UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

For the proposed search committee, how about Sean McDonnell's UNH football teammate, who also had a decent hockey career, Rod Langway? He could take AMTRAK directly to BS35+?'s office from Washington, after Caps season is over, of course.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

I'll bring this back up to the top, and save anyone who's interested the searching down into the thread ...

Are there any positives/negatives surrounding the idea that any selection committee involved with hiring the new UNH men's hockey coach ..... be free of any association with the current coaches?

Interesting point. Unless there is a shocking development at the top of the UNH Athletics pyramid, I would expect BS35+5 to be the head of any such *committee*. The next logical person to be part of such a committee would be the incumbent currently in the job, so that would obviously be the most significant association possible with the current coaches. Sadly, most other potential obvious choices are either no longer with us (Coach Holt), working elsewhere in college hockey, or tied up in litigation with the school. Bob Norton is a potential choice for the committee, but he seems to have moved away from hockey in recent years. Some other candidates:

* Coach McDonnell - someone who can now speak to sustained top-end excellence with UNH Football, albeit as a colleague of Coach Umile. Certainly an alum who has raised the profile of UNH Athletics in a very positive way (I can see e.cat has probably just fainted from disbelief that he's reading this coming from me );

* Andy Brickley - ironically, one of the better (if not best) UNH players the last time UNH Hockey was in a downwards spiral, not sure if he's active with his alma mater. Although a fellow Melrose native, his time at the school was between Coach Umile's time as a player and then as a coach, and he presumably has some good contacts dotted all around the North American hockey scene;

* Gordie Clark - yes, he of Clark-Hislop-Cox fame, he did share one season at UNH with Coach Umile when Clark was a soph (recall no freshmen were allowed to play Varsity hockey at the time) and Umile was a senior. Has since been a hockey lifer, playing and coaching at all levels, and currently the Director of Player Personnel with the NY Rangers.

If that was the make-up of such a committee, I'd be reasonably satisfied that Coach Umile's influence over the committee would be no more than that of one of five, with no undue "pull" over the rest of the group. I'm not sure a guy like Clark would have the time to put into such a commitment, but the others would seem to have "down time" at around the time of the year when such a search might be undertaken. Whether BS35+? would have the intestinal fortitude to encourage input/feedback from a committee with that kind of depth of experience, I'm not so sure though.

I'm sure there might be other candidates to be considered as well. sonar, I'm guessing you might have some ideas along these lines, seeing that you kinda brought this up ...

To Snively65: Rod Langway is currently working with the Caps as an alumni ambassador, but I believe he was also heavily involved in his family's business down in Virginia a few years ago. I'm not sure how actively involved he still might be at this time, or how interested he might be in the on-ice fortunes of his alma mater. Serious question - did Langway ever graduate from UNH?

 

[e.cat]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

I'll bring this back up to the top, and save anyone who's interested the searching down into the thread ...



Interesting point. Unless there is a shocking development at the top of the UNH Athletics pyramid, I would expect BS35+5 to be the head of any such *committee*. The next logical person to be part of such a committee would be the incumbent currently in the job, so that would obviously be the most significant association possible with the current coaches. Sadly, most other potential obvious choices are either no longer with us (Coach Holt), working elsewhere in college hockey, or tied up in litigation with the school. Bob Norton is a potential choice for the committee, but he seems to have moved away from hockey in recent years. Some other candidates:

* Coach McDonnell - someone who can now speak to sustained top-end excellence with UNH Football, albeit as a colleague of Coach Umile. Certainly an alum who has raised the profile of UNH Athletics in a very positive way (I can see e.cat has probably just fainted from disbelief that he's reading this coming from me );

* Andy Brickley - ironically, one of the better (if not best) UNH players the last time UNH Hockey was in a downwards spiral, not sure if he's active with his alma mater. Although a fellow Melrose native, his time at the school was between Coach Umile's time as a player and then as a coach, and he presumably has some good contacts dotted all around the North American hockey scene;

* Gordie Clark - yes, he of Clark-Hislop-Cox fame, he did share one season at UNH with Coach Umile when Clark was a soph (recall no freshmen were allowed to play Varsity hockey at the time) and Umile was a senior. Has since been a hockey lifer, playing and coaching at all levels, and currently the Director of Player Personnel with the NY Rangers.

If that was the make-up of such a committee, I'd be reasonably satisfied that Coach Umile's influence over the committee would be no more than that of one of five, with no undue "pull" over the rest of the group. I'm not sure a guy like Clark would have the time to put into such a commitment, but the others would seem to have "down time" at around the time of the year when such a search might be undertaken. Whether BS35+? would have the intestinal fortitude to encourage input/feedback from a committee with that kind of depth of experience, I'm not so sure though.

I'm sure there might be other candidates to be considered as well. sonar, I'm guessing you might have some ideas along these lines, seeing that you kinda brought this up ...

To Snively65: Rod Langway is currently working with the Caps as an alumni ambassador, but I believe he was also heavily involved in his family's business down in Virginia a few years ago. I'm not sure how actively involved he still might be at this time, or how interested he might be in the on-ice fortunes of his alma mater. Serious question - did Langway ever graduate from UNH?

It certainly is hard to argue the success Coach McDonnell has had of late There was a time when you could say the same for Umile. When you are the highest paid state employee the expectations are high!! My guess, and I think some others agree, that Umile does not hang 'em up after this season though.

I know Langway left early (after his soph year??) but not sure if he subsequently finished off his education.

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

I don't think its too early at all.

From 1997 through 2011 UNH made the NCAA tourney every year except 2001. (Thanks for nothing Maine.) That 2001 team had an abundance of what you might call "depth guys" i.e. Swain, Ficek, Rogers, Austin, etc. (BTW, just because they are depth guys doesn't mean they can't contribute. For instance Rogers scored a big goal in the HE title game as a sophomore.) Anyway by the second half of that season it was clear that it had become much more Lanny Gare and Colin Hemingway's team, guys who were just sophomores. UNH went to the Frozen Four the next two seasons.

Now there are obvious differences. Missing the NCAA's once in 15 years is light years removed from the depths we are in today. That team still had Darren Haydar who bounced back in his senior year as the part around him developed. There are no Darrens on the current roster,(though a few Jeffs.) And I don't expect anyone is predicting any postseason success anytime soon.

But the overall point remains the same - it is never too early to look ahead, especially in a season such as this one. I guess the obvious comparison/question is can Kellher and a freshman or two make this their team moving forward.

Of course, in hindsight, you have to wonder what the 2000-2001 team might have done if Steve Saviano hadn't played in less than half of its games....

Haydar "bounced back", after back-to-back 40 point years, scoring 76. Skating with Saviano and Collins didn't hurt. The year before Saviano didn't play because Foley did, undeservedly in my book.

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

I'll bring this back up to the top, and save anyone who's interested the searching down into the thread ...



Interesting point. Unless there is a shocking development at the top of the UNH Athletics pyramid, I would expect BS35+5 to be the head of any such *committee*. The next logical person to be part of such a committee would be the incumbent currently in the job, so that would obviously be the most significant association possible with the current coaches. Sadly, most other potential obvious choices are either no longer with us (Coach Holt), working elsewhere in college hockey, or tied up in litigation with the school. Bob Norton is a potential choice for the committee, but he seems to have moved away from hockey in recent years. Some other candidates:

* Coach McDonnell - someone who can now speak to sustained top-end excellence with UNH Football, albeit as a colleague of Coach Umile. Certainly an alum who has raised the profile of UNH Athletics in a very positive way (I can see e.cat has probably just fainted from disbelief that he's reading this coming from me );

* Andy Brickley - ironically, one of the better (if not best) UNH players the last time UNH Hockey was in a downwards spiral, not sure if he's active with his alma mater. Although a fellow Melrose native, his time at the school was between Coach Umile's time as a player and then as a coach, and he presumably has some good contacts dotted all around the North American hockey scene;

* Gordie Clark - yes, he of Clark-Hislop-Cox fame, he did share one season at UNH with Coach Umile when Clark was a soph (recall no freshmen were allowed to play Varsity hockey at the time) and Umile was a senior. Has since been a hockey lifer, playing and coaching at all levels, and currently the Director of Player Personnel with the NY Rangers.

If that was the make-up of such a committee, I'd be reasonably satisfied that Coach Umile's influence over the committee would be no more than that of one of five, with no undue "pull" over the rest of the group. I'm not sure a guy like Clark would have the time to put into such a commitment, but the others would seem to have "down time" at around the time of the year when such a search might be undertaken. Whether BS35+? would have the intestinal fortitude to encourage input/feedback from a committee with that kind of depth of experience, I'm not so sure though.

I'm sure there might be other candidates to be considered as well. sonar, I'm guessing you might have some ideas along these lines, seeing that you kinda brought this up ...

To Snively65: Rod Langway is currently working with the Caps as an alumni ambassador, but I believe he was also heavily involved in his family's business down in Virginia a few years ago. I'm not sure how actively involved he still might be at this time, or how interested he might be in the on-ice fortunes of his alma mater. Serious question - did Langway ever graduate from UNH?

Chuck, first, Brickley was not on UNH teams during the downward spiral. His sophomore year they went to the FF, the next year they made the tournament, then he left for the pros. As for the committee, I think you're a bit delusional if you think Umile won't have outsized influence on this "super committee". Clark and Brickley, while highly respected, are pro guys. Both I am sure know the ins and outs of quality pro players and coaches. But can you expect them to know who the rising stars are within the college coaching ranks? I think they would do some investigation but, in the long run, their opinions are going to be based on the input of people they reach out to, not first hand observations. And the other thing is that they will not, repeat not, use this committee to push Umile aside. Both of these guys have tremendous respect for Umile. Umile was captain when Clark was a sophomore (and the best player on the team) and, don't forget, Brickley is a Melrose guy just like the coach. Not that I don't think formulating a committee wouldn't be a good idea, I do. And it should be comprised of people who have a wealth of hockey knowledge and who have UNH's best interests at heart. But to think that the Clarks, Brickleys and Langways of the world would be party to what amounts to an end around Umile is foolish. Ain't going to happen.

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Charlie Holt was the last coach brought in from outside the program, Kullen and Umile were assistants correct? Holt, Kullen, Umile were born in MA. We have a history of hiring coaches and assistant coaches with ties to non D1 ME schools.

Just throwing stuff out there. This is all moot, at least right now. No offense.

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Kudos to the USCHO moderator, it looks like s/he has actually managed to merge the two new threads.

sonar - I'm waiting for your feedback on my proposed "search committee" (got lost on the *other* thread).

(see roughly two pages ago, on Tuesday @ 11:15 a.m.)

My post was more to get a discussion going on the positives & negatives of having a selection committee with little or no input from existing coaching staff. My two cents is that if you want a "clean slate" then it may require reduced input from current coaches. Sometimes being able to choose your own successor works .... but in my experience it is less than effective.

As far as who I would anoint to be on the committee .... let me think about it.

 

[sonar]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Charlie Holt was the last coach brought in from outside the program, Kullen and Umile were assistants correct? Holt, Kullen, Umile were born in MA. We have a history of hiring coaches and assistant coaches with ties to non D1 ME schools.

Just throwing stuff out there. This is all moot, at least right now. No offense.

Rubin Eugene Bjorkman (1965 ?)was the UNH coach prior to Holt .... of course he went off to success at North Dakota.

 

[C-H-C]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

If Gordie Clark ever decides to become involved in the UNH hockey program in some official capacity, then UNH fans can rest assured that his knowledge of, and contacts in, the world of NCAA hockey are extensive. That includes first hand observations of NCAA head coaches and assistant coaches.

 

[wildcatdc]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

Some very interesting discussion.... So, two questions, using the conceit that our crew on this thread is the actual selection committee, unburdened by Umile, Scarano, the administration, etc..

With that as a backdrop....

1. What would be your top 3-5 qualifications for a new HC? (And or AC's as well)

2. Given those qualifications, who would be on your short list of candidates? (I would suggest eliminating those folks who are tied up long-term - SOME reality would be good)

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Charlie Holt was the last coach brought in from outside the program, Kullen and Umile were assistants correct? Holt, Kullen, Umile were born in MA. We have a history of hiring coaches and assistant coaches with ties to non D1 ME schools.

Just throwing stuff out there. This is all moot, at least right now. No offense.

We've had two, Tortorella and Kullen although Tortorella coached D3, he played D1 at Maine. Kullen was a Bowdoin graduate, coached by Charlie's long time friend Sid Watson. Though technically brought from outside the program, he was the next best thing. Not to say that other "outsiders" have not put their stamp on the program, Dave Lassonde (Providence), Brian McCloskey and Scott Borek (both Dartmouth) the most notable examples.

 

[Greg A]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

If Gordie Clark ever decides to become involved in the UNH hockey program in some official capacity, then UNH fans can rest assured that his knowledge of, and contacts in, the world of NCAA hockey are extensive. That includes first hand observations of NCAA head coaches and assistant coaches.

Not to say he doesn't. My main thrust is none of the guys mentioned on a super committee are going to walk over Umile and ignore his input. Frankly, the whole idea of a committee to select the new coach is a pipe dream IMO. When they day comes that Umile is replaced, the decision is going to be MS's and no one else. More than once Marty has said that he would not hire anyone who did not have D1 head coaching experience. Of course, those statements were made back in the heady days of UNH knocking on the door of a NC every year. So maybe his criteria will have broadened a bit. But I would be disappointed when this comes to pass, if we promote from within, because we need someone whose had a different experience, not the UNH experience.

 

[Snively65]

To Snively65: Rod Langway is currently working with the Caps as an alumni ambassador, but I believe he was also heavily involved in his family's business down in Virginia a few years ago. I'm not sure how actively involved he still might be at this time, or how interested he might be in the on-ice fortunes of his alma mater. Serious question - did Langway ever graduate from UNH?

I have no idea about whether any of our players who have left early finished their degrees, although I seem to recall that the question seems to get raised every couple of years. I was just tossing his name out there, given that Brickley's name was mentioned. But, I agree with Greg that the likelihood of a committee of outsiders ever getting a say in a coaching succession decision is remote.

Doing a little (very little) research, the Cats need to average 6 goals per game the remainder of the season to top their 126 goals last season. Last year, departing players scored 71 goals, or about 56% of all goals. Anyone wish to guess what % of goals so far this year will need to be replaced next season? You can include Pesce's 2 goals, if you think he is leaving, which I doubt he will.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

Interesting posts about possible candidates for an committee to select the next UNH Hockey coach. I'm curious about a couple of talking points:

1. When / What is the norm when a coach would announce said retirement? Before the season or after? Of course that depends on many variables like health, situations that come up etc.

2. Why would Coach U want to retire? Many of you have pointed out the many reasons why he "should". Heck..highest paid employee in the state, (or so it's been written) loyal to the system, has a big support base within the University system itself, dedicated to the team and still appears to love what he does.

Awhile back someone thought they heard he would wrap it up with the graduation of this year's Jr. class /2015-2016 season.
Just throwing out there stuff to discuss if ya want...

On another totally unrelated note, what can we expect from ND? They have lots of Frosh as well?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

Haydar "bounced back", after back-to-back 40 point years, scoring 76. Skating with Saviano and Collins didn't hurt. The year before Saviano didn't play because Foley did, undeservedly in my book.

I'm a huge fan of Saviano, and would have liked to see him get started with his UNH career sooner than he did ... but Foley was a big kid straight out of the USNDP, and the undersized Saviano's background was Reading HS (as in fairness was the highly-touted Collins).

It was not a big bone of contention at the time that Foley was taking Saviano's time. It was widely believed at the time that Saviano was brought to UNH as part of a Collins/Saviano package, and in fact Saviano really only broke through when Collins arrived.

My apologies on the Andy Brickley timing, though - that was wrong. I must have confused it with his younger UNH brother, who was around during those down times that followed. I think I did point out though, that Brickley and Umile are both from the same town.

I don't doubt Umile would hold sway in one form or another over most (if not all) of the folks I mentioned. I just picked some potential candidates who I thought might help pick the right successor - predecessor influenced or not. Not typing words in his mouth, but I think sonar was looking for the committee to be more insulated from the predecessor's influence, which is why I'm interested in who he has in mind, since I do think it would likely be made up of a lot of folks who aren't on my list.

 

[HockeyRef]

I have no idea about whether any of our players who have left early finished their degrees, although I seem to recall that the question seems to get raised every couple of years. I was just tossing his name out there, given that Brickley's name was mentioned. But, I agree with Greg that the likelihood of a committee of outsiders ever getting a say in a coaching succession decision is remote.

Doing a little (very little) research, the Cats need to average 6 goals per game the remainder of the season to top their 126 goals last season. Last year, departing players scored 71 goals, or about 56% of all goals. Anyone wish to guess what % of goals so far this year will need to be replaced next season? You can include Pesce's 2 goals, if you think he is leaving, which I doubt he will.

Snively am not the one to do the Math you are seeking (sorry) but of course GDowning's numbers come to mind initially prob will account for at least 50% at first glance.

Coach U noted from the start that replacing last year's scoring (partic from the big line of G,S, and Willows not to mention contributions from the Blue line namely Knodel and TvR before his injury) was going to be very difficult!

Speculation ran high early on that it would come (have to come ) from various sources and I guess it has ...with some of the Frosh like Portularalski, Marks and Furgele potting a few. And of course Tyler K has decent numbers.
Think we are still looking for more offense from Foegele and Eiserman .

 

[Darius]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

Interesting posts about possible candidates for an committee to select the next UNH Hockey coach. I'm curious about a couple of talking points:

1. When / What is the norm when a coach would announce said retirement? Before the season or after? Of course that depends on many variables like health, situations that come up etc.

2. Why would Coach U want to retire? Many of you have pointed out the many reasons why he "should". Heck..highest paid employee in the state, (or so it's been written) loyal to the system, has a big support base within the University system itself, dedicated to the team and still appears to love what he does.

Awhile back someone thought they heard he would wrap it up with the graduation of this year's Jr. class /2015-2016 season.
Just throwing out there stuff to discuss if ya want...

On another totally unrelated note, what can we expect from ND? They have lots of Frosh as well?

He wouldn't, especially with the team where it is right now.

 

[Felger]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

I don't want to bog this thread down with minutia about the 2001 team. I was merely trying to address Scott's question and to make a broader point. I apparently failed to do.

However....

To set the record straight: Patrick Foley didn't cost Steve Saviano a single minute of ice time during 2000-2001, which was Saviano's freshman year. That was the season that Foley red shirted due to injury.

Now carry on about the bigger picture...it is far more interesting.

 

[all bear]

Re: UNH Wildcats Official Wait til Next Year...14/15 thread

Interesting posts about possible candidates for an committee to select the next UNH Hockey coach. I'm curious about a couple of talking points:

1. When / What is the norm when a coach would announce said retirement? Before the season or after? Of course that depends on many variables like health, situations that come up etc.

2. Why would Coach U want to retire? Many of you have pointed out the many reasons why he "should". Heck..highest paid employee in the state, (or so it's been written) loyal to the system, has a big support base within the University system itself, dedicated to the team and still appears to love what he does.

Awhile back someone thought they heard he would wrap it up with the graduation of this year's Jr. class /2015-2016 season.
Just throwing out there stuff to discuss if ya want...

On another totally unrelated note, what can we expect from ND? They have lots of Frosh as well?

Good point ref on #2. Why WOULD Umile want to retire ? He's making a bundle of money doing something he loves to do and by most stretches of the imagination has been successful at doing it. His teams most years have been highly competitive and his program appears to be clean yet for that minor emailing snafu. Seriously, how can an athletic director in his right mind push him out the door when he's had maybe a handful of bad seasons in his entire career? I just don't see it happening. I realize some fans of the team want instant success probably beyond that which Umile has been able to deliver, but as the old saying goes "be careful what you wish for" , you just might get something less, a lot less. Umile bleeds UNH, seems like if he wants to coach till his next health problem, he's deserved the opportunity.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

Re: UNH Wildcats 2014/2015 - Next Year Can't Get Here Fast Enough!!!

ICYMI...UNH v Maine replay on right now. Or maybe YWTMI (You Want To Miss It) I'll prob watch it til the 3rd...