UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

[wildcatdc]

Are you suggesting the AD doesn't have a clue that the fans are upset with the "transfer of" (clinging to?) power? I'd say the timing of creating the forum makes it a great talking point "we created a fan forum to hear from you, the fans" while ensuring that they no longer can push for meaningful change. I assume Blue Skies is bright enough to know you never ask a question to which you don't want to know the answer.

If the fan board doesn't get a say in the most fundamental aspect of their fan experience -- how to rebuild the destroyed program -- then what use is it? A sounding board of whether hot chocolate should cost $2 vs. $2.25?

Wildcatdc, my annoyance is not directed at you.

Oh, they are plenty aware. Plenty. My point was that the awareness probably doesn't come from this thread. That stated, I really do feel like a few on this thread (eg, you, Greg, CHC) might carry some sway, and I'd love to see one or all of you cause a little ruckus in a board context.

I get your doubts as to the efficacy of such a board, and willingness to address the tough issues. But, I have seen at least one board at UNH change from a glad-handing nothingburger to an actual interactive, give-and-take board where changes are effected.

BTW, I wasn't referring to the AD in my original post.

 

[HHound]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Besides my earlier reply above, here is my follow up, after perusing the Huskies' 2017-2018 schedule.

NU is hosting Sacred Heart for 2, AIC for 1, home and home with Bentley, and visiting RIT for 1. If my math is correct, that is 75% of your OOC games against Atlantic Hockey lower tier teams. "Who makes a schedule like that?"

From my desk in the glass house: You gentlemen certainly have a point. NU does have a fairly weak OOC schedule. It is kind of a "tweener" year in terms of scheduling as several contracts finished up last year (i.e. Minnesota) Notre Dame passed on playing a series with us. ASU postponed our visit (possibly so their literally enormous Freshman class can get up to speed). We have several serious OOC programs starting in '18 l(i.e. St. Cloud).

What struck me about the Wildcats schedule was that long string of home games after the visit to Lowell (a team we'd always prefer to play in October rather than in February or March). I'd hate for my team to spend the stretch run on the road.

The silver lining here is that both teams pick several extra home games for our fans to enjoy(?) Let's hope Umile reaches his goal long before your team comes to Matthews on February 2.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Let's hope Umile reaches his goal long before your team comes to Matthews on February 2.

Attaining an otherwise modest goal of 14 wins - for a program averaging 13 cupcake-laden W's over the last two season - certainly doesn't seem to suggest anything remotely approaching "long before" is gonna be in the cards.

The last two seasons' schedules were specifically constructed to get him "there" already, make no mistake. Take out the surprising 3 post-season wins (including the 2 wins in the all-important MBPBEGAM round, which may have saved Year Three of The Long Goodbye) and that would be one massive 17 win hill to climb this season.

If Coach is going to realize success in The Quest, it's gonna be a white-knuckle ride right to the end, rest assured.

 

[HockeyRef]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Went to the Comm Ave Classic charity game at BU tonight and had my pic taken with the Wilds Charlie Coyle; told him I hoped he didn't mind I was a UNH fan. His reply? "Maybe they'll come through for ya". Here's hoping Charlie; here's hoping!!

 

[Greg Ambrose]

Oh, they are plenty aware. Plenty. My point was that the awareness probably doesn't come from this thread. That stated, I really do feel like a few on this thread (eg, you, Greg, CHC) might carry some sway, and I'd love to see one or all of you cause a little ruckus in a board context.

I get your doubts as to the efficacy of such a board, and willingness to address the tough issues. But, I have seen at least one board at UNH change from a glad-handing nothingburger to an actual interactive, give-and-take board where changes are effected.

BTW, I wasn't referring to the AD in my original post.

Any influence that I may have had with UNH athletics and particularly the AD are long in the past. Unless Marty has had some life altering brain surgery, this STH advisory board will be mere window dressing. I say this based on my tenure as one of the squeaky wheels on the FOH board for 20 years. I started out with a lot of vim and vigor but, as the years went on, and especially after the FOH was no longer independent but part of the athletic department (NCAA rules), thinking outside the box, any type of innovation that didn't come from inside the athletic office was dismissed. On top of that, the leadership of the FOH board has not changed in about a quarter century and, personally, I think Marty likes it that way. I'll also remind folks that several years ago the athletic department hosted some sort of town hall event for season ticket holders where discussion was supposed to lead to innovation. How did that work out?

 

[Snively65]

Not sure from where the idea emanated. While I'm CERTAIN it had ZERO to do with it, I did have a recent opportunity for a 1:1 meal with the guy "where the buck stops" and expressed my strong displeasure about the university's inability to come to a transfer of power after last year's debacle. I also shared that I was probably on the more forgiving side of the lynch mob.

I really do hope the more vocal, ******ed-off people here apply for the board. Chirping to a dozen people here won't do much, especially with so many like-minded folks, and probably doesn't hit the radar of the admin or the AD.

I was just trying to be provocative and stir up some excitement on this thread while THE golf match is in the mother of all electrical storms delay.

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

I did have a recent opportunity for a 1:1 meal with the guy "where the buck stops" and expressed my strong displeasure about the university's inability to come to a transfer of power after last year's debacle.

...

BTW, I wasn't referring to the AD in my original post.

Jeez, I can imagine BS35+5 choking on his cornflakes with the disclosure that he isn't the guy at the top of the UNH pyramid. Wonder which lucky UNH admin-for-life gets the plum assignment of breaking the news to him on this.

I also shared that I was probably on the more forgiving side of the lynch mob.

Our very own Dustin Pedroia. "Honest Manny, it wasn't my idea to throw at you! I even vouched for you with Skip!!"

 

[Dan]

Packy Munson has been 'encouraged' to decide on his own that leaving DU is in his best interests after transferring to, and sitting out last season for, the Pioneers. Let's just say the timing is 'curious' as last week he was discussed in the Denver Post as the likely back-up to jaillett and once Gambrell chose to return to school he was off roster...

He should be able to petition for immediate eligibility (a la Eddie Caron) and if UNH has money left or he is willing to walk on next year for a full the following two seasons, I'd take him in a heartbeat at UNH...

He's the best goalie on the roster the moment he steps on campus and would remain so until Commesso's arrival in what would be Munson's final year of eligibility.

Lazaro is a warm body, Clark is persona non grata, Robinson is a FR coming off an average to poor season in junior hockey and Tirone is, well...

Awkward for this season? Maybe. But it's likely Clark and Tirone are both out of here next year and UNH will need to add a goalie for next fall. Why not take a chance on a kid with proven experience carrying a miserable HE club...

2017-18
Munson, Tirone, Robinson, Clark

2018-19
Munson, Robinson

2019-20
Munson, Commesso, Robinson

2020-21
Commesso, Robinson

It's never going to happen - they probably won't even try - but it should. Makes the team substantially better now and for the next three years...

 

[HockeyRef]

Packy Munson has been 'encouraged' to decide on his own that leaving DU is in his best interests after transferring to, and sitting out last season for, the Pioneers. Let's just say the timing is 'curious' as last week he was discussed in the Denver Post as the likely back-up to jaillett and once Gambrell chose to return to school he was off roster...

He should be able to petition for immediate eligibility (a la Eddie Caron) and if UNH has money left or he is willing to walk on next year for a full the following two seasons, I'd take him in a heartbeat at UNH...

He's the best goalie on the roster the moment he steps on campus and would remain so until Commesso's arrival in what would be Munson's final year of eligibility.

Lazaro is a warm body, Clark is persona non grata, Robinson is a FR coming off an average to poor season in junior hockey and Tirone is, well...

Awkward for this season? Maybe. But it's likely Clark and Tirone are both out of here next year and UNH will need to add a goalie for next fall. Why not take a chance on a kid with proven experience carrying a miserable HE club...

2017-18
Munson, Tirone, Robinson, Clark

2018-19
Munson, Robinson

2019-20
Munson, Commesso, Robinson

2020-21
Commesso, Robinson

It's never going to happen - they probably won't even try - but it should. Makes the team substantially better now and for the next three years...

Interesting points about Packy; he's a decent goalie and he sure stymied UNH when we played UVM. And would have to agree that chances are slim he'd be added. He was a good sport too as we razzed him a plenty as I recall

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Packy Munson has been 'encouraged' to decide on his own that leaving DU is in his best interests after transferring to, and sitting out last season for, the Pioneers. Let's just say the timing is 'curious' as last week he was discussed in the Denver Post as the likely back-up to jaillett and once Gambrell chose to return to school he was off roster...

He should be able to petition for immediate eligibility (a la Eddie Caron) and if UNH has money left or he is willing to walk on next year for a full the following two seasons, I'd take him in a heartbeat at UNH...

He's the best goalie on the roster the moment he steps on campus and would remain so until Commesso's arrival in what would be Munson's final year of eligibility.

Lazaro is a warm body, Clark is persona non grata, Robinson is a FR coming off an average to poor season in junior hockey and Tirone is, well...

Awkward for this season? Maybe. But it's likely Clark and Tirone are both out of here next year and UNH will need to add a goalie for next fall. Why not take a chance on a kid with proven experience carrying a miserable HE club...

2017-18
Munson, Tirone, Robinson, Clark

2018-19
Munson, Robinson

2019-20
Munson, Commesso, Robinson

2020-21
Commesso, Robinson

It's never going to happen - they probably won't even try - but it should. Makes the team substantially better now and for the next three years...

Respectfully disagree with you there, Dan. Arguably better ... maybe? Munson isn't quite the second coming of Ty Conklin. Decent but not great at UVM, and clearly surplus to requirements at Denver. Any remaining flexibility in the scholarships department would be best saved for other bigger needs in the program, or just a better player (goalie or otherwise).

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Respectfully disagree with you there, Dan. Arguably better ... maybe? Munson isn't quite the second coming of Ty Conklin. Decent but not great at UVM, and clearly surplus to requirements at Denver. Any remaining flexibility in the scholarships department would be best saved for other bigger needs in the program, or just a better player (goalie or otherwise).

Can't believe I'm agreeing with Chuck over Dan on this one. Dip into the goalie market for 2018 and get a real starter. Keep an eye on Jared Moe. http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=380910

 

[Snively65]

Can't believe I'm agreeing with Chuck over Dan on this one. Dip into the goalie market for 2018 and get a real starter. Keep an eye on Jared Moe. http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=380910

Maybe Robinson will get the opportunity this season to show why he is a NHL pick and prove that he can be a starter in 2018-2019?

Nah, ain't gonna' happen.

 

[HockeyRef]

Maybe Robinson will get the opportunity this season to show why he is a NHL pick and prove that he can be a starter in 2018-2019?

Nah, ain't gonna' happen.

Stranger things have happened ?!? Nah...ain't gonna happen (sigh)

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Chuck - you don't have to believe Munson is an all-HE caliber goaltender (and I don't care to argue that he is...). But he absolutely IS better than anything on UNHs roster today and would be until Commesso's arrival.

He went .920/2.34 as a FR at UVM (both numbers right around 20th in the country - DT wasn't top-50 in either category) essentially supplanting Santiguida - who had posted a career FAR better than DTs, in his own right, to that point...

I wouldn't read too much into his situation at DU - if he plays there this year, on this team he probably puts up .925/2.20 at least. Knowing the inner workings of college sports like I do - it's easy for the cynic in me to come out, but it's hard not to see this as another situation where big athletics shows little regard for student-athletes...

As I stated, he was discussed in print, on Jul. 12 as the incumbent back-up - that would be the back-up to the 2017 national goaltender of the year not some ncaa average netminder...

Less than a week later he's out on the street? DU clearly loaded up in case Gambrell bolted for the NHL - then when he decided to return they needed scholarship dollars. If Munson wanted to leave on his own he's not waiting until July.

He's the easy choice to run off when you're returning starter is the reigning best goalie in NCAA DI and you're 18 year old FR is arguably the best incoming goalie in the country and has more eligibility. Unless they'd want to take a page out of UNHs book and defer top talent...

Just a year ago DU aggressively chased Munson and convinced him to attend. Based on timing and circumstance this is a bad look on DU, in my opinion, not Munson, who would have been very good there if they handed him the keys...

DT is an average back-up across the mid- to upper levels of DI hockey. Clark, whatever people think of him, will NEVER play meaningful minutes at UNH barring serious injury or major meltdowns ahead of him on the depth chart. Robinson was drafted and recruited on size and potential. No one would like to see him reach that potential more than I would - but he certainly hasn't so far, getting drummed out of the USHL and posting mediocre numbers in the NAHL. Lazaro isn't in the same league as a Jamie Regan/Jeff Wyer. He is a practice goalie - a Kirk Manke/Tim Collins break glass in case of emergency type. Packy Munson is clearly a better option than all four, he is at least an average starter, which UNH does not have this year. Whether they do in the near future depends on Robinsons development and who they might add in Munsons place...

An argument that UNH should go with what they have and save scholarship money for a four year goalie or better player (goalie or otherwise) is certainly fair. But I, personally, am still not sold on UNHs ability to do just that. Let alone when they're recruiting that 2018 goalie with the expectation that Robinson is entrenched as the upperclass starter for that recruits first two seasons and the top ranked 2020 in (potentially) NA is incoming during said recruits' JR and SR seasons. That's a tough sell, especially for a program that hasn't been very successful recently...

"Come to UNH and maybe compete for the job (though you should know we're not big on rotations) with a tall draft pick we're going to give EVERY opportunity to be the GUY and then with one of the absolute elite goalies in his age group who we LOVE for a team that hasn't finished in the top of its league in how long....?"

Munson is better now, and next year, and only overlaps with Commesso's FR year as a fifth-year, experienced senior. Additionally, given the late stages of the offseason - his options for a spot and for money will be limted. A scholarship may not even be necessary in 2017-18. In 2018-19 and beyond a goalie is going to get one, one way or another...

And speaking of late stages - it's awfully late in the 2018 recruiting cycle. If they find a goalie this late, better than Munson - hats off to them...

 

[Dan]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Additionally, for anyone who does make it to UNHs fan experience forums you could let them know that despite myself and my family holding season tickets to Wildcat hockey for decades - I can never remember being contacted by UNH except for when they needed more money.

Today - as just a guy that goes to a lot of games (for only a season and a half) - DU is inviting me for a sit-down / arena tour along with the comment that I'm spending TOO MUCH money going to as many single games as I do and they want to help me spend less...

 

[NCAA watcher]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

You mean Denver, not Dick Umile walking you for a tour. Thought I would clarify, even though it was obvious from the context, as Dickie doesn't do anything during the summer except cash the paychecks (or force a handpicked successor down the throat of his "boss").

Caring about the fans is just one difference. See if you can spot two more in the following two sentences:

DENVER – The University of Denver Division of Athletics and Recreation announced today that men’s head hockey coach George Gwozdecky will leave the hockey post he has held for 19 seasons. A national search will commence immediately for his replacement.

http://www.denverpioneers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/040113aaa.html

Just for kicks, here's another quote. See if you can tell the difference between a real program and a fake program

Appert and Lalonde have met with the search committee. Montgomery is scheduled make his on-campus interview Friday and [Greg] Brown by Saturday.

 

[Snively65]

You mean Denver, not Dick Umile walking you for a tour. Thought I would clarify, even though it was obvious from the context, as Dickie doesn't do anything during the summer except cash the paychecks (or force a handpicked successor down the throat of his "boss").

I thought that DU also plays celebrity golf during the summer?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

I thought that DU also plays celebrity golf during the summer?

You mean Denver, not Dick Umile walking you for a tour. Thought I would clarify, even though it was obvious from the context, as Dickie doesn't do anything during the summer except cash the paychecks (or force a handpicked successor down the throat of his "boss").

I'm pretty sure Dan throws out the DU references (Dick Umile vs. University of Denver) to make us all work just a bit harder to understand his posts. Kind of a passive-aggressive thing, I guess? But no harm, no foul ... it's actually pretty helpful in contrasting the success of one, and the crap show the other has become for the better part of the last decade. So kudos to Dan for some creativity with that (assuming it's intentional, of course).

On the other hand, the Munson-to-UNH post was just an obligatory shot at Tirone. If UNH admissions couldn't be bothered to interrupt their summer sabbaticals to intervene for a future Hobey winner, what chance does a two-time transfer goalie have to penetrate their off-season radar?

 

[Chuck Murray]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

Many thanks to those patiently waiting for the electrical storm to pass ...

Fun with Souza, Dick & Stu - Offseason Edition - Part IX

Now five men approach Tee Nine
Dick and Mark walk first, arm in arm, like best buds
"So Mark, what is it with these steel poles on Hole Nine?"
"Dick, I got this idea from Puff. Let me tell you what it is"
"Puff? You don't mean, those poles are ... "
"Yup. For lights. This is his brain child"
"What a dumb thing to think. But it is Puff, so no big shock"
"He thinks UNH can host the NCAA and NHIAA golf champs now"
"So Mark, what do you think of all of ... this???" as Dick waves his arms
"I nixed the grand stand part of his plans. Now THAT was nuts"
"I think the whole thing is nuts. But I'll hit first now"

The ninth hole is a Par Five
Think of the costs saved from no stands
The lights bill could be huge
But only if they are left on
Dick steps up to the tee box
His drive is a very bad slice
Ping ping
His shot hits off one post, then to post two
It then stops dead in the midst of the fair way
Stu shakes his head and hits next
Grip and rip, the tee shot drifts off to the first cut
Mike hits last, but he is still pee oh'ed
He shanks his tee shot - ping
His shot rests not too far from Stu now

Spot drives off, with Dick and Mark in tow
Stu and Mike walk off on their own to their balls
"What a suck up move that was back on eight" hisses Mike
"Takes one to know one, pal" shoots back Stu
"But yeah, Dick did score an ace. His ball was in the hole"
"No way, Stu"
"Way, Mike. Trust me, I want to win this, more than you know"
"Still not happy I got the job, and not you?"
"You are away, Mike. Go hit your ball"

Mike steps up and plays it safe
Hits a good shot that stops 150 yards out in a good spot
Stu now moves to his ball and also plays it safe
His shot rolls up next to Mike's ball
They are both in with a clear third shot to the green
Barbs at each other still flow on the walk up

Dick gets out of the cart to hit his next shot
This time he hooks his shot - ping ping
The poles save him from a bad shot twice now
He is just 100 yards out, as he gets back to the cart
"Nice shot, Dick" says Mark and Spot the cart loop
"Mark, I think Puff may have a good plan here after all"
"I thought you might think that, Dick"
"Hey, the car park looks full now. What's up?" Dick asks
"We have a few guests over to check in with after nine" grins Mark

Mike and Stu hit their next shots to the fringe of the green
One on each side - they will need up and downs to make par
Dick waits, and hits a short iron right on the nose
Dick's ball flies past the green
Ping
Dick's ball rolls back to less than five feet from the cup
Both Mike and Stu shout "You can pick that up boss"

Dick goes to pick up his ball
Mark goes in to the back of the cart and grabs a <del>Busch</del> Tab
Mark spits it back up all at once when he tries to sip it
"What is this rat swill Dick has in his cart?"
"I have a strict don't ask, don't tell thing on that" grins Spot

Mike chips from the left fringe, and comes close to a hole out
Stu chips from the right fringe, and it stops a foot short
Will the men tell each other to pick up?
Not a chance. Not a chance in he11
Both tap in for their pars. Dick cards his bird

"So I guess Mark told you what's up, boss" smiles Mike
"Yes, he said we will stop for a bit at the club house now"
"No one tells me jack squat" moans Stu
"You think you should have done eight the other way now, sport?" laughs Spot
"Boy do we have a great guest for you, Coach" beams Mark
"I have a new guest here too, if his pass port checks out" beams Mike
Stu now feels quite left out, and his nice move on eight seems so naïve now

Dick is still filled with joy from his ace, and from his front nine now too
Dick is also still quite filled up with <del>Schlitz</del> <del>Busch</del> Tab
Dick burps first, then walks to the sand trap and pukes his guts out
Now he can start fresh for the back nine

The score at the turn (Par 35) stands:

*Dick -4 Souza E Stu E

Dick still has the lead
Dick still has honors
Dick waits for the big party after nine
Mike and Mark are
Stu is
Puff waits for the men at the club house with a crutch
Spot thinks he does not miss the old place all that much after all

 

[Snively65]

Re: UNH Wildcats-The Back Nine and Beyond!

".......all that I wanna know-oh.... " is will our head coach's incredible luck on the golf course carry over to the upcoming hockey season?

And, once again reality may imitate art.

https://www.events.unh.edu/RegistrationForm.pm?event_id=24097

And, another golf course favorite: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr_o9VXocXo