As a long time UNH fan, I have done some serious soulsearching in the past several years concerning the track record of UNH hockey in the post season.  I sometimes chide my husband over his attitude of complete disgust -- he is one that says Umile definitely must go -- and I try to remember when we just went to a UNH hockey game to enjoy the game.  Back in the days of Snively Arena, we just plain had a great time watching a college hockey game.  For the past ten years or so, we've had the experience of rising expectations.  Good players, good records, post-season appearances, some successes (two Hockey East tournament championship teams) and some excruciating failures (two Frozen Fours lost in the championship game; losses in the semifinals, losses in early rounds). Having grown up a Boston Red Sox fan, I had good training to be a UNH hockey fan.  The Sox broke their curse; what will it take for the Wildcats to break theirs??  A new coach who knows how to win at that level? Once I actually drafted a piece for the UNH student newspaper about being tired of being "Umile-ated" every year.  I never sent it in.  Part of me says, hey, just enjoy the game.  If they go to the tournament, fine.  The other part of me says WIN THE DAMN THING!!!!
 
Cathy Spreeman
UNH '72

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From: - Hockey-L - The College Hockey Discussion List on behalf of Deron Treadwell
Sent: Sat 3/29/2008 10:05 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: UNH



I'm curious to know what people (specifically UNH fans) think about the latest first round exit for the University of New Hampshire.

As Charlie's release mentioned earlier, UNH is now 4-8 in first round games and I believe have lost in the first round in 3 of the last 4 years (at least one of those games in Manchester, NH).  All the while, UNH has had dominant regular season teams, winning or near the top of HOCKEY EAST every year it seems.

Almost shockingly, I've seen a few messageboard posts from UNH fans saying that perhaps Dick Umile needs to go.  I think its an interesting question, because there is no doubt UNH has the facilities and they are getting the talent.  Is it time to make a change in order to get over the top or is it something else?

-Deron