UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Chairs?

[HockeyRef]

Only time to be "afraid" is if you *play* against them in fantasy hockey. Soft-Whiner-Overrated more like it.

Happy Fourth of July weekend, everyone. Hoping for a Mike Souza appearance sometime soon.

Haha not a 'Pens fan? Me neither!! Haters gonna hate ����

ps Chuck...ok, not impressed with that trade? How's about the Ovechkin/Oshie pairing for the Caps? No? Yes? And...I don't do the fantasy hockey thing...have a hard enough time with the real thing haha

 

[Snively65]

Dan Winnik just traded back to the Leafs, to rejoin JvR and Trevor Smith, or NHL-UNH-North. I know that many here do not like players who leave UNH early for the pro's, but I am ok that.

Trevor Smith just signed a contract to play in Switzerland this coming season, so back to two UNH Leafs.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Fill in the blank: in the coming months our recruitment efforts need to: ________________________

Sell a gradual succession in which the long-time ruler hand picks his successor as an exciting "new era" momentum changing event that kids want to be a part of.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

[QUOTE Hockey Ref]

Fill in the blank: in the coming months our recruitment efforts need to: ________________________

Sell a gradual succession in which the long-time ruler hand picks his "son" to be his chosen successor as an exciting "new era" momentum changing event that kids want to be a part of.[/QUOTE]

Without knowing if this "coach in waiting" idea is actually something UNH is working towards I think that is just what they are going to do: combine the richness of the program (that Coach U among others built) with the idea that UNH is moving in a new direction so to speak with the youthfulness of their assistant coaches. (Absolutely no disrespect meant towards Coach U...) Just takes a look at BC. And of course when Coach U is ready to retire, that creates a new assistant coach spot (IF his "son" or "nephew" takes over that is). THEN, we just bring in Mike Ayers and I'm happy with that. Cycle is complete; 3 UNH alums running the show...think about it...

 

[NCAA watcher]

combine the richness of the program (that Coach U built) with the idea that UNH is moving in a new direction so to speak with the youthfulness of their assistant coaches. (Absolutely no disrespect meant towards Coach U...)

A couple of thoughts. First, umile did not build the program. Coach Holt did. After him, coach Kullen built the second wave, and illustrating my belief in momentum coming from a discrete transfer of power, his first two classes were monsters and the foundation for Coach Umile's success. I think Kullen inherited a five win team and his first two classes got four nhlers and two other all Americans.

Second, I worry that selling a kid on the potential that you will be the top man in three years might just be a bit abstract to kids who have no idea what they will do in a year. By having Souza associated with this decline may take away some of his luster if/when he does take over. Especially since recruiting is now done two years out, so Souza can do little to change that decline.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

A couple of thoughts. First, umile did not build the program. Coach Holt did. After him, coach Kullen built the second wave, and illustrating my belief in momentum coming from a discrete transfer of power, his first two classes were monsters and the foundation for Coach Umile's success. I think Kullen inherited a five win team and his first two classes got four nhlers and two other all Americans.

Second, I worry that selling a kid on the potential that you will be the top man in three years might just be a bit abstract to kids who have no idea what they will do in a year. By having Souza associated with this decline may take away some of his luster if/when he does take over. Especially since recruiting is now done two years out, so Souza can do little to change that decline.

That's why I edited the post to include those coaches like Holt..you 'veterans' here obviously have a much better view of the program from all perspectives...AND I would hardly short change Coach Umile...That being said...kind of confused; thought that was the 'idea' of bringing in Stewart/Souza..how their youthfulness so to speak appeals to potential recruits. I think UNH has the best of both worlds now (and you are correct; with the pattern of recruiting done two years out)...it's the future that these new assistants are working towards. Anyway, I think we are in a good spot. I'd feel better with another Dman added to the mix! And, don't forget my prowess here isn't in evaluating potential recruits still on the learning curve!

 

[NCAA watcher]

I don't want to be negative, as this may be just the right approach, and Souza just the right successor who also can sell that now, even thougj he has not taken power.

It's just not the sudden event I had been envisioning, like virtually every other regime change. Maybe I just need to broaden my preconceived ideas. After all, rigid thinking is what I complain about when venting against old-line non-creative coaches.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

I don't want to be negative, as this may be just the right approach, and Souza just the right successor who also can sell that now, even thougj he has not taken power.

It's just not the sudden event I had been envisioning, like virtually every other regime change. Maybe I just need to broaden my preconceived ideas. After all, rigid thinking is what I complain about when venting against old-line non-creative coaches.

It's all good convo. I doubt that Souza or Stewart would work off that idea anyway...the kids (potential recruits) can figure that out for themselves. Regardless of how the team has done in the past 10 years (incoming ) our program has a rich, deep heritage. That's what sold people like the vR's and I believe, it can and will, continue to be the selling point. Having two young guys working with that and their own stuff makes it even richer. Now...what we do in the next 2 years will matter a lot to incoming recruits...not to mention our new video boards Ha! Onward 'Cats!!!

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

So this was sent to me today by a fellow fan that lists all players at NHL summer development camps and Nic Nonis is listed in this manner :

ANA Nic Nonis D New Hampshire FA Fr.

Prob just a formality but makes me go hmmmm...

Andrew Poturalski off to Buffalo Sabres Development Camp...

 

[New Hampshire 'Cats Fan]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Well Souza is official

http://unhwildcats.com/sports/mice/coaches/Mike_Souza

Holy under the radar, Batman ... very interesting how they've (kinda?) slid that in there. He's not even linked directly to the coaches' page (see link below), but clearly they are "ready" to slide that in there at a suitable time. If that's "official" then I've been away from real life for a lot longer than even I thought was possible. Gotta love the Internet.

http://unhwildcats.com/sports/mice/coaches/index

I did have to chuckle when I saw this little blurb leading the Souza bio (or future bio, or bio-in-waiting, or incoming bio ... )

"Mike Souza was named associate head coach in June 2015."

June 2015 has about 6.5 hours left, and without 'Watcher's intuitive snooping, this would still be hidden to the world.

The hidden Souza link is no longer active...at the moment. Perhaps they're actually going to wait until the "official" announcement is made.
http://unhwildcats.com/sports/mice/coaches/Mike_Souza

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

So now the UCONN coach is going to "hold UNH responsible for hiring Souza when Umile steps down" ......... weird


Quote Originally Posted by FDNY99 View Post

http://www.courant.com/sports/hockey...701-story.html
I got the link from the UNH thread...it still seems to work ok for me. Either way it's official now...time to move on.
From Coach Cav's quote, he is clearly holding UNH accountable for hiring Souza when Umile steps down. Interesting angle, and true sign of character from a coach that many believe wasn't getting the same level of support from his former boss. Good for Souza, hope it works out form him.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

So now the UCONN coach is going to "hold UNH responsible for hiring Souza when Umile steps down" ......... weird

Quote Originally Posted by FDNY99 View Post

http://www.courant.com/sports/hockey...701-story.html
I got the link from the UNH thread...it still seems to work ok for me. Either way it's official now...time to move on.
From Coach Cav's quote, he is clearly holding UNH accountable for hiring Souza when Umile steps down. Interesting angle, and true sign of character from a coach that many believe wasn't getting the same level of support from his former boss. Good for Souza, hope it works out form him.

Ironically, the link to the Courant article is also no longer working.

Somewhere, an empty locker goes wanting for the absence of a truly sketchy coach deserving to be stuffed into it.

 

[Nick Papagiorgio]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Somewhere, an empty locker goes wanting for the absence of a truly sketchy coach deserving to be stuffed into it.

If he doesn't fit, you can always try to stuff him into the trophy case in Durham. Plenty of room in there.

 

[HawkStar12]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

So now the UCONN coach is going to "hold UNH responsible for hiring Souza when Umile steps down" ......... weird

Instead of taking a cynical view of this quote, try taking a refreshing point of view and notice that UNH's new assistant coach comes with astounding support from his former employer. Some other coaches would be offended and not support a lateral move, but clearly the UConn coach supports this move assuming Souza is the next man up. Progressing within the coaching profession can be brutally cruel at times, so in my opinion, this is great positioning by Coach Cavanaugh. He is supporting the development of Mike Souza and, by this quote in the press, Cavanaugh is protecting Souza from UNH reneging on their word.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

A little diddy about our Andrews Pots:

http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2015/07/06/sabres-notebook-williamsvilles-poturalski-feeling-at-home/

(thanks for tweeting that C-H-C)

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

If he doesn't fit, you can always try to stuff him into the trophy case in Durham. Plenty of room in there.

Oh Nick...wassamatta, slow day over at the BC board?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Progressing within the coaching profession can be brutally cruel at times, so in my opinion, this is great positioning by Coach Cavanaugh. He is supporting the development of Mike Souza and, by this quote in the press, Cavanaugh is protecting Souza from UNH reneging on their word.

Posturing and grandstanding is more like it. He's had WAY too much to say on someone else's personnel decision, and any idea that he is "protecting" Souza - who is returning to his alma mater to work for a coach who he played four (4) years for - is truly "astounding" in comedic value only. If Cavanaugh had any real interest in protecting anyone but himself, he'd have kept his thoughts on the subject to himself long ago. Or at least between himself and Coach Umile. Like it happens in 99.9% of other situations. Instead he goes running to his media mouthpiece before UNH even completes its process and officially announces the hire. "Refreshing"?? Please ... Classless is more like it, now that I think of it.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

"Marcus Vela, Incoming UNH Freshman, Drafted by San Jose Sharks"
Includes interview.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

"Marcus Vela, Incoming UNH Freshman, Drafted by San Jose Sharks"
Includes interview.

I am very, very excited about having Marcus Vela joining us this Fall! After the usual 'adjustments' that incoming Frosh have to NCAA hockey, he's going to contribute in a big, big way. Love the "2 way" power center description; just what we are going to need and utilize hopefully...from the get go! Wonder who the best linemates would be for him?

On another note...TvR signed a two year extension with the 'Hawks:

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=774126&hootPostID=d2d67f3bf3e02cf8412cc8435026c666

 

[Snively65]

I am very, very excited about having Marcus Vela joining us this Fall! After the usual 'adjustments' that incoming Frosh have to NCAA hockey, he's going to contribute in a big, big way. Love the "2 way" power center description; just what we are going to need and utilize hopefully...from the get go! Wonder who the best linemates would be for him?

On another note...TvR signed a two year extension with the 'Hawks:

http://blackhawks.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=774126&hootPostID=d2d67f3bf3e02cf8412cc8435026c666

Good for TvR; I think that he may get lots more ice time in the future with Oduya and maybe Seabrook leaving.

I will be fine with the Cats top two lines and PP this coming season if they consist of TK, sophomores, and freshmen. Captains and co-captains can lead from the third and fourth lines.