Originally posted by Greg Ambrose
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UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by Snively65 View PostI also remember when the Cats would get an early big lead, and then sit back and cough up, or nearly cough up, the game. That was also when the Cats frittered away one PP opportunity after another by dinking around with the puck for two minutes looking for the perfect shot. In those ways, and in those ways only, I like this team better, playing from behind, and throwing everything but the kitchen sink on net.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by Snively65 View PostI also remember when the Cats would get an early big lead, and then sit back and cough up, or nearly cough up, the game. That was also when the Cats frittered away one PP opportunity after another by dinking around with the puck for two minutes looking for the perfect shot. In those ways, and in those ways only, I like this team better, playing from behind, and throwing everything but the kitchen sink on net.
You must have loved the 'Cats back in the mid-'80's. Lots of desperate, catch-up hockey back then ...Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
Montreal Expos Forever ...
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by Chuck Murray View PostSo you're the masochistic sort - spot the other guys a 1-2 goal lead ... and sweat it out from there?
You must have loved the 'Cats back in the mid-'80's. Lots of desperate, catch-up hockey back then ...I will not be out cheered in my own building.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by sonar View PostAs we left the Whitt my wife said , "that was a fun game to watch - kind of like the old days." I asked what she meant and she said, "i don't know, it just was." i agreed.
I tried again, and asked her if she now knew what she had meant by the comment what she meant.
She said, "Well I'm still not sure but maybe it has something to do with "caring." You know there was even just enough chipiness after the whistles to indicate the players actually cared, and you could tell that most of the fans cared, even the coaches seemed to be into it. It was kind of like watching our daughters and grand-daughters play ice hockey - it was only "fun" for me when I thought they cared, gave it their best shot, and if they won it was even better. She came back a few minutes later and said:
"I just thought of this - remember the first game at the Whitt. Well I think that was a night when everyone, and I mean everyone, in the building seemed to care, showed how much they cared, and gave it their best shot."
I meekly said, "Not bad, not bad at all."
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Originally posted by Greg Ambrose View PostI think of that as mostly a 70's thing. Charlie was a great coach for the offense, but defense was a sometime thing. I seem to recall a lot of 6-5, 8-7 games back then. The heyday I was talking about was the late 90's into the aughts. The defensive end of things was much more structured then. And while we should feel good about the game Saturday, just remember that Maine had the way better of the play the night before. Defense is still a sometime thing these days and, unfortunately, the offense isn't complete enough to withstand it.
I would rather see our team play with a lead, but not sit back and cough it up by trying to be too cutesy with the puck, especially on the PP; "just shoot it!" Kinda' like the Patriots and their on-side punt yesterday. I do not think that sitting back on a lead is playing good defense. In any case, we have not been and will not be playing with many leads this season, so sitting back on leads not an option.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by Greg Ambrose View PostYes, the majority of FOH members over the years are from the Seacoast. But if the program was wildly popular in places like Claremont, wouldn't a membership to the Friends be in order? I joined the Friends board in 1992, and was there through the ascendancy of the program. Building of the Whit, multiple 20+ win seasons, trips to the FF, etc. Believe me when I tell you that interest in the FOH ballooned every year. At one point we had over a 1,000 members and were the largest hockey booster organization in the country. I would assume that the success the program had would filter out to hockey fans throughout the state. Yet, there was little evidence that membership grew outside the Seacoast or Concord and Manchester. It just didn't happen.
As for the "process" surrounding the hiring and eventual promotion of Souza, it is what it is. Whether you feel it is justified or not, Dick Umile has an outsized influence on who succeeds him as coach. He's an alum, has coached the team for 25+ years, and brought it from the depths to the heights of national prominence. Those at UNH who are in a position to decide these things feel that Umile deserves to be listened to. You may think that this is awful, but it is the reality which has occurred in countless college programs in various sports. Coaches like John Wooden, Bo Schembeckler, Dean Smith, and soon-to-be-retired Jim Boeheim have all had this type of influence. Now you may not think Umile is in the same pantheon as those I just mentioned (I don't) but the fact is that the University has elevated him to that level. E cat, what you hope for and what is going to happen are two different things. Get it?UNH Hockey: You can check out any time you like but you can never leave!
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
"UNH Captain's Corner: Maine Home-and-Home Series"
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
From the for what it is worth department, took my kids to the holiday party and it looks like Capt. Mac is going to be out for a while. Saw him on the bench with his jersey on, not skating, and his arm was tucked into his body like he had no strength. I asked if he had dislocated it and he said it had not been looked at, which to me says I can not say. Later he had had the sling on again.
With the 4th line now broken up, hopefully this gives an opportunity for line combination experiments to see if there is any magic in the bottle.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Chuck, Greg and wildcatdc,
I have never been a fan of UNH games at the Verizon Wireless. I do understand the reasoning as even 5000-6000 paying customers makes more money for the school than far less at the Whit (students, President, athletics and foundation use comp or reduced tickets). Students do not get free tickets to the Verizon and Maine games are generally a big draw. Our own football team and Patriots playoff games have reduced the gate significantly over the past few years.
I realize Chuck feels our season ticket-holders were mistreated over the past 5-6 years and now knowing he does not own tickets, he does not have a stake in the game. I feel the same way Greg does as my tickets at the Verizon are not close to my tickets at the Whitt and I asked and the Verizon and Foundation have many of the prime seats at center ice. For one game per year, I suck it up with our large gang of fans and enjoy it for what it is.
I know most organizations try to maximize their revenues and profits as UNH was not different when they started charging ridiculous amounts when we were in contention year in and year out. We had season tickets at 470 dollars per seat 5-6 years ago and most fans with UNH connection now pays 307 dollars per seat. I think this is a fair amount for excellent hockey. It is not as lively as Snively was and giving the students both ends until season ticket sales increase would be a good start. Student tickets were gone by early afternoon on Monday. This would fill more seats in the arena while school is in session. They also have under 13 kids club tickets for all sports for 165 dollars per year. This includes men's hockey tickets and football. They go out of their way to get kids excited about hockey and in the long run it is the best way (along with students who become addicted to UNH hockey while attending) to feed the future pipeline of fans.
Chuck, if you knew how few season ticket-holder's there are for football you would cough up a baby. Hockey is still king at UNH other than homecoming and some playoff games. It is more of a boozefest than diehard fans attending football games. When hockey is doing well and the games are not televised, we have more fans than almost all schools in hockey east. We hold a good position even after the financial meltdown and missing the playoffs regularly.
Hockey East attendance per game
2007-2008 NH, BC, Maine
2008-2009 NH, BC, BU
2009-2010 NH, Mass-Amherst,BU
2010-2011 BC, NH, BU
2011-2012 BC, Maine, NH
2012-2013 BC, NH, Lowell
2013-2014 BC, Lowell, UNH
2014-2015 BC, NH, Lowell (very little difference between the 3 teams)
I guess those complaining can give constructive advice to our athletic department and the marketing and ticketing departments within athletics. I am sure they are doing the very best that they can. I would prefer to have all of our home games at the Whit, have Maine as 2 home one year 2 away the next. I can live with the Portland/Manchester games mid-week in December and a trip up to VT in early January. It would be nice to get a few shutdown defense-men with some offensive skills, but we had one this year who did not get through our admissions. He was quickly accepted into UConn the same day UNH rejected him. I see the future as being bright as our incoming class is very good, our freshman and sophomores are taking on larger roles and let us hope we are competitive in hockey east the rest of this year.
Thanks to all for sharing their insights relating to our hockey team. I will predict a significant turnaround for our team and attendance if Snively65 and Chuck dig deep into the kids and grand-kids piggy banks to buy season tickets for the rest of this year and into the future. If they do not, maybe it is time they find a way to convince others to buy season tickets (even if it is for them to just be invited to games).
I hope I see you all this Friday night against Dartmouth. Happy Holidays for all!
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Originally posted by UNH1932 View PostI know most organizations try to maximize their revenues and profits as UNH was not different when they started charging ridiculous amounts when we were in contention year in and year out. We had season tickets at 470 dollars per seat 5-6 years ago and most fans with UNH connection now pays 307 dollars per seat. I think this is a fair amount for excellent hockey. It is not as lively as Snively was and giving the students both ends until season ticket sales increase would be a good start. Student tickets were gone by early afternoon on Monday. This would fill more seats in the arena while school is in session. They also have under 13 kids club tickets for all sports for 165 dollars per year. This includes men's hockey tickets and football. They go out of their way to get kids excited about hockey and in the long run it is the best way (along with students who become addicted to UNH hockey while attending) to feed the future pipeline of fans.
Originally posted by UNH1932 View PostChuck, if you knew how few season ticket-holder's there are for football you would cough up a baby. Hockey is still king at UNH other than homecoming and some playoff games. It is more of a boozefest than diehard fans attending football games.
Originally posted by UNH1932 View PostWhen hockey is doing well and the games are not televised, we have more fans than almost all schools in hockey east. We hold a good position even after the financial meltdown and missing the playoffs regularly.
Hockey East attendance per game
2007-2008 NH, BC, Maine
2008-2009 NH, BC, BU
2009-2010 NH, Mass-Amherst,BU
2010-2011 BC, NH, BU
2011-2012 BC, Maine, NH
2012-2013 BC, NH, Lowell
2013-2014 BC, Lowell, UNH
2014-2015 BC, NH, Lowell (very little difference between the 3 teams)Sworn Enemy of the Perpetually Offended
Montreal Expos Forever ...
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Originally posted by UNH1932 View PostChuck, Greg and wildcatdc,
Thanks to all for sharing their insights relating to our hockey team. I will predict a significant turnaround for our team and attendance if Snively65 and Chuck dig deep into the kids and grand-kids piggy banks to buy season tickets for the rest of this year and into the future. If they do not, maybe it is time they find a way to convince others to buy season tickets (even if it is for them to just be invited to games).
I hope I see you all this Friday night against Dartmouth. Happy Holidays for all!
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Originally posted by Felger View PostUNH was picked from 6th to 8th in preseason polls...so they are right where they were predicted to be, perhaps even a bit higher given the games in hand.
Of course, those games in hand mean nothing if you don't win them. And they HAVE to take advantage of the soft middle third of the schedule they are in now. Gets a bit tougher in the final part.
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Re: UNH Wildcats 2015-2016 (Part Two) - Managing Decreasing Expectations
Twenty-some years ago, I made my first post on US College Hockey Online as an impressionable middle school student (Chuck & Bobo were excellent role-models!). I started my first thread and put forth to the masses a simple query. "Why don't Granite State rivals UNH and Dartmouth play an annual game," I wondered. The USCHO community was unimpressed, rattling off any number of reasons why the two programs wouldn't play, didn't have the same mission or weren't true rivals, but the powers that be hung on my every word! A few short years later a modern rivalry was born. To the victor go the River Stone!
15 year's later, there is apparently still very little USCHO interest in this game, but my enthusiasm has not yet waned - our Seacoast pride remains at stake!
Fortunately - as was the case last weekend - while UNH is no good, our opponent is worse! I like our chances! Dartmouth has allowed nearly four goals per game this season and in spite of the fact that we will likely see the youngster Devin Buffalo (who has come on strong in relief of the struggling upperclass goalies) I'd imagine Poturalski and Kelleher smell blood in the water...Last edited by Dan; 12-09-2015, 10:53 PM.Live Free or Die!!
Miami University '03
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Originally posted by UNH1932 View PostChuck, Greg and wildcatdc,
I have never been a fan of UNH games at the Verizon Wireless. I do understand the reasoning as even 5000-6000 paying customers makes more money for the school than far less at the Whit (students, President, athletics and foundation use comp or reduced tickets). Students do not get free tickets to the Verizon and Maine games are generally a big draw. Our own football team and Patriots playoff games have reduced the gate significantly over the past few years.
I realize Chuck feels our season ticket-holders were mistreated over the past 5-6 years and now knowing he does not own tickets, he does not have a stake in the game. I feel the same way Greg does as my tickets at the Verizon are not close to my tickets at the Whitt and I asked and the Verizon and Foundation have many of the prime seats at center ice. For one game per year, I suck it up with our large gang of fans and enjoy it for what it is.
I know most organizations try to maximize their revenues and profits as UNH was not different when they started charging ridiculous amounts when we were in contention year in and year out. We had season tickets at 470 dollars per seat 5-6 years ago and most fans with UNH connection now pays 307 dollars per seat. I think this is a fair amount for excellent hockey. It is not as lively as Snively was and giving the students both ends until season ticket sales increase would be a good start. Student tickets were gone by early afternoon on Monday. This would fill more seats in the arena while school is in session. They also have under 13 kids club tickets for all sports for 165 dollars per year. This includes men's hockey tickets and football. They go out of their way to get kids excited about hockey and in the long run it is the best way (along with students who become addicted to UNH hockey while attending) to feed the future pipeline of fans.
Chuck, if you knew how few season ticket-holder's there are for football you would cough up a baby. Hockey is still king at UNH other than homecoming and some playoff games. It is more of a boozefest than diehard fans attending football games. When hockey is doing well and the games are not televised, we have more fans than almost all schools in hockey east. We hold a good position even after the financial meltdown and missing the playoffs regularly.
Hockey East attendance per game
2007-2008 NH, BC, Maine
2008-2009 NH, BC, BU
2009-2010 NH, Mass-Amherst,BU
2010-2011 BC, NH, BU
2011-2012 BC, Maine, NH
2012-2013 BC, NH, Lowell
2013-2014 BC, Lowell, UNH
2014-2015 BC, NH, Lowell (very little difference between the 3 teams)
I guess those complaining can give constructive advice to our athletic department and the marketing and ticketing departments within athletics. I am sure they are doing the very best that they can. I would prefer to have all of our home games at the Whit, have Maine as 2 home one year 2 away the next. I can live with the Portland/Manchester games mid-week in December and a trip up to VT in early January. It would be nice to get a few shutdown defense-men with some offensive skills, but we had one this year who did not get through our admissions. He was quickly accepted into UConn the same day UNH rejected him. I see the future as being bright as our incoming class is very good, our freshman and sophomores are taking on larger roles and let us hope we are competitive in hockey east the rest of this year.
Thanks to all for sharing their insights relating to our hockey team. I will predict a significant turnaround for our team and attendance if Snively65 and Chuck dig deep into the kids and grand-kids piggy banks to buy season tickets for the rest of this year and into the future. If they do not, maybe it is time they find a way to convince others to buy season tickets (even if it is for them to just be invited to games).
I hope I see you all this Friday night against Dartmouth. Happy Holidays for all!Yes I am the former member known as Zlax45
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