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

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Ah sigh...yes, the best laid plans! But, not meant to be so it's the next man up. Would love to see Patrick G have a big season. I think it was a great move to go with 2 underclassmen wearing the A...been awhile since we've seen this. Trying to think if I have been a fan long enough for that to happen. I'm not that worried about if one isn't on the ice or not.

The player I think we will see do something big this season, and, it all depends on other factors too...is Joe Sacco. Also looking for Eric MacAdams to pot some goals, and, thinking we'll see him in the PP line up. At any rate, looking forward to seeing what we've got...just a couple o Sundays left!!!!

Oh, right, good point, I forgot that Grasso can be a "five-year man."

I really want to see what Engaras "has got."
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Oh, right, good point, I forgot that Grasso can be a "five-year man."

I really want to see what Engaras "has got."

Oh me too...I forgot to mention him...bummed we have to wait 9 more games to find out. What a drag those NCAA rules are...I mean, I get it but very, very punitive. So Snive when are the tickets for the UNH v Bentley game going on sale? I am excited to see that arena...
 
Oh me too...I forgot to mention him...bummed we have to wait 9 more games to find out. What a drag those NCAA rules are...I mean, I get it but very, very punitive. So Snive when are the tickets for the UNH v Bentley game going on sale? I am excited to see that arena...

I see that individual game parking passes are now for sale on Bentley's website, so maybe individual game tickets will be on sale soon? :-)
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

I hesitate to mention this trivial item here, but for anyone following the WIS thread … the other day I'd written out the most recent installment on that thread on my home computer downstairs, and as I returned to my work computer upstairs, there was a brand new e-mail waiting for me from none other than (wait for it) …

Shawn Walsh :eek: :eek: :eek:

Of course, it turned out to be a Canadian work colleague whom I'd never interacted with previously. I do a fair share of work on Canadian matters for my company, so it's not unusual to come across new folks once in awhile with every new case that crosses my desk.

But the beyond-weird timing, AND the eerily accurate spelling … you just can't make this stuff up.

Second all-time "Bizarre WIS Moment", close behind getting called on my private line by a former HE head coach taking issue with some of my more pointed criticisms, back in the day.

There's no place like USCHO. :) Now, back to your normal posting ...
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Junior Asst. Captain Charlie Kelleher talks to media at today’s press conference: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1kvJpRwVadkKE

Junior Asst. Captain Patrick Grasso at today’s media day press conference: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1OyKAeRvNXoKb

Senior Captain Anthony Wyse discusses the season at today’s press conference: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1kvKpRwVjEdJE

Head Coach Mike Souza at today’s media day press conference: https://www.pscp.tv/w/1mnxezZYkZrKX
 
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I hesitate to mention this trivial item here, but for anyone following the WIS thread … the other day I'd written out the most recent installment on that thread on my home computer downstairs, and as I returned to my work computer upstairs, there was a brand new e-mail waiting for me from none other than (wait for it) …

Shawn Walsh :eek: :eek: :eek:

Of course, it turned out to be a Canadian work colleague whom I'd never interacted with previously. I do a fair share of work on Canadian matters for my company, so it's not unusual to come across new folks once in awhile with every new case that crosses my desk.

But the beyond-weird timing, AND the eerily accurate spelling … you just can't make this stuff up.

Second all-time "Bizarre WIS Moment", close behind getting called on my private line by a former HE head coach taking issue with some of my more pointed criticisms, back in the day.

There's no place like USCHO. :) Now, back to your normal posting ...

Really? I would have thought you had an unlisted private landline, Chuck. I cannot imagine what Richie might have for complaints. :-)
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Really? I would have thought you had an unlisted private landline, Chuck. I cannot imagine what Richie might have for complaints. :-)

Believe it or not, it was/still is unlisted, Snives … and it wasn't our former coach, either.

There's a reason it was the #1 Bizarre Moment. Almost 20 years now, and still unsolved. :eek:
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

What the heck is a landline??? Sounding mighty 1900’s around here.
 
What the heck is a landline??? Sounding mighty 1900’s around here.

You might be off by a year, dc, as "almost 20 years ago" would be early 2000, soon after Y2K, rather than "1900's," if my math is correct. :-)

But, more important, this week the "hockey writers" or whatever they are collectively called, predicted that our Cats will finish 7th in HEA, just ahead Maine, with Yukon, UVM, and Mack missing the cut, and PC at #2, setting the stage for a long-awaited return to the Gahden for our team.
 
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

But, more important, this week the "hockey writers" or whatever they are collectively called, predicted that our Cats will finish 7th in HEA, just ahead Maine, with Yukon, UVM, and Mack missing the cut, and PC at #2, setting the stage for a long-awaited return to the Gahden for our team.

Is there a link to this somewhere? I don't usually put a lot of faith in these things, but they are at least interesting as grist for the mill to generate some discussion on here.
 
You might be off by a year, dc, as "almost 20 years ago" would be early 2000, soon after Y2K, rather than "1900's," if my math is correct. :-)

But, more important, this week the "hockey writers" or whatever they are collectively called, predicted that our Cats will finish 7th in HEA, just ahead Maine, with Yukon, UVM, and Mack missing the cut, and PC at #2, setting the stage for a long-awaited return to the Gahden for our team.

Not sure what you’re on about, Snively. I was merely saying that all of this talk of landlines sounded adorably antique. You’re better off calling out the occasional “has got”.

With regards to your more important point, I’d love to see more than a 1-spot jump. 5th or 6th would show a nice progression from 11th two years ago and 8th last year. Would indicate a nice bounce, rather than some HEA teams that were cellar-dwellers for multiple years. That stated, it wouldn’t be hard to argue that until we are legit top 2-3 in HEA, it’s tough to get too excited.
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Listened to all four interviews at the presser yesterday....

- lots of talk of the off-season strength and conditioning program. Seemed to imply that lack thereof caused many lost puck battles and the lack of second chances last year. (Souza himself looks like he spends a decent amount of time in the gym)
- ton of reference to team speed being a huge asset. Hope it gets paired with increased skill levels this year
- Grasso. Is one composed kid. Impressive.
- all seemed very bullish in blue liners, (no surprise there). Hard not to feel good about that core group of guys providing a nice anchor for the team. Now if we can just get better at transitions than we were last year.
- Souza is obviously excited at the addition of Conklin and what his contribution has been, even in a volunteer role

I realize that the tone at these is, by definition, going to be positive. That stated, I’m excited to see how this team progresses, and frankly, strong game-over-game progression seems to be exactly what Souza is demanding. I think that’s the right tone in a rebuild, as opposed to setting unrealistic goals.
 
Is there a link to this somewhere? I don't usually put a lot of faith in these things, but they are at least interesting as grist for the mill to generate some discussion on here.

Link to HEA writers poll posted on several other team threads; I do not know how to copy and paste using iPhone. I might as well be living in the 1900's. Meanwhile, posted on the UML thread is a listing of the number of games to be played on NESN by HEA teams, with UNH tied with NU at 13, only behind UMass-Flagship and BC. Wonder if that will cut into attendance at the Whitt?
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Link to HEA writers poll posted on several other team threads; I do not know how to copy and paste using iPhone. I might as well be living in the 1900's. Meanwhile, posted on the UML thread is a listing of the number of games to be played on NESN by HEA teams, with UNH tied with NU at 13, only behind UMass-Flagship and BC. Wonder if that will cut into attendance at the Whitt?

It's finally up on the USCHO home page as of late yesterday. Thanks for the sneak peek, Snives! :)

My first reactions to the poll … I suspect UMass will drop back to the middle of the pack this year after heavy losses to their best players, and I suspect Northeastern will be a Top Two finisher this season. Not sure about BC (1) and PC's (3) ranks, but it's fair to have them in or around the top tier.

UNH at #7 is interesting, as MS7 seems to have convinced his coaching peers that last year wasn't a mirage - the coaches can be late to the game sometimes (and TBF, I was a doubting Thomas about UMass) - and I'm thinking that a finish in the 5-7 range is probably reasonable to expect. Below that would be disappointing, and above that would be further evidence the new guy has things on the right track. Most on here didn't think Gildon would be back, yet he is, and as promising as he's shown over these last two seasons, I suspect this year is going to be his breakout year, where he begins to put it all together. In fact, the entire back end - a more experienced D-crew, a reliable Robinson, and with Taylor bound to improve from last season's frosh dud - the question would seem to be, can the UNH forwards generate enough offense to push the team further up the competitive pyramid?

I'm going to crawl out on a precarious limb here and predict UNH will:

(1) Finish at #4 in the regular season;
(2) Advance to the Garden for the HE Tourney, but
(3) Lose out on an NCAA bid narrowly by not advancing to the HE Finals

If ANY of that happens, it will be terrific progress. ALL of it … a great season, and COTY for MS7.

WIS goes the wide-eyed, fan-boy optimist route this season. Have at it, folks!! :D :eek: :D
 
Re: UNH Wildcats 2019 Offseason - How Much Progress Did We Really Make This Past Seas

Link to HEA writers poll posted on several other team threads; I do not know how to copy and paste using iPhone. I might as well be living in the 1900's. Meanwhile, posted on the UML thread is a listing of the number of games to be played on NESN by HEA teams, with UNH tied with NU at 13, only behind UMass-Flagship and BC. Wonder if that will cut into attendance at the Whitt?

Snively I only count 12 games but could be wrong. 3 womens games too. By my count only 3 away games - ME (the Saturday game), PC (the Friday game) and UConn (a Saturday game). 9 home games that in my mind do nothing to improve attendance! If you have 2/3 kids and you can watch from home on a cold night, no brainer if you are not an addict. On the other side of this, I will hope that this much availability will build the fan base and perhaps encourage more Whitt attendance as we demonstrate it is worth the $ and ride in.
And for Chuck, I agree and the "do we have a couple of go to guys" this year being the key.
 
It's finally up on the USCHO home page as of late yesterday. Thanks for the sneak peek, Snives! :)

My first reactions to the poll … I suspect UMass will drop back to the middle of the pack this year after heavy losses to their best players, and I suspect Northeastern will be a Top Two finisher this season. Not sure about BC (1) and PC's (3) ranks, but it's fair to have them in or around the top tier.

UNH at #7 is interesting, as MS7 seems to have convinced his coaching peers that last year wasn't a mirage - the coaches can be late to the game sometimes (and TBF, I was a doubting Thomas about UMass) - and I'm thinking that a finish in the 5-7 range is probably reasonable to expect. Below that would be disappointing, and above that would be further evidence the new guy has things on the right track. Most on here didn't think Gildon would be back, yet he is, and as promising as he's shown over these last two seasons, I suspect this year is going to be his breakout year, where he begins to put it all together. In fact, the entire back end - a more experienced D-crew, a reliable Robinson, and with Taylor bound to improve from last season's frosh dud - the question would seem to be, can the UNH forwards generate enough offense to push the team further up the competitive pyramid?

I'm going to crawl out on a precarious limb here and predict UNH will:

(1) Finish at #4 in the regular season;
(2) Advance to the Garden for the HE Tourney, but
(3) Lose out on an NCAA bid narrowly by not advancing to the HE Finals

If ANY of that happens, it will be terrific progress. ALL of it … a great season, and COTY for MS7.

WIS goes the wide-eyed, fan-boy optimist route this season. Have at it, folks!! :D :eek: :D
Viewing from afar in the (UN)United Kingdom as we speak! Glad to see your optimism Chuck.

A garden party would be fun this season!
 
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