Kingston Frontenacs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[leafs4life94]

Closer game than it should've been, absolutely horrific bounce on the Pete's tying goal and at that point I thought Kingston was destined to lose the game but holy did Uronen have other plans.

Ok I'm not sure how hot of a take this is but I think Uronen is their best overall player. Obviously Battaglia has the ridiculous hands but he sometimes tries too hard to make fancy plays and it ends up in turnovers.

The other thing I noticed with the Battaglia line tonight - they absolutely refused to use the D. There were at least two shifts where Battaglia/Hopkins had Pieniniemi wide open at the point and instead of passing took a weak shot towards the net.

The only other comment I have is that Bowen has an absolutely chicken$#!+ habit of throwing the puck at the other teams net after a goal scored that'll likely get him in trouble against some teams.

 

[frontsfan67]

Ok I'm not sure how hot of a take this is but I think Uronen is their best overall player. Obviously Battaglia has the ridiculous hands but he sometimes tries too hard to make fancy plays and it ends up in turnovers.

Was thinking this exact thing today. Battaglia is great but turns the puck over too much and doesn’t utilize his teammates enough. Also Uronen plays the grit game and can play defence.

The other thing I noticed with the Battaglia line tonight - they absolutely refused to use the D. There were at least two shifts where Battaglia/Hopkins had Pieniniemi wide open at the point and instead of passing took a weak shot towards the net.

They both seem visually frustrated. Mann should separate them and keep the Guindon line still with heyes Miedema and Guindon that was the best line tonight but Uronen best player

Would love to see Uronen McNamara and Battaglia and then Soto with Hopkins and pickell

 

[leafs4life94]

Weir and Velliaris draw in with Vaccari in net. Need that Hopkins line to play better than they did last night.

 

[leafs4life94]

Someone forgot to tell Kingston that the third period started... That was brutal. Horrific giveaway by Velliaris on the first goal, total lack of awareness by Burns/Pieniniemi on the second.

Refs let a lot of ticky tacky stuff go tonight which I usually don't like but to their credit they didn't call it early and they stayed consistent with not calling any of it all game.

 

[frontsfan67]

This team is not a 3rd period team plain and simple. 5-0 was great but to give up 3 and I honestly thought they were going to blow it. Not a good game for them.

They should realistically be blowing out both Peterborough and Guelph without question.

Now a 3 in 3 vs Ottawa tomorrow. We should win but it’s on the end of a 3 in 3 so I think it’ll be close again.

 

[dirty12]

Looks like the frontenacs are doing alright. At or near the top of the conference in goal differential, PK, & PP. Even Heyes appears to be on a bit of a heater; perhaps I judged him too harshly only seeing a couple of his bad games.

 

[Generalsupdates]

Looks like the frontenacs are doing alright. At or near the top of the conference in goal differential, PK, & PP. Even Heyes appears to be on a bit of a heater; perhaps I judged him too harshly only seeing a couple of his bad games.

They've done a great job taking care of the bad teams that they should beat. But they're 0-7 against Oshawa/Niagara/Brantford/Erie, arguably the only good teams they've played (haven't played Barrie, London, Saginaw, Brampton, Windsor)

 

[beastintheeast]

Are the fronts playing a more defensive, less offensive style? I am looking at shots on goal and wondering because it seemed that Guelph was not shooting, but in the third, they got to double digits.

As to why they are doing well, I think that they will get tested today.

Ottawa has a short bench so let's see who has the most energy in the 3rd.

 

[dirty12]

They've done a great job taking care of the bad teams that they should beat. But they're 0-7 against Oshawa/Niagara/Brantford/Erie, arguably the only good teams they've played (haven't played Barrie, London, Saginaw, Brampton, Windsor)

I did say it looks like the Frontenacs are doing alright, not the Frontenacs are off to a great start. I have a pretty good grasp on the schedule and a fair idea of what the teams are in the eastern conference at least. Yeah, Kingston and Oshawa have it a bit easier than Niagara this season.

 

[beastintheeast]

Yeah, Kingston and Oshawa have it a bit easier than Niagara this season.

Confused by that statement, please explain: are you talking about lower expectations?

 

[dirty12]

Confused by that statement, please explain: are you talking about lower expectations?

No, I just stated that I was aware that uneven scheduling works in the favour of Kingston and Oshawa this season. They get Petes-8, Bulldogs-6, IceDogs-2, Otters-2. The IceDogs get Petes-2, Fronts-2, Gens-2, Bulldogs-6, Otters-6.

 

[beastintheeast]

No, I just stated that I was aware that uneven scheduling works in the favour of Kingston and Oshawa this season. They get Petes-8, Bulldogs-6, IceDogs-2, Otters-2. The IceDogs get Petes-2, Fronts-2, Gens-2, Bulldogs-6, Otters-6.

LOL

The Icedogs are anything but easy this year, just as I think you underestimate Brantford and Erie.
Kingston has Petes- 8 bulldogs 6 ice dogs 3 Otters 2. I think it is called an even schedule. Everyone plays the same number of games in the divisions, if not the conference.

 

[dirty12]

LOL

The Icedogs are anything but easy this year, just as I think you underestimate Brantford and Erie.
Kingston has Petes- 8 bulldogs 6 ice dogs 3 Otters 2. I think it is called an even schedule. Everyone plays the same number of games in the divisions, if not the conference.

It is not even, and I do not underestimate the Bulldogs and Otters.
There are ‘regional rivalries’; Niagara-Erie & Brantford, Sudbury-SSM & NB, Barrie-OS, London-Windsor & Sarnia. Not all teams play the the same amount of games in division or conference.
The IceDogs do not play 8 games against division rivals like the Gens, Fronts, Petes, ‘67s do. Instead, they play the Otters, Bulldogs, Colts, Steelheads 6 times each. That does not work in the IceDogs favour this season.

 

[beastintheeast]

I agree; the Icedogs have a little more pressure, but then again, you have to play the 67s.
Niagara is also in the other division. My worry is that Springer and Cooper still have the idea to go for it this year and make a ton of buying trades. Then find out that, like last year, Branford and Oshawa go on a tear, and the Fronts still finish 5th. Don't worry I have the same nightmare about Boyd LOL

 

[dirty12]

I agree; the Icedogs have a little more pressure, but then again, you have to play the 67s.
Niagara is also in the other division. My worry is that Springer and Cooper still have the idea to go for it this year and make a ton of buying trades. Then find out that, like last year, Branford and Oshawa go on a tear, and the Fronts still finish 5th. Don't worry I have the same nightmare about Boyd LOL

The IceDogs are still relatively young and small; and currently without three of their middle six. There are no easy games for that team.
The only worry for Cooper and Springer should be if they’re able to attract top players to add to a good team. Unlike Brantford and Brampton and Barrie, Kingston has no reason to hold anything back for the next season or two. Oshawa is not, and will likely not be a juggernaut.

 

[beastintheeast]

The IceDogs are still relatively young and small; and currently without three of their middle six. There are no easy games for that team.
The only worry for Cooper and Springer should be if they’re able to attract top players to add to a good team. Unlike Brantford and Brampton and Barrie, Kingston has no reason to hold anything back for the next season or two. Oshawa is not, and will likely not be a juggernaut.

Kingston needs to learn how to draft players that can play in the league so that inorder to be good they don't have to do massive trades,
Cooper should be on a 3 year plan where he drafts great talent and makes trades that are not gong to be blockbuster with rent players but players that will be here a couple of years,
next year you will be good butnot great. In two years is the M CUP and hosting that should be the goal of the team.

I am the first to say that the city has the facilities and the fan base to provide a great tournament.
The only thing it has failed to do is have a team that could compete in the league.

S
In 2 years it will be an Eastern team hosting and I think the 2 teams that should be competing are Niagara and Kingston.

 

[dirty12]

Kingston needs to learn how to draft players that can play in the league so that inorder to be good they don't have to do massive trades,
Cooper should be on a 3 year plan where he drafts great talent and makes trades that are not gong to be blockbuster with rent players but players that will be here a couple of years,
next year you will be good butnot great. In two years is the M CUP and hosting that should be the goal of the team.

I am the first to say that the city has the facilities and the fan base to provide a great tournament.
The only thing it has failed to do is have a team that could compete in the league.

S
In 2 years it will be an Eastern team hosting and I think the 2 teams that should be competing are Niagara and Kingston.

The east is due to host, but a Kitchener bid will be tough to beat. It would take massive trades selling and buying similar in magnitude to the Steelheads for Kingston to be ready for ‘27. It would be particularly tough because the host is decided a year in advance.

I think Cooper did have that three year plan; compete with a veteran laden ‘05 group including 3-1sts, and 2 imports. The fronts haven’t replaced Thibodeau and Frasca yet, the team is incomplete.

 

[Generalsupdates]

I did say it looks like the Frontenacs are doing alright, not the Frontenacs are off to a great start. I have a pretty good grasp on the schedule and a fair idea of what the teams are in the eastern conference at least. Yeah, Kingston and Oshawa have it a bit easier than Niagara this season.

This certainly was words... What you're trying to say, who knows! Lol

 

[frontsfan67]

Kingston needs to learn how to draft players that can play in the league so that inorder to be good they don't have to do massive trades,
Cooper should be on a 3 year plan where he drafts great talent and makes trades that are not gong to be blockbuster with rent players but players that will be here a couple of years,
next year you will be good butnot great. In two years is the M CUP and hosting that should be the goal of the team.

I am the first to say that the city has the facilities and the fan base to provide a great tournament.
The only thing it has failed to do is have a team that could compete in the league.

S
In 2 years it will be an Eastern team hosting and I think the 2 teams that should be competing are Niagara and Kingston.

Agree with most of what you’re saying.

Are you aware Kitchener already stated their plans of hosting it in Nov of 2022 per therecord.com.

They traded Rehkopf and are still first in the league. They’re going to be trading these guys like Andonovski, swick, Misaljevic this year and get a kings ransom for all of them. They’re by far the front runner.

Dark horse is Niagara. Kingston can bid but I think it’ll fall short yet again unless they get some real up and coming talent or talents(s) in this coming draft(which again they suck at drafting so I wouldn’t count on that)

 

[leafs4life94]

Wasn't able to watch but looks like yet another poor 3rd period giving up 2 goals in the last 3:30 to let this game to OT, but at least this time they came out on top. Might've left it to the last second in OT, but hey it still counts.

 

[frontsfan67]

Wasn't able to watch but looks like yet another poor 3rd period giving up 2 goals in the last 3:30 to let this game to OT, but at least this time they came out on top. Might've left it to the last second in OT, but hey it still counts.

Shouldn’t have let it get that way to begin with but I’m glad they were finally able to finish the job off in OT. 1/5 now.

6/6 points just how it should’ve gone. Well done but team still has lots of things to learn. This week coming up will be a lot harder. Hopefully they can go 4/6 points but we will see. Vs Ottawa school day game Wednesday. Should win that but who knows as this game was close. Oshawa Friday and then Brampton Saturday.

Also glad they beat Ottawa with a second left lmao nice returning the favour must’ve been a heartbreaker same way fronts lost a few weeks ago with 5 seconds left

 

[zaluty]

With players leaving leagues to come to the OHL in anticipation of NCAA rule changes I hope Cooper has reached back out to Kieran Dervin

 

[leafs4life94]

With players leaving leagues to come to the OHL in anticipation of NCAA rule changes I hope Cooper has reached back out to Kieran Dervin

I was thinking about this earlier too, I'd be exploring all the options out there - Manza, Fimis, Bruno along with Dervin.

I wasn't sure what the timeline on the NCAA changing but the fact that there are some 25/26 commits makes me think it has to happen next summer or else some of these kids could be screwed.

 

[beastintheeast]

Agree with most of what you’re saying.

Are you aware Kitchener already stated their plans of hosting it in Nov of 2022 per therecord.com.

They traded Rehkopf and are still first in the league. They’re going to be trading these guys like Andonovski, swick, Misaljevic this year and get a kings ransom for all of them. They’re by far the front runner.

Dark horse is Niagara. Kingston can bid but I think it’ll fall short yet again unless they get some real up and coming talent or talents(s) in this coming draft(which again they suck at drafting so I wouldn’t count on that)

The challenge for Kitchener is that they are in the West. I think the planners have to consider that there is a definite need to spread it around and rotate it. Every year can not be the West, or owners will start to give the new OHL head his biggest headache yet. I think building a team with that goal should be what Kingston and Niagara need to do, at least then they are going to be building competitive teams.

 

[beastintheeast]

Agree with most of what you’re saying.

Are you aware Kitchener already stated their plans of hosting it in Nov of 2022 per therecord.com.

They traded Rehkopf and are still first in the league. They’re going to be trading these guys like Andonovski, swick, Misaljevic this year and get a kings ransom for all of them. They’re by far the front runner.

Dark horse is Niagara. Kingston can bid but I think it’ll fall short yet again unless they get some real up and coming talent or talents(s) in this coming draft(which again they suck at drafting so I wouldn’t count on that)

I admit that I am a little confused about the NCAA ruling if it happens. Yes we wuill get some good young players on teams.

BUT

The part that screws it up for me is that most players are just getting good at 18, and they start for the most part at the time they are going to NCAA.

How can you build a team on any plan? If you draft NCAA players, you lose a portion of your team to the NCAA just as your team is getting good.

Consider that you get Dervin this year and he plays who are you dropping? What do you do next year when you lose that talent.

You would lose your OA and NCAA players in the same year that gets a little screwy.