UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

You see ... this is where having captains with mediocre playing resumes can really hurt a team. Let's just say this all happened, just as reported by Kelleher and Cleland. Do you not think at some point, the players who are getting "an earful" from senior leadership aren't at least thinking "What the heck have you done to set you apart? You could have won it late, and didn't. Plus you didn't even dress in the playoffs last season when I dressed. ***." It just sets up an unnatural, and ultimately constructed dynamic in the locker room.

Same thing with writing in the senior checking line as the "first line" for the first month-plus.

I hate having been the one who sounded the alarm on this, and it kills me to see it actually playing out now, but this is not good, and as a result my expectations for this season have plummeted.

Would like to say that my intentions were not to open the captain can o beans thing. That being said, this team is playing pretty much to where I expected them to be, being honest... We played very well the first period last night; almost shut down hockey and that would've been the time to get 2, 3 goals up on the MMen. Looking back already (which does no good of course) it's possible we 'could've been, should've been ahead 3 games at least but they have to learn how to win those. Tonight will be a stiff test to be sure; I'd like to think we can play with the Eagles, rise to the occasion kind of thing. Certainly will show even more what we can, cannot do.

I just don't know if I can fully agree that there's an unnatural dynamic running through the locker room, they all have their chances on the ice. I know that's not a sufficient response to where you are at with the Capt. thing; but I have no evidence that points to that. Snively65 makes a good point about the 'tale of the tape'...that's evidence I can take a look at and find some agreement.

Really if you watch the post game you can clearly see the disappointment. I think they know they let another one, get away. Like I said..they have to learn how to win those and they said as much.

Darius, missed the intro last night and will be there in time for tonight. Still miss what we used to do but...oh well. It doesn't win hockey games, does it...

 

[Snively65]

You see ... this is where having captains with mediocre playing resumes can really hurt a team. Let's just say this all happened, just as reported by Kelleher and Cleland. Do you not think at some point, the players who are getting "an earful" from senior leadership aren't at least thinking "What the heck have you done to set you apart? You could have won it late, and didn't. Plus you didn't even dress in the playoffs last season when I dressed. ***." It just sets up an unnatural, and ultimately constructed dynamic in the locker room.

Same thing with writing in the senior checking line as the "first line" for the first month-plus.

I hate having been the one who sounded the alarm on this, and it kills me to see it actually playing out now, but this is not good, and as a result my expectations for this season have plummeted.

Could not agree more; the plus/minus in the box score tells me all that I need to know. Some of you may recall that I was writing off this year even before the captains decisions last spring. Back then, I was more upbeat on 2016-2017, but now with the defection and decommitments, and apparent setback on the blue line, I am not so sure. :-(

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Back then, I was more upbeat on 2016-2017, but now with the defection and decommitments, and apparent setback on the blue line, I am not so sure. :-(

Just imagine recruiting using this "momentum." "Hey, we're a top 40 program that should remain about the same the next couple of years. Let me introduce you to Coach Umile, he was quite the big to-do in 2003 when you were four. He's forgotten more about coaching than that Coach Leaman who actually came out to see you play and has been recruiting you. (Oh, nevermind that last bit.) Did you catch our tie against U.Mass, or our huge win against AIC? Just wait until we destroy Bentley. No- we're not official members of the Atlantic Hockey Association, we're just visiting. You see, Coach Umile wants to get 600 wins, and we thought this might help. Anyway, you should jump on the program and ride the wave. And I received a pinky promise that in 2018 I might have a chance to run the program, at which time I'd like to have you be part of that top 40 program. What do you think?"

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Just imagine recruiting using this "momentum." "Hey, we're a top 40 program that should remain about the same the next couple of years. Let me introduce you to Coach Umile, he was quite the big to-do in 2003 when you were four. He's forgotten more about coaching than that Coach Leaman who actually came out to see you play and has been recruiting you. (Oh, nevermind that last bit.) Did you catch our tie against U.Mass, or our huge win against AIC? Just wait until we destroy Bentley. No- we're not official members of the Atlantic Hockey Association, we're just visiting. You see, Coach Umile wants to get 600 wins, and we thought this might help. Anyway, you should jump on the program and ride the wave. And I received a pinky promise that in 2018 I might have a chance to run the program, at which time I'd like to have you be part of that top 40 program. What do you think?"

OUCH! Sighhhhh...ok, I will say/concede that a thought I had running through my head watching the post game last night was...Coach seems frustrated, tired. How can he want to do this the next couple? I have not, and will not, come out on any side to this whole thing but the thought did cross my mind. Heck, I'd be soooooo done with this. But then...I'm not making that kind of $$$. I'd be retired this year if I could, shucks. Just made plans to travel out to Troy for the pre thanksgiving clash er...whatever we like to call it ...what the hey. Always wanted to visit the campus my son almost went to. Onward 'Cats!

ps IF we destroy Bentley...that ought to help our PWR! jk..

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

You see ... this is where having captains with mediocre playing resumes can really hurt a team. Let's just say this all happened, just as reported by Kelleher and Cleland. Do you not think at some point, the players who are getting "an earful" from senior leadership aren't at least thinking "What the heck have you done to set you apart? You could have won it late, and didn't. Plus you didn't even dress in the playoffs last season when I dressed. ***." It just sets up an unnatural, and ultimately constructed dynamic in the locker room.

Same thing with writing in the senior checking line as the "first line" for the first month-plus.

I hate having been the one who sounded the alarm on this, and it kills me to see it actually playing out now, but this is not good, and as a result my expectations for this season have plummeted.

Let's just make this short and bitter .......

Your statement includes the following, "this is where having captains with mediocre playing resumes can really hurt a team." The same scenario plays itself out if you substitute the word "coach" for "captains". Of course a coach is going to give preference to senior players .... doesn't it justify preference being given to senior coaches. But then who knows about these things .....

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

That being said, this team is playing pretty much to where I expected them to be, being honest...

Ref, I know you're new to college hockey. As a result, I don't think you understand how EASY the schedule has been to date. To be sitting here at 3-4-3 is a disappointment, even entering the year with limited expectations. It seems apparent to me that this schedule was designed specifically to give the team the fast start they haven't had the past couple of seasons and they have not taken advantage.

Tonight will be UNH's first game against a true NCAA Tournament level team and I don't think we will end up liking the result. BC can possess and move the puck, with the way the D has played this year and Tirone's scrambling style - its going to take a lot of Poturalski/Kelleher offense to win this game...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

I always supported Umile when he was criticized for not winning in the post-season. I think getting there is 99 percent of the battle and the single-game playoffs can be a crap shoot. But, I am definitely in the 'retire after this year' boat at this point. The huge step back in overall talent level and the mismanagement of recent rosters and recruiting classes has worn me out. I can understand him wanting to try to re-build or to avoid leaving this way, but I have no faith in his ability to right the ship at this point...

While Umile has always been loyal to senior classes this season is entirely different. Past seniors have grown into top-six or top-pairing roles, they were at the very least even with the underclassmen who could have also filled those roles. That is just not the case this year. Im convinced that this strategy is what cost us Foegel and it has stunted the growth of, and stolen opportunities from, players like Eiserman, Vela, McNicholas, and Nazarian, etc. Its time to not just demote the senior line, but to break them up entirely...

Correale - Poturalski - Kelleher
Eiserman - McNicholas - Gaudreault
Miller - Vela - Nazarian
MacDonald - Smith - Hill (I'd prefer Salvaggio - Smith - Hill - but certainly that isn't happening...)

For me, 2015-16 has quickly become all about how many points Poturalski and Kelleher can put up (Can they finish 1-2 in the country in scoring, earn All-HE or All-American honors, etc) and whether or not they will return next year. Kelleher is small, and likely to be a four-year player, but if he scores 60+ points (he's on pace for 80) is he back? Poturalski really worries me if he continues to score at this rate - losing either would be devastating for next season...

 

[HockeyRef]

Ref, I know you're new to college hockey. As a result, I don't think you understand how EASY the schedule has been to date. To be sitting here at 3-4-3 is a disappointment, even entering the year with limited expectations. It seems apparent to me that this schedule was designed specifically to give the team the fast start they haven't had the past couple of seasons and they have not taken advantage.

Tonight will be UNH's first game against a true NCAA Tournament level team and I don't think we will end up liking the result. BC can possess and move the puck, with the way the D has played this year and Tirone's scrambling style - its going to take a lot of Poturalski/Kelleher offense to win this game...

Oh yes I do know how "easy" this schedule has been. That's my point: am not surprised they are where they as I knew the D would be very suspect! Said so from day one..

Regardless of what some think about this year's 'Cats being realistic I believe this team is on the young side. Our best players are a couple of jrs (TyK obviously) a select group of Sophs (Pots leading that charge) and a mix of Frosh who are doing well with adjusting to NCAA hockey (Vela Miller and Dawson). Goal keeping is a toss up still. Of course I believe that Sr Dan C is obviously the best of the Sr. Class.

So just to clarify when I say I'm not surprised to be where we are right now..it ain't exactly a compliment. Is it a disappointment to be where we are? Sure. Yes. Absolutely. You could hear it..and see it in the comments made by the players last night in the post game. And yes it pains me greatly to see them like that. I don't think this was part of the early season plan...

Given the schedule you'd think we'd have at least 3 to 5 more wins. I think I'm being realistic to what we have out there. Trying to be pragmatic about it all as well as being a fan.

And uh I know who's skating into the 'Whitt tonight...well aware. Doubt I'll bring my Pom Pom to that one.

On another note the other 'Cats are leading the Maine Black Bears hope e.cat is enjoying the game!

Ps I like your line ideas; like you its highly doubtful it would come to pass.

 

[skyraider0609]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Outstanding idea leaving the pom poms at home tonight. I recall when this would have been a pretty competitive game in years past. Not that UNH would always prevail, but we'd see a great hockey game. Now, not so much. BC 5 UNH 2

Meanwhile across the street, UNH football finishes what could be considered a "down" year with a record of 7-4. Winning four straight to end the season at least puts them in a position to watch the NCAA selection show tomorrow to see if they get an at large bid into the FCS tourney. Not bad Coach Mac after a major exodus of seniors last year. Maybe they get in, who knows. But with the new stadium coming, a solid core returning in 2016, I think the future is pretty exciting for Wildcat football.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled disfunctional program.....

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Just imagine recruiting using this "momentum." "Hey, we're a top 40 program that should remain about the same the next couple of years. Let me introduce you to Coach Umile, he was quite the big to-do in 2003 when you were four. He's forgotten more about coaching than that Coach Leaman who actually came out to see you play and has been recruiting you. (Oh, nevermind that last bit.) Did you catch our tie against U.Mass, or our huge win against AIC? Just wait until we destroy Bentley. No- we're not official members of the Atlantic Hockey Association, we're just visiting. You see, Coach Umile wants to get 600 wins, and we thought this might help. Anyway, you should jump on the program and ride the wave. And I received a pinky promise that in 2018 I might have a chance to run the program, at which time I'd like to have you be part of that top 40 program. What do you think?"

You only left out the part where the Recruit is introduced to the Captain, and there is that uncomfortable moment where the Recruit and the Captain eye each other, sensing past familiarity... until both gradually realize the Recruit and the Captain met each other previously up in the stands during the UNH-PC playoff series last Spring.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Ref, I know you're new to college hockey. As a result, I don't think you understand how EASY the schedule has been to date. To be sitting here at 3-4-3 is a disappointment, even entering the year with limited expectations. It seems apparent to me that this schedule was designed specifically to give the team the fast start they haven't had the past couple of seasons and they have not taken advantage.

Tonight will be UNH's first game against a true NCAA Tournament level team and I don't think we will end up liking the result. BC can possess and move the puck, with the way the D has played this year and Tirone's scrambling style - its going to take a lot of Poturalski/Kelleher offense to win this game...

I always supported Umile when he was criticized for not winning in the post-season. I think getting there is 99 percent of the battle and the single-game playoffs can be a crap shoot. But, I am definitely in the 'retire after this year' boat at this point. The huge step back in overall talent level and the mismanagement of recent rosters and recruiting classes has worn me out. I can understand him wanting to try to re-build or to avoid leaving this way, but I have no faith in his ability to right the ship at this point...

While Umile has always been loyal to senior classes this season is entirely different. Past seniors have grown into top-six or top-pairing roles, they were at the very least even with the underclassmen who could have also filled those roles. That is just not the case this year. Im convinced that this strategy is what cost us Foegel and it has stunted the growth of, and stolen opportunities from, players like Eiserman, Vela, McNicholas, and Nazarian, etc. Its time to not just demote the senior line, but to break them up entirely...

Correale - Poturalski - Kelleher
Eiserman - McNicholas - Gaudreault
Miller - Vela - Nazarian
MacDonald - Smith - Hill (I'd prefer Salvaggio - Smith - Hill - but certainly that isn't happening...)

For me, 2015-16 has quickly become all about how many points Poturalski and Kelleher can put up (Can they finish 1-2 in the country in scoring, earn All-HE or All-American honors, etc) and whether or not they will return next year. Kelleher is small, and likely to be a four-year player, but if he scores 60+ points (he's on pace for 80) is he back? Poturalski really worries me if he continues to score at this rate - losing either would be devastating for next season...

Outstanding posts, Dan. Personally, I don't see Kelleher leaving, but Poturalski has me worried, and it goes against everything I believe to hope his scoring pace falls off just to ensure his return to Durham.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

...ok, I will say/concede that a thought I had running through my head watching the post game last night was...Coach seems frustrated, tired. How can he want to do this the next couple? I have not, and will not, come out on any side to this whole thing but the thought did cross my mind. Heck, I'd be soooooo done with this. But then...I'm not making that kind of $$$. I'd be retired this year if I could, shucks.

Very good observation, and this goes to the point of "Why is Coach Umile still doing this?" Some of us want to think he felt he was making progress these last two seasons, and was excited about the apparent upturn in recruiting many were thinking had happened, so he wanted to take another shot at repeating past glories, or achieving previously elusive new ones. If that's why he's still coaching, then I'm at least understanding and sympathetic to his cause.

If - as some other estimable posters on here believe - he is only back to get to a number (600), then frankly he is wasting everyone's time on a selfish quest for meaningless personal *glory*.

I really do want to believe the former, but cannot dismiss the latter.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Amazing night here at the 'Whitt introducing players of the past AND and amazing goal by Frosh Matt Dawson to tie the score Go 'Cats!!

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

the mismanagement of recent rosters...

As far as our top PK unit - not the pair I'd have out there if it was up to me...

Ref - The defense has not been good and you were right to be worried, but if the forward ice time and the goaltending situation (pre-injury) had been handled better this team is not 3-4-3...

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

"UNH Falls 6-3 to #2 BC"

 

[HockeyRef]

As far as our top PK unit - not the pair I'd have out there if it was up to me...

Ref - The defense has not been good and you were right to be worried, but if the forward ice time and the goaltending situation (pre-injury) had been handled better this team is not 3-4-3...

Oh I think we should have been winning a few of those games to be sure no question. Things are going to be most interesting in the games ahead I suspect.

Who knows if we can put up two wins next couple we r at 500. Two Maine games in Dec along with Dartmouth before the break . Last season 5 wins by Christmas hoping we can top that...Assuming of course we win all of 'em. Nope not the start they wanted (or the rest of us) but here's hoping!!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

"UNH Falls 6-3 to #2 BC"

If you missed this game be sure to watch the defense's great job on the 5 on 3. Also, the goal by Frosh Matt Dawson as he blows it past Demko, his third of the season. Sure am glad we picked him up; he's learning of course but has proven to have decent upside... Defensive mistakes proved costly against a highly skilled BC team. Game was still more competitive than the score FWIW dept. Onto the Engineers..who happened to defeat the Eagles early in the season and sit 2nd in ECAC.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Outstanding idea leaving the pom poms at home tonight. I recall when this would have been a pretty competitive game in years past. Not that UNH would always prevail, but we'd see a great hockey game. Now, not so much. BC 5 UNH 2

Meanwhile across the street, UNH football finishes what could be considered a "down" year with a record of 7-4. Winning four straight to end the season at least puts them in a position to watch the NCAA selection show tomorrow to see if they get an at large bid into the FCS tourney. Not bad Coach Mac after a major exodus of seniors last year. Maybe they get in, who knows. But with the new stadium coming, a solid core returning in 2016, I think the future is pretty exciting for Wildcat football.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled disfunctional program.....

just one question...were you at the game??? I know it's running joke around here about how little I know about hockey but if you were there...you might have been able to see some good stuff in this game. BC got more than I think they expected and yes, I expected UNH to have more than their hands full. Good for football...glad they turned it around. They deserve a new stadium. I should've brought my pom pom as there were great moments to cheer about. The score was 6-3 FWIW dept...

On another note for S's and G's I just compared last season to this one...we ended up at the break 5-9-1. (oh and we did lose the Exhibition but that doesn't count, right?) Man can we beat this I hope...Go 'Cats! Make my roadie to RPI worthwhile...(I may live to regret this but going anyway!)

 

[BCeagle]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part One) - Return of the "Champions of December"??

just one question...were you at the game??? I know it's running joke around here about how little I know about hockey but if you were there...you might have been able to see some good stuff in this game. BC got more than I think they expected and yes, I expected UNH to have more than their hands full. Good for football...glad they turned it around. They deserve a new stadium. I should've brought my pom pom as there were great moments to cheer about. The score was 6-3 FWIW dept...

On another note for S's and G's I just compared last season to this one...we ended up at the break 5-9-1. (oh and we did lose the Exhibition but that doesn't count, right?) Man can we beat this I hope...Go 'Cats! Make my roadie to RPI worthwhile...(I may live to regret this but going anyway!)

I disagree every game is tough when you have a target on your back when you're ranked high. BC expects a tough game especially on the road. BC has played a lot of tough games against unranked teams this year. Maine, MSU, RPI, etc ......

With a young team like this, each game is a learning experience and only makes them a better team. Last year, they would have lost this game but this year they have a lo more depth on the lines and you see the results on offense this year.

 

[HockeyRef]

I disagree every game is tough when you have a target on your back when you're ranked high. BC expects a tough game especially on the road. BC has played a lot of tough games against unranked teams this year. Maine, MSU, RPI, etc ......

With a young team like this, each game is a learning experience and only makes them a better team. Last year, they would have lost this game but this year they have a lo more depth on the lines and you see the results on offense this year.

Highly skilled teams like the Eagles have to be sharp each game to be sure coz everyone wants to beat them. And on any given night esp in hockey this is a very real possibility! Yes they are blessed with exceptional lines to roll out all night long and eventually this was the difference in the game.

I didn't expect them to look past UNH per se and to play at a top level game in and game out has to be tough thing to maintain. I took a look at their results just before this game and can see it hasn't exactly been a roll in the park. Q for you did you see this game and if so how do you think they played (BC) from your perspective?