Well it looks to be official. If you go to the Frontenacs website and under hockey operations John McFarland does not appear.
Kingston Frontenacs 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)
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frontsfan67
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Not to mention the Covid year they were definitely not gonna be going below 0.500 there. So mad about that year just screwed up the whole league and the one good year the fronts would’ve had we’ll never know about it.
You’re right.
Frontenacs Announce Change to Coaching Staff - Kingston Frontenacs
Kingston Frontenacs General Manager Kory Cooper, has announced Thursday that John McFarland has relinquished his role as Assistant Coach of the Kingston Frontenacs. “John McFarland has decided to relinquish his coaching position with the Frontenacs. We wish him the best of luck moving forward.”...
chl.ca
frontsfan67
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One thing about that article that I’m happy about is they’re not going to rush it. They’re going to make sure they get the right guy and right fit for the team. Cooper and Mann are both searching for that guy. Might be a month or two but it’ll be someone I assume who can lead if Mann leaves after this year
beastintheeast
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First, everyone is entitled to their opinion. I do not denigrate anyone on here because i know it is their belief.
Yes once they got rid of Gilmour they have made improvements there is no doubt.
When I talk about coaches what I am talking about is not fnding the coach that has a system but finding a coach that can coach the Kingston system.
The Petes are the perfect example.
The Petes on numerous years have eliminated a ot of teams that in the regular season were better than them. How is smple.
They play a tight tough defense game. They hit anything that moves not just to stop a player but to put the player through the boards legally.
That is a system that they have had for decades. Kitchener has a system. London has a system that they use when they draft they do not just draft the best player but they draft the best player that fits their system.
Kingston's system is whatever the new coach says it is and they hire based on that. So with every coach there is a new system some players will be able to lay and some either won't or can't.
The best thing that can happen is that Mann has a great year and sets up a system of play that works. Then when Cooper has to hire a new coach they hire someone that can coach that system.
Yes coaches change and keeping one long term is hard to do. But if you have a winning system and a way of playing then fnding a good coach to coach it is easy.
frontsfan67
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I agree it’s tough some teams get really lucky with good coaches that stay in jr despite probably getting offers to coach professionally. That’s something that always goes against kingston.
In my time watching they’ve had 2 really good standout coaches- Paul McFarland and Jay Varady and both didn’t stay for long. Hard to build a system when you’re switching through coaches every 3 or 4 years. It’s not easy on the players either.
Hypothetically speaking if Mann were to stay here 4 or 5 years I’d think they could easily build a championship calibre team or two in that time frame but in all likely hood Mann is here for this year and potentially next and then leaves once ahl teams start offering him big money again.
Again credit to cooper though for finding a guy of his calibre and not just the first coach you see. I’m sure they have kept close over the years and with Mann being let go from Belleville this is a match made in heaven. Especially if it brings kingston a championship.
frontsfan67
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Prospect watch:
3rd round 2023
Xander Velliaris (16) D through 12 games in OJHL:
1G 4Pts
2nd round 2023
Ethan Weir (16) F through 6 games in GOJHL:
3G 7Pts
10th round 2023
6’3 200lb Gavin Puhl (16) F through 7 games in U18 London
1G 6Pts
9th round 2023
Matthew Manza (16) F
13G, 18 pts through 17 games in OJHL * Is committed to Ohio State NCAA in 2025/2026 *
I would like to see Vann Williamson join them in Jr. A.
He has looked alright in the OHL but I think with 1 more year of OJHL action under his belt- he goes there and dominates.
Next year Williamson will be a real good d man for us. This year he won’t get much playing time. If there’s injuries call him up but don’t let the kid rot in the stands.
Side note- Nolan Ling who is playing for Gatineau now in the QMJHL has 3G 6Pts through 9 games. Good for him but I feel kingston really screwed that one up.
3rd round 2023
Xander Velliaris (16) D through 12 games in OJHL:
1G 4Pts
2nd round 2023
Ethan Weir (16) F through 6 games in GOJHL:
3G 7Pts
10th round 2023
6’3 200lb Gavin Puhl (16) F through 7 games in U18 London
1G 6Pts
9th round 2023
Matthew Manza (16) F
13G, 18 pts through 17 games in OJHL * Is committed to Ohio State NCAA in 2025/2026 *
I would like to see Vann Williamson join them in Jr. A.
He has looked alright in the OHL but I think with 1 more year of OJHL action under his belt- he goes there and dominates.
Next year Williamson will be a real good d man for us. This year he won’t get much playing time. If there’s injuries call him up but don’t let the kid rot in the stands.
Side note- Nolan Ling who is playing for Gatineau now in the QMJHL has 3G 6Pts through 9 games. Good for him but I feel kingston really screwed that one up.
Looking forward to the game tonight. The structure probably not there yet but the compete level should be.
frontsfan67
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I agree give it another week can’t judge the first game that Mann is coaching here too much only the compete. then tomorrow they play Mississauga which is a real good team obviously. Darren rumble and Owen Sound have taken a bit to adjust I wouldn’t be shocked if the same thing happened with Kingston.
I hope they go 2-0 this weekend but wouldn’t be shocked if they went 1-1 or 0-2.
Everyone should save negative comments for next week imo.
frontsfan67
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Don’t know if anyone caught this. Frasca is on the ice though so that’s great. Red jersey I assume is for no contact?
I believe Frasca has been on the ice since training camp. Boys should have lots of energy tonight. It will be refreshing for many players to start with a clean slate. We should see the win.
Logosarejusttargets
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He has been, but not cleared to play - likely not until early/mid november
frontsfan67
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First game of the Mann era. This is the lines.
Right off the bat love he’s playing battaglia more they need that he has been good in the minutes played this year. Caputi never gave the kid much of a shot.
I like hemstrom at centre between miedema and Soto that should be a good line.
3rd line is checking line with some skill. Perfect exactly how I’d have it.
4th is the guys that need to prove themselves. I love Hopkins however he’s not ready to be playing with miedema and Soto just yet. Maybe by December-January.
Then with the defence it’s perfect. I love that he put burns on the second line. He hasn’t been great since coming back so don’t give him as many minutes. Smart man.
Right off the bat love he’s playing battaglia more they need that he has been good in the minutes played this year. Caputi never gave the kid much of a shot.
I like hemstrom at centre between miedema and Soto that should be a good line.
3rd line is checking line with some skill. Perfect exactly how I’d have it.
4th is the guys that need to prove themselves. I love Hopkins however he’s not ready to be playing with miedema and Soto just yet. Maybe by December-January.
Then with the defence it’s perfect. I love that he put burns on the second line. He hasn’t been great since coming back so don’t give him as many minutes. Smart man.
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frontsfan67
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Good I was hoping he was skating atleast. The original timeline for his return was middle of November and this lines up. first time I’ve seen a practice photo of frasca today. Glad he’s back soon. Red means non contact I assume?
Yes I agree and Savard said it best. Room needed a shakeup. And sometimes that falls on the hands of the coach. Kids been on 3 other teams and his father played in the nhl for years and years. I’m sure he knows exactly what he’s talking about.
Don’t count on a win tonight it’s the first game but I’d expect them to come out with high energy. Pink in the rink tonight against Oshawa and they will want to play for this coach. Should be a good game regardless of results. Don’t judge results until next week though.
DraftEligibleOHL
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Thoughts on the 1st period..
Thibodeau active in the NZ and OZ. Has an assist on the Fronts goal. I like his game so far. His speed and creativity causes trouble.
I liked the composure shown by Uens to circle back in his own end when he didn't like the outlet options he saw. Also smart of him to try and bury the puck along the boards with a couple of seconds left in the period. It's the little things.
Also shoutout to Nathan Poole who went 7/8 in the faceoff circle in the 1st period.
Thibodeau active in the NZ and OZ. Has an assist on the Fronts goal. I like his game so far. His speed and creativity causes trouble.
I liked the composure shown by Uens to circle back in his own end when he didn't like the outlet options he saw. Also smart of him to try and bury the puck along the boards with a couple of seconds left in the period. It's the little things.
Also shoutout to Nathan Poole who went 7/8 in the faceoff circle in the 1st period.
Real solid game, seemed like a lot more effort and it felt like they were skating harder.
Uens had a real solid game, he's not an offensive defensiveman despite his size, he's the kind of dman that if you don't notice means he had a good game.
Battaglia with amother solid game, especially dangerous down low, he's putting himself on the map for the NHL draft neft June.
The second goal was probably the first goal this year that I felt he should have back, he got too much of the puck for that to go in, but otherwise another real solid game.
Uens had a real solid game, he's not an offensive defensiveman despite his size, he's the kind of dman that if you don't notice means he had a good game.
Battaglia with amother solid game, especially dangerous down low, he's putting himself on the map for the NHL draft neft June.
The second goal was probably the first goal this year that I felt he should have back, he got too much of the puck for that to go in, but otherwise another real solid game.
beastintheeast
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I agree with what you are saying in theory. If Kingston drafts well and can put bums in eh seats then it should be ready to compete for the next M Cup.
The challenge as you have stated is that yon g coaches are looking to move to the AHL NHL.
Hence what I am saying.
The best thing that Man n can do for Kingston and himself is establish a system that works. This should accomplish 3 things.
1. improve the team
2. get him an AHL or possibly assist in coaching NHL
3. allow him to develop an asst coaching staff so that one of the coaches will be familiar with his system and just step in.
Tourigny got offered the NHL job the 67's went out and found a coach that had a similar philosophy and was able to use the system.
beastintheeast
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LOL Is that not what I suggested a team line up should be and got told by a person on here (not you) That I had no idea what ia was talking about LOL
Good game. How many games is Callen gone?
frontsfan67
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I agree with what you’re saying beast however instead of hiring another coach to relearn/tweak the system I feel like they’d promote the assistant they have right now and things wouldn’t change much. This is all hypothetically if mann did leave after this year.
Was a good game I’ve been really impressed with battaglia this season. I think this season he is like thibodeau last year. Lots of untapped potential waiting to burst out.
Im glad mann will be giving him a chance. He’s always had skill and a good shot but he’s been slow so hopefully he can work on his skating this year and the off-season and next season come out even more of a beast.
With a good coach here who is proven to develop players I’m sure exactly that will happen. I assume when frasca comes back they might put the 2 2022 top picks on the same line there together with thibodeau/hemstrom. That’ll be a real good line.
I have never understood why they don’t put ludwinski and miedema together much. Would really like to see those two together more. Not much chemistry between those two but if you try them together for long enough it will build and those two along with Soto would be one hell of a top line all very skilled in their own ways.
I’d like to see the lines be:
Forwards:
Miedema/Ludwinski/Soto 1
Battaglia/Frasca/Thibodeau 2
Savard/Hopkins/Outwater 3
Callens/Poole/Heyes 4
Reason why I broke up 3rd line a little bit there is because I’d like to see Hopkins play more- very important for his development to be getting minutes.
Callens, Poole and Heyes all play penalty kill I believe so they’d still get good minutes.
If they did 3 solid lines that can score like that and a 4th line that’s for defence/checking I think that’s a ton of depth and no real weaknesses, can always upgrade callens but not sure if there’s a need rolling the 4 lines like that. I think defence would need to be addressed first.
Defence:
1 Budnick/Holmes or Burns if he wakes up soon
2 McGowan/Burns
3 Schneider/Uens
Goalies
Vaccari
Salajko
Imo they need to get a top 4 d man or two and they’re set for the year. Hopefully get 2 05/06s for that so they’ll be apart of team next year.
The biggest thing for me is they have good depth. No real superstars like a Connor McDavid or Connor bedard lol but they have a lot of good pieces
Defence is always the issue. But I’m sure that’ll be addressed at some point.
Not sure about callens
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frontsfan67
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I just checked the Mississauga score. Lost 6-1 to barrie. They had.. are you ready for this? A WHOPPING 1420 people at the game.
Absolutely unreal. I thought kingston was bad.
Absolutely unreal. I thought kingston was bad.
Logosarejusttargets
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My take on the game….overall still very sloppy. That’s to be expected, this team hasn’t really been coached in three years so there is lots of work to do. I’m not sure what’s happening with Burns, he plays with energy but is just making so many bad decisions right now.
The immediate changes I saw, the bench was calm, Caputi was a yeller and was unhinged at times, Mann was communicating with players all night, so good to see. I really thought the team would play with more energy but I didn’t see that, the only good body checks came from McGowan and Poole.
Power play was better using the d, but to be honest I hate the slingshot, these guys have a real hard time executing and I see more short handed goals on the horizon.
Battaglia, moved to line one from line four, thought he played well and deserved that chance. Two goals on power play will keep him there for now.
Hopkins moved to line four, agree with this decision, it’s his first year, they have been playing him on first and second line a lot, don’t think you would ever see that on a London or Ottawa team. Bring him up slowly.
Mann looks at the numbers, first game I’ve seen where Poole took majority of draws and key face offs and he didn’t disapoint, in the 60% range. When you have the puck possession you can‘t be scored against and you can score-easy math.
Fourth line was not getting any ice. Don’t necessarily agree with this one, you want everyone going. Callans I‘m sure jumping on the ice at the end was out of frustration of no minutes. Outwater on the fourth I’m sure because of his lack of grit.
Mann really used the third line a lot to manage the lead although they gave one up on a missed assignment when Hopkins lost coverage.
Hopefully Mann can help Thibideau, he’s a good player but is constantly trying to take the puck by himself through multiple players and takes more bad angle shots than anybody, he would be such a better player if he shared the puck more. I can’t see Ludwinski being happy if Thibideau continues to shoot from everywhere with out looking at options.
Uens was the best d last night, Mann also moved him to PP and he dispensed the puck well.
All in all, I say we have a professional coach who can move the chess pieces around to win games where a coach has that ability. Great hire for the Fronts.
The immediate changes I saw, the bench was calm, Caputi was a yeller and was unhinged at times, Mann was communicating with players all night, so good to see. I really thought the team would play with more energy but I didn’t see that, the only good body checks came from McGowan and Poole.
Power play was better using the d, but to be honest I hate the slingshot, these guys have a real hard time executing and I see more short handed goals on the horizon.
Battaglia, moved to line one from line four, thought he played well and deserved that chance. Two goals on power play will keep him there for now.
Hopkins moved to line four, agree with this decision, it’s his first year, they have been playing him on first and second line a lot, don’t think you would ever see that on a London or Ottawa team. Bring him up slowly.
Mann looks at the numbers, first game I’ve seen where Poole took majority of draws and key face offs and he didn’t disapoint, in the 60% range. When you have the puck possession you can‘t be scored against and you can score-easy math.
Fourth line was not getting any ice. Don’t necessarily agree with this one, you want everyone going. Callans I‘m sure jumping on the ice at the end was out of frustration of no minutes. Outwater on the fourth I’m sure because of his lack of grit.
Mann really used the third line a lot to manage the lead although they gave one up on a missed assignment when Hopkins lost coverage.
Hopefully Mann can help Thibideau, he’s a good player but is constantly trying to take the puck by himself through multiple players and takes more bad angle shots than anybody, he would be such a better player if he shared the puck more. I can’t see Ludwinski being happy if Thibideau continues to shoot from everywhere with out looking at options.
Uens was the best d last night, Mann also moved him to PP and he dispensed the puck well.
All in all, I say we have a professional coach who can move the chess pieces around to win games where a coach has that ability. Great hire for the Fronts.
DraftEligibleOHL
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Mann receives 2 game suspension for the events at the end of the game last night.
I assume the Mann suspension is automatic because of Callens and not because of something he did? If so he's gotta be pissed at Callens, not the best first impression for already one of the weakest OAs so far this year.
Edit - just saw the statement. Not a great look for Callens with a new coach.
Are they only gonna have Longo on the bench?
Edit - just saw the statement. Not a great look for Callens with a new coach.
Are they only gonna have Longo on the bench?
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