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

[NCAA watcher]

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

Was in Halifax on Wednesday recruiting and said there were a few recruits at the game tonight.

I can only think of two reasons to be in Halifax. One would be really surprising.

 

[Snively65]

I can only think of two reasons to be in Halifax. One would be really surprising.

And the other reason would not be surprising?

 

[e.cat]

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

My understanding - being a frequent visitor to Providence but never anything close to a resident - is that over the years, PC has always been a basketball school. They basically built the Providence Civic Center for Dave Gavitt's hoops program back in the early '70's, and they've been competitive on a national level on and off in the past. As you know, Schneider Arena is located on the outer fringes of the campus, and I'm guessing that some PC students probably spend their 4 years on campus without ever seeing the place once.

Harkening back to my discussion of the UNH vs. Monarchs battle for the NH hockey market ... keep in mind Providence has LONG been an AHL city, for many many decades ... and that was well BEFORE they became the B's top farm team. Throw in the presence of another D-1 hockey program across town (Brown), and PC Hockey truly has a battle on its hands to fill its facility. With a D-1 title now to parade, and with a program that now looks poised to enjoy a long run near the top both in the league and national outlooks - assuming Coach Leaman remains happy with his own "lifetime contract" - I'm sure PC Hockey's profile (and attendance) will improve, but I'm not seeing them overtaking PC Hoops and/or the Baby B's, and booming attendance forcing them to desert the newly-renovated Schneider in my lifetime.

Just imagine if UNH Hoops was playing in the Big East (or equivalent) and had made previous trips to the Final Four ... and the Bruins' top farm team was playing in an (imaginary) arena at the Pease Tradeport. Oh, and Dartmouth was located instead over in Madbury, say like on the Shaheen Estate.

This brings the "Chuck as Apologist for Friar Hockey Nation" segment of this morning's program to a (merciful) close.



I'm not sure Greg "thinks it's OK" for the current coach to determine his successor. I think Greg (and others, including myself) has just come to accept that for whatever reason, Coach Umile has been allowed this privilege by his boss. Sure, it flies in the face of what his boss has said on the record in the past ... but (as highlighted by bomber's posts on the other thread earlier this week) you can see how it *might* have been a trickier situation than most of us originally thought ... and *maybe* this is the best *solution* the powers-that-be could come up with to try to bridge the gap to Coach's retirement, and to ensure recruiting was not left susceptible to the uncertainties that could arise from speculation over Coach's future?

I guess I always thought it was kind of curious that Borek hung around as long as he did - being a former D-1 head coach - and it's for a lot of the same reasons I raised questions as to Coach Stewart's aspirations and plans for his own coaching future, when word began to emerge this past off-season that Souza might be jumping back into the program AND going to the top of the successor line, even with a resume that arguably is a little shorter than the one Coach Stewart has compiled.

But all the signals coming from across the street say it's going to be Souza, and while we can all "question the process" (and as you know I'm not a big fan of the guy in charge of that process), it's probably not going to "move the needle" with the only person that matters, unless something catastrophic happens with Souza OR with the program to derail those plans.

I guess we are all on the same page with this then For me it brings up more questions than answers though. This should be right in your wheelhouse Chuck with DU and MS/BS wielding so much power. Obviously DU should have a say in who his successor should be. Not sure if you are in the camp that DU reneged on a promise to SB to make way for Souza, but apparently we are also in agreement (you can't make this stuff up!) that DU, as a committee of one!, has "promised" the job to Souza! I suppose in a way, DU having the confidence of MS/BS, to pick his own successor, speaks volumes about DU's body of work and his organizational acumen. For all his successes, I wonder if Jackie Parker was afforded the same professional courtesy?

 

[HockeyRef]

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

I hope I'm wrong, but Poturalski is absolutely dominating college hockey right now - he's averaging 2 points per game, has scored multiple points in 12 of 15 games and leads the nation in goals and points. Jack Eichel was a generational type player, playing with a lot of talented forwards at BU, and only averaged 1.77 points per game. Poturalski is still a little slight, but he's a FA and there are 30-some NHL teams competing every off-season for the best FA talent. I'd think a lot of NHL teams would have an interest in getting him into their system. As HockeyRef stated, we'd be better of if he was drafted and only had to worry about one team's interest. He did take an extra year in the USHL to make sure he was ready for the next level, maybe he'll do the same at the NCAA level...??

Trust me...he (Pots) already is in the flow of FA frenzy...not that attending 2 camps this summer makes this a definite but he had stellar experiences at both (Buffalo and Boston). Funny you bring up Jack E coz on the way home we were talking about that comparison. Obviously JE is an extremely talented player but like you said..look at the supporting cast he had around him at BU. Pots is pretty much doing it on his own (well, of course he has TyK and Dan C too). Too early to know and I hate even thinking about it but it's a very real possibility. Folks we have a real special player here but I don't have to tell you that!!

Going back to last night Souza said emphatically last night that all three coaches are involved in recruiting. I loved how he talked about some of the very things that have been brought up on this board; how do you sell a program to a kid when you might not be their coach which is why they made the HC in waiting a reality. He wants to bring UNH back to what it was with packed house every game, not just 'white out the whit" which didn't reach capacity but still had good energy. He made a very strong case for his future and recognizes what he's up against in the recruiting world. Quality guy no doubt and up for the challenge.

 

[Snively65]

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

UNH now all alone at 32nd in PWR, but tied for sixth in HEA, with 2-3 games in hand over the other three teams. So, perhaps we are the champions of December, albeit in a smaller way than in the past.

 

[Felger]

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

UNH now all alone at 32nd in PWR, but tied for sixth in HEA, with 2-3 games in hand over the other three teams. So, perhaps we are the champions of December, albeit in a smaller way than in the past.

UNH was picked from 6th to 8th in preseason polls...so they are right where they were predicted to be, perhaps even a bit higher given the games in hand.

Of course, those games in hand mean nothing if you don't win them. And they HAVE to take advantage of the soft middle third of the schedule they are in now. Gets a bit tougher in the final part.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

I guess we are all on the same page with this then For me it brings up more questions than answers though. This should be right in your wheelhouse Chuck with DU and MS/BS wielding so much power. Obviously DU should have a say in who his successor should be. Not sure if you are in the camp that DU reneged on a promise to SB to make way for Souza, but apparently we are also in agreement (you can't make this stuff up!) that DU, as a committee of one!, has "promised" the job to Souza! I suppose in a way, DU having the confidence of MS/BS, to pick his own successor, speaks volumes about DU's body of work and his organizational acumen. For all his successes, I wonder if Jackie Parker was afforded the same professional courtesy?

e.cat I don't think you are doubting Souza's ability but rather, how it all came about, and I understand how you feel about that. Maybe I stand alone in this thought why wouldn't a HC have a say in who replaces them? Esp. one like DU who has had the reigns of this program for what, 25 years or so? We criticize UNH AD's office all the time here about how they are inept in this, inept in that...they make a move to bring in a solid guy like Souza to ensure the things UNH hockey is all about continues. Despite our track record of the past 4-5 seasons UNH has a strong legacy. You don't win NC's or get into regionals on that but it still, still counts for something. I want someone behind that bench who GETS UNH hockey tradition and wants to see it continue. Of course actions speak louder than words, lots has to shake out before it's all said and done; one good speech from a guy doesn't make him an overnight sensation BUT...I believe we are in very good hands. His values came through loud and clear.

If we think a Nate Leaman or a Norm Bazin (sp?) is giving up their gigs to come to UNH we really ARE delusional. Two and a half seasons are going to pass if this all goes as planned; new kids will be in the mix and along the way we are going to still be on an uphill climb of sorts as they develop but I think it's gonna get interesting...I'd like to think one or two of those recruits in the stands last night could see themselves in a UNH uniform, if they are worthy of that honor. (hey I'll admit I drink the UNH kool aid; not too obvious eh?? I especially like the blue and white kind.)

Ps.. One final thought about your comment about Jackie Parker; I mean, they have a statue of the guy in the lobby at the Agganis; I'll bet he had some say into the David Quinn selection

 

[Snively65]

e.cat I don't think you are doubting Souza's ability but rather, how it all came about, and I understand how you feel about that. Maybe I stand alone in this thought why wouldn't a HC have a say in who replaces them? Esp. one like DU who has had the reigns of this program for what, 25 years or so? We criticize UNH AD's office all the time here about how they are inept in this, inept in that...they make a move to bring in a solid guy like Souza to ensure the things UNH hockey is all about continues. Despite our track record of the past 4-5 seasons UNH has a strong legacy. You don't win NC's or get into regionals on that but it still, still counts for something. I want someone behind that bench who GETS UNH hockey tradition and wants to see it continue. Of course actions speak louder than words, lots has to shake out before it's all said and done; one good speech from a guy doesn't make him an overnight sensation BUT...I believe we are in very good hands. His values came through loud and clear.

If we think a Nate Leaman or a Norm Bazin (sp?) is giving up their gigs to come to UNH we really ARE delusional. Two and a half seasons are going to pass if this all goes as planned; new kids will be in the mix and along the way we are going to still be on an uphill climb of sorts as they develop but I think it's gonna get interesting...I'd like to think one or two of those recruits in the stands last night could see themselves in a UNH uniform, if they are worthy of that honor. (hey I'll admit I drink the UNH kool aid; not too obvious eh?? I especially like the blue and white kind.)

Ps.. One final thought about your comment about Jackie Parker; I mean, they have a statue of the guy in the lobby at the Agganis; I'll bet he had some say into the David Quinn selection

I think what is very strange about this UNH HC succession thing is the three-year plan, as I do not know of any other programs that have done it this way. I have no problem with Souza being the next HC, but why not this year rather than in 2018-2019, which is a long time away in the scope of recruiting and everything else?

 

[HockeyRef]

I think what is very strange about this UNH HC succession thing is the three-year plan, as I do not know of any other programs that have done it this way. I have no problem with Souza being the next HC, but why not this year rather than in 2018-2019, which is a long time away in the scope of recruiting and everything else?

I dunno why it's being done this way think the powers that be are giving DU his right to say when he's leaving and the right to choose or have a very big say on who will succeed him? As per recruiting Souza has to be telling future Wildcats than he's the next HC looking to build on the successes of the past ? Prob a mix of "we're looking for a few good men" kind of thing. Personally I'm not getting too hung up in the 3 year transition to me it is what it is and I think Souza knows what he wants to build his future. At the same time even with my limited years of being a fan I will say that the task of getting UNH hockey back to being a Natiinal contender couldn't come fast enough!

So...any thoughts on the Maine game? Thought we put together 60 good minutes...What's the Dartmouth outlook?

 

[e.cat]

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

e.cat I don't think you are doubting Souza's ability but rather, how it all came about, and I understand how you feel about that. Maybe I stand alone in this thought why wouldn't a HC have a say in who replaces them? Esp. one like DU who has had the reigns of this program for what, 25 years or so? We criticize UNH AD's office all the time here about how they are inept in this, inept in that...they make a move to bring in a solid guy like Souza to ensure the things UNH hockey is all about continues. Despite our track record of the past 4-5 seasons UNH has a strong legacy. You don't win NC's or get into regionals on that but it still, still counts for something. I want someone behind that bench who GETS UNH hockey tradition and wants to see it continue. Of course actions speak louder than words, lots has to shake out before it's all said and done; one good speech from a guy doesn't make him an overnight sensation BUT...I believe we are in very good hands. His values came through loud and clear.

If we think a Nate Leaman or a Norm Bazin (sp?) is giving up their gigs to come to UNH we really ARE delusional. Two and a half seasons are going to pass if this all goes as planned; new kids will be in the mix and along the way we are going to still be on an uphill climb of sorts as they develop but I think it's gonna get interesting...I'd like to think one or two of those recruits in the stands last night could see themselves in a UNH uniform, if they are worthy of that honor. (hey I'll admit I drink the UNH kool aid; not too obvious eh?? I especially like the blue and white kind.)

Ps.. One final thought about your comment about Jackie Parker; I mean, they have a statue of the guy in the lobby at the Agganis; I'll bet he had some say into the David Quinn selection

Exactly Ref. I have no problem with Souza as the heir apparent. I guess I'm late to the party on this but is Stewart okay with all this? He appears to be okay with it but dunno? It's a curious set of circumstances to say the least though. Agree with Snively65 on why wait too?

On another note, great win by the Cats last night, eh? Can you believe my wife made me stay home and watch on TV? She doesn't share my passion for going to the games unfortunately! I guess I put my foot down on going one too many times already this year!

 

[NCAA watcher]

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

Ps.. One final thought about your comment about Jackie Parker; I mean, they have a statue of the guy in the lobby at the Agganis; I'll bet he had some say into the David Quinn selection

Two thoughts. I am excited about Souza's talk -- going after the top kids. Everyone talks that talk, to different degrees, but its nice to hear such talk after a decade of hearing about how UNH has no real selling features, a dreary old barn, etc.
Halifax might suggest that too.

Second, the difference between Parker and DU is most evident in the coaching tree they could pick from. Parker had Quinn, the former assistant who recruited the Championship team, then went on to be HC of the Junior Nationnal team and a professional assistant. Another candidate, Mike Sullivan, was HC in the NHL.

Du's coaching tree is not so robust. Perhaps this may be related to his "management" style. He's relied on older, trusted assistants, and almost had no interns/Student Assistants. While guys like Ciocco, Boguniecki, Pleau and Mowers have some experience, they are mere sapplings, not branches. So, given his reliance only on those he knows, and then having very few people that he mentored being in coaching, the options were limited.

Of course, all it takes is one top recruit to be sold on being Souza's bell-cow (I think that's the phrase), where the hockey world says "wow," and then use that foothold to build a couple of decades of dominance. Go get him, Mike.

It all starts December 1984
Shawn Anderson, a top NHL prospect from Quebec (fifth pick overall) commits to Maine.
https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=QBE9AAAAIBAJ&sjid=aS4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=5883,2792768


Jack Capuano who appeared headed to BU, spurs BU and commits to Maine. Mike Golden is talked out of going pro and chooses Maine.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?...AIBAJ&sjid=aS4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2716,6624535&hl=en

A week later that convinces Bobby Corkum to pass on BC. In January they convince local boy Eric Weinrich to pass up BU, BC, Providence and UNH.

https://news.google.com/newspapers?...AIBAJ&sjid=fS4MAAAAIBAJ&pg=2570,5695453&hl=en

The rest is history.

I think what is very strange about this UNH HC succession thing is the three-year plan, as I do not know of any other programs that have done it this way. I have no problem with Souza being the next HC, but why not this year rather than in 2018-2019, which is a long time away in the scope of recruiting and everything else?

The number 600 sticks in my mind.

A little less flippant -- in today's world, they really are already recruiting for 2018. That we have to fill in talent due to Foegele, Masonius, Ryczek and Farabee walking changes that a bit, but realistically, Souza would be selling the kids on his first year of coaching. He just won't have a track record to point to when he walks into the homes (other than the declining one he was brought in to change).

 

[Darius]

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

... Of course, all it takes is one top recruit to be sold on being Souza's bell-cow (I think that's the phrase), where the hockey world says "wow," and then use that foothold to build a couple of decades of dominance. Go get him, Mike...

Alternate phrase: Souza's Boguniecki.

 

[HockeyRef]

Exactly Ref. I have no problem with Souza as the heir apparent. I guess I'm late to the party on this but is Stewart okay with all this? He appears to be okay with it but dunno? It's a curious set of circumstances to say the least though. Agree with Snively65 on why wait too?

On another note, great win by the Cats last night, eh? Can you believe my wife made me stay home and watch on TV? She doesn't share my passion for going to the games unfortunately! I guess I put my foot down on going one too many times already this year!

Oh my e.cat we were hoping to see you last night! Fortunately hubby is ok with my passion for games...for the most part! Missed you at the pic it was great to see Wildcatdc and his bride Em!! Maybe next time...going to the Verizon games? We will be in Portland too!

 

[NCAA watcher]

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

.

UNH HOCKEY LANDS VERBAL COMMITMENTS FROM TOP PLAYERS NOVEMBER 5, 1992 BARRY SCANLON
The University of New Hampshire has received verbal commitments from two highly-touted hockey players the Democrat has learned. Committing to attend UNH are Eric Boguniecki, a 17-year old forward from West Haven, Conn., and Dean Woodman, a 19-year old defenseman from Mississauga, Ontario. Both players are expected to sign national letter of intents to attend UNH during the NCAA early signing period Nov. 11-18. In order to be accepted into UNH, both athletes must remain in good academic standing throughout the year.
Boguniecki was heavily recruited by the University of Maine. Woodman received strong interest from Lake Superior State University and Kent State University. “I thought UNH was the place for me,” Boguniecki said. “I had pretty much, UNH in mind since last year.” Boguniecki, a sturdy 5-8, 185 pound center, is a senior at Westminster, a prep school in Simsbury, Conn. He is a member of the U.S. Select 17 team which competed at the Phoenix Cup in Japan, July 29-Aug. 10, against teams from Russia, Canada and Japan. Boguniecki led the U.S. in scoring with two goals and he tied for first in points with thee during the three-game tournament. He was also a member of the U.S. Select 16 team the year before. Boguniecki said he was impressed with the school’s campus and UNH’s coaching staff headed by Dick Umile. “ I wanted to play in Hockey East and I wanted to stay in the East,” he said. “I’m looking forward (to attending UNH). I can’t wait.” Boguniecki, who shoots right, led Westminster to a berth in the Division 1 prep school finals last season. He scored 26 goals and added 39 assists for 65 points. He scored a total of 96 points his freshman and sophomore years at the Gunnery School in Connecticut before transferring to Westminster. Boguniecki is considered one of the top forward recruits in the United States.
While Boguniecki will be expected to score goals for UNH, Woodman will be counted on to keep pucks out of the Wildcat net. Woodman is a rugged 6-foot, 187-pound defenseman. A senior at Erindale High School in Mississauga, Ontario, Woodman is a member of the powerful Wexford Raiders of the Metro Junior B Hockey League in Toronto. Although he has yet to visit the UNH campus, Woodman said he was sold on the school by UNH assistant coach Chris Serino and former UNH defenseman Allister Brown, currently a Wexford assistant coach. “(Brown) had a lot of good things to say about the school,” Woodman said. “He said he enjoyed his time down there and that the school was good. He said the hockey program was on its way up.” A right defenseman, Woodman is described as physical and tough. “I like the hitting and I like the rough stuff.” Woodman acknowledged. Woodman was paired last season with Bryan Muir, a freshman skater at UNH, and the pair developed a strong friendship.
Woodman finished last season with a plus/minus rating of plus-41 and he scored 33 points (5 goals, 28 assists). This season, through 12 games, he has 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists). He has only been on the ice for one even-strength goal against his team thus far. “Dean’s a winner. He likes to win, he hates to lose. He’ll do whatever it takes to win,” Wexford Raiders head coach Stan Butler said. “Woodman is a hell of a player.” “He’s a good offensive defenseman but he’s tough. He’s just a plain tough hockey player. He has real good hands. He’s a real character kid.” “He loves to hit,” Butler continued. “Dean’s very good on both ends of the ice. He’s a complete player.” The Wexford Raiders, fueled by a lineup which produced 11 Division 1 scholarship players, captured the Metro Junior B Hockey League title last year. Muir was the first Wexford Raider to accept a scholarship from a Hockey East school. Brown, a Toronto native, played at UNH from 1983-87. Woodman is considered one of the top defensemen in Ontario.

Boguniecki, who grew up in West Haven, Conn., was a highly touted recruit coming out of Westminster Academy, where he accumulated 59-64-123 totals in two seasons. He selected UNH, in part, because of the coaching staff. He said Boston University and Maine were among the schools that recruited him heavily. "I could have gone anywhere," he said. "I wanted to stay in the East so my parents could come watch me play. What sold me was Coach (Chris) Serino. He'd come to my hockey games, my lacrosse games, my football games _ he was at them all. I meshed well with Coach (Dick) Umile. We hit it off from the first visit. It was a real love-hate relationship, but we seemed to think alike.

UNH RECRUITS COMMITTING NOVEMBER 13, 1992 BY BARRY SCANLON
Two heavily-recruited athletes have signed national letters of intent to play hockey at the University of New Hampshire, and two others said they will do so this weekend. Forward Tom Nolan and defenseman Dean Woodman have signed letters of intent to attend UNH. Forward Eric Boguniecki said he will sign his letter when he visits the UNH campus this weekend. And goaltender Brian Larochelle – a Manchester native currently spending a post-graduate year at Phillips Exeter Academy – said he will sign his letter Saturday. The NCAA early signing period ends next Wednesday. UNH, which normally isn’t finished recruiting until April, is hoping to conclude its efforts by Wednesday. The school is waiting for a commitment from a Canadian defenseman. The Democrat reported last week that Boguniecki, a 5-8, 185-pound center from West Haven, Conn., and Woodman, a 6-foot, 187 pound defenseman from Mississauga, Ontario, had verbally committed to attend UNH.
Nolan, a 5-10, 175-pound center from Springfield, Mass., and Larochelle, a 6-1, 180-pound goaltender, selected UNH after visiting the campus last weekend. Nolan is considered the prize jewel of UNH’s recruiting class. A creative playmaker and scorer, the Avon Old Farms forward was among the top recruits in the country. He visited Maine, Boston College and St. Lawrence and was also being recruited by Michigan, Michigan State and Providence.
“I love the coaches,” Nolan said of the UNH staff. “The coaches were just great plus I love the campus. I want to get my degree and help the team win a national championship,” he added. “They’re striving to get better and better every day. I think they’re working toward and striving toward a national championship. I think we can do it in a couple of year.” Nolan is hoping to be an impact player. “I can’t wait to get up there,” he said. Nolan scored 29 goals and dished out 24 assists last season for Avon. As a sophomore, he scored 39 points (15 goals, 24 assists). His older sister, Amy, is a senior at UNH.
Larochelle was also being sought by Providence, Brown, Dartmouth and Princeton. Larochelle was 58-5-1 in 64 career starts at Trinity High School in Manchester and he was impressive during the past summer’s Hockey Night in Boston tournament as a member of the Northern New England entry. “I wasn’t sure where I was going to go until my visit (to UNH) last weekend,” he said. “I thought I could probably compete for playing time there. It was a good weekend.” The festive atmosphere at Snively Arena impressed Larochelle. “It was great. There was a lot of school spirit, a lot of pride,” he said. “All the coaches were just great,” he added. “The were real straightshooters.”

UNH LANDS ANOTHER RECRUIT NOVEMBER 16, 1992 BY BARRY SCANLON
The final piece of the recruiting puzzle fell into place for the University of New Hampshire men’s hockey team this past weekend. Tim Murray, a skilled 18-year-old defenseman from Calgary, Alberta, signed a national letter of intent to attend UNH on Sunday. Murray, a 6-1, 180-pounder skater, is a member of the Notre Dame Hounds of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. “They showed a lot of interest in me and I like the hockey,” Murray said this morning from Saskatchewan. “I liked the school and the academics.”
Murray visited Kent State and was also being recruited by Michigan State, North Dakota, Clarkson, Notre Dame and Boston University. He has 2 goals and 19 assists in 23 games. “That’s my strength,” he said of the offensive game. The NCAA’s early signing period ends Wednesday and the UNH coaching staff acquired its needs – and then some – by nabbing five top recruits. Also signing letters of intent were forwards Tom Nolan (Springfield, Mass.) and Eric Boguniecki (West Haven, Conn.), defenseman Dean Woodman (Mississauga, Ontario) and goaltender Brian Larochelle (Manchester, N.H.). Murray is expected to contribute immediately next season. Murray visited the UNH campus Nov. 6-7 and witnessed UNH’s 4-4 tie with Air Force and the first period of UNH’s 6-3 win the next night over the Falcons before departing for a flight home. Murray said he was impressed with UNH’s style of play and the atmosphere inside Snively Arena. “It was pretty wild,” he said. “I really enjoyed it.” Notre Dame is the former school of current UNH sophomore Eric Flinton. “Tim Murray is doing very well for us,” Hounds head coach Dave Kenney said. “He is an excellent, excellent hockey player. He is an extremely strong skater. He sees the ice very, very well. Overall he’s a skilled player.” He is going to be an impact player,” Kenney added. Kenney said National Hockey League scouts are very high on Murray. Murray said he’s not worried about where he might be selected in the next amateur draft. “I’ve heard a little bit but I’m not concerned about it,” Murray said.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

Exactly Ref. I have no problem with Souza as the heir apparent. I guess I'm late to the party on this but is Stewart okay with all this? He appears to be okay with it but dunno? It's a curious set of circumstances to say the least though. Agree with Snively65 on why wait too?

I've been asking this one myself on here for months now, e.cat. I guess time will tell. No one's asked Stewart (publicly) that I know of.

On the issue of having a say in selecting your successor, I'll only cite the following examples during HE's 30 year history, which reflects long-term, successful HC's who would have at least had an opportunity to weigh in on their successor:

* Boston College: Lenny "The Rug" Ceglarski retires in the early '90's, and (presumably) has a significant say in handing his job over to loyal long-time assistant Steve "Count" Cedorchuk. The Count runs the program into the ground for 2 years before leaving the wreckage first to Mike Milbury, who recoils in horror after a week or two on the job in the offseason, leaving the mess for Jerry York to clean up. A period of 4-5 transitional seasons between Ceglarski's final year and the time Coach York's program starts to gain traction, which many of us on these boards still refer to as "the good ol' days". Ironically ... York had previously succeeded Ceglarski at Clarkson in the early '70's before succeeding Ron Mason (Walshy's ex-father-in-law) at Bowling Green, where York won a D-1 title in '84. You have to wonder why York was bypassed in '92 when a second chance to succeed Ceglarski opened up at his alma mater? For what it's worth, all of these guys (except Milbury) are BC alums, so no outsiders allowed;

* Boston University - something a lot more recent, and fresher in everyone's mind (plus in the Internet era!) ... Coach Parker's 40 year tenure probably ends a little more abruptly than originally planned due to certain off-ice issues with players in the program, but another BU alum (Quinn) is selected to take over the program, and things seem to be going in a very positive direction, including an appearance in the D-1 title game last April. For what it's worth ... of these long-term HE HC's coaching at their alma mater, I believe Parker was the only one to have ever received a bona fide, well-publicized offer to leave the program to coach in the NHL (he rejected the B's circa '97?);

* UMaine - this thread already contains 'watcher's detailed description of how (non-alum) Walshy transformed UMaine's hockey fortunes radically in about 30 days with a treasure trove of high level recruits in the dying days of the pre-HE ECAC. A decade and a half later in June 2001, Walshy (45 yrs. old) was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and hand-picked former UML head coach Tim Whitehead to be his associate head coach, while he continued to battle his illness. all while he remained behind the UMaine bench. But late in the '01/'02 preseason, he passed away due to complications arising from pneumonia. A unique and tragic succession plan, Whitehead (who did his undergrad work at Hamilton College, but earned a Masters at UMaine) is now coaching prep school hockey at Kimball Union Academy. A very young Nate Leaman was also a volunteer assistant coach under Walshy during the program's run to the '99 D-1 title, but would not have been considered a viable successor so soon. 4 years as an assistant at Harvard would then lead to Union HC, and in turn lead to PC.

Arguably, a second notable transition at UMaine happened a couple of years ago, when Whitehead was let go, but UMaine clearly did not rely upon TW for any input or guidance on his successor. Given a choice between a popular ex-player/alum with strong success at lower levels (Montgomery) and a very experienced, older assistant with distant coaching ties to the UMaine glory days (Gendron), UMaine went with Gendron instead of Montgomery, who in turn ended up in Denver. Arguably instructive for the next one, which is none other than ...

* UNH - we have at least now begun to see how that's likely going to play out. Using the "BC model" or even an extension of the "UMaine model", the program did have that option, as the long-term assistant (like BC) with former D-1 HC experience (like UMaine) was in place until recently in the person of Scott Borek. Instead, it appears UNH has opted to follow the "BU model", bringing in an alum assistant who had formerly played for the iconic coach he would (eventually for Souza) replace. Not saying Quinn had the same breadth of experience Quinn had at the time of his hire ... but I guess the hope is that with time to work with the program prior to ascending to the top job, the UNH successor (Souza) will have an opportunity to ease the transition, and step in with high program familiarity on Day One.

Having seen how the Gendron choice up in UMaine has worked out - while it is not on all fours with the UNH situation, you have to at least think Gendron's struggles may have been the final nail in the coffin for Borek's apparent aspirations to succeed Umile. That's certainly not to say Souza's CV is comparable pre-hire to Montgomery's, either. And you can see why the UMaine-iacs might still be holding out hope that like with Coach York ... someday, Monty will answer the call to return to Orono.

Looking ahead ... it's not too difficult to contemplate Coach Bazin making it a long-term career at his alma mater, and eventually having some important input into who succeeds him. And ironically, non-alum Coach Leaman's only likely question mark about his future at PC would seem to be whether he can resist the lure of future NHL opportunities - which is not unlike the rampant speculation that used to surround Walshy a/k/a The Human Lightning Rod, and whether he would eventually be lured by the riches and/or the challenge to prove himself among the best of the best at the NHL level?

I think we've all pretty much come to the conclusion that Souza will be the guy to succeed Umile, and with some talk out there last night, then what's left to see is how the talk translates to actions, and then to results.

My apologies to the guy down in Storrs, who is probably wondering why (in the wake of narrowly avoiding a 10 game losing streak) he's not being included in this discussion.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

I've been asking this one myself on here for months now, e.cat. I guess time will tell. No one's asked Stewart (publicly) that I know of.

On the issue of having a say in selecting your successor, I'll only cite the following examples during HE's 30 year history, which reflects long-term, successful HC's who would have at least had an opportunity to weigh in on their successor:

* Boston College: Lenny "The Rug" Ceglarski retires in the early '90's, and (presumably) has a significant say in handing his job over to loyal long-time assistant Steve "Count" Cedorchuk. The Count runs the program into the ground for 2 years before leaving the wreckage first to Mike Milbury, who recoils in horror after a week or two on the job in the offseason, leaving the mess for Jerry York to clean up. A period of 4-5 transitional seasons between Ceglarski's final year and the time Coach York's program starts to gain traction, which many of us on these boards still refer to as "the good ol' days". Ironically ... York had previously succeeded Ceglarski at Clarkson in the early '70's before succeeding Ron Mason (Walshy's ex-father-in-law) at Bowling Green, where York won a D-1 title in '84. You have to wonder why York was bypassed in '92 when a second chance to succeed Ceglarski opened up at his alma mater? For what it's worth, all of these guys (except Milbury) are BC alums, so no outsiders allowed;

* Boston University - something a lot more recent, and fresher in everyone's mind (plus in the Internet era!) ... Coach Parker's 40 year tenure probably ends a little more abruptly than originally planned due to certain off-ice issues with players in the program, but another BU alum (Quinn) is selected to take over the program, and things seem to be going in a very positive direction, including an appearance in the D-1 title game last April. For what it's worth ... of these long-term HE HC's coaching at their alma mater, I believe Parker was the only one to have ever received a bona fide, well-publicized offer to leave the program to coach in the NHL (he rejected the B's circa '97?);

* UMaine - this thread already contains 'watcher's detailed description of how (non-alum) Walshy transformed UMaine's hockey fortunes radically in about 30 days with a treasure trove of high level recruits in the dying days of the pre-HE ECAC. A decade and a half later in June 2001, Walshy (45 yrs. old) was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, and hand-picked former UML head coach Tim Whitehead to be his associate head coach, while he continued to battle his illness. all while he remained behind the UMaine bench. But late in the '01/'02 preseason, he passed away due to complications arising from pneumonia. A unique and tragic succession plan, Whitehead (who did his undergrad work at Hamilton College, but earned a Masters at UMaine) is now coaching prep school hockey at Kimball Union Academy. A very young Nate Leaman was also a volunteer assistant coach under Walshy during the program's run to the '99 D-1 title, but would not have been considered a viable successor so soon. 4 years as an assistant at Harvard would then lead to Union HC, and in turn lead to PC.

Arguably, a second notable transition at UMaine happened a couple of years ago, when Whitehead was let go, but UMaine clearly did not rely upon TW for any input or guidance on his successor. Given a choice between a popular ex-player/alum with strong success at lower levels (Montgomery) and a very experienced, older assistant with distant coaching ties to the UMaine glory days (Gendron), UMaine went with Gendron instead of Montgomery, who in turn ended up in Denver. Arguably instructive for the next one, which is none other than ...

* UNH - we have at least now begun to see how that's likely going to play out. Using the "BC model" or even an extension of the "UMaine model", the program did have that option, as the long-term assistant (like BC) with former D-1 HC experience (like UMaine) was in place until recently in the person of Scott Borek. Instead, it appears UNH has opted to follow the "BU model", bringing in an alum assistant who had formerly played for the iconic coach he would (eventually for Souza) replace. Not saying Quinn had the same breadth of experience Quinn had at the time of his hire ... but I guess the hope is that with time to work with the program prior to ascending to the top job, the UNH successor (Souza) will have an opportunity to ease the transition, and step in with high program familiarity on Day One.

Having seen how the Gendron choice up in UMaine has worked out - while it is not on all fours with the UNH situation, you have to at least think Gendron's struggles may have been the final nail in the coffin for Borek's apparent aspirations to succeed Umile. That's certainly not to say Souza's CV is comparable pre-hire to Montgomery's, either. And you can see why the UMaine-iacs might still be holding out hope that like with Coach York ... someday, Monty will answer the call to return to Orono.

Looking ahead ... it's not too difficult to contemplate Coach Bazin making it a long-term career at his alma mater, and eventually having some important input into who succeeds him. And ironically, non-alum Coach Leaman's only likely question mark about his future at PC would seem to be whether he can resist the lure of future NHL opportunities - which is not unlike the rampant speculation that used to surround Walshy a/k/a The Human Lightning Rod, and whether he would eventually be lured by the riches and/or the challenge to prove himself among the best of the best at the NHL level?

I think we've all pretty much come to the conclusion that Souza will be the guy to succeed Umile, and with some talk out there last night, then what's left to see is how the talk translates to actions, and then to results.

My apologies to the guy down in Storrs, who is probably wondering why (in the wake of narrowly avoiding a 10 game losing streak) he's not being included in this discussion.

The guy down in Storrs just swept the number 5 team in the nation, but hey, it happens!

 

[Snively65]

[/B]

The guy down in Storrs just swept the number 5 team in the nation, but hey, it happens!

Only early December, but that sweep dumped UML to 12th in PWR. Based on PWR at the moment, only three HEA teams make the NCAAs.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

The guy down in Storrs just swept the number 5 team in the nation ...

As the CHB's used to say when UNH fans got excited about some meaningless triumph ... "Hang a Banner!!"

 

[HockeyRef]

Only early December, but that sweep dumped UML to 12th in PWR. Based on PWR at the moment, only three HEA teams make the NCAAs.

Wow!! I watched the game on NESN their goalie Nichols is the reason they won it. If UConn had a decent PP they could have done some major damage as they had at least 5 PP's...I'm glad we aren't playing them (UML) next!! I doubt UML will have to worry about making NCAA's but I doubt they expected this...

 

[HockeyRef]

As the CHB's used to say when UNH fans got excited about some meaningless triumph ... "Hang a Banner!!"

Tell that to Norm...�� Oh wait; he has hung a couple of banners (HE) and has been to the FF. My bad. And.. What/who are the CHB's? I'm just being snarky�� Sunday night teacher angst setting in I'm afraid!!