Brantford Bulldogs 2023-24 Off-Season Thread (Part One)

[Canadian Game]

I'm a Blues fan that has never been to an OHL game, but will be in Canada during next weekend when you guys have your home opener. Jiricek is obviously not making our NHL team and it sounds like he's going to be with you guys for 2024/25.

I'm completely unfamiliar with how OHL training camps work and how quickly international guys get their visas to start playing. Blues training camp opens tomorrow and I'd wager that Jiricek will be a pretty early cut so they can get him to you guys to start the year.

Assuming he gets cut from Blues camp early next week, do you guys have any idea whether he'd be in the lineup for you guys on 9/28 vs Oshawa? I'd love to watch him play live if he'll be in the lineup.

Sept 28 might be a bit early for Jiricek to arrive, but it depends if/when the Blues assign him to Brantford. Visas might take a week but with the gov you never know if it will be smooth or take a little longer.

Tickets at home in Brantford can be challenging because it is a small venue. However, it generally isn’t much of a problem seeing them for away games.

 

[Brian39]

Sept 28 might be a bit early for Jiricek to arrive, but it depends if/when the Blues assign him to Brantford. Visas might take a week but with the gov you never know if it will be smooth or take a little longer.

Tickets at home in Brantford can be challenging because it is a small venue. However, it generally isn’t much of a problem seeing them for away games.

That's what I was afraid of.

FWIW, the Blues do have a track record of sending junior players back pretty quickly when they aren't actually competing for an NHL job. I know we got Buchinger back to Guelph in time for him to play in their season opener last year, but he is a Canadian kid who played for Guelph before being drafted so it was easy to just slide him right into the lineup the instant he arrived at the rink. Probably not as smooth for a foreign player who has never played with the team before.

The Blues have been advertising the first 4 days of training camp, which starts today. We've got a couple preseason games this weekend too. My hope is that the plan is to get him on the ice for a few practices so fans can see our 1st round pick on the ice in our jersey, maybe get him into a preseason game, and then assign him to Brantford Sunday or Monday. NHL training camp reps can be valuable, but I think it makes a ton of sense to get him to Brantford ASAP in order to get him acclimated to his new team/league. We clearly want him to play a lead role in junior instead of being just a guy in a lower pro league, so it would make sense to get him to junior quickly.

Thanks for confirming my suspicion that these things are pretty murky. Looking forward to watching Bulldogs games again! My limited junior viewing is based around Blues prospects and I really enjoyed watching Robert Thomas in his limited time there.

 

[Canadian Game]

That's what I was afraid of.

FWIW, the Blues do have a track record of sending junior players back pretty quickly when they aren't actually competing for an NHL job. I know we got Buchinger back to Guelph in time for him to play in their season opener last year, but he is a Canadian kid who played for Guelph before being drafted so it was easy to just slide him right into the lineup the instant he arrived at the rink. Probably not as smooth for a foreign player who has never played with the team before.

The Blues have been advertising the first 4 days of training camp, which starts today. We've got a couple preseason games this weekend too. My hope is that the plan is to get him on the ice for a few practices so fans can see our 1st round pick on the ice in our jersey, maybe get him into a preseason game, and then assign him to Brantford Sunday or Monday. NHL training camp reps can be valuable, but I think it makes a ton of sense to get him to Brantford ASAP in order to get him acclimated to his new team/league. We clearly want him to play a lead role in junior instead of being just a guy in a lower pro league, so it would make sense to get him to junior quickly.

Thanks for confirming my suspicion that these things are pretty murky. Looking forward to watching Bulldogs games again! My limited junior viewing is based around Blues prospects and I really enjoyed watching Robert Thomas in his limited time there.

According to the Hockey News and a quote from Doug Armstrong, we have some more clarity.

——-
Adam Jiricek, the No. 16 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will remain in St. Louis throughout camp with the knee injury sustained in the 2024 World Junior Championship; the defenseman will eventually return to Brantford of the Ontario Hockey League, where he will play this season.

"He'll be a non-participant in training camp as far as exhibition games," Armstrong said. "Still getting stronger. We're going to keep him here through camp and when he gets back to juniors, he'll be ready to play.
——-

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/torey-krug-surgery-complete-oskar-sundqvist-to-skip-preseason-games-recovering-from-acl-injury-adam-jiricek-to-stay-in-st-louis-until-rehab-complete

There’s more to the quote but that’s the main part.

 

[Brian39]

According to the Hockey News and a quote from Doug Armstrong, we have some more clarity.

——-
Adam Jiricek, the No. 16 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, will remain in St. Louis throughout camp with the knee injury sustained in the 2024 World Junior Championship; the defenseman will eventually return to Brantford of the Ontario Hockey League, where he will play this season.

"He'll be a non-participant in training camp as far as exhibition games," Armstrong said. "Still getting stronger. We're going to keep him here through camp and when he gets back to juniors, he'll be ready to play.
——-

https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/st-louis-blues/latest-news/torey-krug-surgery-complete-oskar-sundqvist-to-skip-preseason-games-recovering-from-acl-injury-adam-jiricek-to-stay-in-st-louis-until-rehab-complete

There’s more to the quote but that’s the main part.

I guess I could have just waited a day to ask this question and I could have gotten my answer directly from our beat writer! Thanks for the link!

 

[Canadian Game]

I guess I could have just waited a day to ask this question and I could have gotten my answer directly from our beat writer! Thanks for the link!

No worries. I only saw it because one of the Bulldogs media guys (Troy Izlakar) shared the article on Twitter about an hour ago.

 

[coolhandluc44]

No worries. I only saw it because one of the Bulldogs media guys (Troy Izlakar) shared the article on Twitter about an hour ago.

I wonder when he is expected to play? Really interested to see how the OA situation works out now. Are we thinking Okitundu plays until Jiricek gets back?

 

[Jawk]

I wonder when he is expected to play? Really interested to see how the OA situation works out now. Are we thinking Okitundu plays until Jiricek gets back?

They won't rush him into the lineup. That's for sure.

My best guess is, for now, the D looks like this:

Protz - Moore
Radley - Okitundu
Roberts - Babin/Chen

Krmpotic reassigned. Runco has already been removed from the listed preseason roster.

D will be much better once Jiricek is in. I would hope we see an OA D added that pushes Okitundo off the roster.

OAs will hopefully shake out as Thomas/Lavoie/not Bujold or Okitundu.

Additional news, Rebelo looks like he'll be joining Hamilton in the GOJHL.

 

[coolhandluc44]

They won't rush him into the lineup. That's for sure.

My best guess is, for now, the D looks like this:

Protz - Moore
Radley - Okitundu
Roberts - Babin/Chen

Krmpotic reassigned. Runco has already been removed from the listed preseason roster.

D will be much better once Jiricek is in. I would hope we see an OA D added that pushes Okitundo off the roster.

OAs will hopefully shake out as Thomas/Lavoie/not Bujold or Okitundu.

Additional news, Rebelo looks like he'll be joining Hamilton in the GOJHL.

Interesting. I thought Krmpotic look good last year in playoff action. Yes it was limited but I thought he moved the puck well. I’m sure with injuries we will see Krmpotic at some points throughout the year

 

[Jawk]

Interesting. I thought Krmpotic look good last year in playoff action. Yes it was limited but I thought he moved the puck well. I’m sure with injuries we will see Krmpotic at some points throughout the year

I'm just going with Radley over Krmpotic because there was something I read that quoted Radley saying he was looking forward to this year because he'd be with the team full time.

Babin because he's a 2nd round pick.

I'd be fine with Krmpotic over Chen, or maybe they carry both? Then you run into carrying too many D.

What would your D spots look like?

 

[coolhandluc44]

I'm just going with Radley over Krmpotic because there was something I read that quoted Radley saying he was looking forward to this year because he'd be with the team full time.

Babin because he's a 2nd round pick.

I'd be fine with Krmpotic over Chen, or maybe they carry both? Then you run into carrying too many D.

What would your D spots look like?

Its a good question and I dont know. I wish Chen was more physical especially for a guy his size but maybe its just not in him. Does Okintundu bring much to the table besides age than a Krmpotic/Chen or Babin? I know his game is physical but can we get that with Protz and Roberts? I have not seen a minute of Jirice play so I have no idea on how physical he is. I have not watched a minute of pre season to know how these guys have looked. Also without knowing when Jiricek is going to play and then you know he his going to miss time for world juniors I guess that is why they will keep Okintundu probably atleast the deadline to drop to 3 OA's

I admit I did not answer your question. But I will ask you this, when Jiricek does play, what would the D look like then?

 

[Jawk]

Its a good question and I dont know. I wish Chen was more physical especially for a guy his size but maybe its just not in him. Does Okintundu bring much to the table besides age than a Krmpotic/Chen or Babin? I know his game is physical but can we get that with Protz and Roberts? I have not seen a minute of Jirice play so I have no idea on how physical he is. I have not watched a minute of pre season to know how these guys have looked. Also without knowing when Jiricek is going to play and then you know he his going to miss time for world juniors I guess that is why they will keep Okintundu probably atleast the deadline to drop to 3 OA's

I admit I did not answer your question. But I will ask you this, when Jiricek does play, what would the D look like then?

I think the whole D is a work in progress. If they think they belong at the top of the conference, it needs work.

Long term the reason I don't think Bujold or Okitundu stick is because for what they bring, the Bulldogs could just find an 05 to do the same job. Use that 3rd OA spot on someone that inject some more skill in to the lineup.

Assuming no adds or subtractions, I'd run:

Protz - Jiricek
Radley - Moore
Roberts - Okitundu/Babin

I really don't like Radley 2nd pair on a team that wants to win consistently.... but that tells you what I think of Roberts.

 

[Kingpin794]

I think the whole D is a work in progress. If they think they belong at the top of the conference, it needs work.

Long term the reason I don't think Bujold or Okitundu stick is because for what they bring, the Bulldogs could just find an 05 to do the same job. Use that 3rd OA spot on someone that inject some more skill in to the lineup.

Assuming no adds or subtractions, I'd run:

Protz - Jiricek
Radley - Moore
Roberts - Okitundu/Babin

I really don't like Radley 2nd pair on a team that wants to win consistently.... but that tells you what I think of Roberts.

You won't have Okitundu. He's head west.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1837157320352014765

 

[coolhandluc44]

You won't have Okitundu. He's head west.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1837157320352014765

Well I guess that means Bujold will be the 3rd OA now. Good luck to Okitundu.

I think the whole D is a work in progress. If they think they belong at the top of the conference, it needs work.

Long term the reason I don't think Bujold or Okitundu stick is because for what they bring, the Bulldogs could just find an 05 to do the same job. Use that 3rd OA spot on someone that inject some more skill in to the lineup.

Assuming no adds or subtractions, I'd run:

Protz - Jiricek
Radley - Moore
Roberts - Okitundu/Babin

I really don't like Radley 2nd pair on a team that wants to win consistently.... but that tells you what I think of Roberts.

With the update Okitundu is going out West, would you think the last pair (when Jiricek comes in) would be a combo of:

Roberts-Babin/Kromptic/Chen?

I guess at the end of the day with Okintundu gone and with it sounding like Jiricek is nursing an injury and most likely wont start the season, looks like there will be an extended audition for that last spot (maybe 2 if your not a fan of Roberts)

 

[Jawk]

Good on Okitundu to catch on with another team.

Well I guess that means Bujold will be the 3rd OA now. Good luck to Okitundu.


With the update Okitundu is going out West, would you think the last pair (when Jiricek comes in) would be a combo of:

Roberts-Babin/Kromptic/Chen?

I guess at the end of the day with Okintundu gone and with it sounding like Jiricek is nursing an injury and most likely wont start the season, looks like there will be an extended audition for that last spot (maybe 2 if your not a fan of Roberts)

I just don't trust Roberts to not do something silly that hurts the team. It'll be interesting how this all shakes out.

 

[coolhandluc44]

Good on Okitundu to catch on with another team.



I just don't trust Roberts to not do something silly that hurts the team. It'll be interesting how this all shakes out.

Will be. Dare I ask what your forward groupings will look like to start the season (prior to Vanaacker returning)

 

[Canadian Game]

Good on Okitundu to catch on with another team.



I just don't trust Roberts to not do something silly that hurts the team. It'll be interesting how this all shakes out.

Ever since Roberts got suspended while the Bulldogs D was already depleted (Okitundu and Hamara injuries) it seemed like he changed after. We’ll see going forward if he has matured. I don’t expect an angel out of him, but I’m hoping we see a more mature player who does a better job of picking his battles.

With Okitundu gone, it provides a little more clarity, although it sucks to lose him. Solid dman and great character. Looks like OAs are now down to Thomas, Lavoie, Bujold, and the longer shots of Xhekaj or Hamara returning.

 

[Rounder8]

I think that there is little doubt that this team adds AT LEAST one more dman. If they are going to be a serious contender (CHL rankings think that they are), that isn't strong enough imo.

 

[Canadian Game]

I think that there is little doubt that this team adds AT LEAST one more dman. If they are going to be a serious contender (CHL rankings think that they are), that isn't strong enough imo.

Definitely. Although I think it’s more likely they target an 18 or 19 year old. If they get a 19 year old, there’s the OA issue next year if they want to make a run then as well.

 

[Babs716]

Good on Okitundu to catch on with another team.



I just don't trust Roberts to not do something silly that hurts the team. It'll be interesting how this all shakes out.

You could argue the same thing about Oki. He made some pretty bone head moves last year too.

But I agree about Roberts…hoping there’s some smarts coming with him this year.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Okitundu will be missed, brought some good toughness and solid d play on the backend.

Glad to see him still in the CHL.

 

[Jawk]

Thomas returned. Always seemed the likely outcome, but you never know until it happens. See if he can earn himself a contract with a strong OA year.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838579302595465510

 

[coolhandluc44]

Thomas returned. Always seemed the likely outcome, but you never know until it happens. See if he can earn himself a contract with a strong OA year.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838579302595465510

Wouldn’t be surprised if Thomas was named captain.

 

[coolhandluc44]

Is there any updates on broadcasting schedule with Rogers? It drives me crazy that I live in Brantford and yet where getting the Rangers game on Friday and not the Bulldogs game. I actually switched from Bell to Rogers late last season specifically so I could get Rogers Cable to watch the Bulldogs game only to be surprised that if the Rangers where playing the same time as the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs game was aired later.

For anyone that has the OHL streaming package, can you restart the game after it starts? As someone with a toddler I don't get to sit down and watch a hockey game until later in the night

 

[Rounder8]

Is there any updates on broadcasting schedule with Rogers? It drives me crazy that I live in Brantford and yet where getting the Rangers game on Friday and not the Bulldogs game. I actually switched from Bell to Rogers late last season specifically so I could get Rogers Cable to watch the Bulldogs game only to be surprised that if the Rangers where playing the same time as the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs game was aired later.

For anyone that has the OHL streaming package, can you restart the game after it starts? As someone with a toddler I don't get to sit down and watch a hockey game until later in the night

I know that you can watch a replay, but I'm not 100% sure if you can do it while the game is in progress.

 

[Jawk]

Is there any updates on broadcasting schedule with Rogers? It drives me crazy that I live in Brantford and yet where getting the Rangers game on Friday and not the Bulldogs game. I actually switched from Bell to Rogers late last season specifically so I could get Rogers Cable to watch the Bulldogs game only to be surprised that if the Rangers where playing the same time as the Bulldogs, the Bulldogs game was aired later.

For anyone that has the OHL streaming package, can you restart the game after it starts? As someone with a toddler I don't get to sit down and watch a hockey game until later in the night

Bulldogs socials just said that all home & away games are on Roger's 28 or 428. Except away games in Bramptom (they have no tv coverage).