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

[Chuck Murray]

More *missing* posters ... tip of the iceberg?

More *missing* posters ... tip of the iceberg?

If anything good came out of today's exchange, it was seeing a couple of other sorely-missed UNH posters.

I miss Darin cause back then I could come in here and actually have some ammo to fire back........

No kidding. Hard to believe, once upon a time (in the early years of this century even!), UNH fans could make a straight-faced argument to be competing in the same close-but-not-quite universe as the Chestnut Hillbillies. Then Krys Kolanos happened, and more importantly, UNH missed some great chances to win their own in between before BC put it out of generational reach with their 3 in 5 seasons. Now we live in hope to see UNH match Providence's title last season (with perhaps more on the horizon?), while watching on in trepidation that Lowell is probably going to be the next HE team to take home the big trophy for the first time in program history. Sobering times for sure.

Chuck, I'm with ya. I don't post often but do follow the UNH thread. I agree that the "followers" of UNH hockey are much softer now than they used to be. We've lost the people who called it like it is. Tonight I see posts saying basically they played tough tonight. Who cares. UNH has lost 8 of their last 9 games! Let's face it people this team is not good. I am a lifelong fan of UNH hockey. This team is the worst performing in about 20 years.

I think it's just that folks have lowered their expectations, and are trying their best to find enjoyment in the program in any way they can, so I don't blame them - heck, I'm probably more guilty of that than anyone else (see thread title). I guess nowadays I'm more P.O.'ed to have been duped into thinking Coach was sticking around in some epic quest to chase that elusive D-1 title, and was throwing everything in his arsenal at it. Comes to find out he's apparently more concerned about coasting through the last few holes on the back 9, posting a nice round score before officially getting to the 19th hole, while sending his (potentially conflicted and dysfunctional) lieutenants to parts unknown with little focus, and giving very little personal support to THEIR efforts to make HIS final curtain call a success.

Right now, my hopes for the program go in the following chronological order:

(1) UNH somehow advances past the phony-baloney first round of the HE Playoffs;
(2) UNH ends up facing NICC in the Quarters, and kneecaps those pretenders PC-style (sans aftermath);
(3) The end-of-season loss - when it comes - is somehow not an embarrassing 5-goal blowout loss;
(4) The players do a better job of selecting their leadership than they did for this season;
(5) We get some real clarity on the UNH future of Coach Stewart this offseason;
(6) Coach spends more time supporting his assistants' recruiting than he does on cup-caking the schedule;
(7) If Coach can't be bothered with #6 ... BS35+4 should start the Coach Souza era a couple years early.

It's tough ... we're probably all pretty frustrated with the situation at UNH Hockey to some degree, and sometimes that frustration gets turned against each other, which I suppose is understandable to a point.

As far as tonight's game goes ... I wasn't there, so I can't claim any special insight, but I did see BC-Harvard earlier this week at the Beanpot, and even when Harvard was ahead in that game, it never felt (to me anyway) that they were equals in that game, and it was only a matter of time before BC bagged them. And had Harvard lucked into a fluky goal along the way to tie things up, I'm pretty sure BC would have dug deep, found another gear, and won it anyway. Kind of like the way they apparently did tonight after squandering a two goal lead to UNH early in the 3rd period. Winning teams/programs know how to do that stuff. And also-rans are also-rans for a reason.

Maybe tomorrow night in Lowell will be different? I doubt it ... but in suspending logic, my naivete springs eternal.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

I agree that this team is the worst performing team in 20 years. And have no problem calling out the players who shouldnt be out there. Or calling out Umile for starting the wrong people for half the season and playing less talented seniors for way too long. Or calling out the administration for their mishandling of the program, and the academics department for their part in the recruiting failures. The one thing I hate more than anything is how often this season they have come out and seemingly not cared about the outcome. There have been so many times where they have just come out so flat and blown games that clearly should have been wins.

I can't count how many times I've been left with a sour taste in my mouth after watching a game this year. But tonight was not one of those nights, and I do care that they played tough. Because if they hadn't then I would have been mad about wasting my money to watch a boring game. At least they gave me something to cheer about tonight.

Great post sir and I echo so many of your sentiments. We played another decent game and it's not a crime to say so...

 

[Snively65]

Great post sir and I echo so many of your sentiments. We played another decent game and it's not a crime to say so...

3:21 am; yikes! I still think that with smarter coaching, we might have won the other three EZAC games (St L, Clarkson, and RPI) early in the year, in which case we would be 12-11-4 right now, although obviously the angst would still be here after the recent seven-game losing streak. Maybe I will stop by Tsongas on my way north tonight, and put off my scouting report from my first PSU Panthers game until next Saturday night. Will be back at the Whitt next Friday night.

 

[theprofromdover]

Man, do I long for the days of Gibber, Cloud9 et al.

Don't forget Bobo!

 

[NCAA watcher]

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

I agree that this team is the worst performing team in 20 years. And have no problem calling out the players who shouldnt be out there. Or calling out Umile for starting the wrong people for half the season and playing less talented seniors for way too long. Or calling out the administration for their mishandling of the program, and the academics department for their part in the recruiting failures. The one thing I hate more than anything is how often this season they have come out and seemingly not cared about the outcome. There have been so many times where they have just come out so flat and blown games that clearly should have been wins.

I had an interesting discussion with someone who had a slightly different take from mine about what changes need to be made. She suggested that the biggest change the new coach will have to accomplish is lockerroom accountability and mindset more than talent. As you know, I am more a talent kind of guy. Anyway, that led me to two thoughts. First, I do wonder if the whole regime change is confusing and stiffling to getting the best out of the current players. Maybe there is something to Chuck's "meritocracy" and Captain argument. They see a lot of other people above and around them not really held accountable but advancing, and so they get the subtle message that excellence is not really the goal. Second, it led me to wonder about accountability, and the whole issue of (1) how much ruthlessness would we as fans accept, and (2) how much will the new coach actually be able to instill. By this I mean, Steven Jobs' book makes clear** that he would only get "A" players, and had to weed out even "B" players because of the pursuit of excellence. Now, that is of course aspirational, and hard to achieve, but I wondered how a new coach instills that upon taking over a bad team. I thought about Walsh's taking over a Jack Semler Maine team that was similar in results to UNH now. He cut a bunch of soph/jrs in Steensen, Johnson, Grillo and cut back on a senior (Smith's) playing time in favor of his new guys. Now, these guys were probably not significantly different in talent from the kids he filled in with (Paul Lelievre). He obviously upgraded the rest of the talent through his recruiting. But it was a message, that players were accountable, and that the new sherrif was in town. That is the beauty of a distinct change, as the new guy can make his changes and cleanse the prior toxic tolerance of a lack of excellence. It made me recognize that another problem with this gradual change is that Mike really cannot "clean house" and say that what was acceptable the past few years under Umile is no longer acceptable. Not only was he hired as "Umile's guy" but Umile is actually there in the room. It is hard to preach accountability and meritocracy when the room is filled at all levels by people there only because of seniority and connections.

However, even if Mike has some personnel power, I am wondering how much "cold business" we want in a college environement. I could see that for the program it would be best to turn away about 5 of Borek's recruits (at least 4 of which would not be top 12 forwards or top 6 D), and probably about four players. I know I mentioned how Kullen had cut three of the "freshman 4 D" by his second year, and Greg recounted the Coady element. North Dakota is ruthless in this regard, and even Providence does this now. What is the balance we as fans want, in breaking promises to these young adults? Is it just what's best for the on-ice program? In practice, the change over in coaching does give a program a one-time excuse.

Lastly, with Mike focusing on the day-to-day coaching, the expectation was that a lead recruiter was still the critical missing piece going forward. From all of the descriptions I had heard about Mike's personality I had assumed that he was essentially replacing Borek, and going to be leading the recruiting charge, but I am rethinking that assumption. I therefore wonder whether the lull in recruiting is a function of there not being a lead recruiter on the staff right now. (Chuck, to your point about defining Glenn's role -- the recent recruiting news had him at the Cameron game and at the Eastern tourney. When Dick finally relents, Mike will be able to hire his own recruiter and better define Stewart's role.)



**

In his book, Leading Apple with Steve Jobs, author and former Apple senior vice president Jay Elliot details his former boss’ strategies for hiring what Jobs called “A-list players.”

I noticed that the dynamic range between what an average person could accomplish and what the best person could accomplish was 50 or 100 to 1.Given that, you’re well advised to go after the cream of the cream … A small team of A+ players can run circles around a giant team of B and C players.

Poor performance management and lack of employee development and accountability can degrade the talent management process and drive “A” players away from the organization. For those companies who truly seek to be at the top of their game, set minimum standards of expectation for performance at all levels of the organization and to consistently monitor and evaluate behavior based on the criteria once established. Steve Jobs of Apple, stated in his interview with Walter Isaacson, “I realized that A players like to work with A players, they just didn’t like working with C players.”

Do not become tolerant of sub-par performance and risk losing your top producers. When employees fall below the minimum acceptable level, give them an opportunity to make up the difference. If they are not willing or unable to do that, then tough management decisions need to be made.

Walter Isaacson quotes Jobs as saying, “I’ve learned over the years that, when you have really good people, you don’t have to baby them. By expecting them to do great things, you can get them to do great things. The original Mac team taught me that A-plus players like to work together, and they don’t like it if you tolerate B-grade work.”

edit, to the point about Borek and bomber's lauding his skill in getting players for less money than one might expect

Pay Below Market Value for Talent

We have all heard of the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” This has never been truer than when it comes to paying for great talent. When the demand is high for talent and the supply continues to get lower, unless a firm has an unbelievably strong value proposition (a great reason to work for that company opposed to any other alternative), it is extremely difficult to attract “A” players. The candidate pool will be filled with those who are unhappy or already out of a job. Don’t forget: top talent is typically happily employed and making things happen.

When you pay below market value for talent, you attract the wrong people, the B and C players. This will force you to make the best decision in your interview process based on some of the worst talent in the marketplace. You may hire the best B or C player available from the pool you have to choose from; however, they will still be a B or C player. They will still miss performance targets and bring your organization closer to that middle ground of mediocrity. Find out what compensation it will take to bring the “A” players on board to your organization. Paying market rates ensures you remain competitive in the talent game.

 

[Piels25]

Re: More *missing* posters ... tip of the iceberg?

Re: More *missing* posters ... tip of the iceberg?

If anything good came out of today's exchange, it was seeing a couple of other sorely-missed UNH posters.

I read the board from time to time now but not nearly as active as ten plus years ago (man, I feel old typing that).

I was most curious to see the board's reaction to the game last night. Living in Boston for the past 9 years, I try and make at least one game down here each year. As Chuck pointed out, BC is clearly the more talented team as they have another gear that UNH simply doesn't have. That said, I was impressed with UNH's effort last night, as it would have been pretty easy to tuck tail and run after the two quick goals in the second period. The team hung around and even controlled play for a good stretch of the period to make it a one-goal game heading to the third. I can't fault Tirone for either of the first two (deflection, poor defending) as he was magnificent most of the night (fourth goal being the notable exception), particularly early in the third on the breakaway and then getting across his crease to stuff a shot about two minutes later and keep the 'Cats in it. Regardless, good effort doesn't translate to wins and from what I've read here the effort (talent?) hasn't been consistent for the entire season.

Taking a step back, the main reason for my lack of activity on the board is that it's been tough to get excited about this team for many years and it's a little tougher to follow since I moved here from the Seacoast. I was spoiled as an undergrad in the late 90s and followed the team to both Frozen Fours in Minnesota and Buffalo. It's hard to fathom that the 'Cats haven't been back to Frozen Four since Buffalo - a streak of now 12 years that looks like it will be extended to 13 this year with no end in the foreseeable future. Watching Providence win a title last year was a painful reminder that the 'Cats should have won at least one title from in the late 90s/early 2000s but just couldn't close the deal (Alfie standing on his head in Anaheim, 3rd period meltdown in MN, Gare injury in Buffalo, etc.) and I wonder when (if?) a title comes at all so long as Dick remains. Just like any good business, the direction has to come from the top and it sounds like there is a lot of confusion/lack of direction among coaches and players as NCAA Watcher just described. Transitions don't happen overnight, so I've resigned myself to the fact that the 'Cats are likely to be a mediocre team going forward and anything beyond that will be a pleasant surprise.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

3:21 am; yikes! I still think that with smarter coaching, we might have won the other three EZAC games (St L, Clarkson, and RPI) early in the year, in which case we would be 12-11-4 right now, although obviously the angst would still be here after the recent seven-game losing streak. Maybe I will stop by Tsongas on my way north tonight, and put off my scouting report from my first PSU Panthers game until next Saturday night. Will be back at the Whitt next Friday night.

Well sir all of us probably feel that way, even us "soft fans" who don't know any better other than to make the most of it and to look for whatever positives we can, like, TyK just needing 3 more points to the Century Club. I imagine that in years past when you had guys like Haydar etc those milestones might've just gone by the wayside perhaps as the team was winning and moving onto bigger games and experiences. Maybe see you at Tsongas tonight; going to be bittersweet missing my seatmate and partner in crime. The team really has reached out to her son (she was also a University employee) which has been so nice to see. They are a great bunch of players, a special bunch of players. Catch you around...

Prediction: Eiserman comes out of his slump and nets a 'hattie'. If he does my most cherished hat in my short fan experience will be on that ice. (but not the pom pom)
Also hope Dawson is in the lineup tonight...should be every night.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

I had an interesting discussion with someone who had a slightly different take from mine about what changes need to be made. She suggested that the biggest change the new coach will have to accomplish is lockerroom accountability and mindset more than talent. As you know, I am more a talent kind of guy. Anyway, that led me to two thoughts. First, I do wonder if the whole regime change is confusing and stiffling to getting the best out of the current players. Maybe there is something to Chuck's "meritocracy" and Captain argument. They see a lot of other people above and around them not really held accountable but advancing, and so they get the subtle message that excellence is not really the goal. Second, it led me to wonder about accountability, and the whole issue of (1) how much ruthlessness would we as fans accept, and (2) how much will the new coach actually be able to instill. By this I mean, Steven Jobs' book makes clear** that he would only get "A" players, and had to weed out even "B" players because of the pursuit of excellence. Now, that is of course aspirational, and hard to achieve, but I wondered how a new coach instills that upon taking over a bad team. I thought about Walsh's taking over a Jack Semler Maine team that was similar in results to UNH now. He cut a bunch of soph/jrs in Steensen, Johnson, Grillo and cut back on a senior (Smith's) playing time in favor of his new guys. Now, these guys were probably not significantly different in talent from the kids he filled in with (Paul Lelievre). He obviously upgraded the rest of the talent through his recruiting. But it was a message, that players were accountable, and that the new sherrif was in town. That is the beauty of a distinct change, as the new guy can make his changes and cleanse the prior toxic tolerance of a lack of excellence. It made me recognize that another problem with this gradual change is that Mike really cannot "clean house" and say that what was acceptable the past few years under Umile is no longer acceptable. Not only was he hired as "Umile's guy" but Umile is actually there in the room. It is hard to preach accountability and meritocracy when the room is filled at all levels by people there only because of seniority and connections.

I've just ditched a more detailed response, and will just say instead ... I think your friend is on the right track.

 

[Felger]

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

Chuck, this must be a tough game for your heart tonight, given your man crush on coach Bazin

 

[Greg Ambrose]

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

I had an interesting discussion with someone who had a slightly different take from mine about what changes need to be made. She suggested that the biggest change the new coach will have to accomplish is lockerroom accountability and mindset more than talent. As you know, I am more a talent kind of guy. Anyway, that led me to two thoughts. First, I do wonder if the whole regime change is confusing and stiffling to getting the best out of the current players. Maybe there is something to Chuck's "meritocracy" and Captain argument. They see a lot of other people above and around them not really held accountable but advancing, and so they get the subtle message that excellence is not really the goal. Second, it led me to wonder about accountability, and the whole issue of (1) how much ruthlessness would we as fans accept, and (2) how much will the new coach actually be able to instill. By this I mean, Steven Jobs' book makes clear** that he would only get "A" players, and had to weed out even "B" players because of the pursuit of excellence. Now, that is of course aspirational, and hard to achieve, but I wondered how a new coach instills that upon taking over a bad team. I thought about Walsh's taking over a Jack Semler Maine team that was similar in results to UNH now. He cut a bunch of soph/jrs in Steensen, Johnson, Grillo and cut back on a senior (Smith's) playing time in favor of his new guys. Now, these guys were probably not significantly different in talent from the kids he filled in with (Paul Lelievre). He obviously upgraded the rest of the talent through his recruiting. But it was a message, that players were accountable, and that the new sherrif was in town. That is the beauty of a distinct change, as the new guy can make his changes and cleanse the prior toxic tolerance of a lack of excellence. It made me recognize that another problem with this gradual change is that Mike really cannot "clean house" and say that what was acceptable the past few years under Umile is no longer acceptable. Not only was he hired as "Umile's guy" but Umile is actually there in the room. It is hard to preach accountability and meritocracy when the room is filled at all levels by people there only because of seniority and connections.

However, even if Mike has some personnel power, I am wondering how much "cold business" we want in a college environement. I could see that for the program it would be best to turn away about 5 of Borek's recruits (at least 4 of which would not be top 12 forwards or top 6 D), and probably about four players. I know I mentioned how Kullen had cut three of the "freshman 4 D" by his second year, and Greg recounted the Coady element. North Dakota is ruthless in this regard, and even Providence does this now. What is the balance we as fans want, in breaking promises to these young adults? Is it just what's best for the on-ice program? In practice, the change over in coaching does give a program a one-time excuse.

Lastly, with Mike focusing on the day-to-day coaching, the expectation was that a lead recruiter was still the critical missing piece going forward. From all of the descriptions I had heard about Mike's personality I had assumed that he was essentially replacing Borek, and going to be leading the recruiting charge, but I am rethinking that assumption. I therefore wonder whether the lull in recruiting is a function of there not being a lead recruiter on the staff right now. (Chuck, to your point about defining Glenn's role -- the recent recruiting news had him at the Cameron game and at the Eastern tourney. When Dick finally relents, Mike will be able to hire his own recruiter and better define Stewart's role.

Watcher, your post pretty much sums up my take on things. On one hand, these are college kids. The staff recruits them, expecting that they contribute positively to the program. They get here and, for whatever reason, they can't. It might be a lack of talent, it my their inability to adapt to the rigors of D1 hockey while going to class, there might be behavior problems. One half of mind says that the coaches should have to eat their mistakes. But the other half counters by saying that D1 college hockey is big boy stuff and that, if you can't cut it, leave. And, of course, the kids have no second thoughts when their family adviser tells him that it is time to turn pro. Whether UNH should follow that Shawn Walsh model, like I say, I'm conflicted.

In the Charlie Holt years he had the advantage of an expanded roster. Back in the late 70's you could start practice with as many as 30 kids or so out on the ice. So while some of these 30 were outright studs, there were a bunch of others who fought to get playing time. Charlie basically let the weeding out process be done by the players. This is how Frank Roy went from being a fourth or fifth liner as a freshman to first team PP as a senior and, eventually induction into the UNH Hall of Fame. In all those Charlie years, the only guy I can remember him getting rid of was Dan McPherson. McPherson had a boatload of offensive talent but he had serious off ice issues which he refused to deal with and, eventually, he was shown the door. If a kid just did not have the talent to play, they either gave up the sport but stayed at UNH or they left and played someplace else.

When Kullen took over I believe that he wanted to follow the Charlie model, something instilled him not only by the coach but by the coach's long time good friend, Sid Watson, who Kullen played for at Bowdoin. These guys were gentlemen, they felt their job was to teach the game, get the kids through school, with the finished product no so much NHL calibre but a credit to the university. The problem is that, by the mid 80's, that model had gone out the door among the schools that UNH was competing with. I've always said that Bob Kullen's recruiting was geared to the ECAC that he grew up with rather than the Hockey East/WCHA model which was much more hard bitten. He stuck with that recruiting philosophy until he no longer couldn't. He then brought in Wilson and Coady, more or less gave them free rein, and within a few years UNH again was a factor in college hockey.

I have no idea what type of recruiter Mike Souza is. I haven't spoken to him in probably 10-12 years but back in those days he was a polite and respectful as ever. You'd like to think he has retained those qualities but added some others that will make him successful. He's chosen this life, I am sure he knows what it takes to succeed in it. I would also like to think that Umile has given Souza and Stewart the freedom to make the recruiting decisions that will improve the team. After all, he did with Borek, as well as McCloskey & Lassonde before him. Whether that freedom allows them to basically get rid of kids who clearly can't play, I doubt it. Umile has gotten rid of kids (Dries for one) who created too many distractions off the ice, some others left of their own volition (Matt Dzed and Foegele) but the only one I can think of that was moved for talent reasons was Banga, and they found him a landing spot at New England College where he was coached, ironically, by Borek.

My guess is that the cut throat model will not be used at UNH. We fans are just going to have to be patient, wait for the mediocre players to cycle through and, hopefully, be replaced with guys who can really play. I'd say we have at least a couple of more years before things can possibly get better. Whether they have a chance or not 'll leave to guys like you and Dan who seem to be plugged in. I'd like to think things can't get worse but . . .

 

[HockeyRef]

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

One of many of the great saves made by our DT last night

http://www.bcinterruption.com/2016/...t=chorus&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Kid kept us in the game...

 

[UNH1932]

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

Hello all

There are 18 scholarships and most of the money is allocated to top 6 forwards, top 4 defensemen and top goalies. When you have 28 student athletes and 18 scholarships, most can see that teams like UNH search for diamonds in the rough to fill out their roster. BC, BU, Providence and Notre Dame have academic scholarships (UNH does as well but very limited) and upper middle class players families can afford the difference. You need all types and only elite teams can have more than half the players being NHL draft picks.

We never had that many NHL picks (even when there were 9 rounds) and our academic admissions is tougher than most (BC and Notre Dame have reasonably high admissions standards for athletes as well). We have several non-scholarship athletes playing at UNH. I am proud that we do not pull scholarships for those we recruit. I think it is sleazy to ask for a commitment from a student athlete and then renege on that promise when their projected skills are wanting. If you want to be like BC, BU and Northeastern, that is fine but I would rather take the high road to win.

UNH has committed some very good players with 2 year scholarships through the years (the scholarship is for the last 2 years most of the time) who have been integral parts of our team. We probably have 6 full scholarship athletes 8 three year scholarship athletes and 12 two year scholarship athletes with the rest being non-scholarshp athletes or walk-ons.

I wish we had 6 just like Andrew Poturalski and Trevor Van Riemsdyk. We are not as good as I would like them to be but other than Michigan State and Northeastern series, they have truly come to play and have been in almost every game. I am happier with one goal losses or 2 goals with empty-netter than blowouts. We have the talent at forward and in goal to beat anyone and be competitive with the top teams in the country.

Thanks Watcher for pointing out that Walsh was a lot like Jerry York and Jack Parker by revoking scholarship commitments. I know they honor the academic component knowing full well they want to play hockey and will go elsewhere.

FYI- Travis Banga was an elite hockey player and left halfway through his sophomore year mainly because the 2003 graduating class had the most wins in history and Coach Umile knew he was a top 6 forward and was not going to get there until his senior year. Check his stats in Division 3 as he was one of the best players in the country. His classmates regularly went up to Henniker and other rinks to see him play. He was a nationally recruited player and one that was not recruited by Scott Borek. Nathan Martz and Travis were friends and Nathan stayed and started on fourth line and wound up on the first line. Travis was the same type of player.

I am looking forward to a great effort by the team tonight. See you all at the Tsongas Arena.

 

[UNH1932]

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

On a separate note, the head hunting of Poturalski and Kelleher has to stop. It is brutal and the refs are doing nothing to stop it (or fourth liners do but we cannot afford to be in the box when other teams do not get penalized. The same happened to JVR when he played as UNH does not have the same offensive talent level of other teams as we have been first and second line talent at most for the past 20 years. Hockey East has to give the perpetrators a week off like the Big 10 and they should also give refs off several weeks if they watch and do nothing. It is way out of hand and maybe we need to dress a few offensive linemen that can skate to take out other teams first lines as our competitors know we are dependent on our first line.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

Chuck, this must be a tough game for your heart tonight, given your man crush on coach Bazin

No, not tough at all, Felgie. Rooting for UNH, full stop. Normie's like a *mistress* once UNH goes on vacation.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

On a separate note, the head hunting of Poturalski and Kelleher has to stop. It is brutal and the refs are doing nothing to stop it (or fourth liners do but we cannot afford to be in the box when other teams do not get penalized. The same happened to JVR when he played as UNH does not have the same offensive talent level of other teams as we have been first and second line talent at most for the past 20 years. Hockey East has to give the perpetrators a week off like the Big 10 and they should also give refs off several weeks if they watch and do nothing. It is way out of hand and maybe we need to dress a few offensive linemen that can skate to take out other teams first lines as our competitors know we are dependent on our first line.

Absolutelyagree! Have you complained to HE's commissioner (name escapes me). Witnessed this as well....make the 'big boy' calls will ya!

 

[Snively65]

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

On a separate note, the head hunting of Poturalski and Kelleher has to stop. It is brutal and the refs are doing nothing to stop it (or fourth liners do but we cannot afford to be in the box when other teams do not get penalized. The same happened to JVR when he played as UNH does not have the same offensive talent level of other teams as we have been first and second line talent at most for the past 20 years. Hockey East has to give the perpetrators a week off like the Big 10 and they should also give refs off several weeks if they watch and do nothing. It is way out of hand and maybe we need to dress a few offensive linemen that can skate to take out other teams first lines as our competitors know we are dependent on our first line.

I thought that our senior "checking" line was supposed lay down the enforcement against the goon tactics of our opponents. Our SMTs are still ranked in the five least penalized teams in Div 1, I think; perhaps the refs do not respect that? I did not get to the game last night, but I have always thought that Gravel was one of the fairer refs in Hockey East. I am still hoping to get to Tsongas this evening, maybe even early enough to grad a frostie down the street at Beer Works.

 

[Snively65]

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

What were the line configurations and D-man pairs last night at Conte?

 

[NCAA watcher]

C-h-c seems to indicate that Jason Kalinowski has left the team. Apropos our discussion. Greg, remember Eric Chevrier falls into the same camp.

Maybe a cautionary tale about recruiting sophomores in HS whose main attribute is "gritty"

Grit Up Front for the Wildcats 9/19/11
Kalinowski Commits to Wildcats
6'0”, 185 lb. Salisbury School junior forward Jason Kalinowski has committed to UNH for the fall of '15. Kalinowski is a gritty, strong, two-way, physical forward. Last winter at Salisbury, he had a 4-10-14 line in 25 games. Salisbury head coach Andrew Will says that Kalinowski is "a guy who has made us better both on the ice and in the locker room with his competitiveness and his work ethic. A 7/2/95 birthdate from Stamford, Conn., Kalinowski is playing his fall hockey for the Mid-Fairfield Midget Minor squad.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

On a separate note, the head hunting of Poturalski and Kelleher has to stop. It is brutal and the refs are doing nothing to stop it (or fourth liners do but we cannot afford to be in the box when other teams do not get penalized. The same happened to JVR when he played as UNH does not have the same offensive talent level of other teams as we have been first and second line talent at most for the past 20 years. Hockey East has to give the perpetrators a week off like the Big 10 and they should also give refs off several weeks if they watch and do nothing. It is way out of hand and maybe we need to dress a few offensive linemen that can skate to take out other teams first lines as our competitors know we are dependent on our first line.

This is what happens when any team/program becomes reliant on too few players. Shame on us.

I know the poster is kidding ... but goon hockey isn't the answer either (Quast notwithstanding ).

Who knew 2016 would bring the return of the "Skating Mother Teresa's" to Lake Whitt?

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

I thought that our senior "checking" line was supposed lay down the enforcement against the goon tactics of our opponents. Our SMTs are still ranked in the five least penalized teams in Div 1, I think; perhaps the refs do not respect that? I did not get to the game last night, but I have always thought that Gravel was one of the fairer refs in Hockey East. I am still hoping to get to Tsongas this evening, maybe even early enough to grad a frostie down the street at Beer Works.

It's funny, I didn't see your post until after I'd posted. Looks like the SMT mentality is about to re-awaken!!

Jason Kalinowski, we hardly knew ye ...