UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

[Dan]

No, Chuck, it certainly seems you're the one looking to suck on something. Oh, yes, the Wildcats look so sharp lately. What are you going to do when they start playing good teams? Umile must go. Tell me, if you were an outstanding high school hockey player, would you be aspiring to play at UNH? Yes, I bet, with the opposing team, because it would be an easy victory. You probably voted for Obama, too, and are champing at the bit to vote for Granny. You can expound upon your perceived knowledge of hockey and your theories, but the bottom line is the final score. Yes, purity of intentions doesn't mean ****. He might think he's doing a good job, but he also might just run the table and lose the rest of the games on the schedule. Wake up. After he cashiered DeSmith on a phony trumped up charge last year, I'm surprised the whole team didn't jump ship. We can't say wait 'til next year forever; the years are running out.

Hahaha, dude what board are you reading?! EVERYONE wants him to call it a career ASAP...

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Hahaha, dude what board are you reading?! EVERYONE wants him to call it a career ASAP...

Why bother reading other posts when he so clearly has all these unique insights to share, Dan?

BTW I'm pretty sure the incumbent didn't carry Effingwoods in either election - suspect "Granny" will share the same fate ...

 

[HockeyRef]

Why bother reading other posts when he so clearly has all these unique insights to share, Dan?

BTW I'm pretty sure the incumbent didn't carry Effingwoods in either election - suspect "Granny" will share the same fate ...

Uh unless I have this Granny person mixed up with someone else.. She died 5 years ago?!?

 

[walrus]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

This made for a fun read, the best/quickest info I could track down to link to the '97 UNH-PC brawl:

http://www.uscho.com/1997/02/21/this-week-in-hockey-east-february-21-1997/

Boguniecki and Filipowicz were two of the 7 suspended UNH players. The article names all 7 Friars.

Almost as entertaining in that item was the back-and-forth between Walshy and Parker. Classic stuff.

Hate to sound like a broken record (stuck CD?), but those were the days, my friends ...

p.s. - I believe that was the season Coach Umile had a late season cardiac episode, no?

Nice read, Brendan Walsh was still at BU, TF. Parker hated Walshy with a passion

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

While I did not expect miracles this season I didn't expect the results we've seen so far. Sorry to be negative as I know what we have on the ice but honestly, I am still surprised. Anyone else? Back at it tonight. From the PC board (and they know their team) I guess PC didn't perform very well. We held them best we could given that fact I guess and most likely last night was our best chance to hang with them if that's the case. Seemed beyond easy to shut down the 'Cats for most of the game although we did hang closer in the 3rd. I imagine no one really wants to talk about it anyway. Always glad to see fellow UNH fans not too many last night at Schneider. Wonder if they will have more fans as the place had plenty of seats; would the 'Whitt sell out night after night if we were defending NC? Think there was a bball game as well. Hey if you are there tonight hope to catch up between periods. Sitting in 117 tonight. To see us down at the bottom of HE sure is tough this morning...didn't see that coming. They say things have to get worse before they can get better but geeze..I dunno. Help us Obi-Wan Kenobi!

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

ps. And while this is miniscule in the big pic, why don't any of our captains speak to the press? Ever? I follow all the news stories and I have YET to see one of the 3 addressing the media? Eric Knodel always had input into stories...the years past him have rarely included captains remarks.

 

[Donald Trumph]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

No, Chuck, it certainly seems you're the one looking to suck on something. Oh, yes, the Wildcats look so sharp lately. What are you going to do when they start playing good teams? Umile must go. Tell me, if you were an outstanding high school hockey player, would you be aspiring to play at UNH? Yes, I bet, with the opposing team, because it would be an easy victory. You probably voted for Obama, too, and are champing at the bit to vote for Granny. You can expound upon your perceived knowledge of hockey and your theories, but the bottom line is the final score. Yes, purity of intentions doesn't mean ****. He might think he's doing a good job, but he also might just run the table and lose the rest of the games on the schedule. Wake up. After he cashiered DeSmith on a phony trumped up charge last year, I'm surprised the whole team didn't jump ship. We can't say wait 'til next year forever; the years are running out.

Ha ha ha! I wouldn't vote for Granny if she was running for Head Librarian in Chappaqua! Feel the Bern baby!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Ha ha ha! I wouldn't vote for Granny if she was running for Head Librarian in Chappaqua! Feel the Bern baby!

Me neither. I make it a policy to avoid voting for dead people. I know I know...don't feed the trolls.

 

[NCAA watcher]

While I did not expect miracles this season I didn't expect the results we've seen so far. Sorry to be negative as I know what we have on the ice but honestly, I am still surprised. Anyone else?

I agree that in the abstract, talent wise they seemingly should be doing better. However from looking at the results, they seem to have a fatal flaw at defense that is exposing goalie issues as well.

So far, I am looking for anything positive for the future but have not seen much, either in terms of on ice coaching or in being attractive to players "the hearts and minds" battle. We lost Foegele mid semester, and lost our best two recruits. One, Ryczek is understandable as he seems close to Borek. The other, Farabe didn't even follow Borek to PC, just left UNH. In the 7 months of the change we have a nice third line recruit and a project defenseman. A lot of impact 98s, 99s and 00 have gone elsewhere. Hardly the sea of change I had hoped for in a transition. Seems a lot like the Arab Spring in Egypt. Let's hope we see some tangible results either on the ice or off so we can get a feel for the future.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I agree that in the abstract, talent wise they seemingly should be doing better. However from looking at the results, they seem to have a fatal flaw at defense that is exposing goalie issues as well.

So far, I am looking for anything positive for the future but have not seen much, either in terms of on ice coaching or in being attractive to players "the hearts and minds" battle. We lost Foegele mid semester, and lost our best two recruits. One, Ryczek is understandable as he seems close to Borek. The other, Farabe didn't even follow Borek to PC, just left UNH. In the 7 months of the change we have a nice third line recruit and a project defenseman. A lot of impact 98s, 99s and 00 have gone elsewhere. Hardly the sea of change I had hoped for in a transition. Seems a lot like the Arab Spring in Egypt. Let's hope we see some tangible results either on the ice or off so we can get a feel for the future.

I am having a hard time thinking this team is really in 'transition'. 3 years is a long time and I don't see how a recruit can feel good about that. MS has one tough job ahead of him. Sorry folks I need to get my morning coffee and get over myself, stat.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Me neither. I make it a policy to avoid voting for dead people. I know I know...don't feed the trolls.

"Granny" isn't dead, HR. I'm 99.9% sure billb's reference is to someone still married to a former POTUS, who is about to lose the NH Primary to a card-carrying socialist week after next. Just sayin' ...

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

"Granny" isn't dead, HR. I'm 99.9% sure billb's reference is to someone still married to a former POTUS, who is about to lose the NH Primary to a card-carrying socialist week after next. Just sayin' ...

Thanks..i guess I was thinking of Granny Hancock. My bad! Ha! I'm always coming up short lately. Kind of like the team.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

While I did not expect miracles this season I didn't expect the results we've seen so far. Sorry to be negative as I know what we have on the ice but honestly, I am still surprised.

What took you so long?

Anyone else?

Yes. Based on end of last season's game to game improvement, seniors leaving, the rising sophomores and what I had heard of incoming freshman. Watcher's fatal flaw comment is spot on. The Pesce loss turned out to be HUGE.

ps. And while this is miniscule in the big pic, why don't any of our captains speak to the press? Ever? I follow all the news stories and I have YET to see one of the 3 addressing the media? Eric Knodel always had input into stories...the years past him have rarely included captains remarks.

Pure speculation: those who speak have better public speaking skills than the captain and alternates who dress for games. McD would be speaking if he were playing.

Rethinking Tirone vs. Regan last night. DT started 3 of the previous 4, was pulled twice, the team played poorly in front of him. Regan started one and the team played well. That's why I figured Regan last night. Reconsidering, Coach probably wanted to boost DT's confidence by starting him last night. We may need this kid for 2 more years. If the team and/or DT played poorly last night I'd be thinking Regan tonight, but from the box score and game reports it will likely be Tirone.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

"Granny" isn't dead, HR. I'm 99.9% sure billb's reference is to someone still married to a former POTUS, who is about to lose the NH Primary to a card-carrying socialist week after next. Just sayin' ...

100%

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

What took you so long?

Yes. Based on end of last season's game to game improvement, seniors leaving, the rising sophomores and what I had heard of incoming freshman. Watcher's fatal flaw comment is spot on. The Pesce loss turned out to be HUGE.

Pure speculation: those who speak have better public speaking skills than the captain and alternates who dress for games. McD would be speaking if he were playing.

Rethinking Tirone vs. Regan last night. DT started 3 of the previous 4, was pulled twice, the team played poorly in front of him. Regan started one and the team played well. That's why I figured Regan last night. Reconsidering, Coach probably wanted to boost DT's confidence by starting him last night. We may need this kid for 2 more years. If the team and/or DT played poorly last night I'd be thinking Regan tonight, but from the box score and game reports it will likely be Tirone.

ha ha what took me so long? Seriously! Me thinks I need wildcatdc to kick me in the pants!! I think I have always been more of a pragmatic type of fan, believe it or not from my posts here. Those who know me know that I call 'em like I see 'em, kind of like my officiating. I feel guilty almost coming here and whining about the team when I know they are probably so depressed. Course this is D1 hockey and it's a big boys game still I have tried to be as positive as possible. Anyway...I have opinions too that aren't all rah-rah. I've learned tons about the game these past 2.5 seasons, watch a ton of pro hockey too. I'm still behind this team and it pains me to see them struggle like this. Like I said...help us Obi-Wan!

Tirone tonight. Even as great as it was to see Regan do an awesome job last week (can't even remember who we played geeezzzeee) I don't know how he would've done last night. Team was giving DT a lot of props after the game before the handshake I think they know he did the best he could and honestly kept them in the game. Am excited for the arrival of Mike Robinson next season. Hear he could possibly be the next UNH hockey All-American. I'm sure opinions will differ on that comment but it's a bright spot. If there's ONE thing I HAVE learned about this game, goal tending is huge. DUH.

Ps..in the games I've watched Pesce play this year, you'd think he has been in the NHL for 5 years, not one. He's an amazing player and we are indeed feeling his loss, and the loss of guys like Grayson D, big time.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I agree that in the abstract, talent wise they seemingly should be doing better. However from looking at the results, they seem to have a fatal flaw at defense that is exposing goalie issues as well.

So far, I am looking for anything positive for the future but have not seen much, either in terms of on ice coaching or in being attractive to players "the hearts and minds" battle. We lost Foegele mid semester, and lost our best two recruits. One, Ryczek is understandable as he seems close to Borek. The other, Farabe didn't even follow Borek to PC, just left UNH. In the 7 months of the change we have a nice third line recruit and a project defenseman. A lot of impact 98s, 99s and 00 have gone elsewhere. Hardly the sea of change I had hoped for in a transition. Seems a lot like the Arab Spring in Egypt. Let's hope we see some tangible results either on the ice or off so we can get a feel for the future.

So you're not subscribing to a "sunshine & balloons" outlook for the future, eh 'Watcher?

I'll see your objective disappointment balanced with hope, and raise you with impatient ire and annoyance ...

This is a program that's been on a gradual yet steady decline for over a decade now. The last few seasons, it's kind of reached a plateau at or around the .500 level. After last year's .500 run, many of us (myself included) chose to focus on an uncharacteristically strong finish as a sign the program might be turning back upwards, and UNH's soft schedule this season (by unanimous acclaim) seemed tailor-made to help the program make that positive turn, along with several promising young players either already here OR on the way soon.

So we wake up this morning, UNH is literally at THE bottom of the HE standings, in the throes of a 7 game losing streak which looks very likely to hit double figures by next weekend. Ironically, the pattern of this UNH season isn't all that unlike what we've usually seen in the past ... with the team playing its best hockey before the turn of the year, and then falling off a proverbial cliff afterwards. Except in the old days, the "Champions of December" would be at or near the top of the national rankings, instead of struggling to get back to .500. And then the old teams would drift along at a .500 pace after the break, but comfortably qualify for the NCAA's and often enough win the HE regular season title. Nowadays UNH's old membership in the HE "Big Four" is nothing but an old memory. The old teams' "postseason problem" was simply underachieving in the playoffs ... now the "postseason problem" has apparently been *solved* by just skipping the NCAA's altogether, and this season's slippage will probably feature a two-and-out loss in the make-believe, everyone-gets-a-medal super-duper preliminary round of the HE semi-playoffs. Oh joy ...

The more this goes on ... the more upset I'm getting at Coach Umile. IF bomber's description of Umile's hands-off role in the recruiting process is even close to accurate - and based on multiple sources here and elsewhere I have no reason to believe it isn't - how can he even try to justify that he's giving his best effort to turn the program around? If that were me, I'd be embarrassed beyond belief, and the two options would be to either (1) step it up and work harder, OR (2) step aside and let someone else step it up and work harder (smarter?).

I really wanted this to end favorably for Coach Umile on his own terms. But my assumption was that he would save the "pipe slippers and rocking chair on the front porch" stage until after he'd retired. The portrait that has been painted for us in recent weeks/months tells me he's gotten an early start to his retirement, and strongly suggests there are important (even crucial) aspects of the head coach's job he is just not engaged in ... by personal choice. I used to chuckle at 'Watcher's assessment of the motivating factor behind all of this as the so-called "Road to 600". I am not laughing any more ... although fittingly for an accomplished coach who probably initially got where he is by a LOT of hard work, it looks like trying to coast in for a "soft landing" at half speed might only get him halfway to that *magic* number.

I caught a lot of flak on here in some quarters for criticizing the outcome of UNH's captain selection process for this season at the end of last season. I mean, what coach allows his players to put forward a captain who's spent most of his career to that point up in the stands, and one whose next postseason game may be his first? Answer - a coach who isn't nearly as engaged in leading his program as he needs to be IF they are to be successful at the highest levels. NOT a criticism of the captain or his teammates - a HUGE indictment of the HC.

My days of measured criticism and idealistic hopes for "Captain Ahab" to finally conquer the White Whale are officially over and done with.

Coach Umile has certainly earned a lot of goodwill from me for all of the good/great times associated with him while running the program, but if the next two-plus seasons are going to be nothing other than playing out his vanity project while we wait for a transition to his hand picked successor (who BTW hasn't ever been a head coach anywhere to my knowledge), then my reservoir of goodwill has been tapped out. If he wants to replenish it, then I'm afraid he's going to have to do it the old-fashioned way ... he's gonna have to earn it. JMHO.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

Rethinking Tirone vs. Regan last night. DT started 3 of the previous 4, was pulled twice, the team played poorly in front of him. Regan started one and the team played well. That's why I figured Regan last night. Reconsidering, Coach probably wanted to boost DT's confidence by starting him last night. We may need this kid for 2 more years. If the team and/or DT played poorly last night I'd be thinking Regan tonight, but from the box score and game reports it will likely be Tirone.

Agreed. Tirone is going to be around for two more years, Regan is only around for another month-plus.

 

[Jon]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I enjoy the fact some one just attacked Chuck for being a liberal who is optimistic about UNH hockey. What's next? Attacking his hatred of the Montreal Expos?


This is your version of Hoky, right?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations

I enjoy the fact some one just attacked Chuck for being a liberal who is optimistic about UNH hockey. What's next? Attacking his hatred of the Montreal Expos?

This is your version of Hoky, right?

Go figure, eh Jon? Imagine my surprise. I mean, sure, take a shot at me ... but at least do your homework.

BTW - I'm convinced Les Expos will be back in MLB in the next 5 years. Sox v. Jays at the Owe this April!!

 

[NCAA watcher]

So you're not subscribing to a "sunshine & balloons" outlook for the future, eh 'Watcher?

Let's just say I would happily take the AD malpractice case and use this as exhibit a to incompetence and abdicating the best interests of the program, along with a claim against Umile for putting his own interests ahead of the best interests of the program.

Quick, name one other college succession plan like this. There's the long time assistant model (cedorchuk) that never works, and there's the sudden health issue (Umile and Whitehead) that is of necessity and is short term transition. Unless you have to do 1 out of loyalty, or 2 out of need, you do 3, a typical search committee to find the best candidate.

Umile wanted to do 1, pick his successor, but didn't want to actually retire, so they created this half arsed model.

 

[bomberhockey]

I know I'm singing the same one note song, but here's my take. The defense lost one dman although huge he didn't play 60 minutes a night. You alienate a kid in his sophomore year that had the same amount of points his fresh year as Tyk his freshman year in fewer games played. He bolts. The other piece missing from last year moved to coach the defense during last year when he'd traditionally coached PP and forwards. What has/is the communication been like from the coaches.
If youve just transitioned to a new team with no leadership you have no idea the pulse or chemistry so you really can take little blame. If you were told by your AD that you don't cut it as an HC at your alma mater, how much are you going to buy in? If you retired 4-5 years ago and you're suddenly thrust back into leadership after your AD tells your enabler that he has no future here, what are your odds of getting back into step even if you wanted to do it? What happens in 2+ years when their is a change and your recruits that have committed can decommitt without penalty, aka Gouldreat/ NU take another look?
My opinion is that if SB were given a written opportunity he wouldn't have let this happen! First the decommitts wouldn't have happened. Second you wouldn't have had to renegotiate the commits that stayed for fulls from halves, that includes some of the blue chips still coming!
And finally even f you are an extremely motivated young athlete, what message are you receiving? Is the apathy contagious? What is the message? They've mailed it in!
Nothing can be done now just go forward from here. The AD has to his job and correct this in 2016 not 2018!