Going into last nights game Guelph held on to the eighth and final playoff spot in the West. They were finishing the back half of a home and home with the leagues punching bag, the Erie Otters.
Guelph got off to the start they were looking at 2:49 of the first period when Francis Menard scored his twenty-third of the year, putting the Storm up 1-0. Guelph's lead wouldn't last long though as Erie responded just four minutes later when Johnny McGuire found the puck on his stick in the slot with an open net, he tied the game up at 1. The period appeared to be ending in a tie but Jake Evans had other plans. Guelph turned the puck over, and after receiving a pass from Jimmy McDowell, Evans scored to put the Otter's up 2-1 with thirty-nine seconds to go in the period and that's how it would end.
The first half of second period, the teams exchanged scoring chances before Dane Fox caused a Guelph turnover that he snapped top shelf over Storm goalie Brandon Foote. Guelph would trail 3-1 late in the period and needed someone to step up in their biggest game of the season. The Storm welcomed back forward Tanner Richard who missed several games due to an upper-body injury and he stepped up when it was needed. Richard scored with just over a minute to go in the period, Matt Finn found Richard wide open in the slot and Richard potted his twelfth of the year and more importantly it brought the Storm within one with twenty minutes to go.
Guelph took just over three minutes to tie the game up. The Storm's leading scorer Zack Mitchell notched his thirty-fifth of the year. The Storm didn't stop there as Francis Menard would add his second of the game on the power play. Menard banged home the rebound to put Guelph up for good, 4-3. Tanner Richard would score his second of the game just two minutes after Menard's goal to put the Storm up 5-3. Guelph would hold the fort after a late surge and power play by the Otters to win 5-3.
With the win Guelph moved up to 7th in the West, they got even better news when they found out after the game that the Grey Hounds lost to Plymouth. With the Storm W and the Soo loss the Storm have a 4 point lead on the Hounds, each team has two games remaining. Windsor who was idle dropped to 8th with Guelph's win and are just 1 point behind the Storm and have a game in hand on them now.
Guelph's remaining two games are against the Owen Sound Attack. The first of the two meetings is Friday night in Guelph and then they hook up again in Owen Sound on Saturday night. With a win in one of these games the Storm will lock up a playoff spot. Whether that's 7th or 8th will be decided this weekend.
Also look on the website for my interview with Erie Otter's forward Stephen Harper.
For all your Guelph Storm information give me a follow on Twitter @ChrisMcdonald91
Richard Scores Twice in Return
ITO Hot-Stove: Which current OHL team should be relocated to Hamilton?
With all the talk of an OHL franchise relocating to Hamilton for the 2012-13 season, I decided it would be a good idea for the hot-stove to debate which team should be on the move. I know Erie is the most likely to move, but that's not what the Hot-Stove is debating today.
Joining me in today's hot-stove is Joshua Newhart, Alex Quevillon, Jason Ray, Phil Phillips, Bryan Theil, and Anthony Nicholson.
Todd Cordell
In my opinion the Brampton Battalion should undoubtedly be the team on the move to Hamilton. Despite their team's great success so far this season, they've only had 2,000+ in attendance a handful of times regardless of which team comes for a visit. In my opinion any team averaging less than 2,000 fans per game should be on the move even if their team is struggling, so with Brampton's on ice success this year it makes things even more puzzling for myself. The Battalion have some good players and a very good coaching staff and I think a move to Hamilton, where they will be in more of a spot light, could be just what the doctor ordered.
Joshua Newhart
I don't think that any team in the OHL should move to Hamilton. There has been a lot of talk that teams are going to move there but, why? They have had a team before and the city couldn't support it. With so many other pro hockey organizations around that area there is just too much competition for a junior team to have any attendance. Hamilton already has an AHL team, the leafs are only 55 minutes away and the Ice Dogs are about the same distance. Tell me who is going to show up? I think that if a city loses a team they shouldn't be allowed to get one back.
Alex Quevillon
There are rumours of Mississauga, Brampton and Erie relocating. I say, why? Why move a team if you don't have to? Why not give Hamilton an expansion team if they're OHL-ready? The Ice Dogs built a respectable market in Mississauga as an expansion team, so much so that Eugene Melnyk trusted them enough to play home to another new team in 2007. Is it because the OHL is too complacent with the 20-team system that they don't want to add one more? I mean, the QMJHL is doing okay with 17 teams. I say try the 21-team system. If that doesn't work as planned, fold a team and hold a dispersal draft. Besides, I don't think Hamilton will go after an OHL team until the AHL Bulldogs move to Laval (assuming the plan goes through). And with Laval's arena controversy, that may be a ways away still.
Jason Ray
I gotta say it needs to be the majors I've been to a few games and that building is empty most of the games I've attended. I swear I heard crickets, not to mention that they ate right beside the Brampton Battalion to me it waters down where fans will go and watch a game. They should spread out the OHL wealth. Although I'm not sold in them going to Hamilton. Hamilton has the Bull Dogs of the AHL might just be too much of a good thing.
Phil Phillips
As far as a team moving there, I'm not sure what team should move, but I know one that could move: the Belleville Bulls.
1- The Team -The on ice product isn't the problem. The Bulls have done their part on the Ice. Only missing the playoffs 3 times since 1981. Three trips to the OHL final, winning in 1999 on home ice in game 7, two trips to the Memorial Cup, five division titles. Many OHL and CHL individual awards. 56 players that have played for the Bulls have played in the NHL.
2-The Yardman- I know it was the only barn in the Ontario Hockey League to have a second level of seating until the John Labatt Centre was built, in 2002. But the Yardbarn was built in 1978, its old and over the years its had some upgrades but just band aids really, nothing that would put it on par with other rinks in the OHL. The Ice making equipment is old and this year its showing its age a bit. There is no real bar, no restaurant, it feels like the store is in an other building (because it is), during Intermissions the concourse is tight. Good luck getting a drink, using the bathroom and getting back to your seat on time.
3- The Owner- Belleville no longer have the advantages of local ownership. Gord Simmonds purchased the Bulls in 2004-2005. At the time it was known that the Yardman was in need of being seriously upgraded or replaced. Mr.Simmonds has stepped up and did his part, he's upgraded the dressing room and workout area, asked for and got the OHL All-Star Game in 2006, he was reasonable for the Yardman getting the Video Score Broad it now has, and has been more they patient with the City of Belleville. He has said he wont be signing a new lease if something is not in place. And if a City has a beautiful empty building waiting for a tenant, he is a business man, why would he not go? If it's going to be more profitable to do so?
3-The City of Belleville- Its time for City council, to make a decision , and let everyone know what are the plans to secure the Bulls stay in Belleville? The Mayor has stated that it can't be done on the backs of taxpayers alone and that private industry has to be on board. Okay, so get it done, get every one together and make it happen, I understand its not that black and white, but whats the hold up, get together with Mr.Simmonds, and who ever else and at least start.
4-Fans- #MORECOWBELL, We have to support this team win or lose, I think the Bulls have only topped 3000 tickets sold in 2 or 3 games this season. Old building or new building it can't sit half full. At one time Bulls fans were named the Best fans in the OHL by the Global OHL Game of the Week. All division games should be standing room only, when Kingston or Ottawa are in town it should be sold out.
So in short the Belleville Bulls could be forced to move? The Hamilton Bulls just sounds wrong.
Bryan Theil
With everything that has come out about this possible relocation, we have to consider the difference between 'will' and 'should'. The team that probably will get relocated, as it stands right now, is the Erie Otters. The argument for that is as simple as the team's lease. Of all the teams you would consider 'eligible' for a move, the Otters' lease is up at the end of the season, while the Brampton Battalion's lease is up after next season. Many will look at the record and suggest the fact that Erie is 19 points out of 19th in the league as another prime reason for relocation, but the last-place team has actually outdrawn Brampton (if we go strictly on paper numbers).
In terms of teams that should? I would suggest either the Battalion or the Mississauga Majors. The Toronto market has enough trouble supporting one OHL team let alone two, and both franchises may stagnate given the fact that the AHL's Marlies can't even advance. There are markets that would welcome a team with stronger numbers than both Toronto teams combined, and while Hamilton may or may not be that market, they are out there and may be where the future of the OHL lies.
Anthony Nicholson
With talk of an OHL franchise moving to Hamilton, many have pointed to the Erie Otters, who, at least behind the scenes, have been making it known that Hamilton would be a prime destination for them. While it is quite likely that the Otters will be the team on the move, though the team is still negotiating with the City of Erie on a lease that would keep the team there long-term.
Much has been made of the recent struggles of the Mississauga Majors and Brampton Battalion, two teams who have become used to playing in front of empty arenas. The proximity of these two teams to one another only compound the problem, and it is a very clear case of the league wanting hockey to succeed in these cities, with no regards for the dynamics involved in keeping an OHL team afloat. If Erie does in fact move to Hamilton, another city will need to step forward to be a permanent home for at least one of these two franchises, and both Cornwall and North Bay have been bandied about as possible destinations.
Erie Otters Weekend in Review
by Josh Newhart
First of all let me introduce myself to the ITO family, I am the new
beat writer for the Erie Otters for ITO. I have been a season ticket
holder of the Otters for the past 2 seasons and an avid follower since
2001. I hope that i can help people get to know more about the Otters
team and history.
This past weekend the Otters traveled to Owen
Sound and Brampton for a 3in3. The Otters have struggled a lot this
year. It seems like we play pretty bad on the road but, I have been
pretty impressed with the new look otters since the trades of Greg
McKegg, Derek Holden, Brett Cook and Tyson Teichmann. Dane Fox and Troy
Donnay have really showed me what the Otters have been lacking this
year. Troy Donnay plays very well to his size, he moves play to the
outside and blocks shots. Cook and Holden both acted like they were
ready to be out of Erie and didn't want to make the plays. Dane Fox has
Scored a few for the Otters and has a lot more potential, he does the
things that Greg didn't, he goes into the corners and hustles the whole
game. Greg never played any defense for us, after he was drafted it
was like he had done everything he had wanted and his game got lazy. I
haven't yet seen Jimmy McDowell play yet because the Otters we're not
at home this weekend. I can give you a better report on him next
weekend. Now to the games!
The first 2 games on the weekend were
against the reigning OHL Champion Owen Sound Attack.The Otters were out
played in both games by a solid Attack team. 3-1, 5-0 were the final
scores of the 2 games. The rats only scored one goal in the two OS
games, scored by our leading scorer Dane Fox. These two games lacked
something from the Otters, I think having Johnny McGuire out day to day
with the hand injury has taken away our physical game. I was looking
forward to a 2 fight weekend from Johnny as well. He and Zweep make for
a good one. Lets only hope he can be healthy for this upcoming
weekend.
The final game of the 3in3 was in Brampton, our first
of 2 meetings with Brampton this season. I listened to this game on the
radio with Paul Roper calling it. Dane Fox and Tyler McCarthy both sat
out with an illness, i'll get a report next week on what the problem
was. The game started out great, Sondre Olden opened the scoring with
his 6th of the season 12 minutes in. Ramis Sadikov looked stellar to
start the game but fell apart in the last 10 minutes of the first.
Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sam Carrick scored at 15:29 to tie the game
at 1. Shortly after, Philip Lane scored a goal from an odd angle that
beat Sadikov. Last season Sadikov would have made that save, his
confidence is gone this year. The 3rd Brampton goal came just 1:37 later
in the first, scored by Mitchell Porowski. I knew at this point the
game was over so i turned off my radio and just followed the game on my
iPhone. The only other Otters goal was a weird goal, Liam Maaskant
scored one from 60 feet out to cut the lead to 3.
Overall this
weekend was another bad one for Otters fans but, it seems better days
are on the horizon. New acquisitions, the draft, and next season are
coming fast. Lets only hope we are better next weekend at home!
Attack Sweep Weekend Against Otters
***********************************************
There is no such thing as an easy win in any sport , especially not in a league like the OHL and even though the Erie Otters are having a year that I'm sure both players , coach's, fans and management would like to forget the Attack knew they would have two very tough games over the weekend as the Otter made the trip up north for a pair of games at the Lumley Bayshore.
Starting with Friday nights games one that would be best described as a sleeper , the Otters came out with a lil pep in their step as they would use their young speedy forwards to apply good pressure on the Attack and cause them to have all sorts of trouble getting organized and somewhat frustrated at times as the Otters game plan seemed to be to smother the Attack and not allow them to utilize the outside and skill of the Attack forwards. Newly acquired Dane Fox would get Erie on the board with his 15th and the Otters would take a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes.
A somewhat slow second period would see the Attack slip 2 past Otters net minder and take a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes . Captain Mike Halmo with his 25th and rookie Zach Nastasiuk with his 6th on the year.
A little animosity would start to show between the two clubs as again almost every time the whistle blew there were words exchanged as scrums would ensue. Dane Fox who is know for playing on the edge and always chirping someone was at his best all game long as the now veteran on the Otters would remind the Attack players that these games were not gonna be a cake walk.
The Attack would score another goal in the third period as Cameron Brace would pot his 15th on the season, although Erie is having their struggles this year I must give credit where it is due and from what I watched the Otters are young , fast and are only going to get better over the season and into next year. Picking up Fox from London will go a long way in the leadership department as I saw a lot of good things from the Otters.
Saturday night would see a completely different game from both the Attack and Otters as Erie would be in for a long night. The Attack were dominant at times almost playing keep away from the Otters in the offensive zone, and the Attack power play would explode going 2 for 3 in the period. Brace(16) Halmo(26) and Blandisi(13) would find the score sheet for the Attack. In my personal opinion I feel that 2nd year center Gemel Smith had maybe his best period I have see this year , his explosive speed and underrated board play was on full display as he would grind down the Otters defense almost every shift he had. If he could play like that on a consistent basis his draft stock should rise significantly before the draft in June. 3-0 Attack after 20 mins.
Another Attack forward looking to have a good season is Curtis Gabriel , the lanky forward had a open tryout with the Phoenix Coyotes over the summer and looked to bring that experience into this season. I thought he played a real solid second period playing good grinding hockey in the Otters zone and was rewarded with a goal on a quick snap shot that went bar down to put the Attack up 4-0. Gemel Smith would collect his 2nd point of the game on Gabriel's 4th the season. Attack lead the Otters 4-0 after 40 minutes.
There are a few bright spots for the Otters this season as goaltender Roman Sadikov played exceptionally well over the two games , obviously the score did not reflect on how good this tender really is , made several key stops over the third period to keep the Attack at bay , but the Otters just lack that offensive punch and leadership to over come being outplayed most nights as Owen Sound would pot another tally past Sadikov to go up 5-0 with Halmo(27) putting the final nail in the coffin. Gemel Smith would lead all scoters with 3 points and in my mind was first star, the Attack power play would continue getting better going 3-5 on the night and shutting down the Otters power play killing off all 6 opportunities. After losing five straight games the Attack now find themselves on a 3 game winning streak with huge divisional games coming up starting on Wednesday when the power house Plymouth Whalers come to town, then back to back games with London and finishing it off against the Kitchener Rangers. Attack will need a solid effort from everyone in the next couple games I they want to keep pace in the Midwest as these will be real good tests for the boys to see where they are at against the best of the west.
Game time is 7:30 Wednesday at the Lumley Bayshore
January 15th - Erie Otters vs. Brampton Battalion
Coming into the game the Battalion were a point out of first place in the East, trailing the Ottawa 67's. While the Erie Otters were sitting comfortably in the basement of not only the Western Conference but the entire league. This game lived up to its billing and played out as you would've expected.
Brampton came out strong and kept the pressure on Erie, Ramis Sadikov the Erie goaltender stood strong keeping the game scoreless in the early going. Erie's Troy Donnay was sent off for hooking just before the halfway point of the first. The Otters killed the penalty which helped them steal some momentum. Erie would use their new found confidence to take the lead when Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Sondre Olden deflected the Anthony Cortellessa point shot in behind Machovski to put the Otters up 1-0 at the 12:54 mark. That's when the Battalion turned their game around and begun to dominate, just 2:35 later Brampton's captain and leafs prospect Sam Carrick scored to tie the game up 1-1. Ian Watters and Spencer Abraham assisted on Carrick's twentieth of the year. A few shifts after tying the game Philip Lane would put the Battalion ahead 2-1 on a nice snipe job top shelf after receiving the Marcus McIvor pass. Brampton was not content however taking a one goal lead into the break as Mitchell Porowski would add another with just over a minute to go in the period, Brampton ended the first by scoring 3 goals in just over 3 minutes. After one it was 3-1 for the home team and the shots were 19-4 in favor of Brampton.
Erie had a great opportunity to pull to within at least one, with Abraham already in the box Brampton tender Matej Machovski attempted to clear the puck when it sailed over the glass giving the Otters a two-man advantage for over a minute. Erie showed why they are in the basement as they didn't even register a shot on the 5 on 3 power play. The rest of the period the teams traded shots but after forty minutes the score remained 3-1 in favor of the Battalion.
The third period started with a bang as Carrick would pot his second of the game just thirty-nine seconds in to the frame, giving his them a 4-1 lead. The troops continued their dominance over the inferior Otters squad when at the 7:17 mark Brandon Robinson would extend the lead to 5-1. With just over seven minutes to go in the game Erie would score on a harmless looking play by Liam Maaskant. Maaskant took a shot from the neutral zone about 52 feet out that seemed to fool Machovski and found its way to the back of the net to make it 5-2. That was as close as Erie would get however and the game would end 5-2.
Brampton despite winning and getting the two points stayed in second place as the 67's did their part and won as well. The Battalion were able to put a little space between them and the third place team in the East, the Niagara Ice Dogs who had the day off.
Both teams combined to go 0-9 on special teams in Sunday's game, which included two 2-man advantages for the Otters. The final total shots ended with Brampton doubling up on Erie with a count of 42-21. Battalion defence-man Cameron Wind quietly put together a good game despite not registering any points, he finished with a plus 3. Carrick was named first star and was the only player that had a multi-point game for either team. Luke Cairnes had multiple opportunities to score for Erie, including a clear cut breakaway in the first when he out deked himself and lost the puck. Stephen Harper played a good game as well for the Otters. Late in the game I especially took notice of him every time he was on the ice he wasn't far from the puck. Sadikov played well even though he gave up 5 goals he made 37 saves and had Brampton not beat him for 3 goals in a little over 3 minutes in the first the game would've went to OT.
Brampton's next game is Thursday the 19th at 7:00 PM at home against the Plymouth Whalers. This has all the makings of a great game as both teams are playing for first in their respective conferences.
You can follow me @ChrisMcdonald91
Import Success and Injury Woes
At what point did things go from bad to worse in Erie? Last place in the league, 11 points behind their next closest basement dweller, what's happened there this seasons? Of course this blog isn't about the Otters so moving on...
The Kitchener Rangers pounded the Erie Otters 7-3 last night. Of course that isn't exactly exceeding expectations for this Ranger team, who now has 33 points on the season. Talk about exceeding expectations, and you have to think of Radek Faksa and Tobias Rieder. The Kitchener Rangers two import picks are leading the team lately. Rieder has 19 goals, and Faksa has 13. It's not unusual for a player to come here from Europe and take a year to adjust to Canada. They usually don't find their stride until their second season. But Faksa has jumped on the ice and fit in perfectly. With his 2 goals last night, he now has 26 points in 23 games, and this should continue as, for some odd reason, he is not expected to join the Czech team at the World Juniors.
Tobias Rieder has been firing on all cylinders so far this season. 19 goals in 24 games, giving him 32 points so far this season. Just to compare that, former Ranger turned NHL first round pick, All star and Calder trophy winner Jeff Skinner took 25 games to reach 19 during his 50 goal season, which was his last in Kitchener. Not to put too much pressure on Rieder (Who just got on twitter @TobiRieder9), but I'm pretty sure everyone on East Ave and a few folks in Edmonton would love to see this trend continue.
And he may have to keep that trend up with the Rangers defensive corps all banged up. Goalie John Gibson is out with a sore back, and when it gets better he'll likely be off to the USA World Junior camp. Carolina draft pick Ryan Murphy is still out with his concussion but is likely to return Thursday vs. Brampton. Rookie blue liner Jared Gilbert has a broken wrist, and add that to Evan McEnemy, who is sitting the whole season after hurting his leg back in October. If a goalie and three defenders down wasn't enough, Andrew Cresenczi also has a sore hand, and sophomore forward Matia Marcantuoni has a shoulder that is so swollen, doctors have yet to even look at it.
Yet with all these injuries the Rangers have yet to skip a beat. They've won 7 of there last 8, are sitting in 4th place overall in the OHL (one point ahead of the 67's with a game in hand), and even received an Honourable Mention in the CHL Top 10 this past week. Once a few of these guys get back from injuries and the World Juniors are over, expect this team to really take off.
One final thought, when was the last time so many Rangers were expected to play at the World Juniors for different teams? The most I remember in the past was in 2002/2003 when Derek Roy, Gregory Campbell and Steve Eminger all played for Team Canada, but this year we have John Gibson (USA), Ryan Murphy (Canada) and Tobias Rieder (Germany), and I believe the Czech's could really use Radek Faksa, although that probably won't happen. It's great to see the Rangers international scouting staff working so well! Just as long as they don't burn the Canadians come that gold medal game.
Thoughts from the Editor...
Another weekend is done in the OHL and I just had to point out some bullet points from around the league.
Until the next time I get an urge to point out weird random thoughts, don't forget to check out the website www.intheoradio.com or listen to our Interview roundup here.
One Month in and What Do I Think?
It has been a while since I actually took to writing and with good reason to a degree.
Giving the crew all the chance to write as we all know that myself and the English language… we don’t see eye to eye most times.
We are a month into the OHL season with most teams playing about a 5th of their season. So what is on my mind as we reach the 20% completion mark for the 2011/12 OHL season…
The 2nd Ranked Problem
After being ranked second in the nation, 2 weeks prior to the season beginning I may add, the IceDogs of St. Catharines have been just awful. With a 5-6-0-1 record the IceDogs are currently 9th in the eastern conference, 16th of 20th in the league. The latter doesn’t mean anything really. Niagara does boast the lowest penalty minutes in the league, which I am sure is a plus that GM/Coach Williamson is happy about leading the league in that stat. The Dogs are getting phenomenal production out of the Hamilton Brothers with Freddie leading Dougie in points 21 to 20, but that doesn’t help get W’s. The Dogs lead the league with a 31.3% PP but are 17th on the PK with their efficiency being 75.9%. definitely not good. Oh and the fact that only 3 players on NIA have a positive +/- (above 0) is ridiculous for the talent this team has. Marty Williamson is about to shake things up and it starts with Pavelka being traded or released after he acquired Chris Festarini from Erie.
Home away from Home
The Brampton Battalion have been one of the stand out teams early on this season, their offense is still a mystery, T-6th highest goal production in the Eastern Conference, but their amazing defence leads the OHL allowing a league best 25 goals, 5 goals less than the next best team, the London Knights. What is also surprising is the Battalion’s 7-3-1-1 record, which includes a 5-0-0-1 record away from the Bunker. Normally you have to win 50% of your away games to have a good season… The Troops need to work on the winning home games part.
Sink or Playing Dead
The Erie Otters are a mess. Period. For a team that has a lot of potential, and the return of a rock in goal by the name of Ramis Sadikov, it is fair to say that the team is vastly underachieving. 2 teams in the OHL have scored less than the Otters 30 goals, Belleville and Kingston… Belleville has 6 wins while Kingston has 2 more points than Erie. The Defence is hurting without Adam Pelech but they have 2 OA blueliners who are a combined -24. Let’s save the talk about the forwards and lack of offence next time. One problem at a time folks.
Did you hear what I Saad?
The Saginaw Spirit needed help and many looked toward the pipes thinking that Galansky and Paterson would not be able to get it done this season. Turns out all they needed was a confidence boost named Brandon Saad. The Pennsylvania native entered the game Sunday with 7 goals and 9 points in 4 games since coming back from the Chicago Blackhawks. The Spirit are 3-1 since his return, 1-7 prior to his return. With Saad coming back, he has lifted the Spirit roster and spread his confidence throughout the team. Saginaw has scored 41 goals this season, 22 since Saad’s return. Paterson has been given the starter’s job, starting the last 6 games including Sunday night. In Saad’s return he has a 2.99GAA and a .925SV% and a 3-1 record. When Josh Shalla returns to the lineup after serving his suspension, this team could easily rocket up to the top half of the Western Conference.
3 Colts and a Sting
Seeing Nail Yakupov leading the league in scoring doesn’t surprise anyone, in fact many are shocked it is not higher than his current 2.23pts/game. Heck if Galchenyuk was healthy, he may be a 3pt/game player. What is surprising is seeing 3 Barrie Colt players behind him. Yakupov leads the league with 29 points in 13 games and behind him are Zach Hall, Tanner Pearson and Colin Behenna with 28, 28, and 24 points respectively. Hall and Behenna have tallied a point in every game they have played. And the trio accounts for 28 of the teams 45 goals (62.2%). What makes Yakupov’s 29 points in 13 games even better… 2 of those games he was held of the score sheet, that makes him a 2.63pts/game when he is on the score sheet.
The 2011/12 Erie Otters
So here's the deal... I wanted to be done this by May, but due to time restrictions and travel it is happening now. For 20 days, In The O... will be looking at each OHL team and thanks to a consensus Panel will formulate what we believe the 2011/12 roster for these teams will look like. To decide this, the consensus panel first pitched who they thought, would be the OA players for the team. We then took 2 of their OHL priority Draft selections and added them to the roster. We did not look at 2010 selections in determining the roster and looked at a 13 Forward, 7 Defence and 2 Goalie system, thus leaving 8 player cards open for each team. We did not look at trades or other additions to the roster. Just simply took the 10/11 Roster and made minor changes. Sounds simple doesn't it... here is what In The O... projects as the roster for... The Erie Otters
Over Age Players - David Shields, Mike Cazzola, Brett Thompson
OA's Cut - Brett Appio, Andrew Yogan, Matt Paton, Brett Cook, Ramis Sadikov, Tyler Hostetter, Derek Holden
2011 Priority Draft Selections - Stephan Harper (F), Corey Foster (G)
Goaltenders - Christopher Fetarini & Corey Foster- along with the team losing a lot of veteran talent. this goaltending duo will be a work in progress and take their lumps as they go.
Defence - Brady Austin, Mark Gadzic, Adam Pelech, David Shields, Kris Grant - The D this year will be young considering all the potential OA's that could be in this lineup. Even though it was a quick playoff exit. the 7 game experience will be good for the young corps.
Forwards - Mac McDonnell, Brett Thompson, Chris Marchese, Greg McKegg, Mike Cazzola, Connor Crisp, Luke Cairns, Stephan Harper - The theme of this Erie Otters team will be youth going forward. Young talent that will have to probably fight for 8th in the upcoming season.
That is it... Just that simple. This is just a quick look at who could be on the team, with the importance placed on who will be playing as an OA or who will be cut from the Team.
2011/12 Team Needs - Midwest Division
It is Day 3 of the 'content-a-day giveaway'... Lets take a look at what the teams may be drafting for come the OHL Priority Draft this Saturday May, 7th live on ontariohockeyleague.com.
To preface, the lists of what the team declares as 'holes to be filled' is not FACT. These are my opinions and are corroborated with others and is a general guess as to what they may be trying to fill come draft day. If they are not adressed during draft day remember that they can also trade for players already in the league. Also, this is 'in a perfect world scenario' as the first 7-10 picks will be best player available and defy the logic of what I am talking about.
Erie Otters -this is a team, who should have gone farther in the playoffs instead of being bounced after 7 games to Windsor. With that being said, if Sadikov does not get a pro deal, not only is it a travesty but it means that he will be back in Erie as an OA. so that eats up one spot. there are 4 91 birthdays on the blueline and there are 5 '91's as forwards and they lose 3 forwards due to graduation. To be honest the only thing that the Otters will not need is Goaltending. So here is a rare place where they will take the Best player available because they need help all over.
Guelph Storm - I think this is pretty simple. I do not foresee the Storm holding on to Holland, Latta and Beck for one more year. At least not all 3. Latta maybe. So you need to find another Holland or Beck and if you are not trading for one. you will have to draft it. And draft a forward the Storm will do.
Owen Sound Attack - Their goaltending is sured up as if Stajcer does not return, they will still have Zador, or vice versa. Also Binnington has showesd that he is ready now, so definitely do not have to worry about drafting one. On the blueline, Stanisz and Blacker are most likely not on the roster next season but that won't hurt the team as much as people are willing to believe. That leaves the F position and there is a lot of quality talent and grit players who will need to be replaced. look for the Western Conference Champions to look for an impact forward, or at least a forward who they can grow around like a Robbie Mignardi. Can be an effective scorer or a defensive forward with ease.
London Knights - There are a lot of questions about the Knights moving forward, but the forwards are not one of them. the D is young enough to grow together and be more effective than they were this season. With the 'failure' that was Bobkov this season, it is clear that they need a competent backup to assist Michael Houser. Look for the Knights to pick up a goaltender in the draft, not only to develop but to win them 5-20 games as a backup.
Kitchener Rangers - When you look at the age of the players on the roster there is no real need to be concerned with the fact they have talented 93 birth year players. What is alarming is that 2 of them will be a top 10 selection, possibly top 5, in Landeskog and Murphy. that leaves big gaps to fill but where is the bigger hole? it could even be in goal with Maxwell possibly not coming back and Morrison becoming the defacto #1. The more pressing need I would say is at the forward level. most of the 91's will not be back, Landeskog is a huge hole, like Skinner the year before. Some of the 93's on the roster, did not get much playing time so they would still be rookies based on playing experience. At the same time, I could still see Kitchener picking a D man... how about a coin toss for this one?
It is very tough to decide what a team will be looking for. As per yesterdays post about how to handle the draft, and the types of plays there can be. Just looking at who will be graduating and based on who a consensus believes will be next years OA's, this is how it was determined what the teams will be looking for at least early on in the draft. Of course they will still take a goalie in the late rounds even if they have 4 in their system. You just never know. But this is just something else to think of before the OHL Priority draft on Saturday. Tomorrow will be looking at the Central division so remember to come check that out.
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