Nothing concrete to update regarding the coaching search. I will tell you this, I’ve been hearing lots of information. Some of it conflicting, some of it collaborating. Overall my opinion of the search and its ultimate prospects are becoming more and more pessimistic. Perhaps that’s due to the qualities in a potential coach that I’ve put above the rest. I personally would want someone young and dynamic with the potential to stay at UMass for an extended period. I’d like to see someone who has experience bringing in talented recruits to a second tier program (UMass is first tier in my heart, but let’s be honest about how things work in Hockey East). Rumored candidates who have those qualities are guys like Mark Dennehy and Darren Yopyk. However, it sounds like the search may be shifting focus to assistants at the more traditional programs. That means guys like Mike Cavanaugh, already confirmed to have an interview, and perhaps fellow Boston College assistant Greg Brown or Boston University assistant Mike Bavis. Those guys are obviously well regarded in the college hockey circle and for good reason given their experience. But can they recruit to UMass? Can they bring Minutemen hockey from where it is to a regular contender within Hockey East and nationally? Right now they work from a position of great strength. It’s unknown if they can get the same results without the BC or BU pin on the lapel of their suit jacket.
Considering the supposed lack of administrative support for the hockey program being the primary reason why the previous coach and the athletic department chose to part ways, I have to say I’m less than enthused about how this coaching search is playing out. In the wake of the stories surrounding Toot Cahoon’s departure UMass needs to prove beyond a doubt that they’re committed to having a top notch college hockey program. Instead it sounds like they’re half-assing it. As usual.
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It was a good night for the Minutemen on the isle as the Orange team at Islanders camp won the Development Camp scrimmage tonight. Mike Pereira scored a goal and Kevin Boyle shutout Team Blue in the second half (not a typo, half).
Conor Allen is playing in the Canucks’ prospect scrimmage as I type. The Canucks have a good photo gallery of camp on their site. I see Allen in at least one picture.
Eddie Olcyzk is down in Carolina at Hurricanes camp this week where he’s playing with his brother Tommy, who will be playing for Penn State.
Meanwhile, UNH’s Trevor VanRiemsdyk is an attendee at Philly’s prospect camp. That must be a little awkward as the Flyers just shipped his brother off to Toronto.
Overall I’m happy at the level of involvement that UMass players are getting in the NHL camps. However I’m a little surprised that Joel Hanley hasn’t, as of yet, gotten an invite from an NHL team. I’m especially surprised he didn’t get a call from the nearby Maple Leafs, though a forty five year Stanley Cup drought is probably evidence that they may not be the best at evaluating talent, even if it’s right under their nose.
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Congratulations to Jon Quick who has agreed to a 10 year contract extension with the L.A. Kings. Obviously well-earned. This is probably a good time to announce that my next Beer The Triangle homebrew, an IPA which fermented during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and will be heading into the bottle this weekend, will be known as BTT Conn Smythe. Hopefully it’s worthy of the name.
Fear The Triangle - UMass Hockey Blog 
Hockey Fan
/ June 28, 2012I watched the game and periera looked great — he stood out as much as any player out there. the kid could really fly and he rarely got pushed around — curious to see what the islanders think and what they might do cause he played lights out knowing the situation at umass now. Boyle also looked very composed in the net. it looks like his defense bailed him out a few times but to shut out the players he faced only tells you he is ready for next year
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rocks22
/ June 28, 2012If you’re trying to lift my spirits after a challenging night, you’re doing a very poor job.
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Henry
/ June 29, 2012Watched the game last night as well. I agree pereira looked great and stronger than he did at umass. My hopes of him staying all 4 yrs looks slim now 😦
Mark these words – pereira and sheary if they play on the same line have a huge year. Sheary hands and pereira speed dangerous combo. I don’t know why they didn’t play more together and 4 on4 and even pk. Good teams play there best players in every situation. Coaches hold them accountable.
Onto the coaching saw umass was looking at the quinnipiac coach. I think he is a good guy but not the guy we need here. I agree we need a young savvy guy that kids want to play for.
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Islander
/ June 29, 2012I was at the game. Fastest on the ice. Needs to get stronger. But give him room to skate and watch out. Pretty impress. Good luck umass
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Ganderson
/ June 29, 2012I have very little confidence that we will get a Scott Sandelin/Dave Hakstol/Mark Dennehey/ type coach- we’ll get a retread assistant, or a head coach who’s been fired.
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Colin Thompson
/ June 29, 2012Ganderson shame on you for having little confidence. My opinion is our New Head Coach will be Mark Dennehy or Rand Pecknold. Shame on you Ganderson get some confidence.
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George
/ June 29, 2012“Instead it sounds like they’re half-assing it. As usual.”
ARE YOU READING THISJOHN MCCUTCHEON? THIS IS DIRECTED AT YOU AND THIS STATEMENT IS DEAD ON CORRECT.
Come up for air from the UMass gridiron for just 7-10 days and give us your undivided attention. PLEASE.
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Colin Thompson
/ June 29, 2012I have heard from a few people that Quinnipiac Coach Rand Pecknold is a Candidate for the UMass Job. I have also heard Mark Dennehy is still a Candidate.
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Bob
/ June 29, 2012That would be a terrible move. QU has a great rink and still medicore. Will be in the same spot we’re now!!
Rocks saw on twitter pereira was getting a X-ray any word?
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Colin Thompson
/ June 29, 2012Bob I strongly disagree with you on Rand Pecknold but we are all entitled to our opinion. Bob my opinion is that our New head Coach is going to be Mark Dennehy. If it is not Mark Dennehy I think it is going to be Rand Pecknold. Bob we agree to disagree on Rand Pecknold.
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Anonymous
/ June 29, 2012Pecknold has the ability to get any player he needs into QPac and has a great rink and hasn’t been able to win in the ECAC, no way he can get it done at UMass and in Hockey East.
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Colin Thompson
/ June 30, 2012Anonymous I strongly disagree with you on and about Rand Pecknold. UMass has more money and resources than Quinnipiac. I do believe Rand Pecknold could and can get it done at UMass and in Hockey East. I WILL SAY IT AGAIN I HAVE A FEELING MARK DENNEHY WILL BE OUR COACH DO NOT COUNT HIM OUT.
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Anonymous
/ June 30, 2012Quinnipiac has far more resources than UMass being a private school. Pecknold can’t run with the big boys, end of discussion.
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Bob
/ June 30, 2012Well said. And I totally agree. Umass AD make a splash. Don’t be easily satisfied.
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