UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Season?

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Good to see the full schedule. Lots of Saturday games in Durham, which I like, as difficult for me to attend Friday home games.

Lots of Saturday night home games not so good for yours truly, unfortunately.

 

[Snively65]

Lots of Saturday night home games not so good for yours truly, unfortunately.

Someday we will meet at Libby's, Chuck. Or, who knows, maybe BS35+8, MS, and associates will get the Cats back to da Gahdin, sooner than later?

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

https://files.constantcontact.com/d8d3fa19601/d8d402e0-10c3-465d-b30d-301cc25c41bb.pdf

 

[Snively65]

https://files.constantcontact.com/d8d3fa19601/d8d402e0-10c3-465d-b30d-301cc25c41bb.pdf

What is in the PDF?

 

[Scott]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

What is in the PDF?

Letter from Marty Scarano, explaining in positive terms that the Friends Of UNH Hockey will cease to exist in its present form.

 

[e.cat]

Letter from Marty Scarano, explaining in positive terms that the Friends Of UNH Hockey will cease to exist in its present form.

I don't get the this. FOH is one of the oldest in the country. Something's rotten in Denmark!

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Letter from Marty Scarano, explaining in positive terms that the Friends Of UNH Hockey will cease to exist in its present form.

I don't get the this. FOH is one of the oldest in the country. Something's rotten in Denmark!

Saw this one coming a mile away, sadly. It's all about control.

Three guesses (and the first two don't count) on who will be in total charge in the aftermath ...

 

[After the Whistle]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Saw this one coming a mile away, sadly. It's all about control.

Three guesses (and the first two don't count) on who will be in total charge in the aftermath ...

All of this is understandable on some level but my guess is that the team will lose more than it gains. We all like to be affiliated with something we love, especially if we feel we have some control over it. My guess is that selling 50/50s will lose some of its feel for many and others will find it less appealing to be on a committee to do this or that. Yes, it can probably work but being part of something that owns an activity feels so much more like support. And what is the difference if someone sells raffle tickets and gives it to the AD or they get it and donates it to an authorized project.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

All of this is understandable on some level but my guess is that the team will lose more than it gains. We all like to be affiliated with something we love, especially if we feel we have some control over it. My guess is that selling 50/50s will lose some of its feel for many and others will find it less appealing to be on a committee to do this or that. Yes, it can probably work but being part of something that owns an activity feels so much more like support. And what is the difference if someone sells raffle tickets and gives it to the AD or they get it and donates it to an authorized project.

....so much I'd like to say about all of this...but I had my say recently and am glad I got that chance in front of some VIP's. I believe they heard us and that letter is the result of many people voicing their concerns over the loss of the group. I will miss the after game meetings where we could really get to know the team, the coaching staff and the 'friends' made while doing so. I applaud the group for all they did over the years and hope that players get the same level of support that they were able to give. Happy to assist in anyway possible. The group has given their farewell on their website and it was great to see some of them at the cookout recently. They love the 'Cats too and that won't change:

https://friendsofunhhockey.com/

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Do you think that MS7 and BS35+8 got feeling all high and mighty when attendance improved this past season, so decided they no longer need FOH?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

The group has given their farewell on their website and it was great to see some of them at the cookout recently. They love the 'Cats too and that won't change:

https://friendsofunhhockey.com/

Bruce's message to the FOH faithful seems to be written through gritted teeth. After all these years, this has to be tough for him. We can say "Hey, now he can at least relax and enjoy the games", but once you go "all in" like he has (and others, like our Greg), it's tough being told you're not wanted anymore. You can dress it up however you like, but that's what's happened here. Kudos to all those who did FOH service for all of these years now. You've all done collectively more for the UNH Hockey program than your de facto "replacement" (and I use that term VERY loosely) can ever hope to accomplish, including his remaining tenure. FACT.

Do you think that MS7 and BS35+8 got feeling all high and mighty when attendance improved this past season, so decided they no longer need FOH?

I don't think one of those guys needed a whole lot of encouragement on that front, Snives.

The other guy fully realizes he's serving at the whim of the AD, and he's just along for the ride.

But that's what he signed up for four (?) summers ago, so I really don't expect him to say boo.

As long as the on-ice product improves, MS7 is doing his job. Until/unless he wildly succeeds in his position - at least on par with the accomplishments of guys like Bazin and Carvel - he'll never have any leverage in his relationship with the current AD. Umile built his up with the prior regime (including the virtual lifetime contract), and he is likely going to go down as the last guy to ever have had a chance to "save" the FOH in their original incarnation. His retirement set the stage for these latest dominoes to fall.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Saw this one coming a mile away, sadly. It's all about control.

Three guesses (and the first two don't count) on who will be in total charge in the aftermath ...

Marty writes: "... amid constant change with NCAA compliance rules and regulations..." UNH felt that the FOH would benefit from compliance guidance. One might look at this as control.

Guess one: you. Guess two: me. Guess three: UNH Advancement.

All of this is understandable on some level but my guess is that the team will lose more than it gains. We all like to be affiliated with something we love, especially if we feel we have some control over it. My guess is that selling 50/50s will lose some of its feel for many and others will find it less appealing to be on a committee to do this or that. Yes, it can probably work but being part of something that owns an activity feels so much more like support. And what is the difference if someone sells raffle tickets and gives it to the AD or they get it and donates it to an authorized project.

My guess is the team will gain more than it loses. Perhaps some new and even new old people will sell 50/50s. People can still be part of something, precisely the topic of the letter. The difference, for sure, is who is ultimately in control of the money. I vote for the organization with a compliance department.

....so much I'd like to say about all of this...but I had my say recently and am glad I got that chance in front of some VIP's. I believe they heard us and that letter is the result of many people voicing their concerns over the loss of the group. I will miss the after game meetings where we could really get to know the team, the coaching staff and the 'friends' made while doing so. I applaud the group for all they did over the years and hope that players get the same level of support that they were able to give. Happy to assist in anyway possible. The group has given their farewell on their website and it was great to see some of them at the cookout recently. They love the 'Cats too and that won't change:https://friendsofunhhockey.com/

Marty asks for: "... volunteers... to help plan... special fan and player events...". Keep hope. Better yet, volunteer.

Bruce's message to the FOH faithful seems to be written through gritted teeth. After all these years, this has to be tough for him. We can say "Hey, now he can at least relax and enjoy the games", but once you go "all in" like he has (and others, like our Greg), it's tough being told you're not wanted anymore. You can dress it up however you like, but that's what's happened here. Kudos to all those who did FOH service for all of these years now. You've all done collectively more for the UNH Hockey program than your de facto "replacement" (and I use that term VERY loosely) can ever hope to accomplish, including his remaining tenure. FACT.

The other guy fully realizes he's serving at the whim of the AD, and he's just along for the ride.

As long as the on-ice product improves, MS7 is doing his job. Until/unless he wildly succeeds in his position - at least on par with the accomplishments of guys like Bazin and Carvel - he'll never have any leverage in his relationship with the current AD. Umile... is likely going to go down as the last guy to ever have had a chance to "save" the FOH in their original incarnation.

Was he? Did UNH evaluate the FOH and determine that nothing could be better so let's disband it? Was the decision made in a vacuum? Were there discussions with the FOH board? Was UNH represented on the board? I find it hard to view UNH as the evil empire and the AD as Darth Scarano.

Better than a virtual lifetime contract.

Or Coach Umile. Lets go back to the FF.


After compliance, the biggest takeaway from Marty's letter is: "...without the use of a formal governance structure...". A modern and nimble athletic financial support effort. Coming soon to a team near you.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Darius, another way of looking at it is … it's really a microcosm of what's going on in the outside world.

Some folks are just more comfortable than others in entrusting the things they care about with a permanent admin structure, and others prefer a little more freedom to do what (and how) they please.

As far as I know, there is no official recognition of anyone on the FOH for their half-century's worth of good deeds around the UNH Hockey program. Stuff they did made a HUGE difference for the program, and their actions never cast any shadows over the integrity of the program, never created any damage to the reputation of the program or the school. Unlike the actions of at least one assistant coach of recent vintage … which just so happened under the laser-focused "oversight" of the current AD.

Just sayin'.

Not that the folks at FOH ever wanted public recognition for its good deeds. But … you can bet the self-esteemed AD's name will be attached to the football stadium in some capacity ("McDonnell Field at Infinity Stadium" perhaps? ) the second he retires … or at least when he officially retires, since he's been on hard-core cruise control since at least 2015 (and arguably much sooner).

My sincere and personal thanks to all who ran FOH with such class and good intentions over the years.

History will look back kindly and smile on the selfless nature of your efforts. Kudos.

 

[HockeyRef]

Darius, another way of looking at it is … it's really a microcosm of what's going on in the outside world.

Some folks are just more comfortable than others in entrusting the things they care about with a permanent admin structure, and others prefer a little more freedom to do what (and how) they please.

As far as I know, there is no official recognition of anyone on the FOH for their half-century's worth of good deeds around the UNH Hockey program. Stuff they did made a HUGE difference for the program, and their actions never cast any shadows over the integrity of the program, never created any damage to the reputation of the program or the school. Unlike the actions of at least one assistant coach of recent vintage … which just so happened under the laser-focused "oversight" of the current AD.

Just sayin'.

Not that the folks at FOH ever wanted public recognition for its good deeds. But … you can bet the self-esteemed AD's name will be attached to the football stadium in some capacity ("McDonnell Field at Infinity Stadium" perhaps? ) the second he retires … or at least when he officially retires, since he's been on hard-core cruise control since at least 2015 (and arguably much sooner).

My sincere and personal thanks to all who ran FOH with such class and good intentions over the years.

History will look back kindly and smile on the selfless nature of your efforts. Kudos.

Welp you pretty much said what I wanted to say Chuck!!!! I mean sure there’s more but that’s a pretty decent assessment of what happened and guess we’ll find out what the impact will / could be. That said the recent 603 drive showed men’s hockey up from last season. Of interest to this fan will be how much fan involvement will there be and sure I’d volunteer anyway possible if it meant the team would benefit. Just ask!

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Some folks are just more comfortable than others in entrusting the things they care about with a permanent admin structure, and others prefer a little more freedom to do what (and how) they please.

As far as I know, there is no official recognition of anyone on the FOH for their half-century's worth of good deeds around the UNH Hockey program...

Freedom is good. Freedom to control one's life, information and one's hockey program if one has one.

"The Friends of UNH Hockey has helped shape and support the important traditions of this program by
providing crucial financial support, volunteering countless hours, advocating for team personnel, and
offering a welcoming hand to decades of UNH student-athletes and Wildcat fans. This support has
contributed to building and sustaining success at both Snively Arena and the Whittemore Center Arena.
UNH Athletics is indebted to the “Friends” and offers hearty THANKS to its leaders, volunteers and
donors for a “job well done.”

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

UNH Men’s Hockey Golf Tournament 2019 Registration: https://learnforlife.unh.edu/portal...TypeSelection.do?method=load&entityId=6306636

 

[ClOuD 9]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

If this had been attempted 10-15 years ago I'd have expected an angry mob with pitchforks to assemble outside the Field House, I suppose it's quite a bit easier to centralize power after you've effectively dismantled a fanbase.
I first signed up as a member of the Friends of UNH Hockey in 2001, and though I haven't attended functions in quite a few years owing to other commitments, I did continue renewing annually. A sincere thank you from this 18 year member to all those who played a part in the Friends and their support of the program.

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/pEydVuX.jpg">​

In what might otherwise be considered a compromising position, Maine coach Shawn Walsh modeled a personalized UNH jersey after speaking to the Friends of UNH Hockey last weekend. This college hockey version of cross-dressing, however, accompanied a very serious purpose.

The Friends of UNH Hockey donated their share of the 50-50 Raffle at Friday night’s contest — over $2400 — to the Coaches Foundation. Inspired by Walsh’s battle with cancer, this charitable organization was set up to serve as a resource for any coaches who might need financial help in the face of devastating illness.

When an announcement to that effect was made the following night during intermission at the Whittemore Center, the crowd stood en masse in a standing ovation for Walsh.

Given the ferocity of this rivalry, the actions of the Friends of UNH Hockey and the Saturday night crowd at the Whitt are truly class gestures of the highest order. Both were proud moments for college hockey.

https://www.uscho.com/2001/01/11/this-week-in-hockey-east-jan-11-2001/
(While not mentioned in this article, the winning fan too donated their cut of the 50-50)

 

[Snively65]

If this had been attempted 10-15 years ago I'd have expected an angry mob with pitchforks to assemble outside the Field House, I suppose it's quite a bit easier to centralize power after you've effectively dismantled a fanbase.
I first signed up as a member of the Friends of UNH Hockey in 2001, and though I haven't attended functions in quite a few years owing to other commitments, I did continue renewing annually. A sincere thank you from this 18 year member to all those who played a part in the Friends and their support of the program.


https://www.uscho.com/2001/01/11/this-week-in-hockey-east-jan-11-2001/
(While not mentioned in this article, the winning fan too donated their cut of the 50-50)

Super post, Cloud9. Been a long time.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

If this had been attempted 10-15 years ago I'd have expected an angry mob with pitchforks to assemble outside the Field House, I suppose it's quite a bit easier to centralize power after you've effectively dismantled a fanbase.
I first signed up as a member of the Friends of UNH Hockey in 2001, and though I haven't attended functions in quite a few years owing to other commitments, I did continue renewing annually. A sincere thank you from this 18 year member to all those who played a part in the Friends and their support of the program.


https://www.uscho.com/2001/01/11/this-week-in-hockey-east-jan-11-2001/
(While not mentioned in this article, the winning fan too donated their cut of the 50-50)

Agree with Snively, nice to see you here and excellent post...

 

[After the Whistle]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

If this had been attempted 10-15 years ago I'd have expected an angry mob with pitchforks to assemble outside the Field House, I suppose it's quite a bit easier to centralize power after you've effectively dismantled a fanbase.
I first signed up as a member of the Friends of UNH Hockey in 2001, and though I haven't attended functions in quite a few years owing to other commitments, I did continue renewing annually. A sincere thank you from this 18 year member to all those who played a part in the Friends and their support of the program.


https://www.uscho.com/2001/01/11/this-week-in-hockey-east-jan-11-2001/
(While not mentioned in this article, the winning fan too donated their cut of the 50-50)

Yes CLouD 9 great post. I believe that 2000 or 01 was my first year, need to check my pins, but I can't say i stayed the course as long as you. No reason other than kids in college and money was tighter at that point. The Friends have been great for UNH and deserve to be thanked big time.
On a different note. 80 days until our first ability to see this version of Cat's Hockey and 105 days until our first "real" home game. While it is hard to question folks issues with playing a Goon Squad and having someone get hurt. Was it 2016/17 or 17/18 that it was an endless string of questionable hits and tons of penalty minutes.?
I still like the opportunity to get that preview of the new team, new players and sense of the early lines. They have played 5 lines in the first period a couple of times. Don't ask me the years but it did surprise me. Loving the exhibition game puts me in a small minority but I will continue to hope for it. Plus can you imagine having to wait until November to see the boys on home ice!