UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

[JB]

UNH can, and will likely finish the regular season in last place in Hockey East. Somehow, it just seems so fitting.

#596

I somehow find 596 so very dissatisfying... 599 is better more Shakespearean.

AND they have us right where they want us. Loose out win two in the make believe round, the first in the next round, loose in overtime in game 2 and get blown off the ice in game 3... Just that moment of hope before the predictable implosion...

Sadly it won't end this way... Not with a bang but a whimper and a thud.

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Got it. Well, I hope the incoming regime turns things around.

I am a Maine fan and can see this.

Ok I might be happy when Maine wins... But that is a little weird.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Ok count me in the minority. I place great blame in the coaching of these players. Yes the talent level is way, way, way down.

However they should run into wins in this crappy league more often. There is no system adjustment or coaching up going on. During time outs the coaches don't really talk to the players. There are no in game adjustments. I generally think too little is on the players... In this case there is not nearly enough on the coaches... Which is terrifying as Souza it would seem is a big part of the problem.

I would tell him sorry it isn't going to work out. UNH instead will go several more years of damage. I fear the institutional damage will be permanent and we have seen the glory years.

 

[HockeyRef]

Ok count me in the minority. I place great blame in the coaching of these players. Yes the talent level is way, way, way down.

However they should run into wins in this crappy league more often. There is no system adjustment or coaching up going on. During time outs the coaches don't really talk to the players. There are no in game adjustments. I generally think too little is on the players... In this case there is not nearly enough on the coaches... Which is terrifying as Souza it would seem is a big part of the problem.

I would tell him sorry it isn't going to work out. UNH instead will go several more years of damage. I fear the institutional damage will be permanent and we have seen the glory years.

When you see the same game being played over and over...you have to wonder what is going on. Like I said earlier even given the limitations of the roster there is no way they don't as you say "run into wins here and there". To coin a phrase "even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then" doesn't even fit what's going on here!

I will say I was glad to see MS vigorously working with the team during a time out...

Ps I doubt I would get any support for this but I want that team who swept UML waaay back. They played two great games. Heady times.

 

[chickod]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

When you see the same game being played over and over...you have to wonder what is going on. Like I said earlier even given the limitations of the roster there is no way they don't as you say "run into wins here and there".

Well that was kind of what I was getting at and why I asked the question.

 

[Dan]

Ok count me in the minority. I place great blame in the coaching of these players. Yes the talent level is way, way, way down.

However they should run into wins in this crappy league more often. There is no system adjustment or coaching up going on. During time outs the coaches don't really talk to the players. There are no in game adjustments. I generally think too little is on the players... In this case there is not nearly enough on the coaches... Which is terrifying as Souza it would seem is a big part of the problem.

I would tell him sorry it isn't going to work out. UNH instead will go several more years of damage. I fear the institutional damage will be permanent and we have seen the glory years.

I would agree that the coaching of players has been poor and the lack of coaching adjustments is definitely a factor. Few, if any, players have shown noticeable improvement and a number have regressed. There have been no adjustments to game plans or special teams and very few towards personnel decisions...

But I took chickods question as to whether or not the players had checked out on the coaches/season. I don't believe that's the case. I think they're not good enough - though they certainly have not been helped by the coaches in terms of their development or being put in positions to succeed. Coaches' fault in this area too, IMO...

I also agree - best thing for the program would be to back out of the succession plan. It's not working and there's no indication Souza has what it takes to turn it around. My biggest fear is that he takes over and Scarano (who never fires anyone) allows Souza to be mediocre to worse for the remainder of the ADs career, while UNH hockey becomes UNH BBall and Souza is the program's Herrion. No accountability...

I wish the president would get involved and re-evaluate/hold accountable both AD and coach, honestly...

 

[HockeyRef]

I would agree that the coaching of players has been poor and the lack of coaching adjustments is definitely a factor. Few, if any, players have shown noticeable improvement and a number have regressed. There have been no adjustments to game plans or special teams and very few towards personnel decisions...

But I took chickods question as to whether or not the players had checked out on the coaches/season. I don't believe that's the case. I think they're not good enough - though they certainly have not been helped by the coaches in terms of their development or being put in positions to succeed. Coaches' fault in this area too, IMO...

I also agree - best thing for the program would be to back out of the succession plan. It's not working and there's no indication Souza has what it takes to turn it around. My biggest fear is that he takes over and Scarano (who never fires anyone) allows Souza to be mediocre to worse for the remainder of the ADs career, while UNH hockey becomes UNH BBall and Souza is the program's Herrion. No accountability...

I wish the president would get involved and re-evaluate/hold accountable both AD and coach, honestly...

It will be a cold day in you know where when UNH admits they need to re-evaluate....and as I have said I truly hope MS can turn this around...Even in my short tenure as a fan that (your bball comparison) would be beyond a tradgedy that I could not fathom...and may I be more specific? An outrage.

 

[chickod]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

But I took chickods question as to whether or not the players had checked out on the coaches/season. I don't believe that's the case. I think they're not good enough - though they certainly have not been helped by the coaches in terms of their development or being put in positions to succeed.

That's a fair assessment. I was just wondering if someone had "inside" knowledge that (lack of talent notwithstanding, because they're not mutually exclusive) in addition there was something going on which was prompting the players to mail it in. I wasn't accusing them of "not trying." It can be difficult (no matter how much one tries to convince oneself) to give 100% in a hopeless situation, even if one thinks they are. So if the coaches were creating some atmosphere that was not conducive to optimum effort, that's all I was asking/speculating. If you say they are trying as hard as they can, I will take your word for it.

The whole situation is really a shame and I sincerely hope they get it fixed, but someone has to take charge and own it.

 

[JB]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Cash cows that go unfed become dead cows...

The story of the UNH athletic department.

 

[Dan]

That's a fair assessment. I was just wondering if someone had "inside" knowledge that (lack of talent notwithstanding, because they're not mutually exclusive) in addition there was something going on which was prompting the players to mail it in. I wasn't accusing them of "not trying." It can be difficult (no matter how much one tries to convince oneself) to give 100% in a hopeless situation, even if one thinks they are. So if the coaches were creating some atmosphere that was not conducive to optimum effort, that's all I was asking/speculating. If you say they are trying as hard as they can, I will take your word for it.

The whole situation is really a shame and I sincerely hope they get it fixed, but someone has to take charge and own it.

If you told me that they were dismayed and coming to the rink doubting their ability to win or that they were unhappy and not enjoying hockey right now and/or more easily distracted due to the all the losing - their play suffering as a result Id believe you. But that's all a result of not being better or being coached better and I don't see a lack of hustle or any outward bad attitudes. So I'd still stick to talent (recruiting) and coaching as the main culprits...

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Sad for me as Maine fan. Pick chins up and don't get down on idiot BC and BU fans comentary. We are both picking things up now. Watch.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

That's a fair assessment. I was just wondering if someone had "inside" knowledge that (lack of talent notwithstanding, because they're not mutually exclusive) in addition there was something going on which was prompting the players to mail it in. I wasn't accusing them of "not trying." It can be difficult (no matter how much one tries to convince oneself) to give 100% in a hopeless situation, even if one thinks they are. So if the coaches were creating some atmosphere that was not conducive to optimum effort, that's all I was asking/speculating. If you say they are trying as hard as they can, I will take your word for it.

The whole situation is really a shame and I sincerely hope they get it fixed, but someone has to take charge and own it.

The only "inside" knowledge is from cues we see. Max Gilson, who should be leading the rebuilding and have bought in to the new direction, had his brother commit elsewhere.
Jason Miller, one of Souza's first recruits, and another of the new vanguard, quit after a semester.
Drew Commesso, the first young star recruited by Souza watched for a half year and Decommitted.

So, it's not only the on ice product screams of unhappiness.

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

The only "inside" knowledge is from cues we see. Max Gilson, who should be leading the rebuilding and have bought in to the new direction, had his brother commit elsewhere.
Jason Miller, one of Souza's first recruits, and another of the new vanguard, quit after a semester.
Drew Commesso, the first young star recruited by Souza watched for a half year and Decommitted.

So, it's not only the on ice product screams of unhappiness.

If you had any backbone as a Unh fan, why would you have that footer?

 

[Snively65]

Ok count me in the minority. I place great blame in the coaching of these players. Yes the talent level is way, way, way down.

However they should run into wins in this crappy league more often. There is no system adjustment or coaching up going on. During time outs the coaches don't really talk to the players. There are no in game adjustments. I generally think too little is on the players... In this case there is not nearly enough on the coaches... Which is terrifying as Souza it would seem is a big part of the problem.

I would tell him sorry it isn't going to work out. UNH instead will go several more years of damage. I fear the institutional damage will be permanent and we have seen the glory years.

I am apparently in the minority also, as I agree about the horrible coaching, and have written such for several threads/years now. And, I do not see the coaching getting any better anytime soon, especially watching the idiotic 5-3 PP recently, on those rare occasions. Sure, the recruiting has been terrible, but the rosters are not that much worse than about half the teams in the HEA. The 11 one-goal losses and seven ties are testimony to that. Simply horrendous in-game coaching that goes way back, including the debacle of a loss to RIT at the Albany regional in 2010.

 

[BlackI]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

I am apparently in the minority also, as I agree about the horrible coaching, and have written such for several threads/years now. And, I do not see the coaching getting any better anytime soon, especially watching the idiotic 5-3 PP recently, on those rare occasions. Sure, the recruiting has been terrible, but the rosters are not that much worse than about half the teams in the HEA. The 11 one-goal losses and seven ties are testimony to that. Simply horrendous in-game coaching that goes way back, including the debacle of a loss to RIT at the Albany regional in 2010.

You are in a transition.

 

[scoreboard]

The only "inside" knowledge is from cues we see. Max Gilson, who should be leading the rebuilding and have bought in to the new direction, had his brother commit elsewhere.
Jason Miller, one of Souza's first recruits, and another of the new vanguard, quit after a semester.
Drew Commesso, the first young star recruited by Souza watched for a half year and Decommitted.

So, it's not only the on ice product screams of unhappiness.

Great post. I think you nailed it. We don't know the dynamics happening behind the scenes. A toxic environment may be the factor. We all know the last two years had a schedule solely committed to the purpose of getting 600 wins. When it became apparent the goal was in jeopardy did friction/confusion between coaching styles rear its ugly head? I get it, UNH is not the most talented team, but having only 1 win in the the last 17 games is beyond comprehension. It is more than just about talent. A clear direction appears to be lacking and it may be frustrating to the players.

 

[HockeyRef]

Great post. I think you nailed it. We don't know the dynamics happening behind the scenes. A toxic environment may be the factor. We all know the last two years had a schedule solely committed to the purpose of getting 600 wins. When it became apparent the goal was in jeopardy did friction/confusion between coaching styles rear its ugly head? I get it, UNH is not the most talented team, but having only 1 win in the the last 17 games is beyond comprehension. It is more than just about talent. A clear direction appears to be lacking and it may be frustrating to the players.

Interesting points....like the team is in limbo or something...they deserve so much more.

 

[Snively65]

The only "inside" knowledge is from cues we see. Max Gilson, who should be leading the rebuilding and have bought in to the new direction, had his brother commit elsewhere.
Jason Miller, one of Souza's first recruits, and another of the new vanguard, quit after a semester.
Drew Commesso, the first young star recruited by Souza watched for a half year and Decommitted.

So, it's not only the on ice product screams of unhappiness.

Max Gilson? Jason Miller?

I get it; names have been changed to protect the innocent.

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Cash cows that go unfed become dead cows...

The story of the UNH athletic department.

They managed to steal the dead librarian 's millions for athletics, so what's the big deal about one or two dead cows?

Who knew stripping an already uninterested 68 year old coach of the only guy doing heavy lifting for the program, and replacing him with a kid having only four years of experience at bottom-feeder teams was not a winning formula?

(well, other than Bomberhockey)

05-31-2015, 03:55 PM. Big changes coming to UNH. Careful what you wish for!!

or Greg

June 10, 2015
I can't believe that this is true, that when the hiring of Souza is announced, it will also be announced that Umile will be retiring the year after next, to be replaced with someone with a record that is as thin as Souza's is. Mind you, I think Mike is a great guy, at least he was in all the interactions I had with him back when he was a player. And I do think he is an earnest, hard working, up-and-comer. But to think that he would be anointed the new coach would be mind boggling to me. It would lead me to ask Marty Scarano, what happened to the notion that you would only hire someone with Division 1 head coach experience? If Umile was going to designate someone as his successor, why wouldn't it be the man who has been his chief recruiter for the last 12 years rather than someone who is just establishing himself. Just doesn't make any sense.

June 10, 2015
Getting your foot in the door and being anointed the successor are, to me, two different things. As I said before, Umile announcing his retirement and naming as his successor an assistant at three different D1 schools, none of which have had any level of success, would fly in the face of what I always thought would be a search focused on head coaches with D1 coaching experience. Again, it would be mind boggling.

or Chuck Murray

Pretty much agree, and strongly agree with the part in bold.

Oh well, Marty, that call could have gone either way.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

The only "inside" knowledge is from cues we see. Max Gilson, who should be leading the rebuilding and have bought in to the new direction, had his brother commit elsewhere.
Jason Miller, one of Souza's first recruits, and another of the new vanguard, quit after a semester.
Drew Commesso, the first young star recruited by Souza watched for a half year and Decommitted.

So, it's not only the on ice product screams of unhappiness.

Serious question, from a different viewpoint ... does Coach Umile have a legitimate basis to be disappointed (at the very least) with the performance to date of Coach Souza? And to a lesser degree, Coach Stewart??

Several of us (myself included) were pushing Coach Umile to bring in new blood in the latter years of his tenure. Maybe he was late to the party, and maybe it was pushed on him by BS35+5 ... and clearly, the choice of Souza over Stewart (and to bypass a national search) has to be laid at Coach Umile's doorstep. But considering all that ... I can't help but think that down deep, Umile has to be disappointed at just how little support he's gotten from his current assistants - and especially from Souza. Thoughts?

In other news ... across to the other side of the state, Coach Gaudet reached his own personal NRN (300) last night with a 3-2 win over Clarkson. It's taken him just over 20 seasons, and trucking along at pretty much a .500 pace ... just goes to show that while I kid around about The Quest and the NRN etc. it's no small accomplishment to get where Coach Umile is, just shy of twice Gaudet's haul. Just putting that out there for some balance.