What's new
By:
USCHO Fan Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

  • The USCHO Fan Forum has migrated to a new plaform, xenForo. Most of the function of the forum should work in familiar ways. Please note that you can switch between light and dark modes by clicking on the gear icon in the upper right of the main menu bar. We are hoping that this new platform will prove to be faster and more reliable. Please feel free to explore its features.

UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Status
Not open for further replies.
DLG said:
Good analysis-For sure everyone expects Keller to play next week for Arizona and McAvoy to leave
others are a distinct possibility. Is UNH a viable option for players looking to the NHL?
Click to expand...

Of course they are - UNH like every other HE program has a weight room, nutrition programs, plays in HE and offers lots of practice time (and extra free ice time). What does BU or BC really do to develop these elite guys? They enter as high draft picks for a reason. Development to me is more about getting guys like Sislo, Butler, TVR and Thompson to the NHL.

UNH was a more than viable choice to incubate high end prospects like JVR and Pesce. They can be that for others.

But that's just my opinion - does UNH share it? Because that would be what holds them back from convincing players to regard them that way. Nothing else.

---

However, if BU runs out of scholarship money because too many kids decide to stay - I doubt they will turn their back on Tkachuk, Farrance, Bowers or Cockerill. It would likely be kids on the current roster asked to leave/take less money or others asked to defer. If they upset say, Crone, with a deferral request - UNH should reach out immediately and let him know they're happy to continue providing landing spots for Texans unhappy with their deferrals (Gildon). Same goes for a Canadian like Crotty - and even *gasp* a European player or two...
 
Last edited:
Snively65 said:
Hey, maybe we can get an OOC game or two with AHC cupcake Air Force next season? They could not even get by Harvud for a trip to Chicago.
Click to expand...

I know you certainly believe in Air Force. I'm not sure if you posted this because of the cup cake theme of UNH's season or because of my remark on Williams' Hobey campaign. AHA's record against other leagues shows its still a step down - and how can you transfer down to get PT and then be considered one of the top players in college hockey? If you get missed in recruiting or chose an AHA destination and you're that good that's one thing...

Williams numbers are also questionable in my mind as he only played three of six Canisius games against top end opponents. In the three he did play he gave up 10 goals to NDak, PSU and SLU. Canisius also had a favorable conference schedule only playing AF, RM and a Bentley offense that wiped out UNH one series each. He also put up his best numbers in the second half - which included SIX games against the worst team in DI hockey, Niagara. But enough about him...

That said, as you know - Air Force is legit. They would crush UNH. I've known this since I watched them beat BC and Ohio State (SOW) in the opening weekend of the season. They also tied WM on the road earlier this season, beat CC and ASU (which UNH couldn't manage) and took DU to overtime. It is the Falcons who have the best goalie in AH, in Shane Starrett (originally a BU commit who was forced out in a log jam, hint, hint). Starrett would easily start at UNH and probably at 70% of the schools in the country.

Air Force is much better defensively than UNH and deeper at forward. Give Air Force the TK line and they are a legit national title contender. Serratore is an amazing coach who does more at Air Force with half of what UNH has to offer. It's efforts like his that make me so scornful of the excuses I hear about why UNH can't compete...

I was not surprised in the least they beat WM or almost took down Harvard. They earned their at large bid and would have made the tourney without winning the AHA tourney. Which says a lot...
 
Last edited:
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Felger said:
http://www.fosters.com/sports/20170325/oleary-ncaas-suddenly-far-from-unhs-reach

"Our goal for next year is to get to the NCAA Tournament. If you get into the NCAA Tournament nowadays, it's very, very competitive, there's a lot of parody in college hockey and you have an opportunity to win it."

I'm sure its just a typo in the article, but somehow it seems appropriate
Click to expand...

Yeah, I read that this morning and had to laugh! Great idea for a sitcom - a parody of college hockey. :p :p
 
Dan said:
I know you certainly believe in Air Force. I'm not sure if you posted this because of the cup cake theme of UNH's season or because of my remark on Williams' Hobey campaign. AHA's record against other leagues shows its still a step down - and how can you transfer down to get PT and then be considered one of the top players in college hockey? If you get missed in recruiting or chose an AHA destination and you're that good that's one thing...

Williams numbers are also questionable in my mind as he only played three of six Canisius games against top end opponents. In the three he did play he gave up 10 goals to NDak, PSU and SLU. Canisius also had a favorable conference schedule only playing AF, RM and a Bentley offense that wiped out UNH one series each. He also put up his best numbers in the second half - which included SIX games against the worst team in DI hockey, Niagara. But enough about him...

That said, as you know - Air Force is legit. They would crush UNH. I've known this since I watched them beat BC and Ohio State (SOW) in the opening weekend of the season. They also tied WM on the road earlier this season, beat CC and ASU (which UNH couldn't manage) and took DU to overtime. It is the Falcons who have the best goalie in AH, in Shane Starrett (originally a BU commit who was forced out in a log jam, hint, hint). Starrett would easily start at UNH and probably at 70% of the schools in the country.

Air Force is much better defensively than UNH and deeper at forward. Give Air Force the TK line and they are a legit national title contender. Serratore is an amazing coach who does more at Air Force with half of what UNH has to offer. It's efforts like his that make me so scornful of the excuses I hear about why UNH can't compete...

I was not surprised in the least they beat WM or almost took down Harvard. They earned their at large bid and would have made the tourney without winning the AHA tourney. Which says a lot...
Click to expand...

I posted mostly because of cupcake theme that Chuck promised would continue next season, and I am not sure whether we have played them yet. Agree with all of your comments about Air Force, as I get to watch them at the JAR at least every other year.

Also, to revisit posts earlier in this thread, Umile's old UNH teammate Mike McShane coached his Norwich Cadets to their fourth Div 3 NC (2000, 2003, 2010, 2017) with a 4-1 win against Trinity last night. McShane's overall collegiate head coaching record (4 yrs St Lawrence, 9 yrs PC, 22 yrs Norwich) now 722-341-67.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Scott said:
Yeah, I read that this morning and had to laugh! Great idea for a sitcom - a parody of college hockey. :p :p
Click to expand...

Titled "At My Whitt's End," the sitcom would be centered at a state school in New Hampshire. If "The West Wing" could be centered around a president from the Granite State, why not a hockey sitcom? And to bring things full circle, perhaps find a role for Ontkean someplace...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Felger said:
If "The West Wing" could be centered around a president from the Granite State, why not a hockey sitcom?
Click to expand...

Because in episode I President Umile would meet with Chief Justice Scarano, and as they approach the end of his second term, President Umile would blackmail Scarano into allowing him to remain as President for Life. Episodes 2-288 would involve President Umile golfing instead of focusing on details about the important bill coming up, having deligated all of the work to his trusted Chief of Staff, Scotty. There would then be a House investigation into that Chief of Staff's emails, which improperly contacted potential White House hires before they were allowed to, and that when Scotty would bring potential West Wing staff to meet the President, the President kept getting them confused or ignored them.

Episode 289 would have President Umile getting a commitment from a young JFK, but his Chief of Staff thought JFK needed a couple more seasons of seasoning, and kept deferring him.

Episode 358 has President Umile picking a personable intern with no legislative experience to take over the Presidency in three years.
 
Last edited:
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

NCAA watcher said:
Because in episode I President Umile would meet with Chief Justice Scarano, and as they approach the end of his second term, President Umile would blackmail Scarano into allowing him to remain as President for Life. Episodes 2-288 would involve President Umile golfing instead of focusing on details about the important bill coming up, having deligated all of the work to his trusted Chief of Staff, Scotty. There would then be a House investigation into that Chief of Staff's emails, which improperly contacted potential White House hires before they were allowed to, and that when Scotty would bring potential West Wing staff to meet the President, the President kept getting them confused or ignored them.

Episode 289 would have President Umile getting a commitment from a young JFK, but his Chief of Staff thought JFK needed a couple more seasons of seasoning, and kept deferring him.

Episode 358 has President Umile picking a personable intern with no legislative experience to take over the Presidency in three years.
Click to expand...

Brilliant! :) With the Scotty reference, I'm wondering if there is a Star Trek version of this out there? :confused:
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Snively65 said:
I posted mostly because of cupcake theme that Chuck promised would continue next season, and I am not sure whether we have played them yet. Agree with all of your comments about Air Force, as I get to watch them at the JAR at least every other year.
Click to expand...

The cupcake theme will continue only if UNH continues to go heavy on scheduling the, er, um ... cupcakes.

Personally, I think there are at least 14 very good reasons why BS35+5 will continue doing so next season.

I just want to echo the comments of Snively65, Dan and many others ... watched the Air Force v. Harvard game last night, and Air Force was hanging in there with the Crimson right to the bitter end. It's efforts like these in elimination games that make a season-ending loss just a little more tolerable. Admirable to say the least, and a great reflection on Coach Serratore, his players, and the whole AF program.

Now if this was the pattern of the last 25+ seasons at UNH, I think folks would be a lot more tolerant about a rare no-show performance here and there. Hey, sometimes it happens (see Union last night). But when a pattern emerges and recurs every couple of seasons, it does lead any knowledgeable hockey fan to say ... "hmmmm ... most of these games are usually white knuckle, down to the final buzzer affairs ... why are ours so different?" Even in the UNH apex years, it was still happening too often. This has had a cumulative effect on the UNH faithful, and while I'm prepared to give Coach Souza a chance in his new duties, his connection with Umile is only going to bring that beast back to life the first time UNH tonks it to the next Niagara/RIT, or the first time they get blown out by an established program.

God, I'm really tired of treading over this tired old ground again and again ... but isn't this going to be the legacy of what Coach is going to leave behind, unless something amazing takes place over the next 12 months?
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Well put a fork in Lowell. Bjork is the real deal!
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Ugh. Effing Notre Dame. :mad: Sorry, I can't root for them in the FF....I just can't.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Chuck Murray said:
Brilliant! :) With the Scotty reference, I'm wondering if there is a Star Trek version of this out there? :confused:
Click to expand...

How about:

"The Search for Spark"

"Insurrection" (should have been made in 2016, fans send Umile out of town on a rail)

"Into Darkness" (seasons 2018, 2019???)

"The Undiscovered Country" - President Umile finally decides to tap the "Euro-mercenary" market.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Scott said:
Ugh. Effing Notre Dame. :mad: Sorry, I can't root for them in the FF....I just can't.
Click to expand...

I still have this strange recurring nightmare about a Midwestern school once sullying our conference for 3 seasons.

:confused:
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2017 Off-season: The Clash Question

Snively65 said:
I posted mostly because of cupcake theme that Chuck promised would continue next season, and I am not sure whether we have played them yet. Agree with all of your comments about Air Force, as I get to watch them at the JAR at least every other year.

Also, to revisit posts earlier in this thread, Umile's old UNH teammate Mike McShane coached his Norwich Cadets to their fourth Div 3 NC (2000, 2003, 2010, 2017) with a 4-1 win against Trinity last night. McShane's overall collegiate head coaching record (4 yrs St Lawrence, 9 yrs PC, 22 yrs Norwich) now 722-341-67.
Click to expand...

McShane was my coach at the Phillips Exeter Hockey Camp in 1972 or 1973? Always hoped he would coach at UNH.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top