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

[Snively65]

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"??

Say what you want about plus/minus stats, I think that they mean something, especially after nine games into the season, and they have not been kind to the senior "checking" line.

Richie Boyd leads with +5, followed by Ara Nazarian at +4 and Chris Miller at +1. Maller and Furgele are -6, and the three checking line forwards are -7 to -9.

http://hockeyeastonline.com/men/unh/stats16.php

 

[Greg Ambrose]

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 just got home from watching the basketball team at Conte but agree with fivehole12 pretty much. UNH played BC tough as expected.

BC's depth is the difference this year. None of the goals were the goalie's fault.

I felt the UNH defense let him down.

On the SH goal by Fitz he was given too much time and space to pick the corner when he was allowed to skate in on the goalie by the D.

BC never allowed UNH to take the lead and just kept coming and coming at UNH after they made some surges in the BC end but never could find the net.

It was a hard fought win for BC and after last year, the upperclassmen have blended in well with the frosh who have added a lot of depth to this years team.

Tirone was too deep in his crease on the shortie. He left the whole top left corner open. Take away that one and the one that should have been disallowed for the offside (I sit right on the blue line it was offside by at least a foot) and it's a game. Of course, UNH has to play perfectly, which they pretty much did in the first two periods. Ultimately the game was decided on talent and depth, which BC has more of than UNH.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

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"??

Perhaps you are right about the other accomplishments. I have no knowledge one way or the other. But since this is a hockey board, I/we focus on that. You ask what he could have done, and I grant you that a lot depends on things the public doesn't know. For example, was this a three year "extension" or a buy out of his lifetime contract. (I could see a situation where his contract extended to age 70 and this moved that up by two years.)

Do you push him out in 2011 when he hires an older friend rather than the needed younger guy? Probably not.

Another unknown is what precipitated the Borek move. Was it a matter of Umile now having a closer end so telling Borek it would be wise to start transitioning? Or was it the "need" to bring Umiles chosen successor in to get some credibility? And most importantly from Scarano's evaluation, who suggested that Umile could hand pick his successor rather than doing what every school has ever done and that is form a committee in 2018 perhaps including coach, and letting them decide the best candidate in 2018. Allowing Umile to hand pick seemed like ceding too much control to him.

So, even if focusing solely on hockey and June 2015, I can't say scarano covered himself in glory. We can go back and debate whether this is a pattern of deferring too much (or not pushing back) on his decisions since 2011. That would have taken more courage than one perhaps can expect, but would have been welcome.

My take has always been that Umile held all the cards since he parlayed the UMass offer into a life long contract with UNH. At the time he was flirting with UMass, a lot of people came on this forum and pilloried him because of his lack of loyalty to the program. At the time he was 52 and, like any 52 year old should, he was looking towards the future, including his retirement from the game. My take at the time was that he should take what he can get because, ultimately, the tenure of a college coach can be pretty shaky. And remember, when this all came to a head, Judy Ray was leaving and Marty Scarano was coming in. The impetus to give Umile the deal he got was driven by Judy, not Marty. On top of that, UNH was wildly successful at the time. The Whit was five years old, UNH was selling out every game, the coach was leading them to multiple FF appearances. Umile held all the cards; he had the resume and he had the contract. And Marty was on board with this, big time. Back in those days when we were doing BlueLines, I would talk to him at least once a month. It was during those conversations that he nixed the idea of seat licenses (can you believe that topic ever came up) and the promise that, if and when the coach retired (not was dismissed) he would only hire a coach who D1 head coaching experience. He could say those things because UNH was hot and, by extension, Umile was the gold standard. While I am sure that Marty has been disappointed at the way things have gone with the hockey program over the past several years, his loyalty to Umile remains. He would never have let him go, for two reasons. One, he likes the guy, two, it would cost the University money to buy him out.

I believe that the transition to Souza was done solely to convey a sense of orderly transition in the program. Umile will be 67 next month. If there had been no announcement and no hint that he was even thinking of retiring, how do you think that would have effected recruiting. It's no secret that negative recruiting is a big part of the process. UNH is a prime target of this, based on their dwindling fortunes and the aging of the coach. While there is little that UNH could do immediately to counter the quality of the program, there was something that could be done to counter the uncertainty about who was going to be heading it in 3, 4, 5 years. Given the fact that the job would not be as sought after as it was in the heady days of year 2000, I'll give UNH props for at least facing the problem head on. Whether Souza pans out is something we'll just have to wait to find out.

 

[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"??

This is an incredibly rational response, and I really appreciate it.

1. Completely agree that this is a hockey board, and my OP was is response to the consistent stream of negativity showered on the AD and administration, that had flown far afield of hockey. Note the post that I reacted to, which referenced the football program getting no support from the department and a lack of donor recruitment. That set me off.

2. The rest of your post is PRECISELY the type of rational hockey discussion that this board merits, not the childish character assassination that has been going on.

3. I'm in your court with regards to the 3-year agreement potentially being a compromise to allow a semi-graceful exit. Could have been the best present that the AD was handed, or it could have been the AD applying pressure on a UNH near-deity and coming up with the best possible outcome. Or something in-between.

4. There are several ways in which I think the AD has not acquitted himself well over the past few years, and I have been clear in my criticism. What gets me going is when people jump to assumptions about just how much control the AD had over this situation, and/or whether he actually made the best of a really delicate situation.

In summary, I think with the potential exception of a poster or two here, we all think the time has come for DU to move on, and we all wish that the AD had more control and foresight over the situation. Other rapid decision-making evidence we've seen leads me to believe the AD isn't a shrinking violet.

What we should avoid is the BS non-sequiturs and assignment of blame for all that ails us to the AD. It's petty and ridiculous, given the overall body of work.

What we should have more of is the quality of your above post.

I've really enjoyed this convo and have learned a lot about what's going on at the U...So it begs the question, where do we go from here? Which is the way that's clear...(still looking for that blue jean..etc). Honestly, the next year or two years of recruiting is the REAL future of this team. In two seasons a new coach is on board. I predict we make Regionals next year, a very real possibility IF the D can mature, TyK and Pots stay (please, pretty please) and a few of our incoming catch on and develop. A lot to be excited about!

Thanks for the honest discussion and civility. Lastly, one thing is clear no matter how/where we come from in the ongoing discussion about UNH hockey; we do CARE about it. If you haven't come out to some games, I urge you to do so. The other night seeing people on their feet applauding the 'Cats for thwarting the 5 on 3 was gratifying, almost electric! If we can find it in ourselves to play for a full 60 with intensity, well, it could make for an interesting season. And we still have 5 games to go to the break. Onward 'Cats!!!

 

[bomberhockey]

Perhaps you are right about the other accomplishments. I have no knowledge one way or the other. But since this is a hockey board, I/we focus on that. You ask what he could have done, and I grant you that a lot depends on things the public doesn't know. For example, was this a three year "extension" or a buy out of his lifetime contract. (I could see a situation where his contract extended to age 70 and this moved that up by two years.)

Do you push him out in 2011 when he hires an older friend rather than the needed younger guy? Probably not.

Another unknown is what precipitated the Borek move. Was it a matter of Umile now having a closer end so telling Borek it would be wise to start transitioning? Or was it the "need" to bring Umiles chosen successor in to get some credibility? And most importantly from Scarano's evaluation, who suggested that Umile could hand pick his successor rather than doing what every school has ever done and that is form a committee in 2018 perhaps including coach, and letting them decide the best candidate in 2018. Allowing Umile to hand pick seemed like ceding too much control to him.

So, even if focusing solely on hockey and June 2015, I can't say scarano covered himself in glory. We can go back and debate whether this is a pattern of deferring too much (or not pushing back) on his decisions since 2011. That would have taken more courage than one perhaps can expect, but would have been welcome.

What if this transition in 2018 was supposed to happen 10 years ago? What if the successor with all the credentials was in place? What if all this just kept getting postponed because everything was rolling along, big time recruits, annual appearances in the NCAAs? What if?

 

[wildcatdc]

What if this transition in 2018 was supposed to happen 10 years ago? What if the successor with all the credentials was in place? What if all this just kept getting postponed because everything was rolling along, big time recruits, annual appearances in the NCAAs? What if?

I think this is a very fair point. When you combine a "lifetime contract" (as Greg has pointed out) with success (sometimes JUST ENOUGH success, at the right times, such as NCAA QF's in 2013), people could easily lose sight of succession planning. This in turn could easily lead to a reticence in trying to force a quasi-institution of a coach out earlier than he'd prefer to do so.

To HR's question of what do we do now? Well, perhaps the Les Miles situation is a learning opportunity, and we look to foreshorten the timeline for departure. But if the 3-year window was already a negotiated foreshortening, that might be tough. If so, we need to ensure that Souza is quickly becoming the face of the team from a recruiting perspective, and fast. To that end, I agree 100% with Greg. The announcement was critical to putting SOME sort of timeframe on the departure.

 

[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"??

What if this transition in 2018 was supposed to happen 10 years ago? What if the successor with all the credentials was in place? What if all this just kept getting postponed because everything was rolling along, big time recruits, annual appearances in the NCAAs? What if?

An interesting proposition. Not sure I would have liked that scenario, as it sounds too Red Gendronish.

 

[Greg Ambrose]

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"??

An interesting proposition. Not sure I would have liked that scenario, as it sounds too Red Gendronish.

Red Gendron or Red Berenson?

 

[Snively65]

Red Gendron or Red Berenson?

Well played, Greg.

 

[wildcatdc]

Red Gendron or Red Berenson?

If only we could be so lucky to be discussing Red Berenson's succession plan.....

EDIT: apologies to a certain Notre Dame fan in our midst for referring to anything Ann Arbor

 

[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"??

What if this transition in 2018 was supposed to happen 10 years ago? What if the successor with all the credentials was in place? What if all this just kept getting postponed because everything was rolling along, big time recruits, annual appearances in the NCAAs? What if?

I applaud this comment. It may get to core of what has caused so many "old time" UNH Men's hockey fans to "walk" .... and left the ones who have "stayed" in a state of perpetual disgruntlement. What if a successor had been in place over the last 10 years? What if the coach had retired at age 60 as he said he would in a Fosters article? Might UNH have been able to have the success of such hockey "powers" as Yale, the Q, Union, and Providence? Well as usual.... who knows?

What I do know is that there have been many "what ifs" since my days of selling coffee and pastries in Snively in 1968, while John Conroy played the organ. I can also say that the "what ifs" of the last few years have caused at least this one fan to experience some bitterness. I still go to all the home games and respect the effort of the players. At the 20th celebration of the opening of the Whitt the other night .... I thought I heard some ghosts whispering and although I could not quite make out what they were saying .... maybe it was ....."what if" ......

By the way, I have also been a UNH football fan for lo these many years and I find it very interesting that despite the painful playoff loses for the last 11 years I still admire the way MacDonnell coaches and will not look forward to his retirement. Kind of a mystery isn't it?

Thanks for the "what if" Bomber ........

 

[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"??

Not to pile on Chuck but I suspect you can handle it. Your attacks directed toward MacDonald are really over the top. Say what you will about the team as a whole (despite ever setting foot in the Whit this year!) lacks credibility. These kids are student athletes, not professional athletes. Yeah, they get scholarships and are put on pedestals but they are student athletes working their arses off. I saw MacDonald work his arse off both nights at the Whit this weekend setting an example for his teammates. He has come back from devastating injury and got elected captain by his teammates. I don't think what he says in the dressing room falls on deaf ears because he didn't dress for some games last year. Quite the contrary. I think his teammates see a guy who has come back from adversity and a guy with a strong work ethic deserving of a letter on his sweater!

Yes, I can handle the piling on, e.cat. We've "been there, done that" before, haven't we?

First of all, I have always disagreed (and still do) with the decision to give a career 5th line forward the "C" for this season. I've never said or inferred that MacDonald campaigned for the "C", and I've certainly never said or inferred that MacDonald didn't give his all for the cause at any point in his career. The injury was serious, and his recovery was noteworthy. But unless we are infatuated with the story of his recovery/return - which is hardly unique in the world of high-level competitive sports - then I think any objective observer is going to conclude MacDonald lacks the playing resume to carry the "C" with authority in the room. With an "A", maybe no one bats an eye, and this is a relative non-issue (see Gaudreault, Maxim).

No, actually my critical comments on this issue are directed at none other than the Coach who runs the on-ice program. If the player was such a great, inspirational leader of his teammates ... then why didn't the coach dress him in most (any?) of the team's biggest games last season? Those are the games where you need ALL of your leadership out on the ice, no?? And if there was even the slightest inkling of MacDonald being not only among this year's leader, but THE designated leader ("C") of this year's team, then how doesn't Coach have him at least dressed and skating a 4th line shift to at least have some gravitas to bring to the leadership team for the following season???

Unless these leadership qualities have only just emerged in this past offseason, none of this makes any sense. That is not a shot at the kid - that is a shot at the guy who ultimately makes the decision on who gets those letters. It's baffling.

I'm open to considering any logical explanation, but there really have been none to date. All I can see is a bunch of kids who (confronted with a leadership vacuum) decide to bestow honor and respect on a fellow kid who has overcome some adversity. As a society, we tend to do that more often these days than in the past, and although maybe it's a "feel good" thing, it was a questionable leadership decision, which was then sanctioned by the guy who is ultimately the leader of the program. And that's the guy with the lifetime contract, who really should know better.

Correale got an "A" yet he has been a regular in some capacity - alone among his classmates - throughout his entire UNH career. No one has ever questioned his commitment to the program, his work ethic ... AND he has played in 109 games - including virtually ALL of the program's biggest games since he was a frosh (even if early on his role was limited). If he was selected "C" ... again, the "A" decisions are likely relative non-issues.

And worse still ... in an attempt to back/boost his seniors, he's (over)played them at a level far beyond their previous stations. And it's blown up in Coach's face, both with on-ice results and arguably retarding the development of more talented younger players, at least one of whom may have tired of the charade and left in mid-season for greener pastures.

The biggest omission (at least to me) is Kelleher. Sure, he's *only* a junior, but just to point out the fallacy of the situation ... Kelleher has played in 50% more games (76) than MacDonald (51) had going into this season - while using a full season less of eligibility. Heck, Matias Cleland has played in 80 in his first two seasons. A couple of seasons ago, I thought it was curious when a career back-up goalie (Wyer) got an "A", so maybe Coach has been complicit in devaluing the importance of the "C" by assenting to at least that selection?

Which only makes you wonder how 15 years ago, the following back-up goalie - with probably the most compelling "backstory" of my time as a UNH supporter - didn't get a letter on his sweater, despite overcoming staggering odds ...

http://www.uscho.com/1998/11/23/dreams-and-fulfillment/

http://filardogoaltendingacademy.com/about-mfga/michael-filardo/

In closing ... e.cat, if things turn around this season, and the team goes on to make it to the Garden or (better yet) the NCAA's, then I'll admit I was wrong, and give credit to all who deserve it. Once upon a time, I gave a rash of crap to Coach MacDonnell in his early years in the post-Bowes era, and he has proven me to have been grossly wrong, and I have admitted to that. Since returning, I've probably been Coach Umile's biggest supporter, and I take zero pleasure in calling him out on this issue.

All in all, nothing makes me happier than competitive success for the programs/teams I follow. And nothing makes me crankier than seeing those in charge making questionable leadership decisions. And with UNH Hockey, this season to date has been filled with too little of the former, and too much of the latter. Here's to hoping for a quick turnaround. JMHO.

 

[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"??

HR, I respectfully disagree with some of the things contained in your following post ...

Our captain, along with the other 2, are indeed hard working players who deserve respect. They care about the welfare of this team and I know the other players hold them in high esteem. How do I know that? It's obvious if you attend games and see the team interact. I remember when he broke his leg and how devastating that injury was, and how hard he worked to come back from it. In fact it was so bad that he had serious complications that were life threatening. Can only imagine. No I really can't imagine. While coming back from this injury isn't the main reason WHY he should be captain let's not forget the TEAM voted for him so it's a no brainer assumption that he has the leadership capabilities THEY wanted.

...

It's not a popularity contest...it's 'who is right for the job'. I've had plenty of prima donna athletes chosen as captains who had only their best interests in mind so I know this to be true. So really wasn't that surprised he was selected, but at the same time, I also knew, it would raise an eyebrow or two given his limited role in the past. When you think about these present 'Cats, who DOESNT have a past limited role, other than TyK, Cleland, Maller? Their turn is next year....

At least to me, this year's selections absolutely 100% smack of "popularity contest". It doesn't mean there was an ulterior motive or that the kids were wrong-minded in wanting to vote the way they apparently did. It certainly doesn't mean CM or MG or even DC did anything wrong here. It's their team, and I'm certain if Coach Umile felt strongly enough to the contrary, he would (should?) have overridden the decisions. But as I mentioned in my last post - as well as in other previous posts - if Coach Umile has even the slightest inkling that CM is going to be this year's captain during last year's postseason ... how does the kid not even dress? That's a sign of an out-of-touch coach.

I also have to call BS on the idea that you were not surprised at the "C" selection.

Finally ... why do the more prominent juniors have to wait until "next year" if they are more qualified THIS year?

This team is already facing adversity and I think they are in for some more as there are injuries to be worked through. The least we can do on a 'fan forum' is to speak positively / objectively to them. I sure wouldn't want my kid talked about the way they are here and I know this is a public forum where 'anything' goes. They aren't perfect, they may not score 3 goals a game but they represent us when they skate onto the ice each night. And yes, they are scholarshipped athletes who aren't above fan commentary for their performance. That's the life of an athlete esp. at this high level. That's not the point here. You are so right e.cat...they are indeed still student athletes and I appreciate the reminder. Go 'Cats!!

We are all fans coming from different places, with different ways of being a fan. Vive le difference!!

 

[HockeyRef]

HR, I respectfully disagree with some of the things contained in your following post ...



At least to me, this year's selections absolutely 100% smack of "popularity contest". It doesn't mean there was an ulterior motive or that the kids were wrong-minded in wanting to vote the way they apparently did. It certainly doesn't mean CM or MG or even DC did anything wrong here. It's their team, and I'm certain if Coach Umile felt strongly enough to the contrary, he would (should?) have overridden the decisions. But as I mentioned in my last post - as well as in other previous posts - if Coach Umile has even the slightest inkling that CM is going to be this year's captain during last year's postseason ... how does the kid not even dress? That's a sign of an out-of-touch coach.

I also have to call BS on the idea that you were not surprised at the "C" selection.

Finally ... why do the more prominent juniors have to wait until "next year" if they are more qualified THIS year?



We are all fans coming from different places, with different ways of being a fan. Vive le difference!!

Thanks for the response to my post Chuck of course it's great to have different opinions on a forum makes it interesting. Everybody is a fan by their own definition too! You told me early on when I began posting here that it isn't always an eye to eye thing either and that makes it a good board of differing views. I'm also about that 'nurturing mindset' (your words once) while you referred yourself just a bit differently as I recall something about being a cold hearted (fill in the blank)

And you can call BS all you want but really it wasn't a surprise who got Captain. Seriously I did think of CMacD as a viable Captain and I still do. I will say that I did expect either TyK or Cleland to be in there as well.

As to your question/query about Jrs being Captain I guess that's a personal preference I had as a coach. Not that it wouldn't bother me if we had Jr. leadership this season mind you...I am happy with the selections this season but I do understand your points about the importance of past playing exoerience.

So here we are and I'm looking forward to the road trip ahead tomorrow to Troy. Go ahead call me crazy! They better win... . Go 'Cats!

 

[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"??

Thanks for the response to my post Chuck of course it's great to have different opinions on a forum makes it interesting. Everybody is a fan by their own definition too! You told me early on when I began posting here that it isn't always an eye to eye thing either and that makes it a good board of differing views. I'm also about that 'nurturing mindset' (your words once) while you referred yourself just a bit differently as I recall something about being a cold hearted (fill in the blank)

Yup. I am still that same cold hearted bast!d. Truth in advertising.

And you can call BS all you want but really it wasn't a surprise who got Captain. �� Seriously I did think of CMacD as a viable Captain and I still do. I will say that I did expect either TyK or Cleland to be in there as well.

I still call BS. But assuming you weren't surprised then you're on a very short list of such folks.

As to your question/query about Jrs being Captain I guess that's a personal preference I had as a coach. Not that it wouldn't bother me if we had Jr. leadership this season mind you...I am happy with the selections this season but I do understand your points about the importance of past playing experience.

It's been my preference as well, and if it was even close, I'd be there with you. But this season's situation is SO different from any recent season in my UNH Hockey experience, it was *begging* for a fresh new approach to the leadership issue. When your senior choices for the leadership letters include 5th line and 4th pairing types like Gaudreault, Smith, MacDonald and Quast ... it really shows what you're up against. I think Coach "lucked" out with his "A" selections last season, and pressed his luck a step too far this season.

I've said this before, and I'll repeat it here. I've made this mistake myself before, and at the end of the day, the mistake was mine - not that of the kids who are basically deciding between friends. Obviously I don't expect Coach Umile to do a public "oopsie" about this, but it has been an elephant in the room since last Spring, and I can't ignore it and make believe it's not there. So the cold hearted bast!d just has to have his say, and (sadly) probably wait 'til next year for Coach to learn from his mistake - all while hoping things turn around and there is another happy Springtime surprise for the 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"??

Agreed with your first point - 100%.

As to your second point, I have reached my breaking point here. Whatever your personal beef is with Scarano, (and you made it personal with your bringing his wife into it - classy move, kinda like your tacky comment about the UNH head of development), you should come clean about it, or stop with the disparaging and baseless attacks. To hear you tell it, all that is wrong in the world is Scarano's fault.

It's reached the point of absurdity, and your credibility is waning. Your obvious lack of insight into what is happening broadly in Durham, and more specifically in the athletic department, is glaring. Your re-entry to the boards here included a direct attack on Scarano, where, in the end, you came out on the wrong side of history.

In October, I was involved in a really interesting conversation with a UNH alum, huge donor, and a accomplished professional athlete. Unprovoked, he was lauding praise on how far UNH athletics has come since his days (which preceded mine) on campus. He was effusive in his praise of the department and how the senior administration supported the athletic department.

I couldn't have agreed with him more. As an actual alumni who suffered the ignominy of the late 80's/early 90's hoops and hockey mess, where there was MINIMAL student support (it was all about Greek Life those days), I can say that what I see on campus when I'm back for visits is truly remarkable - it feels like a complete university these days, with a real, functioning athletics department (not just Lively Snively). I feel more inclined to respect HIS perspective and my own comparative experiences than someone who is taking potshots at every chance he gets, displaying a real lack of understanding as to the accomplishments of the UNH athletic teams. And I'm done sitting on the sidelines while it happens.

Whether you consider it self-aggrandizing or not (really don't care if you do), his UNH biography is a good read for those who want to see a list of accomplishments over the past 16 years. A pretty impressive mix of scholarly achievement, capital improvements, athletic performance, fundraising, and brand awareness. I would say that an objective reader will see the bias towards facts and data - I wouldn't call this a spin piece.

http://unhwildcats.com/staff.aspx?staff=1

I have said many times on these boards that I don't have a dog in the Scarano race. Met him once or twice, brief conversations, as he worked the room at hockey games. Wasn't feeling the warm fuzzies, but I don't care - I just want performance. Hated the wording of the original McCloskey headline, but the decision was rock-solid. Have a hard time beating him up over Umile - I think that horse had left the barn, a la Bowden. And you can't bemoan the lack of broad public support for UNH hockey In one breath and then hammer him for his attempts to broaden the reach through corporate deals and Verizon games In the next.

But I'm not going to sit by any longer in these boards, Chuck, and have you pillory the athletics department and its head, when, as a 5-year student in the dark days and now someone who is proudly involved as an alum and donor, I can see the revolutionary shift that has happened. (By the way, this extends to UNH as a whole over the last 7-8 years, coinciding with Huddleston's arrival) The campus, and its athletics, are thriving. The donor base is growing, the infrastructure is exploding, etc. etc.

Sorry to make this an open, letter, Chuck, but it's been two long years of the same diatribe. I have HUGE respect for your history with regards to UNH hockey, and your hockey knowledge in general. It adds SO MUCH to the dialogue here, and I appreciate it. But please, bury the Scarano hatchet. For cripessake, the guy was National AD of the year not too long ago!!!

Rant over.

Honestly, I don't have the time or the energy to respond to all of this - other than to say, if you are happy with the status quo in Men's Hockey, and can overlook its steady decline under BS35+3's tenure, then more power to you. Football is in its ascendancy - and it's hard to believe your pro megabucks alumni buddy is anything other than a football guy - so with the progress that's been happening with that program (with support coming facilities-wise arguably later than it should have) you have every right to be happy and proud. Don't let me rain on your parade ... but likewise, don't ask me to march in a parade that I can't even visualize.

What I do see is deep rooted complacency all around the program I care most about. And I see a guy who has presided over the slow but steady descent of that program from its apex near the top of D-1 to its current levels of mediocrity. Not to mention the mass exodus of the fanbase, which he's really shown no capacity OR interest in recapturing. For what it's worth, I've never been among those critical of playing regular season games in Manchester - heck, I'd love to see a Beanpot like tourney there someday - although you do have to admit it is somewhat embarrassing to be hosting Regionals there when your program doesn't qualify.

If you don't like the criticisms, then you are perfectly welcome to have your say, and defend your man. Your post does come across as a little too partisan and subjective for my liking, but if you've tasted the "I Believe in UNH" *rebranding* and like the taste, then who am I to object and tell you you're wrong? I'm not seeing what you're seeing, but if you're happy with things in Durham to the point that other *successes* soften the blow of UNH Hockey's continued backslide into the lower half of HE, then good for you. No rant here.

 

[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"??

Annddd Brett Pesce gets his second career goal in as many days!! Guess heading to the NHL was a good idea after all! �� Awesome! Picking up where he left off...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln26j4YzEhQ

 

[e.cat]

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"??

Honestly, I don't have the time or the energy to respond to all of this - other than to say, if you are happy with the status quo in Men's Hockey, and can overlook its steady decline under BS35+3's tenure, then more power to you. Football is in its ascendancy - and it's hard to believe your pro megabucks alumni buddy is anything other than a football guy - so with the progress that's been happening with that program (with support coming facilities-wise arguably later than it should have) you have every right to be happy and proud. Don't let me rain on your parade ... but likewise, don't ask me to march in a parade that I can't even visualize.

What I do see is deep rooted complacency all around the program I care most about. And I see a guy who has presided over the slow but steady descent of that program from its apex near the top of D-1 to its current levels of mediocrity. Not to mention the mass exodus of the fanbase, which he's really shown no capacity OR interest in recapturing. For what it's worth, I've never been among those critical of playing regular season games in Manchester - heck, I'd love to see a Beanpot like tourney there someday - although you do have to admit it is somewhat embarrassing to be hosting Regionals there when your program doesn't qualify.

If you don't like the criticisms, then you are perfectly welcome to have your say, and defend your man. Your post does come across as a little too partisan and subjective for my liking, but if you've tasted the "I Believe in UNH" *rebranding* and like the taste, then who am I to object and tell you you're wrong? I'm not seeing what you're seeing, but if you're happy with things in Durham to the point that other *successes* soften the blow of UNH Hockey's continued backslide into the lower half of HE, then good for you. No rant here.

Chuck, we get it. You don't believe in UNH. You didn't go to UNH. You are not a New Hampshire native. You are a bandwagon fan. You are nonpartisan and you don't like pro megabucks alumni football buddies, whatever and whoever that means. You don't like parades but you do like the Montreal Expos! I think I get it but don't ask me to explain it.

 

[wildcatdc]

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"??

Honestly, I don't have the time or the energy to respond to all of this - other than to say, if you are happy with the status quo in Men's Hockey, and can overlook its steady decline under BS35+3's tenure, then more power to you. Football is in its ascendancy - and it's hard to believe your pro megabucks alumni buddy is anything other than a football guy - so with the progress that's been happening with that program (with support coming facilities-wise arguably later than it should have) you have every right to be happy and proud. Don't let me rain on your parade ... but likewise, don't ask me to march in a parade that I can't even visualize.

What I do see is deep rooted complacency all around the program I care most about. And I see a guy who has presided over the slow but steady descent of that program from its apex near the top of D-1 to its current levels of mediocrity. Not to mention the mass exodus of the fanbase, which he's really shown no capacity OR interest in recapturing. For what it's worth, I've never been among those critical of playing regular season games in Manchester - heck, I'd love to see a Beanpot like tourney there someday - although you do have to admit it is somewhat embarrassing to be hosting Regionals there when your program doesn't qualify.

If you don't like the criticisms, then you are perfectly welcome to have your say, and defend your man. Your post does come across as a little too partisan and subjective for my liking, but if you've tasted the "I Believe in UNH" *rebranding* and like the taste, then who am I to object and tell you you're wrong? I'm not seeing what you're seeing, but if you're happy with things in Durham to the point that other *successes* soften the blow of UNH Hockey's continued backslide into the lower half of HE, then good for you. No rant here.

This is about the reply I expected. Let me share a couple of thoughts, and then I will stand down.

You talk about the "program you most care about", and about me being comfortable with the status quo or backslide of UNH Hockey. What a joke. My rabid following of UNH Hockey goes back to my undergrad days, where I was arrested outside of Snively for being the last man standing in protest of the fact that the Admin at the time sold tickets to the general public, shutting students out for our QF playoff series. It continued as I became a member of Friends of UNH Hockey in the 2000 or 2001, my membership never wavering. I schedule 5000-mile trips home to coincide with UNH hockey games. I was beside myself when, after scheduling a trip around the Bentley game, a meeting in MSP was moved from 12/3 to 12/10, meaning I had to shift my flight. Much to my delight it means that the Maine game is now possible (sorry Snively65, I really did want to catch Bentley). A highlight of my year is the release of the Media Guide, which I immediately send to my 69-year-old mom so she can print it off and we can refer to it as I watch games on the WSN with crappy Brazilian wi-fi causing buffering issues every 5 minutes. I have traveled far and wide to see the team (at times alone), and had more than one argument in a far-flung U.S. bar as I have tried to get the manager to switch to NESN or some other random FoxSports network. I spent a small fortune to get a UNH jersey framed and hung in my office in DC (which was spotted by several FF fans as my office faces the street that the Verizon Center is on). I spend a good amount of time at the Whitt surrounded by hockey novices, explaining the basics to them to try to get them to get behind the team - so yes, I will be glad to have the JumboTron to see things I missed while explaining offsides for the 1000th time to a well-meaning but underinformed potential fan.

I say all this to say, do not paint me as some UNH generalist or football fanatic with a passing interest in hockey - I wouldn't even know where to FIND a UNH Football Forum. I don't consider you a "bandwagon" fan (though I find it curious that you complain about a lack of fan following and yet you've yet to attend a single game this year, and have only seen one or two on TV), and it's quite clear you know your UNH hockey. I was over-the-top in my praise for your background in the program, and in hockey in general. But what you clearly don't have a clue about is what has happened on campus under Huddleston and Scarano - and I can EVEN understand if you don't care. You didn't attend the University, and I don't think that matters, frankly - you appear to be a loyal UNH Hockey fan, and that's all that matters on this board. But you have consistently blasted Scarano ("my man", apparently, even though I've been clear about my lack of connection to him), much more broadly than just hockey, which shows you know very little about what he's done. I think there are very few people in Durham who are looking forward to the day that either Huddleston or Scarano get an offer from a higher-profile school - it's all but guaranteed to happen. So your snarky comment about "I Believe" - as a proud alumnus, heavily involved with one of the colleges, consistent donor for the betterment of academic and athletic programs, I think you know what I'd like you to do with your comment.

So whatever your personal beef is with Scarano, (and it's reached the point of manic with you - in just the last month you've taken a shot at his wife and managed to connect the Monarch's goalie's domestic violence case to Scarano), it's threadbare. I have huge respect for people like Greg and Watcher who have shared some very-well-connected insight and thoughtful questions about what has gone on within the hockey program, and how complicit Scarano has been in prolonging the inevitable. I even recognize that it's a bad situation, and wish Scarano had more control over outcomes than it seems he has (whether self-inflicted or by virtue of the power of a lifetime contract). But to say things like he doesn't have an interest in recapturing a fanbase is ludicrous. To say that he has willingly and neglectfully presided over the backslide of the program just shows that your disdain for Scarano goes farther than hockey. I have my theories.

One last point... you should be ashamed of the hypocrisy of your "megabucks buddy" comment. You whine about recruitment of donors, and then take potshots at them. By the way, this "buddy" of mine - actually a colleague in this context - has given of himself to UNH in non-financial ways that would make your head spin. Another example of how fired up alumni are to be a part of UNH's ascendancy, not football's ascendancy, which, by the way happened about 10 years ago. Come to campus sometime, Chuck!! And his comment came about as we were marveling at the FIELD HOCKEY "real turf" and the overall improvement of UNH facilities - had ZERO to do with the oblong ball.

Chuck, I truly respect your hockey background and passion for UNH Hockey in particular. I'll leave it at that. I'm done with this topic. On to RPI and Bentley.

 

[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"??

Yup. I am still that same cold hearted bast!d. Truth in advertising.



I still call BS. But assuming you weren't surprised then you're on a very short list of such folks.





It's been my preference as well, and if it was even close, I'd be there with you. But this season's situation is SO different from any recent season in my UNH Hockey experience, it was *begging* for a fresh new approach to the leadership issue. When your senior choices for the leadership letters include 5th line and 4th pairing types like Gaudreault, Smith, MacDonald and Quast ... it really shows what you're up against. I think Coach "lucked" out with his "A" selections last season, and pressed his luck a step too far this season.

I've said this before, and I'll repeat it here. I've made this mistake myself before, and at the end of the day, the mistake was mine - not that of the kids who are basically deciding between friends. Obviously I don't expect Coach Umile to do a public "oopsie" about this, but it has been an elephant in the room since last Spring, and I can't ignore it and make believe it's not there. So the cold hearted bast!d just has to have his say, and (sadly) probably wait 'til next year for Coach to learn from his mistake - all while hoping things turn around and there is another happy Springtime surprise for the program.

Sigh...well, I don't mind being on that short list. Not the first time I've stood alone on an issue!! But this pi**ing contest is over for me. I have to get psyched about the 3 + hr trip ahead!!! Have a nice Thanksgiving and maybe you'd like to see the 'Cats play this weekend, I hear they are home...