Erie Otters 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[Mata]

I never did see Sproule play in Erie but saw enough of him when he played his minor midget year in Grey-Bruce. I always thought he was just a guy, who just happened to catch fire one weekend in the playoff tournament. And then all of a sudden he goes in the first round.

Was his lack of development due to coaching, or that he wasn’t really at a first round level to begin with? Wouldn’t be the first time a guy caught lightning in a bottle and got drafted higher than he should have.

I’m genuinely asking, not trying to suggest anything.

The general consensus around here from fans is both Hartsburg and Adams were unable to really develop talent.

Sproule was part of a very strange OA group here in Erie with Brendan Sellan, Brendan Hoffman, and Daniel D'Amato of which at one point Hoffman had a projected NHL future and fizzled out, Sellan had reached his ceiling but huslted all the time, and D'Amato would go on as a PPG player and do well. Really no overage player was worthy of a spot IMO.

It probably best Sproule, like Lockhart, to get out of the dumpster fire that was Erie. Why did the kids not develop or flourish as the scouts projected? You could probably throw shade at coaches, GM, or even scouts for missing the mark.

 

[DubCee21]

Lockhart is very good complimentary player for the Petes, but I’m not sure he could effectively lead a top line for any team.

Lockhart joined a vet laden Petes team at 19 that now have 7 NHL drafted and/or signed forwards. Last year at 18, Lockhart was one of the Otters 7 forwards 5’6”-5’9” in addition to a 5’10” 155 lb rookie.

IMO, Lockhart is just a slightly above average player and the reason for his success this year has a lot to do with playing on a line with Brennan Othmann.

 

[Guy In Burlington]

The general consensus around here from fans is both Hartsburg and Adams were unable to really develop talent.

Sproule was part of a very strange OA group here in Erie with Brendan Sellan, Brendan Hoffman, and Daniel D'Amato of which at one point Hoffman had a projected NHL future and fizzled out, Sellan had reached his ceiling but huslted all the time, and D'Amato would go on as a PPG player and do well. Really no overage player was worthy of a spot IMO.

It probably best Sproule, like Lockhart, to get out of the dumpster fire that was Erie. Why did the kids not develop or flourish as the scouts projected? You could probably throw shade at coaches, GM, or even scouts for missing the mark.

Was Sproule in Erie as an OA? Think he was in Peterborough that year.

 

[Mata]

Was Sproule in Erie as an OA? Think he was in Peterborough that year.

He was an OA candidate kind of...we had 4 going into his final year.

Hartsburg made his mind up the season before so he was the expendable one, fortunately or unfortunately. He was sent out before the season started and it was predictable so never saw a game his OA session as an Otter.

 

[mattommy98]

It was Cato that was laughing in a sling at bressete , I’m a Niagara fan (not anymore ) but just wanted to let ya know karmas a bitch

 

[NOA]

Golod is 5'11

Not small, so thanks for giving me credence to taking longer to develop!

*high five*

D'Amato is a perfect tall player who took longer to develop as well!

If Alfano keeps going, he would be another to add to the list.

Conversely, Saganiuk was suited for the league ahead of time and has lost time or not really gained a lot. Ross also has slowed over time as evident by not making the roster.

Lockhart may be slightly different as he had poor coaching and then lit it up this past season and Sproule I think could be lumped into bad coaching, though I consider him to be on the larger side > 5'10

It matters their size when they were drafted…
Golod was 5’9 150 when drafted. Sproule was 5’8 135. And thanks for providing examples of bigger players developing too because my original point was definitely suggesting that this like never happens….

 

[NOA]

Could be worse… could be the Niagara IceDogs…

 

[Mata]

By my count that makes it 3 for 3 with number 1 picks this season. Better make them count.

 

[OttersFan]

It was Cato that was laughing in a sling at bressete , I’m a Niagara fan (not anymore ) but just wanted to let ya know karmas a bitch

It’s no surprise it was Cato patting Lavoie on the back after it occurred. Knowing what we know now, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cato threatened others to hurt others. I’m only speculating since I don’t know any insider info for Niagara. We frequently went to Niagara for games. We enjoyed the town and the Meridian Centre, but likely won’t be back again after the dumpster fire of an organization.

 

[mattommy98]

It’s no surprise it was Cato patting Lavoie on the back after it occurred. Knowing what we know now, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cato threatened others to hurt others. I’m only speculating since I don’t know any insider info for Niagara. We frequently went to Niagara for games. We enjoyed the town and the Meridian Centre, but likely won’t be back again after the dumpster fire of an organization.

I agree I live in stcatharines it’s alright lol , little rough in areas I’m a sth and not going back , until they figure shit out , the owner is appealing the pentaly so he’s still being an idiot , Cato showed NOTJING to me to lead this team he played like 4 games and SOMEOME I didn’t see as a leader even in previous years , oh well guess I’ll watch the leafs for 2 more games lol

 

[Mata]

 

[Mata]

 

[Mata]

Impressive from first lot today...

Coe, Curd, Kuipers, Henry, Lansing, and of course Schaefer who was insanely talented and miles ahead of the rest.

Holomego settled towards the end and showed promise, but the first 20 - 30 minutes was very timid.

There were some others showing flashes and I'll update based on the 2nd scrimmage as it will be all the same names.

Gibbons looked crazy solid in net and the young man in front of him, name eludes me, did well too.

 

[Guy In Burlington]

Impressive from first lot today...

Coe, Curd, Kuipers, Henry, Lansing, and of course Schaefer who was insanely talented and miles ahead of the rest.

Holomego settled towards the end and showed promise, but the first 20 - 30 minutes was very timid.

There were some others showing flashes and I'll update based on the 2nd scrimmage as it will be all the same names.

Gibbons looked crazy solid in net and the young man in front of him, name eludes me, did well too.

Haven’t seen Curd play in a couple years but he was a monster in minor midget in Burlington. How’d he look?

 

[Mata]

Haven’t seen Curd play in a couple years but he was a monster in minor midget in Burlington. How’d he look?

A monster...

Definitely the largest of this rookie showcase camp they have going on. He's a tad slower compared to his smaller more agile colleagues but his vision and decision making was above average for the group here. Maybe it has a little to do with his physical presence being intimidating and I'm not sure he'd make a final roster spot, but I would not be surprised if he goes into the actual camp with a chance to prove himself. He'd make a fine stay at home defender.

 

[Mata]

Hagshi, Rimmer, Campbell played extremely well. Rimmer and Hagshi just seem to always be involved or in the right spot and somehow Campbell managed multiple breakaways.

Curd is still a very dominating presence. Coe cooled off some this go.

Henry is by far in the top 3 for defense here. Cool, calm, collected and almost mistake free. On the flip side, Holomego just not doing it for me.

Lariviere did well to be noticed.

 

[ZinErie]

Hagshi, Rimmer, Campbell played extremely well. Rimmer and Hagshi just seem to always be involved or in the right spot and somehow Campbell managed multiple breakaways.

Curd is still a very dominating presence. Coe cooled off some this go.

Henry is by far in the top 3 for defense here. Cool, calm, collected and almost mistake free. On the flip side, Holomego just not doing it for me.

Lariviere did well to be noticed.

Did they hand out a roster? Wondering how many of this year's draft picks showed up.

 

[Mata]

Did they hand out a roster? Wondering how many of this year's draft picks showed up.

They do not...

I suppose I could try and snag one from a coach.

Everyone is here today at the rink...

Waters, DB, coaches, all the scouts and even our good friend Mark Scheig

 

[onetimeshot]

A monster...

Definitely the largest of this rookie showcase camp they have going on. He's a tad slower compared to his smaller more agile colleagues but his vision and decision making was above average for the group here. Maybe it has a little to do with his physical presence being intimidating and I'm not sure he'd make a final roster spot, but I would not be surprised if he goes into the actual camp with a chance to prove himself. He'd make a fine stay at home defender.

Was wondering if Curd was still on their radar. Stan likes big defensemen.

 

[Mata]

On the ice over the course of the 3 scrimmages...

A+ to Schaefer and Henry. They are the only two who in my mind played at an OHL level all 3 scrimmages.

Curd, Coe, Hagshi, and Rimmer were noticeable and present a lot.

Campbell, Hammond, Visineski, Kuipers, Benayon, Stowe were only in flashes on and off throughout all three.

Stumpf, Dinis, Fines, Lansing and Royston need another year or two of development IMO.

I was pretty disappointed in Holomego tbh...his play was sloppy, he's slower than most kids out there and was often lost.

There were others who played and I can't get all the names out there, but they either just were not on this level yet or may not get there.

Goalie play was decent outside of Gibbons who looked rock solid each of the other 4 net minders had their moments of brilliance but don't need to be rushed at all to move up.

 

[OttersFan]

Hagshi, Rimmer, Campbell played extremely well. Rimmer and Hagshi just seem to always be involved or in the right spot and somehow Campbell managed multiple breakaways.

Curd is still a very dominating presence. Coe cooled off some this go.

Henry is by far in the top 3 for defense here. Cool, calm, collected and almost mistake free. On the flip side, Holomego just not doing it for me.

Lariviere did well to be noticed.

Holomego likely won’t make it. He was unnoticeable and behind the play. I would’ve like to see more from him.

We only saw todays scrimmage so I can’t give a full update.

It was interesting to see a mini scrap in orientation camp. Not sure I ever saw that before.

 

[OttersFan]

It was nice to see current players there. It really shows who cares and likes being in Erie. Not to say those not attending don’t care, but it’s always the same group who shows up.

 

[Mata]

Holomego likely won’t make it. He was unnoticeable and behind the play. I would’ve like to see more from him.

We only saw todays scrimmage so I can’t give a full update.

It was interesting to see a mini scrap in orientation camp. Not sure I ever saw that before.

I think defensively Schaefer is obviously a lock. Henry SHOULD make it and Curd will be a possible 3rd. How they challenge Albloim, Sauder, Daviault, and possibly Johnston will be interesting.

Offensively there wasn't really anyone who stood out to me. There were a lot of players that are shifty, agile, fast but no one was overwhelmingly dominant. I suppose there could be challenges for some 4th line minutes out of a few of the kids here but I feel like our current roster for offense is pretty complete.

Goalie situation for me will remain unchanged. Gibbons, Downey, and Lalonde will be our three.

 

[dirty12]

It was nice to see current players there. It really shows who cares and likes being in Erie. Not to say those not attending don’t care, but it’s always the same group who shows up.

A few 2nd year players at rookie orientation camp is the norm for many teams. Were there vets in attendance to watch?

 

[OttersFan]

A few 2nd year players at rookie orientation camp is the norm for many teams. Were there vets in attendance to watch?

Of course it’s the norm, but I think the only 2nd year players were Holomego, Henry, and Gibbons.

There were like 9-10 vets in attendance. Downey, Alfano, Artichuk, Smith, Alboim and a few others.