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

[HockeyRef]

I was thinking that until last year, then got caught up in our route to the Garden after having zero expectations all year. Same again this year, with even lower expectations. I was ok with having my heart ripped out at the Frozen Four, but not having it ripped out in the regionals year after year after year, dashing my "great expectations" (more apologies to Dickens).

Funny how things go...from "we can't win a Regional" to "getting home Ice for the HE would be great". Sure do feel for you guys and at the same time I stand by my innocence with my Shawshank quote about hope...Things run in cycles esp in sports (Celtics) .

'Course we want more from our 'Cats!
Funny they win one last night and had they lost there would've been ten posts about it...But I get it people here are weary and long for the good ole days of the flame wars etc which had to be exhilarating! Can't blame you.

 

[Greg A]

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

The last time I checked, UNH was 4 slim points out of the Hockey East cellar. The only UNH seniors who developed into top scoring NCAA players were Downing, Willows and Trevor van Riemsdyk, none of whom played in the USHL. So far, none of the UNH juniors have developed into top college scorers, other than Pesce who's numbers are down this year due to injuries. Given those facts, it's no surprise UNH is struggling to earn home ice in the HE playoffs. However, I'm not writing off Kelleher or Cleland as "misses". Neither have I written off any of the freshmen as "misses".

It's premature to stamp 17-year-old O'Neill or 18-year-old Nazarian as "misses." Blackburn and Masonius will be very good NCAA players.

Someone asked me yesterday what I thought was wrong with the Bruins. My answer was that the GM and his staff had failed as talent evaluators, both in drafting and retaining players. Not to belabor the point but the Bruins have not drafted well (except for draft picks handed to them in the Kessel deal) since Chiarelli became GM. I got to thinking about UNH whose record is even more abysmal than the B's. And why? The obvious answer is lack of talent. Like the Bruins, the UNH coaching staff has overvalued some of their recruits, as evidenced by the junior class. Except for Pesce, who may be gone after this year, there is not much there. When you basically whiff on an entire class, it puts you in a hole for at least three years. And what is Umile going to do next year? Play them at the expense of a potentially more talented group of freshmen? This year is done (although I hold out hope for an 8th place finish) but things could be better next year, depending on which players get the valuable minutes in key situations. I can only hope.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

WOW what a memory lane thread this has become, enough to get a bunch of posters to come back out of lurking. It is amazing how long some of us have been on "this" board. If my memory is good we are on version 3 that started in 1999. I think i first joined the "original" in about 95-96... I just couldn't get into hockeyL. The board was more fun in the big4 days. The top of the league was more balanced, although it must have sucked to be part of the other 5.

I think you're right on Version 3, JB. I joined after you circa 1997, which I remember because I came here on the suggestion of another poster (a BU fan from on a since-defunct Red Wings forum at Detroit Free Press) during their first Cup run in my lifetime, when Version 2 (I think) was in play. I recall other posters referencing the "old format" and Hockey-L back then, so that means it's at least Version 3.

The folks on the Freep DRW forum even then used to call me "old school", and that was almost 20 years ago when our kids were still ... y'know, kids. So I guess "old school" is just a mentality or style, as opposed to an age.

If the last week has gotten some folks out of lurking, then that's great. Not what I was going for, but happy nonetheless if that's been the result. And to Bomber - another long-time BU poster - I can't remember who was responsible for the topics, but my earlier days on this board bring back BU specific phrases like "Jack Parker's flying water bottles" and "Tommy Degerman's illegally curved stick", both of which were can't-miss themes with certain anti-BU posters. And I'm still trying to remember if I did work Scarlet into a cameo in "Da Godfaddah" offseason epic (pretty sure yes?). I think it's approaching a 15 year anniversary soon, and STILL hasn't made it to the silver screen.

Certainly less fun following the sinking ship Wildcats... I think I prefer good all year with a rip your heart out end to the slow drift into the abyss.

Tend to agree with you there, JB. I mean, it's still fun and we're still here, but when the program was a perennial HE/NCAA contender, you *knew* this time of the season was the start of the REAL fun ... AND you also *knew* UNH's history of not exactly excelling after January (if even that long sometimes). So when UNH would win and advance, there was always that excitement that you could be there for a historic UNH breakthrough. Watching UNH beat Michigan in OT in Worcester in '99 (wasn't there in person for the Mowers' 98 SHG in Albany) which sent the 'Cats to the Frozen Four ... or in '02 when UNH finally got one over on UMaine in the HE Tourney (and then repeating in '03 vs. BU in double OT) ... those were moments many of us had waited to see for a LONG time (at least since ECAC '79).

Last year was fun too, but in a different way. This year has been VERY different, but hopefully it's because it's just the first step back in the right direction. It's uncharacteristic when UNH plays its best hockey of the season in late January/February, and I don't want to get crazy over a road win against UConn, but as Felger said yesterday, the way things set up now (especially with NU beating UMaine), UNH has a clear shot at 8th and some home games in the first round - most likely against UMaine. With the first two points in the bag, a 5 points out of 6 finish *should* do the trick. But a loss (home) to UConn tonight could end the chase for 8th in its tracks. Beware.

 

[Chuck Murray]

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

Like the Bruins, the UNH coaching staff has overvalued some of their recruits, as evidenced by the junior class. Except for Pesce, who may be gone after this year, there is not much there. When you basically whiff on an entire class, it puts you in a hole for at least three years. And what is Umile going to do next year? Play them at the expense of a potentially more talented group of freshmen? This year is done (although I hold out hope for an 8th place finish) but things could be better next year, depending on which players get the valuable minutes in key situations. I can only hope.

You've hit the nail on the head there, Greg. Coach Umile's time remaining with the UNH program (and its current condition and ability to attract those better recruits) almost dictates that he's going to have to break out of some of his old favored patterns of behavior to get the program back to being relevant in the league and beyond. Some of the current junior class (Pesce aside) are probably going to have to be satisfied with lesser roles IF next year's team is to be successful and progress.

'Watcher has always said it's near impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, and very little Coach Umile has done recently suggests 'Watcher is wrong. This year has been interesting, next year could be downright fascinating.

 

[Darius]

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

If we end up tied in the standings with ME, first tie breaker being head to head to head results... just win, baby.

 

[Darius]

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

You've hit the nail on the head there, Greg. Coach Umile's time remaining with the UNH program (and its current condition and ability to attract those better recruits) almost dictates that he's going to have to break out of some of his old favored patterns of behavior to get the program back to being relevant in the league and beyond. Some of the current junior class (Pesce aside) are probably going to have to be satisfied with lesser roles IF next year's team is to be successful and progress.

'Watcher has always said it's near impossible to teach an old dog new tricks, and very little Coach Umile has done recently suggests 'Watcher is wrong. This year has been interesting, next year could be downright fascinating.

We've played younger instead of older players this year. Often when upper classmen return to the line up they have good production. Small steps.

 

[C-H-C]

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

"Kelleher, Correale Lead UNH Over UCONN: Goal-by-Goal"
Includes video highlights.

 

[Greg A]

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

We've played younger instead of older players this year. Often when upper classmen return to the line up they have good production. Small steps.

Not all upperclassmen. And please define "good production."

 

[Snively65]

We've played younger instead of older players this year. Often when upper classmen return to the line up they have good production. Small steps.

I do not entirely agree here. On the previous thread before the season began, I suggested that Camper would not see much ice time this year. But, several others said no, that Umile is loyal to his seniors, and they were correct, as senior Jay Camper has played in 26 games, and until last Saturday night, had one assist. Juniors Correale, Gaudreault, Smith, and MacDonald have played in 29. 28, 28, and 19 games, with 13, 6, 8, and 7 points, respectively, and 3 of Correale's points came last night against the AHA team UConn. Meanwhile, frosh McNicholas and Salvaggio have played in 11 and 10 games, respectively, hindering their development and the team's future.

 

[Darius]

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

Not all upperclassmen. And please define "good production."

Camper had a nice game when he returned to the line up after sitting one or two games. Good for him. I am not saying anyone turned into an all American over night.

 

[Darius]

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

I do not entirely agree here. On the previous thread before the season began, I suggested that Camper would not see much ice time this year. But, several others said no, that Umile is loyal to his seniors, and they were correct, as senior Jay Camper has played in 26 games, and until last Saturday night, had one assist. Juniors Correale, Gaudreault, Smith, and MacDonald have played in 29. 28, 28, and 19 games, with 13, 6, 8, and 7 points, respectively, and 3 of Correale's points came last night against the AHA team UConn. Meanwhile, frosh McNicholas and Salvaggio have played in 11 and 10 games, respectively, hindering their development and the team's future.

He is and always will be loyal to his seniors. I am not looking at numbers, but feel like we are seeing more of the younger players on the ice than in past years. Think Greg Manz, Kevin McCarey. Breaking down the number of players by class, some of this is unavoidable. I am just giving Coach a little credit for deviating from his norm. Some years Camper would have played every game along with the juniors and Randall. McN. and Salvaggio would not have seen the ice.

I always like one or 2 of our Freshman, feel like we'll be in great shape when they develop as Juniors, Seniors. The last few years that has not has not happened which is why I became impatient with Kelleher. His development and watching Poturalski and Foegele renews my optimism.

 

[Greg A]

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

Camper had a nice game when he returned to the line up after sitting one or two games. Good for him. I am not saying anyone turned into an all American over night.

No offense, but I don't think you answered the question. Snively's post is telling, isn't it? We've got a bunch of guys, basically a whole recruiting class, who haven't produced. And as Watcher has pointed out, they didn't produce at their previous stop before UNH. Which leads me to wonder what the coaches saw when they watched, recruited, then signed these kids up. Very troubling if you are a fan. Next year this group will be seniors. Given Umile's MO, it is probable that some or all of these guys will take valuable minutes away from what is supposed to be a talented class. It appears to have been done this year, so why not next? Here's hoping that my fears are unfounded.

 

[JB]

Someone asked me yesterday what I thought was wrong with the Bruins. My answer was that the GM and his staff had failed as talent evaluators, both in drafting and retaining players. Not to belabor the point but the Bruins have not drafted well (except for draft picks handed to them in the Kessel deal) since Chiarelli became GM. I got to thinking about UNH whose record is even more abysmal than the B's. And why? The obvious answer is lack of talent. Like the Bruins, the UNH coaching staff has overvalued some of their recruits, as evidenced by the junior class. Except for Pesce, who may be gone after this year, there is not much there. When you basically whiff on an entire class, it puts you in a hole for at least three years. And what is Umile going to do next year? Play them at the expense of a potentially more talented group of freshmen? This year is done (although I hold out hope for an 8th place finish) but things could be better next year, depending on which players get the valuable minutes in key situations. I can only hope.

Over the last year plus the Bruins have done something to address there horid drafting, all new scouting department for the draft. We will see in the comming years if it helps.

When Umile has had chances to address the scouting and recruiting he has clearly not done the right things. Last UNH had consistent top end forward talent coming was before Borek was involved. Maybe a coincidence, maybe he isn't great at scouting, or closing, or just finding the guys that are right and will commit commit.

 

[Darius]

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

No offense, but I don't think you answered the question. Snively's post is telling, isn't it? We've got a bunch of guys, basically a whole recruiting class, who haven't produced. And as Watcher has pointed out, they didn't produce at their previous stop before UNH. Which leads me to wonder what the coaches saw when they watched, recruited, then signed these kids up. Very troubling if you are a fan. Next year this group will be seniors. Given Umile's MO, it is probable that some or all of these guys will take valuable minutes away from what is supposed to be a talented class. It appears to have been done this year, so why not next? Here's hoping that my fears are unfounded.

It takes more than that to offend me. Camper sat a game, came back and from memory had a GWG and was star of the game. I'll take it. No argument we've had a few poor recruiting classes. Hoky is back kicking around and will be glad to confirm it. Check in on the BC thread. Chit happens. We had a violation which hurt, we had the Vecchionne, Laleggia, Gaudhobybaker debacles and maybe the coaches blew a few and had to settle. It's not like they can keep the scholarship money and use it the following year. For me, it is more fun playing out this year and looking at next optimistically. 2 Freshman goal tenders and solid forwards. I am concerned about the defensemen, but we have been playing better team defense. So what the heck, why not run the table and play in the regional we are hosting and go into next year on a positive note? Realistic? No, but beats dragging my sorry gloom and doom butt to the Whitt. No offense.

 

[HockeyRef]

It takes more than that to offend me. Camper sat a game, came back and from memory had a GWG and was star of the game. I'll take it. No argument we've had a few poor recruiting classes. Hoky is back kicking around and will be glad to confirm it. Check in on the BC thread. Chit happens. We had a violation which hurt, we had the Vecchionne, Laleggia, Gaudhobybaker debacles and maybe the coaches blew a few and had to settle. It's not like they can keep the scholarship money and use it the following year. For me, it is more fun playing out this year and looking at next optimistically. 2 Freshman goal tenders and solid forwards. I am concerned about the defensemen, but we have been playing better team defense. So what the heck, why not run the table and play in the regional we are hosting and go into next year on a positive note? Realistic? No, but beats dragging my sorry gloom and doom butt to the Whitt. No offense.

Eric Knodel sat much if not all, of his Frosh year as the story has been told to me as there was better talent in front of him. Same might..could be said for a few of these kids sitting this season although given the way things were going they are the future. Still I don't think that the future of the team is going to be jeopardized if guys like a Camper play given the big picture.
That being said along with UConn and ND Frosh have played a great deal largely because they have to. Anyway am like you I go to the games with great anticipation and why not? Beats the alternative...

 

[Snively65]

Camper had a nice game when he returned to the line up after sitting one or two games. Good for him. I am not saying anyone turned into an all American over night.

No question, Darius, probably Camper's best game of his UNH career, but as someone (you?) replied to my post that he was on the ice for all three BU goals in the third, "so, what you are saying is that it was the best of lines, it was the worst of lines." Camper's 2 points against BU increased his total to 11 over four years and 90 games at UNH. Sorry that I am into numbers, but here they are.

Year-Games-Goals-Assists-Points
Fr-13-1-1-2
So-24-2-4-6
Jr-27-1-0-1
Sr-26-1-2-3
Totals-90-5-7-12

So, if frosh are not going to red shirt their first year because of better talent ahead of them, I say McNicholas and Salvaggio should have played more than 11 and 10 games this season.

Listening on radio, as could not face 4 hours of driving on snowy roads tonight.

And, of course, before I have even finished writing this post, Camper scores the first goal tonight. So, I take all the credit for that, as I am certain he saw this post coming, so wanted to stick it to me.

 

[HockeyRef]

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

Sweet sweep ''Cats!!!!! Top line 3 goals excellent work! Gonna come down to the last weekend... Onward 'Catssss!

 

[Darius]

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

No question, Darius, probably Camper's best game of his UNH career, but as someone (you?) replied to my post that he was on the ice for all three BU goals in the third, "so, what you are saying is that it was the best of lines, it was the worst of lines." Camper's 2 points against BU increased his total to 11 over four years and 90 games at UNH. Sorry that I am into numbers, but here they are.

Year-Games-Goals-Assists-Points
Fr-13-1-1-2
So-24-2-4-6
Jr-27-1-0-1
Sr-26-1-2-3
Totals-90-5-7-12

So, if frosh are not going to red shirt their first year because of better talent ahead of them, I say McNicholas and Salvaggio should have played more than 11 and 10 games this season.

I wasn't the 3 goal/3rd period poster. The box score says he was on ice for 2 of the 3, the third line center matched up against the Eichel line in the 3rd period. Hey, a few years ago he'd have been a solid 4th line player every night so good for him.

McN. and Salvaggio should have played more minutes, but upper classmen did sit more than in years past so younger players could get more time than in the past. Not a lot more, but some.

And, of course, before I have even finished writing this post, Camper scores the first goal tonight. So, I take all the credit for that, as I am certain he saw this post coming, so wanted to stick it to me.

Whatever it takes. Keep up the good work.


Solid win Saturday. UCONN looks like their balloon has burst, but we took care of business. The standings are crazy. We've got a 3 game winning streak. Home ice is a decent possibility going into the final weekend. The Friars are my 2nd favorite college hockey team for a week.

 

[Snively65]

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

Cats first sweep of the season; great effort this weekend! Need one more win than Maine gets next weekend for eighth and home ice, as Maine owns tiebreaker. Incentive for PC, as they will be on cusp of PWR postseason if they lose to Maine. UNH would come in 11th if swept by Mac and UConn wins their last game, but we would be spared the embarrassment of the basement.

Willows now has 84 points at UNH. Opportunity for him to reach century club if he and his line can lead us to the promised land. Will need Kelleher's line to continue production also. Kelleher and Cleland have been awesome this season.

 

[HockeyRef]

Cats first sweep of the season; great effort this weekend! Need one more win than Maine gets next weekend for eighth and home ice, as Maine owns tiebreaker. Incentive for PC, as they will be on cusp of PWR postseason if they lose to Maine. UNH would come in 11th if swept by Mac and UConn wins their last game, but we would be spared the embarrassment of the basement.

Willows now has 84 points at UNH. Opportunity for him to reach century club if he and his line can lead us to the promised land. Will need Kelleher's line to continue production also. Kelleher and Cleland have been awesome this season.

Willows had a great game last night as did that entire line! Lots of incentives for next weekend for sure but we must give a full 60...esp against their GK who can be lights out. Happy for Cleland and Camper who had outstanding weekends.

Speaking of Tyler K believe he hit the 'half'century mark last night? Like Darius I'm a Friar fan this week although I will admit they are my HE "go to" team if all else fails (even tho they have a bizarre mascot)

Had to watch it on NESN thank God TC was not announcing! Pat Foley had warm comments about Coach U (as you'd expect) . Hope our top line keeps it up. Onward 'Cats!!
Ps NU: you had one job