Friday the 13th.......Ice Dog Style

by Susan Tromanhauser

Just when the Niagara Ice Dogs thought they finally had the pieces of the puzzle together, Friday the thirteenth struck and proved to be an unlucky day for the a team filled with bad luck this season. With players returning late from NHL camps, injuries, suspensions, the World Junior tournament and more injuries, the Ice Dogs finally got their team back together as whole unit. But in one game against the Sudbury Wolves, the Dogs lost three key players.

Dougie Hamilton:

This week Hamilton was suspended for ten games as supplemental discipline for a check to the head of Sudbury captain Michael MacDonald who suffered a concussion on the play. The OHL imposed the ten game supplemental discipline after deciding Hamilton’s hit was a check to the head on a vulnerable player that resulted in an injury.

Niagara Coach Marty Williamson felt the suspension was “Unfortunate. It’s one of those hits the league is trying to get rid of and Dougie would be the first guy to say he’d like to have it back. Dougie’s not a dirty player, he plays the game clean, but there was a player injured and the league is making a bold statement about what they do in those situations.”

Williamson had earlier this season predicted it would be difficult for Hamilton due to his size to avoid a hit such as this. “It’s hard for big guys and you have to watch those hits coming across the middle. …….if a guy ducks on you, it’s awfully tough.”

Ryan Strome

Ryan Strome’s adventure in Sudbury got him a goal, an assist and a broken nose. In a scrum around the net, Brody Silk punched Strome in the face resulting with much blood on the ice and ending Strome’s night early.

There is controversy whether Silk should receive supplemental discipline as many believe fights happen in hockey and Strome was just as guilty for throwing punches. Others feel this was not a fight but rather Strome was punched from behind when he was not expecting it. Williamson believes it was a “bad punch. Fights happen, this wasn’t a fight, it was a scrum.” The only opinion that matters of course is the OHL as they handed out a twelve game suspension to Silk.

The other controversy talked about in the twitterverse was the fact Strome played the game against Barrie on Saturday night with a broken nose only to return home and discover on Monday the injury was much more severe, including additional broken facial bones. William assures there is no controversy. “(Strome) had a broken nose….we were told he could get it looked after Monday. Ryan wanted to play and felt good. …if this was play off time he could possibly be playing today. We are going to give him time to heal.” Williams also assures the surgery went well and “(Strome) looks better than ever.” Strome is expected to be out for one month.

Brock Beukeboom

After sitting out the first six weeks of the season with two cracked bones in his back, Brock Beukeboom suffered his fourth concussion against the Wolves. Again the confident Williams assures the concussion is not too worrisome as Beukeboom’s parents report the concussion is not as serious as previous ones he has suffered and he appears to be on his way to full recovery.

On top of missing three players in one game Joel Wigle is still out with a shoulder injury and many other players are not 100% due to a flu bug going through the Ice Dog dressing room.

In order to fill out the player roster, the Dogs turned to the St. Catharines Junior B Falcons many times this year. However, the “B” roster is getting slim as well. Broderick Kelly has already played nine games with the Ice Dogs and one more game will mean he is no longer eligible to play with the Falcons. Jimmy Sheehan is out with an ankle injury. The Ice Dogs have now turned to Falcons' Brad Col to bolster the defense.

Amid this upheaval the Ice Dog coach remains calm, insisting everything will be all right. Williamson insists “these things happen over a 68 game schedule” When asked how the Dogs will go forward in the wake of the bad luck his quick response is “Keep trying to win hockey games.”

Attack Week in Review (12/28-1/1)

Thanks to Nick MacArthur

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As the OHL resumed after the Christmas break the Owen Sound Attack were faced with a challenging opponent in the Niagara Ice Dogs making the trip to the Harry Lumley Bayshore on Wednesday night , then on the road for a tilt with division rival Kitchener Rangers on Friday and ending the weekend with a stop in Oshawa to take on sniper Christian Thomas an the Generals.

The Attack didn't get off the start they wanted as they fell to the visiting Ice Dogs on Wednesday by a score of 2-1. With four of Niagra's top players not in the lineup ( Strome, D.Hamilton , F.Hamilton, Visentin ) this was a good chance for the Attack to play a solid home game and collect the big two points to keep pace in the midwest division, unfortunately the Ice Dogs had other plans as they played a near perfect road game and came out on top. Attack power play goes 0-4 on the night and was hard to watch at points as they could not muster any solid chances.

Two nights later the Attack find themselves playing a huge game against long time rival Kitchener Rangers at the Aud. I don't know if we are far enough along into the season to start labeling games as must wins but I feel this one was a must win for the Attack.  With the power play unit still not clicking well and the Rangers playing their usual crash and bang style the Attack just couldn't find the energy to keep up with the Rangers as they fall 4-1 and fall 11 points back of the Rangers and 15 back of London.

Fast forward to the new year and we find the Attack traveling to Oshawa to take on the Generals in the first game of 2012 looking to get off to a good start.  The Attack jump out to an early lead with their first power play goal in 4 games from captain Mike Halmo, his 22nd of the season. Oshawa would tie the game 1:18 later and eventually take the lead with a late goal to end the period. 2-1 Gens after twenty minutes.


A relatively quiet second period saw Blandisi get his 12th of the year and Keevin Cutting scraping with Maggio after a check to the head. Game all square at 2 after 40 minutes.

The third period would see a lot of back and forth play between both sides and the Gens would score twice on goals from Thomas and Graves. The attack would draw within one goal as Halmo would score his second of the game and 23rd of the campaign.


Another tough loss for the Attack as they have now lost 4 of their last 5 and have fell into a tie with Sault St.Marie for 5th in the Western Conference.


Power play and penalty kill will win you games and it can most certainly lose you games as the Attack struggle with the man advantage over the past 5 games going a combined 3-27 on the power play. Penalty kill was respectable killing off 26 of 30 over the last 5.

Next up for the Attack is Friday in Niagara for a rematch with the Ice Dogs and returning home to host the Brampton Battalion on Saturday night at the Lumley Bayshore game time as always 7:30pm.

ITO's WJHC Team Canada Thoughts

I know you have all been waiting for what I may possibly have to say in regards to the team and the cut list for Team Canada. Unlike many of my media counterparts I was not able to give 'instant feedback'. But you guys know me better than that. It could be 3 days after the fact I will still give you the honest straight up no bull feedback you expect from ITO.

OHLers on 2012 Team Canada

Goaltenders - Mark Visentin & Scott Wedgewood

To no surprise of anyone, these two are my choice. If I had it my way, which I unfortunately do not, I would select every OHL player available in camp. But bias opinion aside, how do you deny Visentin his opportunity to win back what was lost? Sure his season is very up and down, more down than up. But how does that change what his abilities allow him to do? He is a hard worker, no doubt about that and more importantly when he has to battle he definitely does. What has he won? ok you got me there. Team Canada didn't win silver they lost gold, notice I didn't say 'HE' or 'Mark' when talking bout the silver. It is a team game you know. But having Wedgewood behind Mark forcing him not to faulter may be the smartest move made in deciding the roster. Scott has been an amazing goaltender in the OHL for almost 3 years. He hasn't played many games in those 3 years, just eclipsed the 100 game plateau just last weekend, but without a doubt carries the title of 'elite' when talking about OHL Goaltenders. Scott has always been the unknown, or the underdog. Due to playing in the States, he never gets the credit he deserves. He will push Visentin to the max and I would not be surprised if he becomes the starter during the tournament.

Defenceman - Jamie Oleksiak, Dougie Hamilton, Scott Harrington

The obvious OHLer missing on this list is Ryan Murphy. But before I get to that, lets comb through these three individuals. Jamie Oleksiak was a lock for this team before he even stepped on the ice. In fact it was when he 'defacted' from USAHockey and decided to play for Canada. A 6'7" 240+lb defenceman is easy to get excited about. I still can not get over the fact that DSP Yardsaled him back in the summer camp. You just don't forget that. I know DSP is a Freaking Freight train on skates but wow! I can not get over it. Throw in the fact that most people I have talked to said he would be the 5-7 defenceman based on what they saw in camp, I am not happy about him being on the team. Like I always say, Prove me wrong. Dougie Hamilton was also a lock once he stepped on the ice. This time for the right reasons. Easily the best defenceman in the OHL right now. if not top 2. Dougie has really worked on his D play and given the other defenceman on the roster, he may not have to be the most responsible on the back end. Scott Harrington, honestly, I can do without. I know that shutdown D are important, heck I appreciate the hard work they do. The hard work barely makes the score sheet most nights. But I feel there was a better choice out there... not an OHLer but again. Good for Harrington and please prove me wrong.

as for the cuts, I really would have liked to see Ceci or Murphy on the roster. Murphy would only have been the 7th defenceman anyways and quarterback the power play. Ceci on the otherhand could have had a huge role as a 2 way blueliner who could be put in many different situations without hesitation.

Forwards - Mark Schiefele, Tanner Pearson, Ryan Strome, Freddie Hamilton, Boone Jenner, DSP (on loan from NHL)

I have absolutely no problem with any of these players making Team Canada except one. Freddie Hamilton. Schiefele and Strome are your 1-2 centreman, no doubt about that. These kids are very strong on the puck, talented, and can make it happen. Schiefele gets the edge because of this in game NHL Experience. Tanner got his invite based on being the OHL Leading Scorer and he earned his way on. The question many asked is, can he be as good with out Schiefele in the middle. The answer is yes. This is not a player who was brought along by riding coat tails. Pearson did not just drop out of the sky. I have spent many an hour laughing with his Colts teammates, talking about how people dont know anything about him or the fact that he is a goal scorer. Everywhere he has been, a goal scorer. He will be fine. Boone Jenner is as hard nosed as they can come. You want him to be a 1st line scorer, he can do that. You want him to be a 4th line shutdown forward, he can do that. His versatility and his ability to be 'that guy' makes him a key member to this team. The only weakness in his game is, as I have read in a tweet, do not put him in the shootout, he is ugly. DSP is DSP. The Notorious one, since his coming out party at the TPG, has been a wrecking ball for almost 2 years now. He will do this in the tournament. Now, on to Freddie Hamilton. Yes I have a personal problem with him, but besides the point. I have always felt that he was riding the coat tails of his teammates. They brought him along, got him drafted. Now with that said... he has worked his butt off to earn every second of ice and every opportunity given to him. This season I do not see it in Freddie like last year. Maybe that is all the politics going on right now. He had a good camp, congrats FH, and like the others. Prove me wrong.

If you take away Freddie I would easily put in either Thomas or Toffoli. More so Toffoli. At least he is bigger than Thomas, not as electric shot, but can score toe to toe with Christian Thomas. Either of them would be my selection over Freddie Hamilton.

Quick and Painless... and a friendly reminder that ITO will be at the WJHC. We will be following Pool B (CAN,USA, FIN, DEN, CZE) during round robin before the Medal Rounds.

ITO Selects Team Canada for the WJHC

In the O is off to the World Juniors, but before they start or we get there, Canada has to trim the 43-man selection camp roster to 22. 13 forwards and 7 defensemen has been the usual for this team and I set my projected lineup to mirror that. Ladies and gentlemen: my projected 2012 World Junior Hockey Championship entry for Team Canada.

Centres:

Mark Scheifele [OHL]– The undisputed number one on this team. He will have to lead the team. He has game-breaking stuff and is capable of carrying a team on his back.

Ryan Strome [OHL]– An elite level offensive talent, Strome will be relied on to provide secondary scoring for the team as the tournament goes on. Strome is just too talented to leave off of this roster.

Zach Phillips [QMJHL]– Last year he was a beast through the QMJHL playoffs and into the Memorial Cup. Again he will be depended on as a checking centre that is also able to chip in offensively.

Michael Bournival [QMJHL]– Bournival is someone that will be asked to play an energy role on this team after being the last man cut last year. The nice thing with him is he has the scoring chops to move up in the lineup if needed.


Left Wingers:

Jaden Schwartz [NCAA]– Jaden comes back and will be looking to get the gold medal that eluded him last year. He will play a top line scoring role on this team. For Canada to win gold, Jaden will have to lead the way.

Jonathan Huberdeau [QMJHL]– Dynamic, electric, talented; these are adjectives that describe Jon’s game. He should be one of Canada’s leading scorers and will fit right in with Ryan Strome on a powerhouse second line.

Quinton Howden {WHL]– another returnee, Howden will be asked to play a checking role on this team. This is what he does well and if Canada wins gold, you can bet Howden will be a big reason why.

Tanner Pearson [OHL]– Maybe the one guy that can rival Spooner for the hottest player in the O. Pearson is leading the league in scoring but is also a dynamic penalty killer. He is a valuable player and would fit in nicely as the 13th forward.

Max Reinhart [WHL]- Max is my substitute selection for this team. He is able to play centre or the wing and that will make him a valauable player as injuries and poor play moves guys up and down the depth charts. He is a WHL boy and Hay likes that.

Ryan Spooner [OHL]– Maybe the OHL’s hottest player at this point, Spooner is a pure sniper. He can provide scoring on the 4th line in limited ice time, but he is also able to move up in the lineup if injuries or bad play takes over the aforementioned players. [ANNOUNCED THAT HE IS OUT WITH MONO]


Right Wingers:

Devante Smith-Pelly [NHL]– The Ducks have loaned DSP to this team and he will be looked upon to make a large impact. DSP is a banger with huge offensive touch. He will be the perfect winger for Mark Scheifele opening up plenty of ice for him and will be a pest around the opponents net.

Brett Connolly [NHL]– Another loaner from the NHL. Steve Yzerman and the Tampa Bay Lightning really wanted Brett to be on this team. An eye injury to Martin St. Louis seemed to spell disaster for those hoping he would be loaned, but Yzerman did it anyways. He will be asked to play a key role and should fit in nice with Ryan Strome.

Mark Stone [WHL]– Stone is an easy choice here as he would have been the undisputed #1 on this team without the NHL loaners. Stone is a superstar in the making and might be the best 3rd liner in this tournament.

Tyler Toffoli [OHL]– Many think that Toffoli’s chances of making this team were eliminated with the addition of the two big guns, but I just don’t see too many guys who are pure sniper’s on this team, not to mention how good he is in shootouts. Toffoli should make this team and as Canada likes to have….will be a 4th liner who can move up in the lineup if needed.

Defense:

Ryan Murray [WHL]– He’s draft eligible this year but you wouldn’t know it based on his game. He will be asked to play the shutdown role for this team.

Mark Pysyk [WHL] – Should be Murray’s defensive partner. He has offensive touch but will be asked to play against the other team’s best players in this tournament.

Brandon Gormley [QMJHL]– Gormley is the best Defenseman in the Q and will slot in nicely in the top 4. He moves the puck quick and takes the body. He is very tough to play against.

Dougie Hamilton [OHL]– Dougie is an offensive defenseman but he is able to take care of his own end as well as anyone in the O. At least one Hamilton should make this team.

Nathan Beaulieu [QMJHL]– Is another St. John Sea Dog that has a tonne of talent. He fits perfectly into the 3rd pairing on this team as Coach Don Hay loves puck moving defensemen.

Ryan Murphy [OHL]– I see Ryan as being kind of the Ryan Ellis of this group. He and Murray should run the 1st power play unit. Murphy will be important. He just has to buy in and accept a smaller role if Don Hay asks.

Jamie Oleksiak [OHL]– I feel like the big American-turned Canadian will make this team based on the fact that he switched his hockey allegiance from USA to Canada with hopes to play in this tournament for the Canadian side. I feel like he wouldn’t have made that decision if he weren’t guaranteed a spot. He should be the 7th defenseman.

Goaltending:

Mark Visentin [OHL]– you cannot leave your 2011 starting goaltender at home when he is still eligible. Yes, he had a bad third period in the gold medal game and yes he has not had a great season to date, but experience is at a premium on this team. He’s been there before and for a goaltender this is very important.

Tyler Bunz [WHL]– Is probably the best goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League this season. He deserves this place and if Visentin falters at all, Don Hay should have all the confidence in the world in him to go in there and do the job. He may even win the job pre-tournament.

What I could see happening on Don Hay’s team is that he substitutes some of the OHL players that I have slotted further down the depth charts like Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson for guys that he is more familiar with, like his stud right winger from his team, the Vancouver Giants, Brendan Gallagher or maybe inserting a big body in Brad Ross or Ty Rattie who is lighting the league up offensively, but is weak defensively. The final decisions will be very interesting!

Final Count:
8 OHL
6 WHL
5 QMJHL
2 NHL
1 NCAA

Super Series is Super Boring

After 9 years the OHL is still undefeated. 18-0 baby. That is what I like to see from the OHL boys… but sad to say… I didn’t watch it. I had it on in the background and glanced to see the replay of the 6 OHL goals but that is where my interest ended. This event has lost its luster and no longer a premier event.

Sure for a certain cable provider it is good numbers as many people tune in to see an All-Star team beat up on the Russians. Who doesn’t like watching Russia lose at hockey…

I am still a huge fan of the OHL and will waive the flag proudly as I proclaim it the number 1 major junior league in the world but you have to know when you jumped the shark. Lets tweak this format… I know, lets include all the potential invitee’s to the WJHC Team Canada selection camp. That way it is truly Canada versus Russia. But then we shouldn’t call them Team OHL… maybe Team Canada featuring players only from the OHL. How about we make it a true Team OHL vs Russia, lets include the Americans, or Slovaks, Germans and Swedes. That is a Team OHL right there.

I know when it first started it was a big deal. Canada vs. Russia at the Junior level, 40 years after the big 72 Summit series. The series sold itself. Now… not so much. Maybe it is just not enjoyable to watch because I am so confident in the OHL’s ability to not only put a team together but to defeat the Russians. Yes you can point out that they had to come from behind to win Game 1… But just like people complained about the 1-3-1 trap that TBL used in the NHL, who won the game? Canada did. Uh, I mean Team OHL did.

Remember when no one cared about the NHL All Star game and they made it east vs west, north America vs the world and now the who wants kessel selection process? Well, at least the NHL is trying to get people interested. I don’t feel the same way about this series when it comes to the OHL territory. I can watch the Q and the W series just fine… It is unpredictable to me and maybe that is why.

Next year in the Super Series, lets send the best non drafted Canadian OHL players to represent the OHL. Think about it, if you were not drafted and have not signed a pro contract with an NHL team, you can play. Maybe then the Russians can beat Team OHL.

That of course is one idea, I have many more and I am sure you do as well. Bottom line, something needs to be tweaked in this series because I had more fun folding my laundry this evening. Maybe if I have insomnia tonight I will watch it on my PVR, and count how many more saves the post made when compared to the Russian goaltending.

Hats Off to Ryan Strome

"The season starts tonight” was a phrase heard all through the Jack Gatecliff arena Thursday evening. While the season for the Niagara Ice Dogs has been well under way for some weeks now, Thursday’s game against the Belleville Bulls marked the healthy return of goalie Mark Visentin, the first home game of the season for NHL/AHL returnee Alex Friesen and the debut of recent trade from Sudbury Frank Schumacher. However, the excitement about the homecoming of so many key players was over shadowed by the surprise return of Ryan Strome.

Strome was told early Thursday morning he was being sent home from the New York Islander organization and he immediately requested the first flight back. Within a few hours he arrived in St. Catharines ready for his first OHL game of the year. While the fans may be anxious for the team to start racking up some wins, Strome did not feel the pressure to do so lay with him. Strome reported Coach Williamson told him “we don’t expect too much out of the first week-end here. Get your feet under you and get back into the swing of things.”

But it didn’t take long for Strome to get back into the swing of things. With two goals in the first period and another in the third he skated away from his season debut with a hat trick.

While enjoying his experiences in New York, Strome said he is happy to be back with “the boys….we’re really close, we’ve got that comfort with each other, and I think it’s going to go a long way.” Strome acknowledges his Islander tenure gave him “a lot of things to improve on” but his return to Niagara is “a good spot to continue (his) development.”

The Ice Dogs fans were treated to the cohesive team Strome spoke about on Thursday as they defeated the Bulls 5-0. A shut out by Visentin, two goals by Dougie Hamilton and out-shooting the Bulls 53-25 gave the fans a show of what was expected during the pre-season hype.

There was a collective sigh of relief in the Jack Thursday evening as the Ice Dogs got a win and finally saw the winning team they have been anticipating since last spring. Strome heard the cheers of the fans Thursday night but when asked if he was disappointed only one hat was thrown on the ice to show appreciation of his hat trick, Strome laughed and said “hats are expensive these days, I wouldn’t be throwing mine out there!”

Dog Bytes:

• Newly acquired defenceman Schumacher only lasted the first half of the game as he suffered from knee ligament injury
• Defenceman Brock Beukeboom is going for x-rays this week and hoping to rejoin the team on-ice soon
• Friday night the Ice Dogs winning streak was short lived as they lost to the Whalers 6-3
• Saturday night, after down 3-0 four and half minutes into the game, they came back to tie it up only to eventually lose to Saginaw 6-4 with an empty net goal in the last ten seconds (Dougie Hamilton had two goals and one assist in the effort)

Battling to make the Big Leagues

As we draw closer to the start of the 2011-12 National Hockey League season, many of the teams have already made cuts to their respective rosters. NHL General Managers face the reality of icing a squad that can not only perform on the ice, but also comply with the salary cap and its restrictions off of it.

Due to the nature of the salary cap world, NHL teams are now forced to uncover and turn-up prospects that will fill spots on their rosters at a younger age, and for less money. As a direct result, we see on a yearly basis those players that are making the jump from Junior to their respective National Hockey League teams.They provide a cost-effective solution to filling those holes in the lineups.

The Ontario Hockey League season is underway without some impact players who are still with their “parent” clubs in an effort to make the impression necessary to stick it out in the show.

Barrie Colts forward Mark Scheifele is turning heads in Winnipeg with his stellar play thus far through exhibition contests. Barring some miraculous turn of events, not only should he sign an entry-level contract prior to Tuesday’s deadline, but also get the nine-game tryout to kick of the inaugural season of the reincarnated Winnipeg Jets franchise.

On the west coast, Devante Smith-Pelly of the Mississauga Majors is making a similar impact in Orange County. The Ducks are thrilled with his play and have yet to announce whether or not he will go back to junior. My guess is that he will get the same look as Scheifele does in Winnipeg.

Erik Gudbranson was a foregone conclusion to be a member of the 2010-2011 Florida Panthers. Unfortunately for the Panthers he went back to the Kingston Frontenacs due to a contract dispute. This year, with a contract already signed, it is extremely unlikely that this Gudbranson will wear the familiar black and yellow in Kingston anymore.

Heading to Long Island, it has yet to be determined whether the Niagara Ice Dogs will be the lucky recipients of Ryan Strome, or whether he will suit up for the Islanders through the duration of the season. His offensive instincts and skill have been “wowing” the Islanders and their fans, both of whom have been salivating over the thought of a Strome-Tavares combination since draft day.

The Chicago Blackhawks have also been extremely interested in Brandon Saad of the Saginaw Spirit. After a solid rookie camp, he has followed through with a stellar training camp and thus rapidly bumping him up the Hawks depth chart. On a young team like the Hawks, Saad is a nice piece to move forward with whether in Saginaw, or in the American League’s Rockford Ice Hogs.

One of the more notable names still with his NHL club is that of Kitchener Rangers defenseman Ryan Murphy. The Carolina Hurricanes finished their final pre-season contest on Saturday night and Murphy is still listed on their roster. It wouldn’t be the first time that the Hurricanes have kept a Kitchener Ranger from returning to junior. Only a year ago, Jeff Skinner stayed up with the big club and never looked back en route to a Calder trophy performance. Could lightning strike twice for Carolina?

There have been some notable names sent back from their NHL clubs last week getting off to hot starts in their OHL returns.

Tyler Toffoli has continued his production from last season putting up six points in just three games since his return from the Los Angeles Kings. Toffoli attended Canada’s summer evaluation camp for the World Junior Hockey Championships and should be a shoe-in for the team if he produces like he did last year.

Nicklas Jensen was returned to Oshawa on Friday and then proceeded to score a goal and add two assists against Erie on Saturday. The Danish forward is looking to build off of a nearly point-a-game rookie season in the OHL on an Oshawa team that has more experience. He will be counted on to carry his share of the load up front.

Without the players listed as still being with their NHL clubs, it has been an entertaining start to the 2011-12 season. In the event that they return to junior, their impact on each team will be felt as a result of the level of competition that they have been experiencing. One thing is for sure, with or without them, it is going to be an exciting year to be a fan of the OHL. But in the meantime, I wish the best of luck to each of them in their battles to make the big leagues.

The Good , The Bad and The Ugly

It was the good, the bad and the ugly for the Niagara Ice Dogs this week-end. With an unusual three games in a row, the Niagara team had a loss, a win, and a come back win.

The Thursday night home opener was deemed as “ugly” in the head line of the local paper. With expectations high for the home time crowd, the home opener was a brutal 6-4 loss against the Mississauga Majors. With nine players attending NHL camps, the Ice Dogs have had limited time during training camp and the exhibition season to play together as a team. With Strome and Friesen still away, and their return iffy, and other players trying a little too hard to be the hero, the team lacked cohesion necessary if they are to meet the high predications of the pre-season. One bright light was the two goal performance of forward Joel Wigle.

Friday’s 4-2 win against the Barrie Colts was “good” as the crowd was able to see glimpses of what the Dogs might be able to do as the season progresses. Johnson Andrew was named first star of the game. On Thursday night Andrews hit the score sheet early with a penalty following a fight with Jamie Wise of the Majors. (http://www.hockeyfights.com/fights/105265) Andrews admits there has been a history with Wise and deemed this fight “as the rubber match” which was over too quickly and might need to be decided at another time. Friday evening against the Colts Andrews kept his gloves on and got on the score sheet with two goals to help his team to their first win of the season.

Andrews is the centre of the one of the many sub-plots of what is often a soap opera within the OHL. Currently Andrews is one of three over-agers on the Ice Dog roster. OHL rules make it necessary to have only three OAs come January. However, Andrew’s life long friend Alex Frieson is currently playing for the Chicago Wolves, AHL affiliate for Vancouver Canucks. The thinking is there is a 50-50 chance for Friesen’s return. While his return would be celebrated as a great addition to the Ice Dogs, it just might put Andrew’s spot as an over-ager on the team in jeopardy.

Growing up doors apart from each other in near-by Niagara-on-the-Lake, Friesen and Andrews played together their entire hockey careers. Still in close contact, Andrews says Friesen is enjoying his stay in Chicago and various reports state Friesen is doing well on the team. Time will tell how this drama unfolds. Will Friesen stay in the AHL honing his skills for a future NHL career but potentially losing out on an expected Memorial Cup run? Will Friesen’s return result in ousting his life long friend from the Ice Dog roster? Will Andrews unexpectedly bump David Pacan or Andrew Agozinno out of the line up to make room for Friesen? Only time will tell, but it is an interesting story to keep watching.

On Saturday night the Ice Dogs travelled to Belleville to face the Bulls. It began as a “bad” game with a quick 3-0 deficit early in the first. As first star of the game Freddie Hamilton stated in an after game interview, the team needed to “wake up” and they made a come back defeating the Bulls 5-3.

Dog Bytes:

• Ice Dogs opened their home season on Thursday night with an emotional tribute to James Dean, a local AAA player who passed away from cancer in the summer. The Niagara Ice Dogs have dedicated their season to James.
• Mark Visentin left Friday night’s game part way through the first suffering a groin injury. According to Coach Williamson he may be on the side lines a few weeks, Williamson rates it “a one out of three” injury.
• Back up goalie Jaroslav Pavelka, drafted from Czechoslovakia, may not speak any English but understands the body language of hockey. He received a standing O from the home crowd on Friday after a spectacular save from a Barrie Colt break-away. He was also named third star of the game against Barrie. Unfortunately the next night Pavelka was pulled early into the first period of the Belleville game, replaced by Niagara local Mike Gallardi after two quick goals by the Bulls.
• Recent Ice Dog acquisition from Sudbury, Brock Beukeboom, has been scratched for several weeks due to a back injury.
• Ryan Strome is still with the New York Islanders.
• Team Canada goalie scout Ron Tugnutt was in attendance Thursday night watching Visentin and Mississauga Major’s J.P Anderson. Unfortunately both goalies were not on the top of their game.
• Ice Dog mascot “Bones” celebrated his birthday on Friday night with cupcakes for all and a between period hockey game with several mascots from through out the region.
• Ice Dog coach Marty Williamson admits the team is “out of sync”. With NHL camp attendees as late arrivals to the team, expected players leaving for the OHL Subway Series as well as the Team Canada World Juniors tournament, it will be a difficult season for the Ice Dogs to get it together. I’m sure many OHL teams wish they had these problems.

Game Review - Strome clutch in IceDogs 3-2 OT win over 67's

Strome clutch in IceDogs win over 67’s

Ryan Strome scored the tying and game-winning goal in overtime to lead the IceDogs
to a 3-2 win over the 67's. He now has 32 goals 101 points on the season.

Special thanks to Kathryn Jean (@msconduct) for the game review.

Ryan Strome scored a pair of goals to lift the Niagara Ice Dogs to a 3-2 overtime victory against the 67’s at the RONA Centre in Ottawa last night.  Strome’s first goal of the night marked his 31st goal and 100th point this season – only the second player in the OHL to reach this milestone so far this season.

Scary moments early on in the game where Shane Prince was caught cutting through centre ice and was hammered by Ottawa native, Tim Billingsley.  Prince stayed down for several minutes before being helped off the ice from the trainers and teammates.  There was no penalty on the play.  Jake Cardwell came to the aide of Prince and dropped the mitts with Billingsley.  Cardwell came out penalized with the extra 2 minutes as the instigator.

Prince did not return to the game.  He had to get stitches to the back of his head and also over his eye.  Fortunately, there was no need to take him to the hospital but will be re-evaluated on a possible concussion.

Moments after the hit, Alex Freisen opened the scoring for the Ice Dogs getting the puck past Shayne Campbell.  Sean Monahan tied it for the 67’s from the slot after terrific work by his teammates down low to keep the cycle alive.

Injuries continued to be a problem for the 67’s with already 7 bodies out of the lineup including recently with Shane Prince.  Half way through the first period Cody Lindsay took a puck to the mouth and did not return forcing the 67’s to play with 9 forwards for the rest of the game.

After a bit of sloppy second period by both teams, it looked as if a go-ahead goal would finally be scored early in the third period.  Cardwell fired a hard shot from point and past Visentin, but it was called back due to goaltender interference on Tyler Graovac.  Tyler Graovac was involved in another called back goal later in the third period as he tipped in a rebound from the short side.  The referee lost sight of the puck and whistled the play dead before the goal was scored.

Halfway through the third period, the 67’s finally got a go ahead goal that stayed.  Monahan fed the puck to Thomas Nesbitt who knocked it in from the slot.  With Martindale in the box for slashing, Ryan Strome wired a shot from the point.  Campbell made the initial save but it trickled in.  The game was slated for overtime.

On the powerplay again, Ryan Strome let go of a bullet shot from the top of the hash marks to becme the overtime hero with less than 6 seconds left in the extra frame.  The win snapped the 67’s winning streak at 6 games and improved the Ice Dogs winning streak to 4 games.

Next games

Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors at Ottawa 67’s, 2pm

Niagara Ice Dogs at Kingston Frontenacs, 2pm

NOTES:

The Ottawa 67’s went 0 for 6 on the powerplay.  While the Ice Dogs capitalized and went 2 for 3 … Tyler Toffoli was held of the scoresheet to remain at 99 points on the season behind Jason Akeson (Kit) and Ryan Strome (Nia) ... Shots were 20 to 8 in favour of the 67’s in the second period, but they came out of the period goalless ... Mark Visentin turned aside 38 of 40 shots, while Shayne Campbell stopped 27 of 30 shots.

Ryan Strome's Goal Featured on NHL.com Front Page!!

Congrats to Ryan Strome who had his goal featured on NHL.com's front page!! If you haven't seen the goal yet, you have to check it out here: http://intheobloggers.blogspot.com/2010/10/ryan-strome-highlight-reel-goal-vs.html or just scroll down our home page! The goal is also found on YouTube's front page in trending videos, and currently has 214,486 views. Wow. Unreal.

Questions of Ryan Strome? I have answers... jeff.blay@intheoradio.com
- Blayzer

joelsmithphotography.ca

Ryan Strome celebration after highlight reel goal. Courtesy joelsmithphotography.ca

Ryan Strome Highlight reel goal vs. Plymouth, Oct.28, 2010

Here is possibly one of the best goals of the year, by none other than Ryan Strome.

This was his first of two goals in the game, and he almost scored a third goal with a similar move in the third period.

This kid is looking more and more to be first round material.

Why Ryan Strome is the Hottest Player in the OHL

After coming to Niagara last season as the centerpiece of the Alex Pietrangelo deal with the Barrie Colts, IceDogs forward Ryan Strome has already proven his worth.

The 17-year-old forward had an impressive training camp for the IceDogs, looking much more confident, composed, and ready to contribute offensively.

In the IceDogs first ten games of the season, Strome has collected 6 goals and 14 assists to lead the OHL with 20 points. The young centre has the whole package; work ethic, playmaking ability, puck poise, speed, physicality, and a wicked shot – Strome has laughed in the face at the idea of a sophomore slump.

Strome kicked off the season with 2 goals in his first game against the Sudbury Wolves, followed by 2 assists against Sault St. Marie, then 1 goal and 2 assists against the Erie Otters.

Since then, Strome has only one game where he didn’t record a single point against the Brampton Battalion, and just two games where he recorded just one assist. The other seven of ten games played have all been multi-point games, including a hat-trick and one assist against the Belleville Bulls.

Strome has an incredible hockey sense that not only allows him to somehow always find the right spot on the ice, but enables him to find the open passing lane and make that perfect setup pass, which so far this season has led to 14 goals.

His play reminds me of a Brad Richards/Ryan Getzlaf style; he has the ability to score beautiful goals, but often looks to make the perfect pass. As he grows he has the ability to bulk up and gain decent size to make him a dangerous body both along the boards and in the slot.

Although he is known as more of a finesse player, his grit shouldn’t be passed over. He recently dropped the gloves with Oshawa’s Kyle Hope and got the best of him, and also had a fight in his rookie season as a Barrie Colt. His tenacity and fearlessness benefits him all over the ice, and especially in the corners.

In the opening weeks of the season, this second year sensation has proven he has what it takes to compete with the OHL’s elite, and continue to contribute offensively for this dangerous IceDogs squad.

It also helps to have leaders and skilled players such as Andrew Agozzino, Alex Friesen, Freddie Hamilton, and Steven Shipley to feed the puck to and occasionally accept some passes of his own.

The aforementioned group has been a great success as the IceDogs primary scoring and power play unit, with Alex Friesen often playing the point with Dougie Hamilton, along with Strome, Agozzino, and Freddie Hamilton up front, it is no surprise the Dogs are in the top three in goals for in the Eastern Conference.

Determination, skill, grit, vision, agility, chemistry with teammates – all factors contributing to Ryan Strome’s recent success, which it’s no surprise Strome is one of the hottest players to begin the 2010-11 OHL season.

- Jeff Blay, In the O… Blogger