Where to Go From Here?

We're just about at that time of year again. Snow crunches under your feet, annoying Christmas music is played in every grocery store, and Bob McKenzie is causing controversy on twitter. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's junior hockey's second most glorious annual tradition, the World Junior Championship (some would argue the first most glorious, but I'm a big Memorial Cup fan)

So where does this leave the Rangers? Already short due to injury woes, the team now loses leading scorers Radek Faksa and Tobias Rieder, as well as defensemen Ryan Murphy and goalie John Gibson. Brent Pedersen will also play for Team Ontario at the World U17's in Windsor.

This becomes a true test of the team's depth. This is the perfect opportunity for Matia Marcantuoni (him more than anyone really) to step up and show that he really is worth all the pre-season hype after his rookie season last year. Brandon Francisco, Eric Ming, Zach Lorentz, and pretty much everyone else who plays forward for the Rangers has a huge opportunity ahead of them. Time to prove that they're worth it.

Of course it's also a great chance for Franky Palazzese. When I spoke with him at the beginning of the season, he told me he'd love to be the number 1 goalie in Kitchener. Then of course, John Gibson came around. No knock at Franky at all as he is a stellar net minder, but Gibson is just a little bit better. I'm sure Franky would love to prove me and everyone else wrong and show that he can be a starting net minder in this league. He's already proven that he's a strong goaltender. In 11 games played he has a save percentage of .932, and is 7-3-1. Not bad for a guy who was essentially hung and dried by fans in Kingston just a few months ago. So far Franky has proven to be very strong between the pipes in Kitchener, and I don't think anyone else would doubt that.

The final missing piece will be Ryan Murphy on defence and quite frankly, there isn't much to worry about there. Murph has been having his share of struggles this season. He was expected to lead the OHL in defensive points, yet only has 9 points as we get very close to the halfway point. Of course he has only played 14 games due to Carolina's camp and injury, and will now miss more due to WJHC, but there's been a few other defensive mistakes that, for a first round NHL draft pick, shouldn't be happening.

This is no big secret of course. On Tuesday night at the Aud it was obvious that Ryan was getting fed up with himself (and maybe the officials too.. i think everyone saw that slash except the zebras). He certainly puts more pressure on himself than anyone else puts on him. I fully expect Murph to make the world junior team, and return to Kitchener in January ready to take the league by storm.

The Rangers also made a trade with the Generals this week, sending a 4th round pick in the 2012 OHL Draft, a 4th round pick in 2015 and a conditional 3rd round 2017 pick, in return for Mitch Eden, a 17 year old blue liner currently playing Junior A in Hunstville. Could this be a sign of more trades to come?

I believe Spott has to decide over the WJHC whether or not this team is going to make a serious run in the spring. If the team performs well without it's top guys, why not? If they don't well then just stay the course and wait until next year. If the team were to make a run this year though, they can't trade away rookies or unsigned draft picks that will be next years core. My opinion is that the best option would be for a couple more guys who can score. Not necessarily a big name forward, but someone who can put the puck in the net more often than not to give this team a little more secondary scoring. With that in mind I do not think, that at this point, it's entirely impossible for the Rangers to make a long post season run in March. But again that all depends on the how things go over then next few weeks.

Congratulations to all Ranger fans for raising 7662 bears on teddy bear night this past Tuesday! I'm already looking forward to next year where an extra 1000 seats will mean an extra 1500 bears!

Prospect Files: Gemel Smith

Last year’s Master Card Memorial Cup was a coming out party of sorts for this Owen Sound Attack sophomore centreman. This week we are going to get to know Gemel Smith’s game a little bit better…

NHL Draft Prospect: Gemel Smith – Owen Sound Attack

The Line:
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 161 lbs
Shoots: Left
Position: centre
Draft Eligible: 2010

Last year, on a veteran-laden team in Owen Sound, Smith struggled to see much real ice time. But, this season, the Toronto, Ontario product has been scoring at a point-per-game pace for the Attack, registering 30 points, in 31 games; 13 of them being goals.

This kind of breakout season does not come as a surprise to many who watched the Attack throughout the playoffs and in the Memorial Cup, as Gemel Smith turned the few shifts he was given every game, into energy for his team. When the Attack lost stars Joey Hishon and Garrett Wilson, he took his game to a whole new level, giving the team a look into Gemel Smith’s future.

Gemel’s game starts with his speed. He likes to work the give and go low in his own zone and hit his own blue line with speed, forcing the defenders off balance. At just 161 pounds, smith doesn’t play much of a physical game, but he doesn’t let it affect him if a team wants to play him that way. Smith is above average at face offs as well, winning two-thirds of his draws Thursday night against the Barrie Colts.
Gemel also has a surprisingly hard shot for his slender build, but what is so deadly about it, is the quickness with which he gets it off. It is on his stick for no more than a split-second when he is in prime shooting areas. This is undoubtedly partly to help him avoid contact, but it also catches opposing goalies off guard.

Gemel still finds the defensive game in the OHL a little tough for him to play. He has a hard time out-muscling guys down low in his own zone, but he isn’t afraid to get in there and help his defenders out as any good centre would.

Gemel is not an elite talent in this upcoming draft but he is a nice player, who with some added muscle could become a top player in the Ontario Hockey League and a very serviceable player at the NHL level. Owen Sound is going to give him the opportunities; it will be up to him to take advantage of them.

NHL Player Comparison: Mike Ribeiro -- Dallas stars

ITO Hot-Stove: Will the London Knights finish 1st in the OHL this season?

This is the second edition of ITO Hot-Stove. Joining me today in this piece is Matt Leacy, Thayne Hallyburton and Susan Tromanhauser.

Without further ado I'd like to introduce you all to today's debate question: The London Knights currently sit atop the OHL standings. Will they finish in that position?

Todd Cordell

No.

Though the London Knights have played exceptional hockey to this point, I don't expect them to finish atop the league standings. They're a very young team and right now some of their players are playing over their heads, so to speak.I think the London Knights will be an elite team down the road, but right now I just don't think they're there. I expect the Sarnia Sting, once they get a few bodies back, and Plymouth Whalers will pass them at some point this season.

Thayne Hallyburton

No.

The London Knights have every intangible that it takes to win. Speed, skill, size, toughness, goal-tending, attention to detail. But their key guys are a little young. The trade deadline will say a lot for what this team will be.There is talk of them dealing Jarred Knight, then there is talk of them bringing in Ryan Spooner. In any case I don't think this team is ready to be considered a top flight team in this league, I would expect Plymouth and Niagara and even Sarnia to go past them in the rankings and standing by seasons-end. 2013 and especially 2014 will be their years...this team has the making of a back-to-back memorial cup threat.

Susan Tromanhauser

Yes.

The London Knights are well in front at this point of the season. They have proven to be a tough, gritty team with strong players that can put the puck in the net. Dale Hunter has always been able to amass great talent for the Knights and while he may have moved on to the big leagues as head coach of the Washington Capitals, the team remains in tact. But will coaching adjustments behind the bench have a negative effect on team performance? I don’t think so for the remainder of this season. With the well developed systems in place and a great succession plan in the coaching staff, the Knights will hang on to first place. However, they will be feeling the heat of the Plymouth Whalers who are not so far behind and may very well be the best team in the league.

Except for pruning some dead wood and creating the brackets for the play-offs, does the regular season standings have that much impact on who finally hoists the  Robertson Cup? I think not, the play-offs is a whole new season where we will see many surprises! Last Christmas, who would have predicted the Owen Sound Attack would be representing the OHL at the Memorial Cup?

Matt Leacy

No.

As a born and raised citizen of Rangers Nation, it's very hard to say
anything good about the London Knights. So maybe I'm a little biased
on the subject, but regardless here goes.

I think the Knights have quite a few upsides. Stellar goaltending,
players who can score, and strong defenseman. If there's anything I
can pick on, it's the fact that they seem to take off nights. What I
mean by that is they can occasionally see a team that they should
easily beat, then fall to them. Case and point, the only time the
Knights and Rangers have met this season (at the time of this writing
anyway), the Rangers took a 4-1 lead before the midway point of the
second. The Knights, all credit to them, came back to force a shootout
but lost by a final score of 5-4.

Now with the loss of Dale Hunter to the Capitals, the question becomes
can Mark Hunter successfully take over? Or will the team ignore his
coaching, lack respect for him, and slowly but surely crumble? Guess
we'll find out as the season progresses (my fingers aren't crossed I
swear).

ITO Three Stars & Power Rankings: Week 11

Welcome back for another edition of the ITO Power Rankings, as well as our Three Stars for the week of November 28^th-December 4^th. There was some real movers and shakers this week in the Rankings, as teams jockey for position heading into December. With all eyes on the upcoming 2012 World Junior Hockey Championships, many of the league’s top players will be leaving their clubs in the coming weeks, and every game now is important.

ITO 3 Stars

1. Christian Thomas (Oshawa Generals) – Despite playing just twice, Christian left little doubt as to who would be atop the ITO Three Stars this week. Friday night, Thomas would help lead the Generals to victory over Sarnia, scoring three times and adding a pair of assists. Two nights later, he would add four more helpers in a win over Peterborough. Big numbers in a pair of games, Christian scored three goals and nine points, earning himself the ITO First Star for the week.

2. Charles Sarault (Sarnia Sting) – With Nail Yakupov out of the lineup for the Sting, Charles Sarault stepped up to fill the void, registering eight points in three contests over the last week. Charles was big on Thursday night, scoring twice in an eventual shootout victory in Peterborough. Though the team would drop the game the next night in Oshawa, Sarault was a top performer again, scoring a goal and adding a pair of assists. Three more assists on Sunday afternoon in a win over Sault Ste. Marie would be enough to name Charles Sarault this week’s ITO Second Star.

3. Daniil Zharkov (Belleville Bulls) – Nobody in the Ontario Hockey League would score as many goals as Zharky this week, as he would find the back of the net six times over three games in the past week. While there would be no hat trick, Daniil would have three multiple goal games, scoring a pair in each of his three contests, starting with two Wednesday at home to Kingston. Zharky would add another pair in the rematch Friday night in Kingston, and two more in a victory over Windsor on Saturday. For his six goal performance this week, Daniil Zharkov is the ITO Third Star for week 11.

ITO Power Rankings

1. London Knights – (Last Week: 1) Two more wins in as many tries for London this week, as the Knights stay on top of the Power Rankings this week. London would blank Saginaw on Friday night, then traveled to Owen Sound to down the Attack a night later. The Knights play three times this week, starting with a Tuesday evening contest in Kitchener. From there, London returns home for a game with Peterborough on Friday night, and finishes their week Sunday afternoon in Guelph.

2. Plymouth Whalers – (Last Week: 3) The Plymouth Whalers won both games this week, allowing them to leap back into the 2^nd spot in the Power Rankings. Wins at home over Sault Ste. Marie and Guelph on Friday and Saturday would erase a small two game slide for Plymouth. The Whalers play just twice again in the week ahead, and will need points at home to remain amongst the elite in the OHL. Belleville comes to pay a visit on Friday, and Sarnia plays in Plymouth on Saturday.

3. Kitchener Rangers – (Last Week: 2) While Kitchener would win two out of three games over the last week, they have still won 10 of their last 12 contests, and should be considered among the best in the league right now. The Rangers started the week out on the right note, picking up a shootout win in Brampton on Thursday night, but would drop a decision 24 hours later at home to Mississauga. Kitchener responded well on Saturday, earning two points in Erie. The Rangers host London in a big game on Tuesday evening this week, then play host to Windsor on Friday. Kitchener wraps up the week ahead on Sunday afternoon, with a rematch against the Majors in Mississauga.

4. Belleville Bulls – (Last Week: 4) Three more wins this week for the Belleville Bulls now sees them competing at the top of the Eastern Conference. The Bulls would take both ends of a home and home series with their rivals from Kingston during the week, and kept the winning streak alive with a home win over Windsor on Saturday. Now winners of six in a row, and 12 of their last 14, Belleville hits the road for three games this week, starting Thursday night in Windsor. From their, the Bulls road trip makes stops in Plymouth on Friday and Saginaw on Saturday.

5. Ottawa 67’s – (Last Week: 6) It was another positive week for the 67’s, after they pick up a pair of wins in three games. Ottawa would need extra time to knock off Windsor on Friday night, and would use the shootout to defeat Peterborough on Saturday. With three games in two and a half days, the 67’s wouldn’t muster much in a loss in Mississauga on Sunday afternoon. Ottawa plays a pair of games in Northern Ontario in the coming week, playing in Sault Ste. Marie on Friday, and taking on Sudbury Saturday.

6. Sarnia Sting – (Last Week: 5) The Sting drop a single spot this week, while winning two out of three contests. Sarnia opened the week by winning in a shootout in Peterborough Thursday, but would drop a contest in Oshawa the following night. The Sting would return home to down Sault Ste. Marie, salvaging a winning week. Looking ahead, Sarnia plays three games in three days over the weekend, starting with a game against Erie on Friday. The Sting play in Plymouth on Saturday night, and return home to face Peterborough Sunday afternoon.

7. Niagara IceDogs – (Last Week: 7) The IceDogs manage to hold tight at number 7 this week, after picking up three points in as many games. With three games in four days, Niagara got started on the right foot Thursday, as they would win convincingly over Erie. Over the weekend, however, the IceDogs dropped a pair of decisions, first losing in a shootout to Barrie on Saturday, then being shutout in Brampton the following afternoon. Niagara plays three games in as many days in the week ahead, starting with a game in Peterborough Thursday. From there, the ‘Dogs travel to Mississauga for a contest Friday, then return home to face Kingston Saturday night.

8. Barrie Colts – (Last Week: 10) The Colts are up two spots this week, based on being able to pull out a pair of shootout victories on the road. Barrie would be forced into shots in Erie on Friday night, yet were able to get the extra point, much as they did the following night in Niagara. The Colts play three games from Thursday through Saturday in the upcoming week, beginning with a visit from Owen Sound. After that, Barrie plays a game in Guelph, and comes back home to deal with Brampton.

9. Sudbury Wolves – (Last Week: 11) The Wolves are up two spots this week, after posting two more wins in the last seven days. Sudbury began with an overtime win against Sault Ste. Marie on Tuesday, and finished with an impressive shutout of Brampton on Friday. Looking ahead, the Wolves pay a visit to Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday, then comes home to face a pair of Eastern Division foes, first Oshawa on Friday, followed by Ottawa a night later.

10. Owen Sound Attack – (Last Week: 12) Another team up two spots, Owen Sound finds themselves in the top ten after winning two out of three games in the past week. After defeating Barrie on Wednesday, the Attack would be equally impressive in Guelph Friday night, earning the two points. Owen Sound would suffer a setback to London on Saturday, spoiling perhaps a perfect week. A relatively light schedule lies ahead for the Attack in the week ahead, as they play in Barrie Thursday evening, then host Guelph on Saturday night.

11. Brampton Battalion – (Last Week: 8) Another team to earn three points in three games this past week, the Battalion slide three spots as they battle to stay in the Eastern Conference race. Brampton would take a tough shootout loss to Kitchener to start their week Thursday, and would be shutout in Sudbury the following night. The Battalion finished the week strong, however, posting a shutout of their own over Niagara. The Battalion plays three games over the weekend ahead, playing games in Kingston and Barrie on Friday and Saturday, before returning to Brampton for a rematch with Kingston.

12. Peterborough Petes – (Last Week: 9) The Petes find themselves struggling recently, and fall three spots after losing five straight contests. Peterborough would lose shootout contests on home ice twice this past week, to Sarnia on Thursday and Ottawa on Saturday, before being blasted off the ice in Oshawa Sunday evening. If the Petes are to rebound, they need to do so this week, playing three tough games. After hosting Niagara on Thursday, Peterborough hits the road for games in London on Friday and in Sarnia Sunday afternoon.

13. Guelph Storm – (Last Week: 13) Guelph manages to hang on to number 13 this week, after dropping two out of three games. The Storm would lose on home ice to Owen Sound Friday night, and lost in Plymouth the next night. Guelph would be able to salvage the week, earning the win in Saginaw on Sunday. Another three game weekend ahead for the Storm, who host Barrie Friday, before playing in Owen Sound Saturday. Guelph returns home to wrap up the weekend Sunday afternoon against London.

14. Mississauga St. Michaels Majors – (Last Week: 16) A team sliding recently, the Mississauga Majors would put together a decent stretch of games this week, picking up two wins over two tough opponents this week. Mississauga would earn a Friday night victory in Kitchener, and then defeated Ottawa on Sunday afternoon, back at home. The Majors will look to keep a modest winning streak alive with a pair of home games this week, first hosting Niagara on Friday, then battling with Kitchener on Sunday.

15. Oshawa Generals – (Last Week: 17) With speculation surrounding the future of the club, the Generals offence finally came through this week, as they would outscore their opponents 17-5 in a pair of victories. A big win over Sarnia on Friday night would build the momentum needed to knock off their rivals from Peterborough with a lopsided victory two nights later. Now winners of three of their last four, Oshawa looks to keep the recent success going with a pair of games on the road this week, playing in Sudbury on Friday night, and taking on Sault Ste. Marie Sunday evening.

16. Windsor Spitfires – (Last Week: 15) The Spits drop a spot this week, landing at number 16 after earning three points in as many games on an East Division road trip. Windsor held tough in Ottawa, earning a point in an overtime loss, but would lose the next night in Belleville. The Spitfires would finish the week on a high note, defeating Kingston on Sunday afternoon. Windsor hosts Belleville in a rematch to start their week off on Thursday, then play in Kitchener on Friday. The Spits finish the week at home Saturday, taking on Erie.

17. Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – (Last Week: 14) What was once a promising start has quickly turned south in the Soo, as the team struggles through the ups and downs of a restructuring season. Three more losses this week results in just a single point, an overtime loss in Plymouth on Friday. The Hounds followed that with losses in Saginaw and Sarnia over the weekend. Now losers of seven straight, and nine of their last ten, Sault Ste. Marie looks to turn things around with three games at home in the week ahead. Wednesday night, the Hounds host Sudbury, before visits from Oshawa on Friday, and Ottawa Sunday.

18. Saginaw Spirit – (Last Week: 18) Another tough week for the Spirit, who remain steady at number 18 this week, after winning once in three tries. After being shutout in London Friday night, Saginaw returned home to knock off Sault Ste. Marie the next night, but would lose to Guelph Sunday afternoon. The Spirit get to stay home this week, playing a pair of games over the weekend when Belleville visits on Saturday, and Erie Sunday.

19. Kingston Frontenacs – (Last Week: 19) Kingston continues to struggle this season, but are developing a reputation as a team that never quits. Speculation surrounding the future of the squad has been a lot for everyone to take in as of late, and a pair of losses this week only compound the problem. After being humiliated on home ice by Belleville on Friday, the Fronts fought back, playing a much better contest in an eventual loss to Windsor Sunday afternoon. Kingston faces a three game weekend ahead, starting on home ice when Brampton comes to town. Over the weekend, the Fronts play games in Niagara Saturday, and return the visit to Brampton Sunday.

20. Erie Otters – (Last Week: 20) Dead last in the Ontario Hockey League, the Otters have quickly become the forgotten team, as they struggle with just three wins and seven points in 28 games to date. Three more losses over the last week, to Niagara, a shootout loss to Barrie, and Kitchener added to the slide, which is now at 13 straight losses. The point earned against the Colts was the first since November 4^th, and is the only point earned during the losing streak. The Otters look to break the streak this week, as they hit the road for three games over the weekend, beginning in Sarnia on Friday night. Erie will make stops in Windsor and Saginaw over the weekend, hoping for a different result.

The ITO Three Stars and Power Rankings can be found every Tuesday here at In The O… The Radio Show. Be sure to check back next week to see where your favourite team ranks, but if you can’t wait for your OHL fix, find me on Twitter, @N24Nicholson.

'I Get No Respect' - The Belleville Bulls

Rodney Dangerfield made a living off the phrase, ‘I get no respect…’ and maybe the Belleville Bulls could start using the late comedians famous starting line. The Bulls who went on a remarkable tear in the month of November have rattled off two 6 game winning streaks in the last 14 games (12-2 in the stretch) and have found themselves on top of the Eastern Conference looking down. A far cry from needing to play catch up with last years squad. There have been many changes to the roster from the 10/11 team to the current leader of the Eastern Conference (lead Ottawa with W tie breaker).


The team is still lead by their Captain Luke Judson (@judder14) who has taken the off season seriously and really improved his game to the point many are saying he should be getting some type of pro contract instead of just heading off to CIS. The overall forward and defence have upped their game either to match their Captains commitment, or because they didn’t want to have back to back embarrassing seasons. The addition of Daniil Zharkov has given the Bulls a spark plug on the ice, the way he can skate, to the quick release on his shot, to him digging into the corners to get the puck. Not to mention the goaltending of Malcolm Subban who has been the hottest goaltender since Michael Houser started the season. You can look at the individual players who have improved but Colorado Avalanche prospect Steven Silas (@SteveSilas) thinks the team has improved because of something else,

‘Confidence. The game revolves around it. and this year our team hastons of confidence from our goaltending, to our d-men and forward. Sounds cliché but everyone is playing the way they are capable of playing and it makes it easier for everyone around them. It’s a long season though, only a third of the way through. As long as we play together and put the team first everything will fall into place.’

I use to have a nickname for each conference. There was the ‘Wild Wild West’ where anything can happen because you had 8 power teams and then a team just on the outside and one grossly missing the playoffs. Then you had the ‘Easy Easy East’ where you can just float around because no one gave you any chance against the Western Conference. This year however the East is just a ‘guns a blazing’ as their Conference Counterpart. In fact the gap between first and 8th in the East is only 8 points while in the West it is 15 points.

Despite the turnaround year that Belleville is having, no one seems to be giving them respect (outside ITO of course), to the point that they can be serious contenders. There is something to be said for going out every night and grinding out a W and doing all the small things right that can win you a 1-0 or a 3-2 game. But yet no one believes that they can stick around on top of the Eastern Conference.

With 20 OHL teams to think about every day, you can easily bypass a play, a goal, or even a whole game not thinking about what it means in the standings. Thankfully for me there are the diehard Belleville fans who follow ITO on twitter (@intheoradio) and let it be known not only how they feel about players/coaches/organization but also keeping me in the loop. When the question is, ‘How come Belleville gets no respect?’ who else should you turn to then the die hard fans? Melissa Foley (@hockeyFan14) took time to answer the question for me.

‘We are getting no respect because we are a small market team, who quietly goes about our business. We might not have the swagger as other larger market teams, but we have something more – quality character players who love playing in Belleville for their team and fans. That’s all that matters to us. With a few more wins the respect should come, but we don’t need it! we respect ourselves, other be damned!’

I think it is safe to say that the fans are passionate about the team and they know the difference from a contender and a pretender. But what about the players? What do they have to say on the topic of Belleville being the hottest team right now and the lack of respect the team gets. Michael “Muzzy” Curtis (@mcurt9107) had this to say (Muzzy is an ITO nickname) …

‘We are for sure one of the hottest teams. We just need to keep playing Bulls hockey, that will keep us on top.’

So ‘Muzzy’ didn’t want to touch the respect part of the question but the longer on top, the faster the respect should come right? Last season the longer Mississauga held on to the division and conference lead the more people began to respect their depth and talent and given enough time Curtis is right. But what about the leader, The captain, Luke Judson. He was the captain of a brutal 8th place team last year and has revamped not only his game, but maybe the team too. Here is the Captains comments about the team being perceived as pretenders,

‘We don’t mind being overlooked, it keeps us humble. We come to the rink every game respecting what are opponents can do. The only people we need to believe in our team are the guys sitting in the dressing room.’

If you have never seen a television interview with Judson, or listened to the ITO interviews with him, he is that ‘deep’ as far as talking about the team. Easy to see why he was chosen to be the captain for 2 years running. But the captain is right. If you are being overlooked use it as fuel for the fire. And just like Silas and Curtis said, it is all about the guys in the dressing room.

Now I am not going to proclaim I am a genius but I did see this team being more of a contender than last season, with that said I still didn’t give them credit to lead the division/conference. But I will admit I am a Bull-iever. Sorry that is an inner journalist I was channeling... it shouldn't happen again