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

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

Felger said:
Totally agree with this take.

I've only been to a couple, but it is a pretty intimate setting. I know they call it a banquet, but its more like a gathering of friends and family. Honestly, I don't see any "elephant in the room" in this setting. FWIW, it used to be called the "breakup banquet" Its the last event of the season, and although they announce next year's captains (which I disagree with) its more about wrapping up the campaign that just ended than looking ahead. The head coach was part of that season. He should be there.
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In agreement with both you and HR on this - no elephant in the room! Gesturally it might be nice to have DU say a few words and pass it over to MS, but either way is appropriate. No matter what we think and feel, trust me, there will be no one in that room who was happy with this year and the final outcome.
Perhaps the pain and regret will translate into something positive. It certainly could serve as a very strong platform from which MS can speak. Unproven is his reality but in my 25 years of watching UNH hockey, MS was as intense a player as I ever saw. A real "in your face" kinda guy. Hard to believe that some of this won't translate into better things.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

As I thought there was a presser given today by Coach Umile. If you are on twitter you can watch it on the unhmhockey feed. He had alot of emotions recounting the past and was sorry things didn't go better for his team in the second half. Mentioned that there was no set date that he could give for MS taking the reigns completely, but, he was already quite busy in the transition process. I imagine there will be a write up in tomrrow's papers...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

After the Whistle said:
In agreement with both you and HR on this - no elephant in the room! Gesturally it might be nice to have DU say a few words and pass it over to MS, but either way is appropriate. No matter what we think and feel, trust me, there will be no one in that room who was happy with this year and the final outcome.
Perhaps the pain and regret will translate into something positive. It certainly could serve as a very strong platform from which MS can speak. Unproven is his reality but in my 25 years of watching UNH hockey, MS was as intense a player as I ever saw. A real "in your face" kinda guy. Hard to believe that some of this won't translate into better things.
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ATW I like your take on things! Surely MS has a competitive spirit; he was quite the player from what I can see and hope that can serve him as he undertakes this huge job of HC; you have to have something strong in your heart to want to do this; I don't care where you are in the scheme of things; a darn big job. Yes, something positive...that is a hopeful approach.
 
HockeyRef said:
Mentioned that there was no set date that he could give for MS taking the reigns completely, but, he was already quite busy in the transition process
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Still waiting for Mike to take the reigns? Any ETA when they think the training wheels can come off? Maybe by the fall?
 
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NCAA watcher said:
Surely you misheard this. Still waiting for Mike to take the reigns? Any ETA when they think the training wheels can come off?
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I would have to re listen; more of a "in process and happening as we speak" kind of thing. He was asked for specifics about dates and he said he could not give specifics. I heard from more than one person July 1 is his official end date; which is typical but he himself did not offer that. More than likely this will be in the article IF there will be one? Have they officially named Souza as HC? If they have its news to me! Anyone else listen? Do correct if I'm wrong...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

HockeyRef said:
As I thought there was a presser given today by Coach Umile. If you are on twitter you can watch it on the unhmhockey feed. He had alot of emotions recounting the past and was sorry things didn't go better for his team in the second half. Mentioned that there was no set date that he could give for MS taking the reigns completely :eek: but, he was already quite busy in the transition process. I imagine there will be a write up in tomrrow's papers...
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NCAA watcher said:
Still waiting for Mike to take the reigns? Any ETA when they think the training wheels can come off? Maybe by the fall?
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Holy crap. Souza should have been "handed the reins" the second the bus got back from Orono. Seriously.

Maybe Coach Umile is holding out for the possibility of a late at-large bid to the NIT?? :rolleyes:

Listen ... I get the formalities, the obligatory capo role at the banquet, etc.

But can you please just let Souza take over? He's been waiting 3 years ...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Oh, wait ... I get it now. The Hockey East Awards Banquet is next week. Say no more ...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Chuck Murray said:
Holy crap. Souza should have been "handed the reins" the second the bus got back from Orono. Seriously.

Maybe Coach Umile is holding out for the possibility of a late at-large bid to the NIT?? :rolleyes:

Listen ... I get the formalities, the obligatory capo role at the banquet, etc.

But can you please just let Souza take over? He's been waiting 3 years ...
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An email I received today (as did every other UNH Athletics supporter, etc) used the term 'soon'. We all know who's running the show, right? As far as I'm concerned MS has the 'reigns' (which, Id like to clarify, was my term used, not the interview. And speaking of the interview/presser, it's not available right now on my computer), for all intents and purposes!

Other UNH news today shared via Twitter, forward Michael McNick has signed with the Indy Fuel, ECHC affiliate of the B'Hawks! Good luck McNick!!

UPDATE: I did get into the presser and he basically said that as of right now, the team is on a 2 week 'break' and that when they return, MS will be in charge. But, as far as 'officially' it wasn't something he could share/discuss. Also, 'he's already doing it' was mentioned so I think we can surmise that yes, MS is running the show, it's a transition period, and an official announcement is forthcoming. He feels very good about this and gave MS positive props. DONE ;)
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

So Chuck you catching this Bruins v DRW game??? :eek:
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Snively65 said:
Dead Wings did not have an answer for the Lil' Ball of Hate.
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Whether it's the last couple of seasons of UNH or DRW Hockey ... bad teams WILL find a way to lose close games.

Not so coincidentally, both teams suffer from weak defenses with too many low-skill and/or immobile skaters.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

NCAA watcher said:
https://twitter.com/UNHInsider/status/971159070911746054
http://unhwildcats.com/images/2018/3/6/rp_primary_umile_souza_IMG_3049.jpg

"But I'm really excited that Mike Souza is taking over. I told the team yesterday he's like one of my own. He knows all about UNH. He'll do a terrific job."
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I see 3 more booklets on the table. Does Souza have to read 'em and pass a test to officially be appointed HC?
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Can we have the press conference? If he has a contract, the position should be his already, not waiting for more time to pass. My post on Feb 19
So, how does UNH roll out the Souza era?
hope this year they have the roll-out ready, with Souza already preparing his message to the public about 1) how unacceptable the past years have been, 2) that changes will be made to finally imprint himself on the program, including setting specific goals for players because they are capable of so much more, and 3) that he can't yet announce the coaching staff, because some candidates are under contract with other teams, but that he recognizes the needs of the program, both on the ice and in recruiting, that they need a mix of PROVEN experience to assure recruits that they will get good on ice coaching, but also that they need to be aggressive in selling the program to recruits.

Dick Umile should not be at the announcement. He's had his goodbye.

This is a chance to stop looking backward, and start looking foward. No more family, history, or how good the school was for you. This is about results on the ice, and even though we expect them to avail themselves of academic opportuntiies and being good character kids, that is implied. Its the need for on-ice skills that this press conference is about.

Souza must not mention Dick Umile at all in the message, other than a brief thank him for the opportunity and all he's done, but from here on, he is not looking backward. Nobody wants to talk about the past, which is irrelevant to recruits, other than to acknowledge that changes are needed, and that there are lots of opportunities for aggressive recruiting. The message must all be about the future, and CHANGES from the past, not an attempt to fawn over it. The message -- whether true or not -- is that Mike couldn't implement all he wanted, but that he now has full control, and that all aspects of the program will be analyzed over the summer, from recruiting, coaching and fan interaction. It's also not wrong to recognize that there were missteps, from which you have learned, just as there have been missteps from the players from which he expects growth. There is now urgency, because he is accountable. That includes getting the best assistant coaches, regardless of whether they are UNH alums, and UNH is willing to pay competitive salary to get the best assistants. There are a few building blocks who provide a good base, but lots of moving parts and opportunities for Souza to bring in his guys.
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I do disagree about the banquet, which is a look back at the season, so Umile should of course be there. But clear out the HC office now, move Umile down the hallway to an emeritus office, and stop having him be the face of UNH hockey.
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

I cannot imagine attending one of these banquets the past few years (sorry to be looking backwards), as they must have been extremely depressing and frustrating, despite the attempts at positive spin.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

This was pretty much the presser, without the talk of MS being named HC etc. (And contractually I don't know/am not sure/ if they can actually give him that title until after DU's contact expires? I dunnno. I'm not really worried about that fact; it's obvious who's 'in charge'...When I retire I am under contract until July 1...he's no different? Both of these articles pretty much say the same...

https://www.collegehockeynews.com/news/2018/03/06_Umile-Says-Farewell.php

...And this from the Concord Monitor. No date given for the 'turn over'...'soon'. I can't find the transcript for the presser. It's still on twitter:

http://www.concordmonitor.com/umile-cmsp-030718-16033553
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

March 14th presser to announce Souza as head coach.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017/2018 - Umile's Last Stand - The Grand Finale

Snively65 said:
I cannot imagine attending one of these banquets the past few years (sorry to be looking backwards), as they must have been extremely depressing and frustrating, despite the attempts at positive spin.
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I went to just about every banquet since the first one that was open to the public, in 1979, at the Dover Elks, until about five or six years ago. There was always a certain sameness to each one. Opening remarks by the host (Bob Norton way back in the day, then Dick Osborne, then Pete Webster), a few remarks from the coach, some highlights of the season (that will be interesting this year), then dinner. Then the awards, then the seniors gave their speeches. Coach would say a few more words, then they would announce the captains for the next year. I can tell you that, in many a year, the crowd for the banquet was quite large. I particularly remember the 1999 banquet (as I am sure Mike Souza does) when the banquet room at the Sheraton Portsmouth was overflowing. This was, of course, after the Anaheim FF when the program had reached its first peak. I always felt that once it moved to the Whit, the expanse of the building swallowed up what at times could be the large crowd. I've heard that it has been back at Huddleston now for a few years. However, like so many, I have lost interest in it. Really, there is nothing to celebrate so why go?

As for this year's edition, there is no doubt in my mind that Dick Umile should and will be there. The essence of his character as a coach is the relationships that he builds with his players over the four years they are in Durham. It is no secret that he relishes the two way street loyalty and bond that he has with his players. Attending the weddings of his former players was always a big thing for him. So, yes, he will be there. It will be bittersweet because his career is ending, and is ending on a sour note. But it is also bittersweet because he knows that he will never have those coach/player relationships again. People can pooh pooh this take of Umile all they want, but it is who he is. Take it or leave it.
 
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