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

Hey wildcatdc what's up in your neck of the woods? Surely you will be making a trip to da 'Whitt to check out the new vid boards? Hope all is well with you...😊

Hey HR! Well, the two big news nuggets are that Emily and I got engaged, and that we did end up buying our little getaway in the Monadnock region (in Dublin, NH). So, I'm hoping the trips to the Whitt will actually be more often, especially once I'm back from Brazil in 2016.

Hope you're doing well, and I've been enjoying all your forum updates this summer!
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

I really hope that he can finish his UNH business degree somehow. I wonder how many more credits he needs? Too bad that he could not take courses at in-state tuition rates last spring while living at home?

Which obviously begs the question ... if he did NOT take courses this past Spring semester at UNH, how much of a priority was he placing on his education to begin with?

“My education was extremely important to me,” he said. “I received five scholarship offers from top-tier Division 1 schools that I desperately :confused: wanted to take advantage of.”

It appears he had a decision to make regarding his potential NCAA D-1 future as of 12/1/14, when UNH Hockey told him there would be no returning to the program. But by then, I believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong) he had been academically cleared to return to UNH, so he could either continue on to pursue his business degree at UNH ... OR begin the transfer process by leaving UNH and enrolling at one of the other schools, where he was still hoping to play D-1 hockey for the upcoming 2015/2016 season. Given the NCAA "4 years eligibility over 5 school calendar years" rule (most often used for redshirt purposes), then 2015/2016 was his last potentially eligible year.

Instead he (apparently) did neither, and sought an NCAA waiver, which was not granted.

In order to transfer, DeSmith needed a waiver from the NCAA. Even though he remained on the sidelines for a period of one year, he was not in residence at another school, which is required as a transfer student-athlete.

Most people, myself included, felt as though it would be an easy decision for the NCAA to grant this waiver” he said. “However, continuing the trend of the previous months, people who do not know me or my situation had no problem declining my waiver, effectively killing any possibility of my finishing my education at this time. Declining my waiver did not help anyone and only hurt me, my family, and the schools I could have attended.”


Looks like he got some bad advice - especially if he decided not to take up residency at the would-be transfer school. Unless of course, he really didn't expect to win his case for the NCAA waiver, and was always leaning towards turning pro? He certainly made the NCAA's ruling MUCH easier by not meeting transfer residency requirements.

I guess the most disappointing part of his comments continue to be those which portray himself as a "victim", which to me sounds a bit like someone who may be weighing civil litigation of some sorts. Unfortunately, despite whatever "facts" he believes are definitive in this sad situation ... had he not rendered himself intoxicated at the time of the events which ultimately led to his UNH downfall, his "facts" (and certainly his semi-conscious account) are more reliable, and *maybe* charges are never leveled against him in the first place?

I really want to cut the kid some slack, and I do hope he makes the most of his ECHL opportunity, and uses this unfortunate experience to learn a hard lesson about being accountable for your actions. Certainly at his age, drinking was not illegal. But doing so to excess makes you vulnerable to all kinds of poor judgment, and even to the worst actions of others. I'm not absolving his accuser(s) of blame for what they did here - they too will have to live with the fact their actions damaged someone else's future employment outlook - but it's difficult to whip up a sincere sense of sympathy for our former goalie. If he is indeed a "victim" here, he was a victim of his own poor judgment, and now also for relying upon the judgment of others who misinformed him about his chances for a successful D-1 transfer. JMHO.
 
Hey HR! Well, the two big news nuggets are that Emily and I got engaged, and that we did end up buying our little getaway in the Monadnock region (in Dublin, NH). So, I'm hoping the trips to the Whitt will actually be more often, especially once I'm back from Brazil in 2016.

Hope you're doing well, and I've been enjoying all your forum updates this summer!

Well big congrats are in order to you amd Emily it was awesome to meet both of you last year!! Yea Dublin is just a wee bit closer to the 'Whitt so looking forward to seeing you both there!! If I have seats avail in the event I can't make some games I will let you know.. Glad I haven't totally annoyed everyone on the board haha with my incessant posts...catch Ya sooner than later!!!
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Which obviously begs the question ... if he did NOT take courses this past Spring semester at UNH, how much of a priority was he placing on his education to begin with?

“My education was extremely important to me,” he said. “I received five scholarship offers from top-tier Division 1 schools that I desperately :confused: wanted to take advantage of.”

It appears he had a decision to make regarding his potential NCAA D-1 future as of 12/1/14, when UNH Hockey told him there would be no returning to the program. But by then, I believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong) he had been academically cleared to return to UNH, so he could either continue on to pursue his business degree at UNH ... OR begin the transfer process by leaving UNH and enrolling at one of the other schools, where he was still hoping to play D-1 hockey for the upcoming 2015/2016 season. Given the NCAA "4 years eligibility over 5 school calendar years" rule (most often used for redshirt purposes), then 2015/2016 was his last potentially eligible year.

Instead he (apparently) did neither, and sought an NCAA waiver, which was not granted.

In order to transfer, DeSmith needed a waiver from the NCAA. Even though he remained on the sidelines for a period of one year, he was not in residence at another school, which is required as a transfer student-athlete.

Most people, myself included, felt as though it would be an easy decision for the NCAA to grant this waiver” he said. “However, continuing the trend of the previous months, people who do not know me or my situation had no problem declining my waiver, effectively killing any possibility of my finishing my education at this time. Declining my waiver did not help anyone and only hurt me, my family, and the schools I could have attended.”


Looks like he got some bad advice - especially if he decided not to take up residency at the would-be transfer school. Unless of course, he really didn't expect to win his case for the NCAA waiver, and was always leaning towards turning pro? He certainly made the NCAA's ruling MUCH easier by not meeting transfer residency requirements.

I guess the most disappointing part of his comments continue to be those which portray himself as a "victim", which to me sounds a bit like someone who may be weighing civil litigation of some sorts. Unfortunately, despite whatever "facts" he believes are definitive in this sad situation ... had he not rendered himself intoxicated at the time of the events which ultimately led to his UNH downfall, his "facts" (and certainly his semi-conscious account) are more reliable, and *maybe* charges are never leveled against him in the first place?

I really want to cut the kid some slack, and I do hope he makes the most of his ECHL opportunity, and uses this unfortunate experience to learn a hard lesson about being accountable for your actions. Certainly at his age, drinking was not illegal. But doing so to excess makes you vulnerable to all kinds of poor judgment, and even to the worst actions of others. I'm not absolving his accuser(s) of blame for what they did here - they too will have to live with the fact their actions damaged someone else's future employment outlook - but it's difficult to whip up a sincere sense of sympathy for our former goalie. If he is indeed a "victim" here, he was a victim of his own poor judgment, and now also for relying upon the judgment of others who misinformed him about his chances for a successful D-1 transfer. JMHO.


Ok, I just have to say that it appears he did not know / was not aware/ not informed/ of the "rules of engagement' about what it might take to get such a waiver. His "situation" I believe had nothing to do with the NCAA ruling (but what do I know) and they did what they did because he was not enrolled in school as they require? I hope he fares well in the pros and that he continues to move on with his life...Continuing to say that others control his fate make it so. (being someone who believes in such things...) Also I understand that the NCAA is extremely stingy with such waivers, and that they aren't granting many (if any) at all. Again, what do I know...hoping to see him between the pipes when the Nailers come to Manchester. Would def make the trip...always want to see our UNH athletes do well in life and he is no exception.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Which obviously begs the question ... if he did NOT take courses this past Spring semester at UNH, how much of a priority was he placing on his education to begin with?

It appears he had a decision to make regarding his potential NCAA D-1 future as of 12/1/14, when UNH Hockey told him there would be no returning to the program. But by then, I believe (and please correct me if I'm wrong) he had been academically cleared to return to UNH, so he could either continue on to pursue his business degree at UNH ... OR begin the transfer process by leaving UNH and enrolling at one of the other schools, where he was still hoping to play D-1 hockey for the upcoming 2015/2016 season. Given the NCAA "4 years eligibility over 5 school calendar years" rule (most often used for redshirt purposes), then 2015/2016 was his last potentially eligible year.


As of December 2014 - DeSmith was SOL without an NCAA waiver. The residence rule referred to in the article is the NCAA's "YEAR IN RESIDENCE" rule, meaning that for hockey player to transfer he needs to sit out an entire academic year at his new institution before playing. Even if he had jumped on transferring 12/1/14, no one is taking a senior transfer who can only play the second half of the season...

His only chance was the waiver - and NCAA precedent says he should have been granted the waiver. Xavier's Dez Wells was falsely accused of rape and run off of campus by X and the Musketeers basketball team. He petitioned the NCAA and was able to participate immediately at Maryland due to the false nature of the charges.

DeSmith was kicked off the team and suspended from school because he reportedly beat up his girlfriend (tackling her to the ground and punching her repeatedly was what was reported...). Then, according to this article, the university and legal findings conclude that there is no evidence of physical harm to the victim and eyewitnesses state that no physical altercation occurred...

So assuming this article, and other recent articles, are correct - he shouldn't lose his last year of eligibility because he got overly intoxicated. I have no problem with Umile, UNH or the NCAA's initial stance or actions but why should he continue to be punished for charges that were dropped because of an (apparent) overwhelming evidence that nothing actually happened...??

---

BTW, Nothing in the article says DeSmith did not take classes, in fact the following passage makes it sound as if he did in fact re-enroll for the second semester. I believe it was also mentioned on this board that he did in fact re-enroll.

The board found that DeSmith was not responsible for causing physical harm and was allowed to re-enter the University as a student in good standing the following semester.

So why is he academically short? Well, he would, of course, need to make up the fall semester.

Ref - I would imagine he understood completely the year in residence rule, spoke to the proper people at UNH/Transfer schools and knew that his only chance to play his final year of eligibility, and to complete his missed academic semester, was the NCAA Waiver. As you understand, there is no rhyme or reason to NCAA decisions and they are HARDLY EVER made in the best interest of the student-athlete. So not obtaining a waiver certainly doesn't mean you didn't follow or understand the process...
 
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As of December 2014 - DeSmith was SOL without an NCAA waiver. The residence rule referred to in the article is the NCAA's "YEAR IN RESIDENCE" rule, meaning that for hockey player to transfer he needs to sit out an entire academic year at his new institution before playing. Even if he had jumped on transferring 12/1/14, no one is taking a senior transfer who can only play the second half of the season...

His only chance was the waiver - and NCAA precedent says he should have been granted the waiver. Xavier's Dez Wells was falsely accused of rape and run off of campus by X and the Musketeers basketball team. He petitioned the NCAA and was able to participate immediately at Maryland due to the false nature of the charges.

DeSmith was kicked off the team and suspended from school because he reportedly beat up his girlfriend (tackling her to the ground and punching her repeatedly was what was reported...). Then, according to this article, the university and legal findings conclude that there is no evidence of physical harm to the victim and eyewitnesses state that no physical altercation occurred...

So assuming this article, and other recent articles, are correct - he shouldn't lose his last year of eligibility because he got overly intoxicated. I have no problem with Umile, UNH or the NCAA's initial stance or actions but why should he continue to be punished for charges that were dropped because of an (apparent) overwhelming evidence that nothing actually happened...??

---

BTW, Nothing in the article says DeSmith did not take classes, in fact the following passage makes it sound as if he did in fact re-enroll for the second semester. I believe it was also mentioned on this board that he did in fact re-enroll.

The board found that DeSmith was not responsible for causing physical harm and was allowed to re-enter the University as a student in good standing the following semester.

So why is he academically short? Well, he would, of course, need to make up the fall semester.

Ref - I would imagine he understood completely the year in residence rule, spoke to the proper people at UNH/Transfer schools and knew that his only chance to play his final year of eligibility, and to complete his missed academic semester, was the NCAA Waiver. As you understand, there is no rhyme or reason to NCAA decisions and they are HARDLY EVER made in the best interest of the student-athlete. So not obtaining a waiver certainly doesn't mean you didn't follow or understand the process...

Dan so appreciate your comments regarding the NCAA stuff...obviously there's alot to be understood here regarding that institution and their handling of such cases. I of course do not know what he knew or did not know regarding the "rules" of the waiver. It's all speculation on any of our parts to assume otherwise. One would expect that would be the case. I meant no disrespect.
Trust me I have read NCAA horror stories and know / have heard it's a tough thing for most athletes who apply for one. As I said I read that the NCAA wasn't handing them out anymore...
I do wish him well and hope he finds success at the pro level. That being said what is not known is whether or not the NCAA made their decision based on the incident...no one knows that here...and they sure aren't tellin. One more thing, and this came to mind coz I tweeted it earlier (for another reason) and it's The stories you continue to tell become the stories you continue to live... This is one story I am done talking about..
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Thanks for the added perspectives, all. If he completed spring term courses in good standing, perhaps he needs only 4-5 courses to graduate? Many business courses are now offered online, so perhaps he can complete his degree over time. I would think that the degree would be a high priority for him, as he says, and hope that he is not making excuses for not completing the requirements for it.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

As of December 2014 - DeSmith was SOL without an NCAA waiver. The residence rule referred to in the article is the NCAA's "YEAR IN RESIDENCE" rule, meaning that for hockey player to transfer he needs to sit out an entire academic year at his new institution before playing. Even if he had jumped on transferring 12/1/14, no one is taking a senior transfer who can only play the second half of the season...

His only chance was the waiver - and NCAA precedent says he should have been granted the waiver. Xavier's Dez Wells was falsely accused of rape and run off of campus by X and the Musketeers basketball team. He petitioned the NCAA and was able to participate immediately at Maryland due to the false nature of the charges.

Two things - first, I would have said initially I would have been surprised to see any full year single season interest in him as a transfer, but obviously that was incorrect. So assuming that interest was indeed there ... why assume the interested school(s) would not have an interest in using him only as a second semester player? I'll admit I'm initially doubtful too, but if there was interest AND the player could offer your program needed experience down the stretch and in the postseason ...

Secondly, I believe Wells was between his frosh and soph seasons at Xavier. I'm not sure of the timing involved of his being cleared, the decision by Xavier not to take him back, and his transfer to Maryland ... but perhaps still having 3 years eligibility left in the 5 year period set his situation apart from our situation last season? Don't know, and TBH don't much care either.

DeSmith was kicked off the team and suspended from school because he reportedly beat up his girlfriend (tackling her to the ground and punching her repeatedly was what was reported...). Then, according to this article, the university and legal findings conclude that there is no evidence of physical harm to the victim and eyewitnesses state that no physical altercation occurred...

So assuming this article, and other recent articles, are correct - he shouldn't lose his last year of eligibility because he got overly intoxicated. I have no problem with Umile, UNH or the NCAA's initial stance or actions but why should he continue to be punished for charges that were dropped because of an (apparent) overwhelming evidence that nothing actually happened...??

Not sure I saw "overwhelming" mentioned anywhere, and whether or not there was sufficient evidence that criminal charges could be sustained doesn't necessarily equate to "nothing actually happened". In fact, I'm pretty darned sure something DID happen- whether it was actually at the scene of the alleged altercation OR at the local hospital where the former goalie was taken after the incident.

I've become satisfied that if no charges were pursued, then the powers-that-be made those decisions for a reason, and they have much more information than any of us do. Likewise, it's fair to assume Coach Umile and his boss have more information than any of us do, so I'm 100% behind the decision they made to cut him from the program. It's quite possible that another aspect of his poor conduct on the evening in question violated team rules, leading to their decision to cut ties. FWIW just because you can "lawyer up" and get the criminal charges dropped, it does not necessarily follow that this entitles you to proceed immune to non-criminal penalties. See Brown v. O.J. Simpson for a particularly high profile example (and no, I'm not comparing the alleged aggressors' actions involved in those cases).

I'd long ago made the decision to leave this behind, but the continued bleating of the so-called "victim" just grates at me. Again ... it's OK for someone of legal age to have a drink, or two, or even twelve or twelve hundred, for that matter. But if that impacts upon your otherwise rational conduct, and causes you to act out and cause criminal OR civil damages or unrest ... then you are held responsible for that conduct. And if you are asked to explain yourself, you can't blame others if they don't give your account (or perhaps the accounts of equally impaired witnesses?) credibility if all they can smell is alcohol on your breath as they look you in your (heavily glazed) eyes.

Our former goalie is not going to jail, can still pursue his degree (albeit on his own dime, like 95+% of the rest of us), and is starting his pro career at the same level, in the same season he was always most likely going to start it anyway. The way he continues to whine, you would think none of the above is true. Such is the insulated, Fantasy Island version of "real life" that some of our scholar-athletes live in that shelters them from true reality. Until they step off campus and find out otherwise. Sad but true.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Any idea where UNH stands with regards to the "cost of attendance" stipends this coming season? :confused:

Somewhere out there, hovering above the Downeast, the spirit of Walshy smirks ... what with being a generation ahead of his time with his "retroactive financial aid" concept. :D
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Speculation that the "big news" coming out of UNH is the naming of the new football stadium OR as a few of you have predicted...retractable dome 😉☺️
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Boston Blades Announce Brian McCloskey as Head Coach

http://www.womenshockeylife.com

Interesting....especially when he came clean about admitting to the assault charges that were brought against him.

I really hope that he as learned from the experience and that he can move on to this new chapter in his life. Best of luck Coach McCloskey!
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

Interesting....especially when he came clean about admitting to the assault charges that were brought against him.

I really hope that he as learned from the experience and that he can move on to this new chapter in his life. Best of luck Coach McCloskey!

What he's learned from the experience, no doubt, is to never underestimate the motives of an underachieving player who is already brazen enough to unleash a torrent of profanities in your direction. And if you're fortunate enough to have just signed a long-term contract while your program is going through a relatively "down" period ... don't give your boss an easy out.

It was a scenario that was probably inevitably going to come up somewhere eventually, and it sickens me that he had to be the one who was the "test case" for setting (more likely calibrating) where the line of male coaches disciplining female athletes is to be drawn.

It speaks volumes in his favor that he's been hired at this level in an organization populated and run by women, who clearly saw the incident for what it was, and rightly trust Coach McCloskey to do what he does best, which is to coach hockey. Congrats to all. :)
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2015 Offseason - Future Planning ...or Just Rearranging the Deck Cha

This on Twitter
@SchlossmanGF: New Hampshire has signed coach Dick Umile to a new, 3-year deal through 2017-18, the Herald has learned. Base salary $248,240 per year.

Further tweets say current contract would have run out at end of this season...(if I have that right). Seems odd as thought he had that lifetime gig you guys have spoken about prob. just an ending date/semantics?
 
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