential in a few freshmen, not all, but I need to know if I can anticipate things getting better or is it going to be more of the same.

Hey Greg good to see you here and read your perspectives about the 'Cats. Liked your rendition of the game Saturday. Quite obvious we didn't have a great game and hope the films pointed out that stuff . Regardless of how BC is doing this season UNH's situation is truly unique as Chuck (and so recently Snively65) have pointed out. That doesn't excuse losing puck battles etc as you pointed out. Speed is a factor yes. As per your inquiry of "more of the same" for next year who knows? I'm feeling like Snively65 things could improve as the season unfolds but we aren't going to be looking at a Regional experience . (Tell us something we don't know)

In fact if we don't make it ( even with my usual optimism I can't see how we will/could) this will mark missing the NCAA's 3 out of the past 5 seasons if I have that right. Not something you vets are used to to say the least and it doesn't have to be acceptable in your eyes either!! As a relatively new follower (ironically started to follow at the 2013 Reg in Manch) I already want and hope for what you guys have known even with the tough losses of the past! Right now? That the team plays with intensity and improves. Yes that is our lot and makes for interesting viewing. Am placing my bets on these newbies to right the ship. I'll renew my season tix next year..now get on it Wildcats and beat Maine!

 

[HockeyRef]

Warren Foegele and Shane Eiserman are speedy.
Marks and Maller have well-above average mobility for defensemen.
Poturalski has already demonstrated his play-making ability.
When Michael McNicholas gets a chance to play center on a regular basis, he'll show his play-making ability.
Waiting in the wings:
Danny Tirone - 6th best save percentage in USHL last season.
Liam Blackburn - 2nd leading scorer in BCHL.
Marcus Vela - Potential 4th, 5th or 6th round draft pick in 2015 NHL Draft.
Joseph Masonius - US NTDP U17 and U18 Defenseman, physical and mobile.

Good stuff...this is what I'm talking about. Add these recruits in with the guys gaining experience and things could get interesting . And FWIW dept I look forward to seeing another vanRiemsdyk on the ice !

 

[freak]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

It hurt to lose Trevor Smith and Dan Winnik early.

 

[FiveHole12]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

On the other hand, the truly great players in the Umile era played all four years - Boguniecki, Mowers, Krog, Conklin (really 3), Haydar, Hemingway, Saviano, Collins, Butler. Agosta and Knodel were serviceable at best. I guess we miss K's shot from the point but, really, what business does a 25 year old have playing college hockey. He is what he is by now and if he has anything to show he'll move up the ladder from ECHL to AHL and maybe the show.

No Lanny Gare? When Gare went down in Worcester, so did UNH's chance at a NC in 2003, in this outsiders opinion. The straw that stirred the drink on that UNH team, IMO.

 

[Carmine Scarpaglia]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

In 60 minutes I don't think UNH made more than a handful of plays that one would consider offensively clever. Yup, they scored two PP goals, one on a 5-on-3, the other on a scramble and fortuitous backhander by Willows (who decided to get mouthy after the goal).

Glad you pointed this out, I thought I was crazy after seeing his antics after the 2nd goal. At the end of the game some guy in the section next to me was screaming at Willows for being a punk so then I knew it wasn't me. And he wasn't exactly popular the night before after being caught by the broadcasters for punching a BC player in the back of the head when no one was looking.

Here's hoping he catches a bad case of gonorrhea.

 

[Snively65]

It hurt to lose Trevor Smith and Dan Winnik early.

Beat me to it, but I think that Greg does make a good point that UNH has not recruited many players who left early over the years, and even fewer who stuck in the NHL for longer than a cup of coffee. But, I do miss the days as recently as about a decade ago when UNH could skate three lines that each could score goals, with many players who were not big enough to have much chance for ever playing in the NHL. I get so sick of watching the dump and chase offense, which somehow seems to produce SOG, but only rarely good scoring chances.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Glad you pointed this out, I thought I was crazy after seeing his antics after the 2nd goal. At the end of the game some guy in the section next to me was screaming at Willows for being a punk so then I knew it wasn't me. And he wasn't exactly popular the night before after being caught by the broadcasters for punching a BC player in the back of the head when no one was looking.

Here's hoping he catches a bad case of gonorrhea.

If I were putting together an "All Time Overrated" UNH team, Willows would definitely be on the short list.

 

[HockeyRef]

Beat me to it, but I think that Greg does make a good point that UNH has not recruited many players who left early over the years, and even fewer who stuck in the NHL for longer than a cup of coffee. But, I do miss the days as recently as about a decade ago when UNH could skate three lines that each could score goals, with many players who were not big enough to have much chance for ever playing in the NHL. I get so sick of watching the dump and chase offense, which somehow seems to produce SOG, but only rarely good scoring chances.

Funny you bring up that dump and chase method coz I tried to have a discussion about earlier and it didn't go but that's ok! . Hadn't this been our mode of play forever and maybe it was more effective if/when we have those players that can get to the puck and bring it to the net for a meaningful SOG. And speaking of Willlows misbehaving say it ain't so! Actually seen not so stellar behavior from him before so there's no excusing it. And I could bring up some junk we complained about by a few BC players but that's never productive now is it ...? In fact it's that very stuff that turned me off hockey used to say it a "goon sport" not sure where/how that changed .

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

It hurt to lose Trevor Smith and Dan Winnik early.

Filipowicz!

Smith and Winnik hurt for sure.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Really, if we had Knodel and Agosta we would be heading towards a NC? A resounding NO! To respond to your larger point, how many players have bolted since Umile became coach in 1990? At least ones that were worth anything. Let's see, there is Eric Nickulas, Derek Bekar (that one still sticks in my craw), Eddie Caron (does he really count?), and JVR (did anyone really think he was going to last more than two years). That's about it. On the other hand, the truly great players in the Umile era played all four years - Boguniecki, Mowers, Krog, Conklin (really 3), Haydar, Hemingway, Saviano, Collins, Butler. Agosta and Knodel were serviceable at best. I guess we miss K's shot from the point but, really, what business does a 25 year old have playing college hockey. He is what he is by now and if he has anything to show he'll move up the ladder from ECHL to AHL and maybe the show.

I want to grab onto Watcher's once sentence skepticism though. Although I have not been in person for every game this year, I was one of the few UNH diehards who attended both BC games this past weekend. While the Wildcat showing on Friday was passable, I want to say that Saturday night at BC was an abomination. Yes, it was a one goal game with an empty netter but does anybody really see what is going on out there? BC is just average, they are not even close to what they were last year, never mind their heyday. However UNH was unable to compete 5-on-5. We were never able to sustain a presence in the offensive zone. The puck would come in (usually on a dump and chase), the lead forward would challenge and, boom, the puck would come right out. In 60 minutes I don't think UNH made more than a handful of plays that one would consider offensively clever. Yup, they scored two PP goals, one on a 5-on-3, the other on a scramble and fortuitous backhander by Willows (who decided to get mouthy after the goal). But what I see out there is not UNH Hockey. Not much speed except for Willows and Kelleher and almost zero playmaking by any of the forward. I guess the days of Clark-Hislop-Cox or Krog-Haydar-Hemingway are over.

UNH is averaging about 2 goals per game and letting up about 3 (save the 8-2 Lowell debacle) in HE play. It's hard to believe that this is UNH I am watching. I want someone to tell me how it gets better this year or next. This year's team has a lot of D1 impostors on it, mainly thanks to the abysmal recruiting over the past 3-4 years. I can see potential in a few freshmen, not all, but I need to know if I can anticipate things getting better or is it going to be more of the same.

History will repeat itself if this freshman class bolts early. I don't expect them all to stick around, do you? The fans will be left with a couple of highlight reel games out of them but no NC. UNH will never win an NC without senior leadership and experience. Why would I care if they are 24 or 25?!

 

[HockeyRef]

If I were putting together an "All Time Overrated" UNH team, Willows would definitely be on the short list.

Fun to come over here and bash UNH players isn't it? Sigh. Love him or hate him he comes to play and yes he can be aggravating. His first two seasons he was less than stellar sure. Last year much better as his line mates all clicked and he had a great year. This year its obviously not the same but he's putting up points at least...Yea I am trying to be / need to be more thick skinned so Felger have a nice day!

 

[HockeyRef]

History will repeat itself if this freshman class bolts early. I don't expect them all to stick around, do you? The fans will be left with a couple of highlight reel games out of them but no NC. UNH will never win an NC without senior leadership and experience. Why would I care if they are 24 or 25?!

Which is exactly how Union did it...strong leadership/desire although they did lose Ghost early but that's to be expected with a player of his calibre. Well we can lament about them leaving and I am still pondering the "if only TvR were here" mantra..Hang in there e.cat hopefully we don't have to wait 86 years like Red Sox fans! Right now a HE title would be a start. Heck winning three in a row would give cause for celebration!! Smiley face.

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

If we do not pick up more than half the points in the next 11 games while I am away, then I will be concerned on my return.

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Which is exactly how Union did it...strong leadership/desire although they did lose Ghost early but that's to be expected with a player of his calibre. Well we can lament about them leaving and I am still pondering the "if only TvR were here" mantra..Hang in there e.cat hopefully we don't have to wait 86 years like Red Sox fans! Right now a HE title would be a start. Heck winning three in a row would give cause for celebration!! Smiley face.

Right, Union is a perfect example Ref. My $$$ are on the fball team right now to carry the flag. I'm hangin' but still "Waiting 'Til Next Year!!!" smiley face not applicable here!

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!

Warren Foegele and Shane Eiserman are speedy.
Marks and Maller have well-above average mobility for defensemen.
Poturalski has already demonstrated his play-making ability.
When Michael McNicholas gets a chance to play center on a regular basis, he'll show his play-making ability.
Waiting in the wings:
Danny Tirone - 6th best save percentage in USHL last season.
Liam Blackburn - 2nd leading scorer in BCHL.
Marcus Vela - Potential 4th, 5th or 6th round draft pick in 2015 NHL Draft.
Joseph Masonius - US NTDP U17 and U18 Defenseman, physical and mobile.

For two years before he came, all I heard was sterling reports on Kelleher. His performance to date has been, to be kind, underwhelming.

And forgot about Filipowicz, Smith, and Winnik. That makes six in Umile's 25 years of coaching. Not exactly an avalanche of defections. The problem is not players leaving early, the problem is that too many of our four year players are not difference makers, either offensively or defensively. It all comes back to the recruiting. I told people last spring that this incoming class and the one next year are the make a break ones for me. I am tired of hearing about this guy or that guy who is doing wondrous things in juniors, then they get to UNH and do not live up to the hype. Got more than a few upperclassmen who fit that bill right now.