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UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
- Thread starter Chuck Murray
- Start date
deltabravo62
Active member
Not sure that Cleland will have to sit out as this was an exhibition game. I guess we will have to wait and see. I'll post a bit more of my take on the game after I get home.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Word at the STH mixer was "mixed" on this. Guess we will find out. It was disclosed Vela has a possible separated shoulder...
Looks like Cleland will be ineligible from what I read on the Exhibition thread..
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As I said earlier, - if he was given a DQ and not a misconduct, yes, he would. For reference, it has already been announced that three Bowling Green players have been suspended one game as a result of their end of game brawl with Windsor....
However the box score lists a game misconduct which means Cleland will be able to play next week...
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
At the post-game reception for season ticket holders we had a chance to speak with Vela, whose right arm was definitely in a sling. He seemed to be in pretty good spirits despite the injury and just wants to be back in the ice as soon as possible. They're checking him tomorrow for a possible concussion as well.
At the post-game reception for season ticket holders we had a chance to speak with Vela, whose right arm was definitely in a sling. He seemed to be in pretty good spirits despite the injury and just wants to be back in the ice as soon as possible. They're checking him tomorrow for a possible concussion as well.
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CollegeHockeyRinkReport
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Recap, analysis and quotes from Umile and Kelleher:
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hoc...ck-kelleher-nazarian-eiserman-blackburn-umile
Recap, analysis and quotes from Umile and Kelleher:
http://www.sbncollegehockey.com/hoc...ck-kelleher-nazarian-eiserman-blackburn-umile
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
So for those of us who attended the game (or watched? was it on?) what were your thoughts? From our end we thought:
-TyK looked great out there; lots of excellent passing and hope he will take a few shots as well. Just a wonderful player to watch...I hope he KILLS it this season!
-Eiserman...big, strong, going to do some damage hopefully this season. Just the guy you want to play physical when you need it, and has a great shot. Nice goal tonight!
-Frosh showed some good stuff; the line of Grasso-BvR-Blackburn in particular. BvR gets 2 assists and Blackburn pots his first goal. Fregona mixed it up out there as well.
I really, really liked what I saw of Grasso out there as well as Blackburn. BvR skates very well and gets in there for a big forward. He was on the PK and looked decent in that role.
-Nazarian will score goals this season and is a natural line mate addition for TyK.
- Salvaggio wins the shot contest of the night with 8. Looked strong out there.
-D wise liked the look of Wyse; he is a presence there for sure. Skates well, smooth in the transition. Cleland was Cleland, glad to see him stick up for his players but we can't afford to lose him next weekend (which we won't it looks like) or EVER. Boyd didn't seem to be out there much? (correct if wrong)
-Really like Dawson he will continue to work on making sure the puck stays in the zone.
-No real comments on Maller; felt he played well and he says he's healthy so that's a good thing. Would love to see him have a great year.
-Cam Marks is a strong player who showed he belongs in the starting D pair but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes with the continued dev of Wyse and a healthy Maller
-Chanter in briefly? Not much? Curious what others think of him, as well as Nick Nonis' performance.
-GK's: hard to say who played 'better'. Clark looked stable, DT roamed here and there as he likes to do. Both made decent saves. The UNB goal was a 3 on 1 soooo......
(looks like we do have a 3rd goalie)
-Jamie Hill...did not play? was he introduced? did see him at the STH reception
-Vela: well he's injured and I hope for not too long...this is a fluid player who we need to really continue the work he had going last season.
-McNick/Cefalu/Sacco frankly I really don't/didn't have a decent read on them tonight..what did others think? Personally I am a big McNick fan and expect him to be a bright spot. EDIT: thanks for the update on McNick not playing...no wonder I had no clue (haha) than usual that is!
Top line: Seemed like they made some decent connections...of course, and I plan on letting this go after this post, think we would've been on the board sooner if Pots was out there, but, we go on and I feel like we will see some good things from this line.
Anyway...I'm sure there's another/different view of things (appreciated the Jeff Cox story) and I look forward to hearing them! Obviously there's plenty of work to be done and next weekend will be another test to see where we are at.
Will see you there Snively65 hopefully as well as wildcatdc?
Finally, someone said the reason they did the 'old cheer' was there wasn't anyone to work the vid board or something to that tune. I think fans were psyched to have things the way they were...but whatever as long as the team plays well you can't have everything!
So for those of us who attended the game (or watched? was it on?) what were your thoughts? From our end we thought:
-TyK looked great out there; lots of excellent passing and hope he will take a few shots as well. Just a wonderful player to watch...I hope he KILLS it this season!
-Eiserman...big, strong, going to do some damage hopefully this season. Just the guy you want to play physical when you need it, and has a great shot. Nice goal tonight!
-Frosh showed some good stuff; the line of Grasso-BvR-Blackburn in particular. BvR gets 2 assists and Blackburn pots his first goal. Fregona mixed it up out there as well.
I really, really liked what I saw of Grasso out there as well as Blackburn. BvR skates very well and gets in there for a big forward. He was on the PK and looked decent in that role.
-Nazarian will score goals this season and is a natural line mate addition for TyK.
- Salvaggio wins the shot contest of the night with 8. Looked strong out there.
-D wise liked the look of Wyse; he is a presence there for sure. Skates well, smooth in the transition. Cleland was Cleland, glad to see him stick up for his players but we can't afford to lose him next weekend (which we won't it looks like) or EVER. Boyd didn't seem to be out there much? (correct if wrong)
-Really like Dawson he will continue to work on making sure the puck stays in the zone.
-No real comments on Maller; felt he played well and he says he's healthy so that's a good thing. Would love to see him have a great year.
-Cam Marks is a strong player who showed he belongs in the starting D pair but I wouldn't be surprised if that changes with the continued dev of Wyse and a healthy Maller
-Chanter in briefly? Not much? Curious what others think of him, as well as Nick Nonis' performance.
-GK's: hard to say who played 'better'. Clark looked stable, DT roamed here and there as he likes to do. Both made decent saves. The UNB goal was a 3 on 1 soooo......
(looks like we do have a 3rd goalie)
-Jamie Hill...did not play? was he introduced? did see him at the STH reception
-Vela: well he's injured and I hope for not too long...this is a fluid player who we need to really continue the work he had going last season.
-McNick/Cefalu/Sacco frankly I really don't/didn't have a decent read on them tonight..what did others think? Personally I am a big McNick fan and expect him to be a bright spot. EDIT: thanks for the update on McNick not playing...no wonder I had no clue (haha) than usual that is!
Top line: Seemed like they made some decent connections...of course, and I plan on letting this go after this post, think we would've been on the board sooner if Pots was out there, but, we go on and I feel like we will see some good things from this line.
Anyway...I'm sure there's another/different view of things (appreciated the Jeff Cox story) and I look forward to hearing them! Obviously there's plenty of work to be done and next weekend will be another test to see where we are at.
Will see you there Snively65 hopefully as well as wildcatdc?
Finally, someone said the reason they did the 'old cheer' was there wasn't anyone to work the vid board or something to that tune. I think fans were psyched to have things the way they were...but whatever as long as the team plays well you can't have everything!
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Bingo; you called it, HR.
I would scrap these exhibition games against Canadian goon teams; just not worth it.
deltabravo62
Active member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
I can honestly say I felt there was more energy and drive in the team than I expected for an exhibition game. I really hope that will continue because they are going to need it. The freshmen that were out there had something to prove and it showed. BvR was seeing passing lanes very well and hitting his targets leading to two assists but he was having trouble finding the net when shooting. Blackburn stepped in and looked very comfortable in all zones making things happen, a nice chip in goal and a beautiful setup pass to Eiserman for the third goal. Grasso was someone who I was not particularly watching for but he caught my attention a lot in the game, decent speed and some good passes. He was a little over excited seeing a wide open net twice and lifting it over the crossbar. Wyse looked comfortable as well and made some good defensive plays. Sacco/Fregona were not playing as much so I did not get a good look at them.
Note: As far as I could tell Hill and McNicholas did not play in the game, they were dressed and skating in warmups but did not take any shifts.
The rest of the team performed well, Kelleher had a great game save for the decision to break out when you are at a two man disadvantage and give up a 3 on 1 goal against. It felt like things were flowing well with the combinations that they had, I hope that can continue into the regular season.
I do not know how good of a read you can get off a CIS exhibition against the defending CIS National Champions and how well that translates going forward. But I will say it felt completely different out there tonight from almost any game I went to last year. They were not getting clogged up for 2+minutes in their own end, clearing attempts were actually getting out, it felt like there was energy that was missing most of last season (even when they won).
In the end though, it is a 3-1 win in exhibition play. Some will likely say they remember a day when 3-1 in this game would be a crying shame. I will say that it was a far better effort than they put in against StFX last year and playing in the way they did will win them some games this year. Not time to start planning the parade in April, just some hope after there was very little last year.
In closing, I hope that Vela pulls through whatever happened to him very quickly. They can survive without him for the first few weeks if need be but Around the 1st of November they will be missing him if he is not out there. The hit honestly wasn't that malicious, it was shoulder to shoulder within a second or two of Vela passing the puck. It was from his blind side and I do not think he was ready for it. You see players give and take hits like that several times a game, he just didn't get up from it.
And we're on to Bentley.
I can honestly say I felt there was more energy and drive in the team than I expected for an exhibition game. I really hope that will continue because they are going to need it. The freshmen that were out there had something to prove and it showed. BvR was seeing passing lanes very well and hitting his targets leading to two assists but he was having trouble finding the net when shooting. Blackburn stepped in and looked very comfortable in all zones making things happen, a nice chip in goal and a beautiful setup pass to Eiserman for the third goal. Grasso was someone who I was not particularly watching for but he caught my attention a lot in the game, decent speed and some good passes. He was a little over excited seeing a wide open net twice and lifting it over the crossbar. Wyse looked comfortable as well and made some good defensive plays. Sacco/Fregona were not playing as much so I did not get a good look at them.
Note: As far as I could tell Hill and McNicholas did not play in the game, they were dressed and skating in warmups but did not take any shifts.
The rest of the team performed well, Kelleher had a great game save for the decision to break out when you are at a two man disadvantage and give up a 3 on 1 goal against. It felt like things were flowing well with the combinations that they had, I hope that can continue into the regular season.
I do not know how good of a read you can get off a CIS exhibition against the defending CIS National Champions and how well that translates going forward. But I will say it felt completely different out there tonight from almost any game I went to last year. They were not getting clogged up for 2+minutes in their own end, clearing attempts were actually getting out, it felt like there was energy that was missing most of last season (even when they won).
In the end though, it is a 3-1 win in exhibition play. Some will likely say they remember a day when 3-1 in this game would be a crying shame. I will say that it was a far better effort than they put in against StFX last year and playing in the way they did will win them some games this year. Not time to start planning the parade in April, just some hope after there was very little last year.
In closing, I hope that Vela pulls through whatever happened to him very quickly. They can survive without him for the first few weeks if need be but Around the 1st of November they will be missing him if he is not out there. The hit honestly wasn't that malicious, it was shoulder to shoulder within a second or two of Vela passing the puck. It was from his blind side and I do not think he was ready for it. You see players give and take hits like that several times a game, he just didn't get up from it.
And we're on to Bentley.
UNHJourney34
New member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Hey HR, I took a walk around but didn't see you. Ran into a friend who was in town for homecoming and got distracted. But I did pick up my season tickets and my tickets for Fenway and MSG today. So I'm sure I will see you soon!
A couple responses and observations:
I focused on Wyse during the powerplays. And he seemed very hesitant to shoot the puck. Both times he did shoot it went right into the shin pads of the man in front of him. I'm hoping this was just nerves, because in pretty much every other instance that I noticed him he was solid and making smart plays.
Boyd took that dumb slashing penalty behind the play that ruined a breakaway chance. I did not see him after that. I assumed that the coaches were not happy and he was done for the night.
Cefalu made 2 great defensive plays tonight that I think should earn him some 4th line time. He hustled and caught a guy from behind to steal the puck and made a good clean pass to start the breakout. Then he had a great hit on the forecheck, he knocked the defender who was much taller than him right off his feet. He is Jamie Hill 2.0. Small, but scared of nothing and willing to get his hands dirty. Exactly what I'm looking for as a 4th line energy guy.
I really like Blackburn and BVR, but Grasso and Fregona had moments where they looked lost. UNB plays really aggressive, so I'm hoping that they can settle down and find their games once the season starts. It wouldn't surprise me if one or both of them gets very little ice time this year. I liked both Sacco and Nonis from the little I saw, especially Nonis. He wasn't flashy, but his stick was in the right place and he broke up a couple plays right in front of me that were actually pretty impressive.
My predictions on game 1 lines based off what I saw tonight (hopefully Vela is ok):
Salvaggio - Nazarian - Kellerher
Hill (Vela) - Mcnicholas - Eiserman
BVR - Blackburn - Miller (Hill)
Cefalu - Sacco (Miller) - Fregona
Grasso - (Sacco)
Cleland - Marks
Wyse - Dawson
Nonis - Maller
Chanter - Boyd
Tirone
Clark
Clark played well, but I doubt Umile gives him the start opening night.
Crazy prediction:
I think Boyd may end up seeing more time as a forward this year. He keeps blowing his opportunities on defense, and depending on how the injury situation goes throughout the year he may float back and forth. The roster is smaller than usual, so there is a little bit of a lack of depth problem. I wonder if the coaching staff have a player in mind who they could bring in in January if they need to. No point in bringing somebody in before the season if they aren't going to play, but perhaps a midseason emergency player. But hopefully the team stays relatively healthy and there won't be a need to waste a year of eligibility for somebody else.
Hey HR, I took a walk around but didn't see you. Ran into a friend who was in town for homecoming and got distracted. But I did pick up my season tickets and my tickets for Fenway and MSG today. So I'm sure I will see you soon!
A couple responses and observations:
I focused on Wyse during the powerplays. And he seemed very hesitant to shoot the puck. Both times he did shoot it went right into the shin pads of the man in front of him. I'm hoping this was just nerves, because in pretty much every other instance that I noticed him he was solid and making smart plays.
Boyd took that dumb slashing penalty behind the play that ruined a breakaway chance. I did not see him after that. I assumed that the coaches were not happy and he was done for the night.
Cefalu made 2 great defensive plays tonight that I think should earn him some 4th line time. He hustled and caught a guy from behind to steal the puck and made a good clean pass to start the breakout. Then he had a great hit on the forecheck, he knocked the defender who was much taller than him right off his feet. He is Jamie Hill 2.0. Small, but scared of nothing and willing to get his hands dirty. Exactly what I'm looking for as a 4th line energy guy.
I really like Blackburn and BVR, but Grasso and Fregona had moments where they looked lost. UNB plays really aggressive, so I'm hoping that they can settle down and find their games once the season starts. It wouldn't surprise me if one or both of them gets very little ice time this year. I liked both Sacco and Nonis from the little I saw, especially Nonis. He wasn't flashy, but his stick was in the right place and he broke up a couple plays right in front of me that were actually pretty impressive.
My predictions on game 1 lines based off what I saw tonight (hopefully Vela is ok):
Salvaggio - Nazarian - Kellerher
Hill (Vela) - Mcnicholas - Eiserman
BVR - Blackburn - Miller (Hill)
Cefalu - Sacco (Miller) - Fregona
Grasso - (Sacco)
Cleland - Marks
Wyse - Dawson
Nonis - Maller
Chanter - Boyd
Tirone
Clark
Clark played well, but I doubt Umile gives him the start opening night.
Crazy prediction:
I think Boyd may end up seeing more time as a forward this year. He keeps blowing his opportunities on defense, and depending on how the injury situation goes throughout the year he may float back and forth. The roster is smaller than usual, so there is a little bit of a lack of depth problem. I wonder if the coaching staff have a player in mind who they could bring in in January if they need to. No point in bringing somebody in before the season if they aren't going to play, but perhaps a midseason emergency player. But hopefully the team stays relatively healthy and there won't be a need to waste a year of eligibility for somebody else.
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
You saw the lines playing in Bentley game last night. Grasso had two assists in the game and is on the first power play so he is not sitting. He is Kevin Goumas with better defense. He was a top 40 scorer in the USHL (the best league to judge true talent). He and Blackburn have been the best freshmen and BVR played very well last night. I do not know if they are moving Fregona to the second line for now in place of Vela or if they will move Grasso up to second line on the right side and Fregona to the 3rd line. They have BVR on the second power play and he may move up to first line by the second half of the season. You need to have left handed shots who are not centers on the left side and right handed shots who are not centers on the right side. We seem to have too many left handed defensemen but the defense played very well last night. I think all are underestimating Joe Sacco (think Bobby Butler) and Frankie Cefalu is turning out to be an excellent player. I am always the optimist and on to Bentley as we will see more open ice than we did last night against the good squad.
Ref
I looked for you after second period and you were not in the Ref's Den. I have no knowledge about either McNicholas or Hill at present. I am guessing they are not dressing this coming weekend. I hope the building has a lot more derrier's in the seats next week.
You saw the lines playing in Bentley game last night. Grasso had two assists in the game and is on the first power play so he is not sitting. He is Kevin Goumas with better defense. He was a top 40 scorer in the USHL (the best league to judge true talent). He and Blackburn have been the best freshmen and BVR played very well last night. I do not know if they are moving Fregona to the second line for now in place of Vela or if they will move Grasso up to second line on the right side and Fregona to the 3rd line. They have BVR on the second power play and he may move up to first line by the second half of the season. You need to have left handed shots who are not centers on the left side and right handed shots who are not centers on the right side. We seem to have too many left handed defensemen but the defense played very well last night. I think all are underestimating Joe Sacco (think Bobby Butler) and Frankie Cefalu is turning out to be an excellent player. I am always the optimist and on to Bentley as we will see more open ice than we did last night against the good squad.
Ref
I looked for you after second period and you were not in the Ref's Den. I have no knowledge about either McNicholas or Hill at present. I am guessing they are not dressing this coming weekend. I hope the building has a lot more derrier's in the seats next week.
After the Whistle
Active member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Yes to all the comments to those who were at the game. Great fun and lots of energy. A little ragged with most lines starting to settle as the game wore on. First line is a keeper for now. Loved Nazarian and think he will be the next bright spot, plays so cool and calm on both ends of the ice. JS was comfortable and puts the puck on net.
Honestly have no memory or Vela all night - yes I know it was short and I love his game. The third line of freshmen is a keepa for now. And yes, Hiil and Mc did dress but during the line drills at warm ups skated last as a line of 2. Foreshadow? Never saw them again.
The D looks good and Wyse will be important going forward. Still some work to be done but looked far better and more together. Able to get the puck out tonight. Clark over Tirone tonight.
Yes to all the comments to those who were at the game. Great fun and lots of energy. A little ragged with most lines starting to settle as the game wore on. First line is a keeper for now. Loved Nazarian and think he will be the next bright spot, plays so cool and calm on both ends of the ice. JS was comfortable and puts the puck on net.
Honestly have no memory or Vela all night - yes I know it was short and I love his game. The third line of freshmen is a keepa for now. And yes, Hiil and Mc did dress but during the line drills at warm ups skated last as a line of 2. Foreshadow? Never saw them again.
The D looks good and Wyse will be important going forward. Still some work to be done but looked far better and more together. Able to get the puck out tonight. Clark over Tirone tonight.
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Sorry to have missed you! Was hanging out down in the other end talking to some regulars...was great to see C-H-C.
Nice to read the perspectives of last night's game. Coach U described a team that is willing to do the work to better themselves and I def could feel a different energy out there as deltabravo62 mentioned. Obviously lots has to shake out but at least I feel we will indeed come to play. Place was a morgue as far as attendance goes; hope this weekend more show up. I'm glad to be back....
Sorry to have missed you! Was hanging out down in the other end talking to some regulars...was great to see C-H-C.
Nice to read the perspectives of last night's game. Coach U described a team that is willing to do the work to better themselves and I def could feel a different energy out there as deltabravo62 mentioned. Obviously lots has to shake out but at least I feel we will indeed come to play. Place was a morgue as far as attendance goes; hope this weekend more show up. I'm glad to be back....
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
OK so someone's got to take on "wet blanket" duty, and I'm here to do a little of that ...
First, briefly a note on our guests from New Brunswick ... if ever there was a ready-made team for the Federal League, this was it. Just a couple of guys with decent talent, a lot of low talent (and slow) players, and I think we got a sense from some of the 19 kids who skated for them last night what we missed out on the previous night down in North Andover. And I'll take the Federal League comparison one step further ... during the opening intros of the entire UNH squad, UNB hadn't taken the ice, until towards the end, when they skated out and then went to the end line for the starting line-ups. It had a very Syracuse @ Johnstown Federal League Finals feel to it, and I was half-expecting to see Eddie Shack, Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken, and (of course) Ogie Oglethorpe skating out afterwards. One can only imagine what their missing players from the previous evening's melee would have brought.
For the game itself ... taking a note from the Trump playbook, I'd say the game was notable for its low energy, and I'm a little bit surprised to see others thinking it was otherwise. Top marks for the evening in a landslide go to Matias Cleland for answering the bell with the UNB goon squad after the hit on Vela. That's what leadership and being the captain is all about. For all the ******ing I did abut last year's captain selections, I have to commend the team and coaching staff for getting this one right on the button.
But that leads me to another point of concern, which is continuing from last season's problems. I did think the UNH defensemen were doing a decent (not great) job of moving the puck out of their own zone right up until the point where Cleland got tossed. In the aftermath of his departure, it really showed for the rest of the game, and would have been further exposed against a better-skating opponent. It was good to see Wyse on the second pairing, and I think he's got potential ... but he's not there yet, and I'd caution everyone to go slow and give this kid some time to develop. He's going to get asked to do more than his abilities are ready for due to the absence of top quality d-men this season and next. Let's face it - on a strong team, Cleland is a second pair guy, and right now he's your best by a wide margin. Right now, everyone else is a 3rd (or 4th) pairing guy, being asked to play more minutes. Hopefully, with added ice time and growth, guys like Marks, Dawson and Wyse can anchor their respective pairings next season and beyond. Chanter showed me nothing - other than bad decisions - and was outshone by his frosh partner Nonis. For a bright spot, I will say the defense did a better job keeping the opposition away from the goalies, and second chances were at a premium for UNB. But make no mistake - overall, the defense is thin and young, and I'm not sure which of the three forwards on the UNH coaching staff is going to be responsible for "coaching them up". Stay tuned ...
Goalies-wise, I didn't see much from either Clark or Tirone that we haven't seen before. Maybe Tirone was a little more disciplined in his positioning, but he still errs on the side of challenging the shooters, while Clark stands up, plays angles and fills the net with his size. Personally, I still think Tirone is the better goalie, and I suspect we'll see him get the start next weekend vs. Bentley.
Up front ... OK, here's another reality check. UNH did not score a single goal last night at even strength. Think about that ... in a game against what might be the least talented opposition you're going to face this season ... nada. Exhibition game, sure, and all the other qualifiers remain in place about not putting too much emphasis on what happens in one of these games. But if UNB had not spent so much time in the box - and in fairness, their only goal was on their PP - this was a 0-0 snooze-fest at even strength.
Blackburn's goal also was initially saved by the (pretty decent) UNB goalie, but he kicked the rebound into one of his defenseman's stick, and it then caromed back into the goal. But credit where credit is due to him, Eiserman and Nazarian (who continues to do nothing but improve and go to the top of my fave players' list) who got in good position for close range finishes in or near the paint.
I thought Blackburn was the best of the frosh forwards, and I thought Grasso showed glimpses. Fregona looked lost at times, and with all due respect to others on here, I thought BvR was practically invisible when the game was at even strength. Two assists on the PP are nice, but I think it flatters his overall performance. Work in progress, no doubt, and given the way his brother Trevor developed in his time at Durham, I'm confident last night was an aberration.
Finally ... although I thought UNH played a decent physical game at times, I can see this is an area where they are also going to be challenged, and cannot afford to be the typically passive UNH team. As low-skill as most of the UNB players were, they gave a clinic on how to finish their checks (at least on the occasions when they weren't called for being a little over-exuberant), while UNH too often eased into their checks, or got more of the boards than of their opposite numbers. Again - exhibition game qualifiers and all that - but I was not impressed with either the energy or the overall physicality of the UNH players last night.
After a night of mixed marks and low energy, where I'd be shocked if there were more than 2,000-2,500 folks in the building ... now onto that "must-win" season opener at home vs. Bentley.
OK so someone's got to take on "wet blanket" duty, and I'm here to do a little of that ...
First, briefly a note on our guests from New Brunswick ... if ever there was a ready-made team for the Federal League, this was it. Just a couple of guys with decent talent, a lot of low talent (and slow) players, and I think we got a sense from some of the 19 kids who skated for them last night what we missed out on the previous night down in North Andover. And I'll take the Federal League comparison one step further ... during the opening intros of the entire UNH squad, UNB hadn't taken the ice, until towards the end, when they skated out and then went to the end line for the starting line-ups. It had a very Syracuse @ Johnstown Federal League Finals feel to it, and I was half-expecting to see Eddie Shack, Tim "Dr. Hook" McCracken, and (of course) Ogie Oglethorpe skating out afterwards. One can only imagine what their missing players from the previous evening's melee would have brought.
For the game itself ... taking a note from the Trump playbook, I'd say the game was notable for its low energy, and I'm a little bit surprised to see others thinking it was otherwise. Top marks for the evening in a landslide go to Matias Cleland for answering the bell with the UNB goon squad after the hit on Vela. That's what leadership and being the captain is all about. For all the ******ing I did abut last year's captain selections, I have to commend the team and coaching staff for getting this one right on the button.
But that leads me to another point of concern, which is continuing from last season's problems. I did think the UNH defensemen were doing a decent (not great) job of moving the puck out of their own zone right up until the point where Cleland got tossed. In the aftermath of his departure, it really showed for the rest of the game, and would have been further exposed against a better-skating opponent. It was good to see Wyse on the second pairing, and I think he's got potential ... but he's not there yet, and I'd caution everyone to go slow and give this kid some time to develop. He's going to get asked to do more than his abilities are ready for due to the absence of top quality d-men this season and next. Let's face it - on a strong team, Cleland is a second pair guy, and right now he's your best by a wide margin. Right now, everyone else is a 3rd (or 4th) pairing guy, being asked to play more minutes. Hopefully, with added ice time and growth, guys like Marks, Dawson and Wyse can anchor their respective pairings next season and beyond. Chanter showed me nothing - other than bad decisions - and was outshone by his frosh partner Nonis. For a bright spot, I will say the defense did a better job keeping the opposition away from the goalies, and second chances were at a premium for UNB. But make no mistake - overall, the defense is thin and young, and I'm not sure which of the three forwards on the UNH coaching staff is going to be responsible for "coaching them up". Stay tuned ...
Goalies-wise, I didn't see much from either Clark or Tirone that we haven't seen before. Maybe Tirone was a little more disciplined in his positioning, but he still errs on the side of challenging the shooters, while Clark stands up, plays angles and fills the net with his size. Personally, I still think Tirone is the better goalie, and I suspect we'll see him get the start next weekend vs. Bentley.
Up front ... OK, here's another reality check. UNH did not score a single goal last night at even strength. Think about that ... in a game against what might be the least talented opposition you're going to face this season ... nada. Exhibition game, sure, and all the other qualifiers remain in place about not putting too much emphasis on what happens in one of these games. But if UNB had not spent so much time in the box - and in fairness, their only goal was on their PP - this was a 0-0 snooze-fest at even strength.
Blackburn's goal also was initially saved by the (pretty decent) UNB goalie, but he kicked the rebound into one of his defenseman's stick, and it then caromed back into the goal. But credit where credit is due to him, Eiserman and Nazarian (who continues to do nothing but improve and go to the top of my fave players' list) who got in good position for close range finishes in or near the paint.
I thought Blackburn was the best of the frosh forwards, and I thought Grasso showed glimpses. Fregona looked lost at times, and with all due respect to others on here, I thought BvR was practically invisible when the game was at even strength. Two assists on the PP are nice, but I think it flatters his overall performance. Work in progress, no doubt, and given the way his brother Trevor developed in his time at Durham, I'm confident last night was an aberration.
Finally ... although I thought UNH played a decent physical game at times, I can see this is an area where they are also going to be challenged, and cannot afford to be the typically passive UNH team. As low-skill as most of the UNB players were, they gave a clinic on how to finish their checks (at least on the occasions when they weren't called for being a little over-exuberant), while UNH too often eased into their checks, or got more of the boards than of their opposite numbers. Again - exhibition game qualifiers and all that - but I was not impressed with either the energy or the overall physicality of the UNH players last night.
After a night of mixed marks and low energy, where I'd be shocked if there were more than 2,000-2,500 folks in the building ... now onto that "must-win" season opener at home vs. Bentley.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
On the topic of the in-season thread, I've got a few ideas, and since no one else has stepped up yet, I would put out the following and invite some interactive feedback on which way we should go (or alternatives, etc.).
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Onwards with "The _______ to 600"
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Umile's Last Stand? (all due deference to Page/Plant)
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Circling the Wagons ... or Circling the Drain?
On the topic of the in-season thread, I've got a few ideas, and since no one else has stepped up yet, I would put out the following and invite some interactive feedback on which way we should go (or alternatives, etc.).
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Onwards with "The _______ to 600"
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Umile's Last Stand? (all due deference to Page/Plant)
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Circling the Wagons ... or Circling the Drain?
HockeyRef
Well-known member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Personally...I'd like to go with something more of a positive note, but hey, that's just me.
UNH Wildcats 2016- Seeking the Positive
Lame, I know...but I'm all for supporting the team we have in place NOW...not in 2 years from NOW...
Chuck as for your commentary about the game last night considering they have had minimal practices with the coaches I felt it was better than I expected. So much has to gel and at least we all understand what we have to work with going forward. TyK loves to dish he will need to shoot more. As the Frosh get more accustomed to the level of play I believe they will contribute. And don't hesitate to come back for more fun and excitement at Lake 'Whitt...
Obviously you make many valid points and as the season gets moving am hopeful. Still I didn't get the sense the team was lack luster... Last year? Yeah on too many occasions and they know it.
ps...Justin Agosta is trying out for the Providence B's camp starts today...
Personally...I'd like to go with something more of a positive note, but hey, that's just me.
UNH Wildcats 2016- Seeking the Positive
Lame, I know...but I'm all for supporting the team we have in place NOW...not in 2 years from NOW...
Chuck as for your commentary about the game last night considering they have had minimal practices with the coaches I felt it was better than I expected. So much has to gel and at least we all understand what we have to work with going forward. TyK loves to dish he will need to shoot more. As the Frosh get more accustomed to the level of play I believe they will contribute. And don't hesitate to come back for more fun and excitement at Lake 'Whitt...
Obviously you make many valid points and as the season gets moving am hopeful. Still I didn't get the sense the team was lack luster... Last year? Yeah on too many occasions and they know it.
ps...Justin Agosta is trying out for the Providence B's camp starts today...
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
I am with you, HR. We need a more positive thread title (but, I am not a thread starter). If nothing else, a positive title will bug the BC fan boys.
I am with you, HR. We need a more positive thread title (but, I am not a thread starter). If nothing else, a positive title will bug the BC fan boys.
deltabravo62
Active member
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
Dan Correale is on a camp tryout with the Bridgeport Sounds Tigers as well.
Dan Correale is on a camp tryout with the Bridgeport Sounds Tigers as well.
Chuck Murray
WIS & Effingwoods Hockey Almanac
Re: UNH Wildcats 2016 Offseason Thread - Searching for Direction
"UNH Hockey 2016 - It's All Sunshine & Balloons Here in Durham - Just Ask Marty!!"
"UNH Hockey 2016 - There's (Almost) Nowhere to Go But Up from 10th Place!!"
Personally, I thought my earlier suggestions left things open for interpretation:
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Onwards with "The _______ to 600" lots of options to fill in the blank
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Umile's Last Stand? (all due deference to Page/Plant) question mark invites debate
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Circling the Wagons ... or Circling the Drain? positive and negative choice
Snively65 - there are better ways to bug the Chestnut Hillbillies than bait them with the title of a UNH thread.
"UNH Hockey 2016 - It's All Sunshine & Balloons Here in Durham - Just Ask Marty!!"
"UNH Hockey 2016 - There's (Almost) Nowhere to Go But Up from 10th Place!!"
Personally, I thought my earlier suggestions left things open for interpretation:
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Onwards with "The _______ to 600" lots of options to fill in the blank
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Umile's Last Stand? (all due deference to Page/Plant) question mark invites debate
* UNH Wildcats 2016 - Circling the Wagons ... or Circling the Drain? positive and negative choice
Snively65 - there are better ways to bug the Chestnut Hillbillies than bait them with the title of a UNH thread.