The Zlax45
Registered User
Exactly...if he wasn't guilty of something why accept a diversion program?
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UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
- Thread starter Chuck Murray
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Exactly...if he wasn't guilty of something why accept a diversion program?
UNH Wildcats Fan
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
A better question -- why go through the cost and time of a trial when the police and prosecutor are perfectly willing to let you walk without one? And why did they make that offer? Because they knew perfectly well that he wasn't guilty of the allegations his ex-girlfriend made against him and that the charges wouldn't stick. This is the same conclusion that the UNH disciplinary hearing board came to -- that he was NOT responsible for causing harm, despite what his ex claimed and what the media would like you to believe.
You may have seen an article about this in today's USCHO News. If not, you can see it here:
http://www.uscho.com/2014/12/15/for...tells-his-side-of-arrest-dismissal-from-team/
The article says that Casey DeSmith "spoke to" the Concord Monitor. This is not true. Casey and his family provided a press release to many publications, including the Monitor and also USCHO News. It is interesting what the USCHO News chose to print -- and what they didn't. Here is part of what they chose NOT to print:
During the hearing, DeSmith presented two detailed statements that included evidence which called into question allegations that had been made against him, including an allegation that he had caused physical harm to another student, his former girlfriend, Allison Guertin. That evidence showed that a) Guertin showed no sign whatsoever of having been struck and was completely uninjured, b) Guertin gave wildly different accounts of what had happened that night to police, c) neither of Guertin’s descriptions of what happened agreed with first-hand accounts provided to police by eyewitnesses, and d) a teammate, Wildcats captain Matt Willows, stated that Guertin later told him that DeSmith had not, in fact, struck her.
After the hearing board examined the evidence, it found that DeSmith was not responsible for causing physical harm, and determined that he should be allowed to register as a student in good standing again as of December 20.
In his December 4 appearance in district court, DeSmith pleaded not guilty to every charge against him with the exception of a disorderly conduct violation, a charge that falls below the level of a misdemeanor. He also signed a diversion agreement, which will lead to all charges against him being formally dismissed in 12 months after he has complied with the terms of the agreement, which include community service that he expects to have completed by Friday, December 11th.
I think this should answer your question, Zlax. Remaining to be answered is why the USCHO News and other publications have refused to publish the rest of this story -- the part with the actual facts.
I don't fault those of you who are skeptical about this. The media has done a very good job of portraying Casey DeSmith as a monster. As a member of the general public, I don't know how anyone could have come to a different conclusion based on what the press has reported -- and not reported. And until the media decide to tell both sides of this story, Casey will continue to be carry this label. Which is why he and his family have attempted to correct the record. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter doesn't seem to fit the media's preferred narrative.
It is likely that you have not heard the last of this, which is unfortunate for everyone. If the press had reported accurately about the outcome of the proceedings, none of this chatter would ever have been necessary.
A better question -- why go through the cost and time of a trial when the police and prosecutor are perfectly willing to let you walk without one? And why did they make that offer? Because they knew perfectly well that he wasn't guilty of the allegations his ex-girlfriend made against him and that the charges wouldn't stick. This is the same conclusion that the UNH disciplinary hearing board came to -- that he was NOT responsible for causing harm, despite what his ex claimed and what the media would like you to believe.
You may have seen an article about this in today's USCHO News. If not, you can see it here:
http://www.uscho.com/2014/12/15/for...tells-his-side-of-arrest-dismissal-from-team/
The article says that Casey DeSmith "spoke to" the Concord Monitor. This is not true. Casey and his family provided a press release to many publications, including the Monitor and also USCHO News. It is interesting what the USCHO News chose to print -- and what they didn't. Here is part of what they chose NOT to print:
During the hearing, DeSmith presented two detailed statements that included evidence which called into question allegations that had been made against him, including an allegation that he had caused physical harm to another student, his former girlfriend, Allison Guertin. That evidence showed that a) Guertin showed no sign whatsoever of having been struck and was completely uninjured, b) Guertin gave wildly different accounts of what had happened that night to police, c) neither of Guertin’s descriptions of what happened agreed with first-hand accounts provided to police by eyewitnesses, and d) a teammate, Wildcats captain Matt Willows, stated that Guertin later told him that DeSmith had not, in fact, struck her.
After the hearing board examined the evidence, it found that DeSmith was not responsible for causing physical harm, and determined that he should be allowed to register as a student in good standing again as of December 20.
In his December 4 appearance in district court, DeSmith pleaded not guilty to every charge against him with the exception of a disorderly conduct violation, a charge that falls below the level of a misdemeanor. He also signed a diversion agreement, which will lead to all charges against him being formally dismissed in 12 months after he has complied with the terms of the agreement, which include community service that he expects to have completed by Friday, December 11th.
I think this should answer your question, Zlax. Remaining to be answered is why the USCHO News and other publications have refused to publish the rest of this story -- the part with the actual facts.
I don't fault those of you who are skeptical about this. The media has done a very good job of portraying Casey DeSmith as a monster. As a member of the general public, I don't know how anyone could have come to a different conclusion based on what the press has reported -- and not reported. And until the media decide to tell both sides of this story, Casey will continue to be carry this label. Which is why he and his family have attempted to correct the record. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter doesn't seem to fit the media's preferred narrative.
It is likely that you have not heard the last of this, which is unfortunate for everyone. If the press had reported accurately about the outcome of the proceedings, none of this chatter would ever have been necessary.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Exactly. I think everybody knows that domestic assault cases can be messy. Even messier in a situation like this when it appears that both individuals were substantially impaired. I have to believe that both are really, really sorry about what happened, that they know that they messed up big time and would do anything to take back that night. Problem is, they can't. And doubly they can't because the police got involved. Once statements are given, it's pretty hard to take them back and say "never mind." It just doesn't work that way.
He accepted the diversion which means, at some level, he acknowledged that he was guilty. Presumably he made this decision when he was stone sober and on the advice of counsel and family. I think once he did that UNH felt he was a candidate for readmission to the school. But I don't think the legal decision impacted Umile's decision to, first, suspend him from the team, and second, to ultimately dismiss him. The last thing UNH Hockey needs right now is additional distractions and Casey DeSmith would bring that.
I'm not sure what Casey DeSmith is looking for. Is it to somehow "clear his name" and get back on the hockey team? If so, that is not going to happen. He acknowledged some responsibility for his actions and, based on that, was handed a slap on the wrist. Believe me that many in the same situation would not be so lucky. He should take as a positive that he has been readmitted to school and has a chance to complete his degree. True, he is no longer a member of the UNH Hockey team and that is a big negative for him, no doubt. But whose fault is that? In what I thought would be my only post on this matter I noted that he is only 23 and his life is far from over. Yup, hockey has been the center of it up to now, and maybe it will be in the future. He has plenty of opportunity, starting right now, to get on with his life and become a very productive member of society. This ongoing campaign to take back what happened that night is misguided in my book and does nothing to frame him in a good light.
Exactly. I think everybody knows that domestic assault cases can be messy. Even messier in a situation like this when it appears that both individuals were substantially impaired. I have to believe that both are really, really sorry about what happened, that they know that they messed up big time and would do anything to take back that night. Problem is, they can't. And doubly they can't because the police got involved. Once statements are given, it's pretty hard to take them back and say "never mind." It just doesn't work that way.
He accepted the diversion which means, at some level, he acknowledged that he was guilty. Presumably he made this decision when he was stone sober and on the advice of counsel and family. I think once he did that UNH felt he was a candidate for readmission to the school. But I don't think the legal decision impacted Umile's decision to, first, suspend him from the team, and second, to ultimately dismiss him. The last thing UNH Hockey needs right now is additional distractions and Casey DeSmith would bring that.
I'm not sure what Casey DeSmith is looking for. Is it to somehow "clear his name" and get back on the hockey team? If so, that is not going to happen. He acknowledged some responsibility for his actions and, based on that, was handed a slap on the wrist. Believe me that many in the same situation would not be so lucky. He should take as a positive that he has been readmitted to school and has a chance to complete his degree. True, he is no longer a member of the UNH Hockey team and that is a big negative for him, no doubt. But whose fault is that? In what I thought would be my only post on this matter I noted that he is only 23 and his life is far from over. Yup, hockey has been the center of it up to now, and maybe it will be in the future. He has plenty of opportunity, starting right now, to get on with his life and become a very productive member of society. This ongoing campaign to take back what happened that night is misguided in my book and does nothing to frame him in a good light.
UNH Wildcats Fan
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
You make some very good points here, Greg. Your statement that "at some level, he acknowledged that he was guilty" is the crux of this matter. Casey pleaded guilty to ONE charge -- the only one that had any merit. He accepted that he had been guilty of a single disorderly conduct violation -- not even a misdemeanor. Had the other charges not been dropped, he would have been in court defending himself against them -- and he would have been successful. THAT's why they were dropped. The fact that the world still views him as guilty of an assault charge, and seems to want to view his court proceedings as an example of a guilty party who got off easy, is a misperception that needs to be corrected. If you were in that situation, wouldn't you want the truth to be known? Or would you just "get on with life" and be fine with the fact that the world still considers you a violent domestic abuser?
After a lengthy investigation and hours of testimony, the UNH hearing board concluded that Casey was NOT RESPONSIBLE for causing physical harm. As in -- INNOCENT. They came to that conclusion independently -- BEFORE the court trial had even taken place. That was not a plea-bargain situation, it was a finding of fact.
I can't speak for Casey or his family, but my impression is that Casey is not looking for anything but for the WHOLE truth to be acknowledged -- which includes both good and bad. He accepted full responsibility for what he did -- immediately -- but he should not have to go through life being viewed as responsible for something he didn't do. No one should be put in that position, regardless of age.
Why is our society, as evidenced by some of the opinions expressed on this board, so very quick to believe accusations -- but so very reluctant to consider the possibility that those allegations may be completely false? If the school and the police have both come to the conclusion that the charge was without merit, why is that the the media and the general public can't accept that?
In my opinion, the damage that has been to this young man's reputation by the negative publicity surrounding the initial baseless accusation is far worse than anything he did that night. Far, far worse.
It is absolutely true that in a sense, he has only himself to blame for what has happened. But in my view, he is not to blame for everything that has happened since the allegation was made public. That mess is the complete responsibility of the media -- and it something that is worth fighting to correct, if only to help ensure that the media (and those who read newspapers and blogs) will be more fair-minded the next time some college kid is accused without cause of a despicable act.
You make some very good points here, Greg. Your statement that "at some level, he acknowledged that he was guilty" is the crux of this matter. Casey pleaded guilty to ONE charge -- the only one that had any merit. He accepted that he had been guilty of a single disorderly conduct violation -- not even a misdemeanor. Had the other charges not been dropped, he would have been in court defending himself against them -- and he would have been successful. THAT's why they were dropped. The fact that the world still views him as guilty of an assault charge, and seems to want to view his court proceedings as an example of a guilty party who got off easy, is a misperception that needs to be corrected. If you were in that situation, wouldn't you want the truth to be known? Or would you just "get on with life" and be fine with the fact that the world still considers you a violent domestic abuser?
After a lengthy investigation and hours of testimony, the UNH hearing board concluded that Casey was NOT RESPONSIBLE for causing physical harm. As in -- INNOCENT. They came to that conclusion independently -- BEFORE the court trial had even taken place. That was not a plea-bargain situation, it was a finding of fact.
I can't speak for Casey or his family, but my impression is that Casey is not looking for anything but for the WHOLE truth to be acknowledged -- which includes both good and bad. He accepted full responsibility for what he did -- immediately -- but he should not have to go through life being viewed as responsible for something he didn't do. No one should be put in that position, regardless of age.
Why is our society, as evidenced by some of the opinions expressed on this board, so very quick to believe accusations -- but so very reluctant to consider the possibility that those allegations may be completely false? If the school and the police have both come to the conclusion that the charge was without merit, why is that the the media and the general public can't accept that?
In my opinion, the damage that has been to this young man's reputation by the negative publicity surrounding the initial baseless accusation is far worse than anything he did that night. Far, far worse.
It is absolutely true that in a sense, he has only himself to blame for what has happened. But in my view, he is not to blame for everything that has happened since the allegation was made public. That mess is the complete responsibility of the media -- and it something that is worth fighting to correct, if only to help ensure that the media (and those who read newspapers and blogs) will be more fair-minded the next time some college kid is accused without cause of a despicable act.
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Clear his name relative to the facts and get back on the road of life.
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
You're way off base here. If he was charged "without cause" why did he accept a plea deal? Since what you call "the allegation" and most would call "the arrest" was made public a few things have happened, none the responsibility of the press. First he was charged, which led to his suspension from school and from the hockey team. He then accepted a very favorable plea deal which will expunge the charges from his record. This allowed him to be reinstated as a student although not as a member of the hockey team. I think the vast majority of viewers on this forum would feel that he got about as good as he could get, considering the circumstances. Furthermore I think that most of us here would view Casey DeSmith as a decent kid who got way too drunk and did some stuff that, if he was sober or even less drunk, he wouldn't have done. But it is what it is and it isway too late to change what happened. At this point, if I were you, I would give it a rest.
You're way off base here. If he was charged "without cause" why did he accept a plea deal? Since what you call "the allegation" and most would call "the arrest" was made public a few things have happened, none the responsibility of the press. First he was charged, which led to his suspension from school and from the hockey team. He then accepted a very favorable plea deal which will expunge the charges from his record. This allowed him to be reinstated as a student although not as a member of the hockey team. I think the vast majority of viewers on this forum would feel that he got about as good as he could get, considering the circumstances. Furthermore I think that most of us here would view Casey DeSmith as a decent kid who got way too drunk and did some stuff that, if he was sober or even less drunk, he wouldn't have done. But it is what it is and it isway too late to change what happened. At this point, if I were you, I would give it a rest.
NCAA watcher
Registered User
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Did Guertin testify at the hearing? Was she continuing to push for prosecution of him?
Did Guertin testify at the hearing? Was she continuing to push for prosecution of him?
UNH Wildcats Fan
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Guertin did testify at the hearing. It is my understanding that she also told the school in the immediate aftermath of the incident that she never intended her accusation to lead where it led.
It led to a charge of simple assault/domestic violence, a charge that was initially filed by police based solely on her accusation -- a charge which was followed by school and police investigations -- which were themselves followed by hearings that led to the dismissal of the charge upon the completion of those investigations. You can draw from that what you will. But if you insist on believing that a violent domestic abuser was for some unknown reason just casually relieved of all responsibility for beating up a young woman, I'd suggest that you might want to study the protocols of the school's disciplinary process and the doctrines followed by by the criminal justice system a bit more closely. Neither is famous for letting people who are guilty of violent crimes just walk.
At this point, I think Greg A is right. I've said enough. I came to this board to share what I know about the facts of this incident with people that are fans of the team. Those of you who haven't pre-judged this young man hopefully have a better idea now about some of the unreported facts of the matter. I won't bother saying that I'm not a member of Casey's family, because many of you wouldn't believe me if I did. I'm just someone who happens to know more than most people do about this incident -- and someone who doesn't like seeing a good person's name and reputation get smeared.
Neither the team, nor this forum, need this distraction. I wish you and the Wildcats all the best for the remainder of this season. I will remain hopeful that as further information emerges, both you and the world at large will acknowledge that there are two sides to every story, and that listening to only one of them is not what justice and fairness are all about.
Guertin did testify at the hearing. It is my understanding that she also told the school in the immediate aftermath of the incident that she never intended her accusation to lead where it led.
It led to a charge of simple assault/domestic violence, a charge that was initially filed by police based solely on her accusation -- a charge which was followed by school and police investigations -- which were themselves followed by hearings that led to the dismissal of the charge upon the completion of those investigations. You can draw from that what you will. But if you insist on believing that a violent domestic abuser was for some unknown reason just casually relieved of all responsibility for beating up a young woman, I'd suggest that you might want to study the protocols of the school's disciplinary process and the doctrines followed by by the criminal justice system a bit more closely. Neither is famous for letting people who are guilty of violent crimes just walk.
At this point, I think Greg A is right. I've said enough. I came to this board to share what I know about the facts of this incident with people that are fans of the team. Those of you who haven't pre-judged this young man hopefully have a better idea now about some of the unreported facts of the matter. I won't bother saying that I'm not a member of Casey's family, because many of you wouldn't believe me if I did. I'm just someone who happens to know more than most people do about this incident -- and someone who doesn't like seeing a good person's name and reputation get smeared.
Neither the team, nor this forum, need this distraction. I wish you and the Wildcats all the best for the remainder of this season. I will remain hopeful that as further information emerges, both you and the world at large will acknowledge that there are two sides to every story, and that listening to only one of them is not what justice and fairness are all about.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
To segue back to hockey, does anybody here think that this season would have been substantially different if Casey DeSmith was still in net? Since his dismissal from the team it seems like to some on here UNH lost another Ty Conklin or Mike Ayers. Casey DeSmith has more in common with Bob Smith than with either of those guys. He was a middle of the pack goalie in Hockey East last year. And has been goaltending really been an issue this season? Until this past weekend Clark has performed better than expected. The problem with this team has (again until this past weekend) has been the offense, which couldn't score in a brothel with a fistful of $100 bills.
To segue back to hockey, does anybody here think that this season would have been substantially different if Casey DeSmith was still in net? Since his dismissal from the team it seems like to some on here UNH lost another Ty Conklin or Mike Ayers. Casey DeSmith has more in common with Bob Smith than with either of those guys. He was a middle of the pack goalie in Hockey East last year. And has been goaltending really been an issue this season? Until this past weekend Clark has performed better than expected. The problem with this team has (again until this past weekend) has been the offense, which couldn't score in a brothel with a fistful of $100 bills.
The Zlax45
Registered User
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
BTW, I think every news outlet would NEVER post the name of a potential domestic violence victim thus the reason many publications didn't post it.
BTW, I think every news outlet would NEVER post the name of a potential domestic violence victim thus the reason many publications didn't post it.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Those of you with more experience can come up with prob more succinct answers to this q but for simplicities sake I view our issues as multi faceted, with goal tending being just a piece of it. Would agree we would have had more stability initially between the pipes but not sure as the season progressed. Still just his experience would have to count for something given the young D and given the fact Knodel TvR and Agosta all left well you know the rest of the story! Add a lack of scoring, the freshmen learning curve...would it matter if Jonathan Quick were back there? (haha well..maybe) Personally I believe Adam Clark has responded admirably and a goalie can't stop it all.
Finally we will never know or can only speculate what / where we would be win/ loss wise had Casey been our GK...but it makes for interesting reading! After all we've got a hockey season here!
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Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Not substantially, but somewhat. 2, 3 more wins with an established goal tender who is capable of stealing a game or 2 and without the distraction, especially for the seniors. Think Willows had much on his mind during the past 3 and a half months?
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Well I guess I could agree with this, seeing how we lost what, 5 games by one goal? The distraction...more like a debacle.
I hope they have indeed put that behind them. As for Willows, he's done a great job so far, don't you think? Scoring almost every game, comes to play every night.. Of course, you would think that yes, he's had some stuff on his mind, who wouldn't.
Well I guess I could agree with this, seeing how we lost what, 5 games by one goal? The distraction...more like a debacle.
I hope they have indeed put that behind them. As for Willows, he's done a great job so far, don't you think? Scoring almost every game, comes to play every night.. Of course, you would think that yes, he's had some stuff on his mind, who wouldn't.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
Don't forget that there were times that he was stellar in net, for example in a long stretch of fall 2012, which included 200+ minutes of shut out goal tending, and had UNH ranked #1 in the PWR going into the semester break. Granted, UNH was playing incredible team defense in front of him for most of the first half. Despite less stellar play in the second half, the Cats still hung in there to make a fine effort in the post-season that year. So, until Labor Day weekend, that is the goaltender that I was hoping we would have in net this year, especially given the loss of so much D and O in front of him. Sadly, all that we can do now is speculate on what might have been.
We are next in line for our flight, once we hear whether the early morning plane made it in; ten-hour boomerang flights are a waste of money and time, so they try to avoid them.
Don't forget that there were times that he was stellar in net, for example in a long stretch of fall 2012, which included 200+ minutes of shut out goal tending, and had UNH ranked #1 in the PWR going into the semester break. Granted, UNH was playing incredible team defense in front of him for most of the first half. Despite less stellar play in the second half, the Cats still hung in there to make a fine effort in the post-season that year. So, until Labor Day weekend, that is the goaltender that I was hoping we would have in net this year, especially given the loss of so much D and O in front of him. Sadly, all that we can do now is speculate on what might have been.
We are next in line for our flight, once we hear whether the early morning plane made it in; ten-hour boomerang flights are a waste of money and time, so they try to avoid them.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
No way. 2-3 more wins WOULD be substantial (that's 50% more than they've earned to date), and would have made this a .500 team right now, basically. There's no way of determining the correct answer there, but as others have stated, the issues have been a lack of experience (and more recently the Pesce injury) on the backline, and lack of scoring punch up front. Your 2014/2015 UNH Wildcats were always going to struggle once their 3 top defensemen all left school with remaining eligibility, and were joined on their way out by two of their top scoring forwards.
We've gone from one reliable, middle-of-the-road HE goalie to a freshman who looks like he'll be a positive factor in years to come, hasn't embarassed himself and is competing admirably for the most part in a very demanding situation.
Not what anyone planned for this season, but with nothing likely this season in terms of hardware anyway, the opportunity to give Clark (and likely Tirone, depending on how Coach Umile plays them) a head start on the future is one of those possible "silver linings" that we're going to have to accept for the time being while the rest of the team matures.
No way. 2-3 more wins WOULD be substantial (that's 50% more than they've earned to date), and would have made this a .500 team right now, basically. There's no way of determining the correct answer there, but as others have stated, the issues have been a lack of experience (and more recently the Pesce injury) on the backline, and lack of scoring punch up front. Your 2014/2015 UNH Wildcats were always going to struggle once their 3 top defensemen all left school with remaining eligibility, and were joined on their way out by two of their top scoring forwards.
We've gone from one reliable, middle-of-the-road HE goalie to a freshman who looks like he'll be a positive factor in years to come, hasn't embarassed himself and is competing admirably for the most part in a very demanding situation.
Not what anyone planned for this season, but with nothing likely this season in terms of hardware anyway, the opportunity to give Clark (and likely Tirone, depending on how Coach Umile plays them) a head start on the future is one of those possible "silver linings" that we're going to have to accept for the time being while the rest of the team matures.
e.cat
Seasoned Veteran
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I disagree!. I think he should have been suspended from the school and the team until the legal process ran it's course. I think in these cases the "system' is obligated, for a lack of a better term, to prosecute the alleged "assailant" even if the "victim" does not want to pursue further action. As far as I can see from what is being put out here, DeSmith was only found guilty of disorderly conduct or some such minor aggravation. Consequently, IMHO he should have been reinstated as a member of the team as well as the school. Yes he is guilty of getting drunk. This is not an uncommon occurrence on campus. That doesn't excuse the behavior in any way, but that is a far cry from allegedly beating his girlfriend to a pulp. The legal system did not find him guilty of assault. If it did I would agree he should be suspended from school and the team. Furthermore, allegedly Willows was there and probably drunk also. Should he be suspended from school and the team? Of course not! So why should DeSmith?
I disagree!. I think he should have been suspended from the school and the team until the legal process ran it's course. I think in these cases the "system' is obligated, for a lack of a better term, to prosecute the alleged "assailant" even if the "victim" does not want to pursue further action. As far as I can see from what is being put out here, DeSmith was only found guilty of disorderly conduct or some such minor aggravation. Consequently, IMHO he should have been reinstated as a member of the team as well as the school. Yes he is guilty of getting drunk. This is not an uncommon occurrence on campus. That doesn't excuse the behavior in any way, but that is a far cry from allegedly beating his girlfriend to a pulp. The legal system did not find him guilty of assault. If it did I would agree he should be suspended from school and the team. Furthermore, allegedly Willows was there and probably drunk also. Should he be suspended from school and the team? Of course not! So why should DeSmith?
They legal system didn't find him innocent either. And to answer your question regarding Willows, the reason he was not suspended is because nobody call 911 and reported his involvement in a domestic assault.
Darius
Go 'cats!
Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Wait 'Til Next Year!!!
I wonder if the defense might have progressed differently with Casey in net. You play differently when thinking the goal tender has your back covered vs. playing in front of a net minder who you are not quite as confident in.
That puts it in perspective. 2 - 3 more wins is a 50% increase although hopefully the delta won't be so large for the full season. I don't believe Casey would have accounted for 4 - 6 wins from October - March. His presence would have lifted us a couple of places in the final HEA standings, where a point or 3 makes a big difference, and perhaps secured an extra HEA tournament win or 2, but we'd still likely not make the HEA final or the NCAA tournament unless we caught lightening in a bottle which, as Snively65 pointed out, Casey had a history of doing. Of course it (((could))) still happen.
I wonder if the defense might have progressed differently with Casey in net. You play differently when thinking the goal tender has your back covered vs. playing in front of a net minder who you are not quite as confident in.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Your last statement has been on my mind really from day 1; knowing how young we would be I thought "well at least we still have CDS back there".
When that changed I knew it would be a challenge. And if you take away the UML drubbing it's been better than I personally anticipated.
It's almost like did the chicken come before the egg". Rookie D rookie GK...does it really matter who is the stronger piece even the best GK gets scored on. Case in point for me at least when we are playing long periods of D , not clearing the zone I'm saying "anytime now" we're gonna get scored in and there it is usually! Of course that's the way of it most of the time for any team; law of ave. Casey is missed there is no question but Clark is doing well and wonder if/how the arrival of Tirone will pan out...
Should be interesting when all is said and done about this season how we can look back and have a perspective built on hindsight.
At this point are we disappointed with our season or was this as expected...pre the "distraction"? Hmmm....
Ps my CHN app still shows CDS on our roster
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