Kitchener Rangers 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 5)

[bobber]

Down at the camp this morning. Only about three goals scored . Play is always scrambly in these camps with players trying their best to be noticed. The two first rounders looked decent and made some nice plays. Tanner Lam was the most noticeable of players drafted. Kid was all over the ice. One free agent 5'6" Luke Breadner reminded me of Petizian. Not suree if the heights and weights are correct on the sheet. The goalies never had much work in this scrimmage. Not a lot of shots directed at the net. Bottineau scored a goal. 2nd rnd pick Artem Narbekov also looked decent. I certanily am the last person to have scouting players.

 

[three dog night]

Some rumblings of Niagara becoming a comunity run team if the Icedogs owner sell what are the pros and cons.

 

[rangersblues]

Down at the camp this morning. Only about three goals scored . Play is always scrambly in these camps with players trying their best to be noticed. The two first rounders looked decent and made some nice plays. Tanner Lam was the most noticeable of players drafted. Kid was all over the ice. One free agent 5'6" Luke Breadner reminded me of Petizian. Not suree if the heights and weights are correct on the sheet. The goalies never had much work in this scrimmage. Not a lot of shots directed at the net. Bottineau scored a goal. 2nd rnd pick Artem Narbekov also looked decent. I certanily am the last person to have scouting players.

For me it's probably more important to see how the previous years players compete against the age group. You'd like to think there's a lot of progress and they would be dominant.

 

[bobber]

For me it's probably more important to see how the previous years players compete against the age group. You'd like to think there's a lot of progress and they would be dominant.

Bottineau was noticeable but not to the degree you would think. I guess some of the junior B players stand out a bit against the younger players. Hard to get a read on the potential with so many missed passes and players not being use to playing together. I thought the kid picked up on waivers( Brady Hamlin) looked solid in this group. Also free agent Russian Gleb Akimov. Stark is a smooth skater and will probably fit in nicely once he gets acclimated to the speed and size of the OHL. Take this with a huge grain of salt from an old half blind codger.

 

[EvenSteven]

Down at the camp this morning. Only about three goals scored . Play is always scrambly in these camps with players trying their best to be noticed. The two first rounders looked decent and made some nice plays. Tanner Lam was the most noticeable of players drafted. Kid was all over the ice. One free agent 5'6" Luke Breadner reminded me of Petizian. Not suree if the heights and weights are correct on the sheet. The goalies never had much work in this scrimmage. Not a lot of shots directed at the net. Bottineau scored a goal. 2nd rnd pick Artem Narbekov also looked decent. I certanily am the last person to have scouting players.

I took in the morning scrimmage as well.
The four signed player came as advertised. Lam will need to put on some bulk though.

Outside those four, I thought our 4th rounder MacNeil looked good. I liked the physicality of Hlacar and Hiln. Akimov looked like he belonged but as an 05, he was one of the older players today.

I thought both goalies looked good but as you said, not a lot of action for them.

It’s hard to get a read on everyone though. It’s one thing to evaluate three or four rookies in the lineup but when everyone on the ice needs your attention, it’s tough.

 

[GeoBlue]

Some rumblings of Niagara becoming a comunity run team if the Icedogs owner sell what are the pros and cons.

Pros......lots of stability for the team staying put, lots of money to be made to donate to charities, and if you sell enough tickets, you get a banner for the fans hanging in the rafters. Cons..........winning is never a priority as long as there are butts in the seats, stuck with paying lifetime season tickets for numerous directors and VIP's and scouting staff is hired via nepotism.

 

[Tim Wallach]

Watching the development camp, the level was quite even. Lots of kids showed something, few stood out for good or bad reasons.

On the negatives, I didn’t think either U18 draft pick looked up to the task. Both struggled positionally and with the physical play.

I thought the top few draft picks all looked solid. Particularly I thought Stark plays a mature game with his head up and making strong reads. I concur with Even Steven that MacNiel looked like a player. Won’t play this year due to the 16 year old limit but will down the road. Good size, strong skater.

On surprises, I loved the mean game Hlacar brought. He was physical and ornery and still made some plays. He is the element the team has missed for years and if you’re going to add depth, it has to bring something like that to the table. The fact he played mostly with Stark and Bottineau suggests he may be getting a more serious look than free agent invites often do. He and Akimov were the two FA invites that looked like they may add something.

 

[Petes1987]

You’re right about Don Luce, but I was talking about his son, and Griffin’s father, Scott. The goalie.

Scott Luce Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com

Statistics of Scott Luce, a hockey player from London, ONT born Sep 20 1968 who was active from 1984 to 1992.

www.hockeydb.com

In regards to Dallas Eakins. First off if Dallas was to decide to take a job in the OHL I would like him to become the coach of the Petes if Rob Wilson moves on to the pros after the Petes incredible playoff run this year. He is a former Pete and was possibly the best captain in my memory the Petes have ever had. To speak to his skill level. I have not followed his NHL career closely but I did follow his career with the Toronto Marlies and he was an excellent coach at that level. He also played for the legendary Petes coach, Dick Todd for his OHL career. Dick was the best coach of his era. Dallas is a similar style coach to Dick (at least with the Marlies). I think he would make an excellent OHL head coach.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

I too was the Saturday morning game but not the night one. Will be there for the 3rd and final game this morning.

Saturday morning.......understanding that other then Bottineau, these are all players in lower leagues....not OHL.....but they were fun to watch. Bots was cruising most of the game.....letting the rookies etc the opportunity....but his goal in the 3rd was a beauty.

Defelice and Maillet in goal. Both from last year and solid. When they were challenged, they rose to the occasion and Maillet made a couple of outstanding saves that caused those in the Aud to OOOOOOOOOOO. Rangers do have the goalie situation well in hand for the future it seems. Didn't see the two new goalies but they played last night. Might see them again today.

ROMANO and LAM. Simply...WOW. Romano is everywhere and you'll love Lam...he's pesky, smart, and energized. 1-0 thx to their goal. Later, when Romano had a breakaway. Lam put on the jets and sped up the other wing. Romano passed and Lam just hit the inside of the post and crossbar. Those two are dynamic together and always noticeable when they're on the ice.

STARK is a gem...especially where Rangers landed him. Should have gone higher in the draft but I'm glad he didn't. McGurn....he's a go getter....quick...and aggressive. Liked him a lot for what that's worth.

Hlacar....should be nick named Hitman. He unloaded a couple of times. I would sure like to see him in the lineup but not so sure Rangers will go for grit.
I commented on Xhekaj last year and look where that got me. lol

REID And MCNEIL....D pairing...#1 and #4 picks...can see why they were drafted. Reid is big...smooth...and confident. I can see why he went as a #1.

Terrance and Cernakovic from last year....big and take care of business.

More to watch this morning. Then a long wait until main camp where we'll see how our rookies stand up against their older and more seasoned team mates.

 

[Gondrex]

Watching the development camp, the level was quite even. Lots of kids showed something, few stood out for good or bad reasons.

On the negatives, I didn’t think either U18 draft pick looked up to the task. Both struggled positionally and with the physical play.

I thought the top few draft picks all looked solid. Particularly I thought Stark plays a mature game with his head up and making strong reads. I concur with Even Steven that MacNiel looked like a player. Won’t play this year due to the 16 year old limit but will down the road. Good size, strong skater.

On surprises, I loved the mean game Hlacar brought. He was physical and ornery and still made some plays. He is the element the team has missed for years and if you’re going to add depth, it has to bring something like that to the table. The fact he played mostly with Stark and Bottineau suggests he may be getting a more serious look than free agent invites often do. He and Akimov were the two FA invites that looked like they may add something.

I also saw much of what has been already posted here. Good info.

On Akimov, he was the one - other than perhaps the top-end recent draft picks - who appeared to be OHL-ready in IMO. I am guessing that since he played in Ontario, he could be signed to a non-import card ? I could be dead wrong. Any clarification from anyone ? In a way it's too bad he's an '05 instead of an '06. IMO sooner or later we're going to need to plug some '06 holes to compensate for lack of success at last year's draft table. I was hoping Terrence and McGurn might be part of that solution. Don't know. Guess we'll see.

I too like the size and physical play of Hlacar. I'm hoping they bring him back in the fall for an X-game to see if he is capable at this level. In the mean time, I think a summer of some power skating sessions could only help his chances IMO.

To maybe add here, I did like the skating and offensive play of '07 D-men McLennan and Meireles. In my view, they appeared to be a couple of good late round picks. Maybe a year at a lower level of hockey, plus (hopefully) a bit of a growth spurt for these two somewhat "smallish" players would go a long way for their chances next season. Just one more observation to throw out there.

 

[Gondrex]

..........ROMANO and LAM. Simply...WOW. Romano is everywhere and you'll love Lam...he's pesky, smart, and energized. 1-0 thx to their goal. Later, when Romano had a breakaway. Lam put on the jets and sped up the other wing. Romano passed and Lam just hit the inside of the post and crossbar. Those two are dynamic together and always noticeable when they're on the ice............

It is hard to gauge these kids at a rookie camp. Really, having Bottineau on the ice is one of the few yard sticks to go by this weekend. However, I agree that it does appear that both Lam and Romano come as advertised (I like Reid of course too). Lam, to me, has the potential to become flashy and dynamic player in this league down the road. As he gets physically bigger and stronger I think will only help.

 

[Tim Wallach]

To maybe add here, I did like the skating and offensive play of '07 D-men McLennan and Meireles. In my view, they appeared to be a couple of good late round picks. Maybe a year at a lower level of hockey, plus (hopefully) a bit of a growth spurt for these two somewhat "smallish" players would go a long way for their chances next season. Just one more observation to throw out there.

Good call here Gondrex. I liked both of these D as well. Not the biggest guys but smooth skaters who kept the game simple and hit the most obvious breakout passes without overthinking it. Similar style to Motew in some ways.

 

[EvenSteven]

No doubt the signed four are players period. What I’m trying to do is zero in on who the unexpected “finds” are. FA’s or previously drafted players who could play for us this next season.

So far I see Akimov and Hlacar as good bets to get invites to the main camp. I didn’t see the 6pm skate but will take in today’s. This will be the last opportunity for the hopefuls to get on the Ranger’s radar. Should be interesting.

 

[bobber]

The win over the Spits, the draft and the rookie camp are the highlights of the season for Ranger fans. Nice to see some future players at the camp. The drafted players certainly take priority over free agents when deciding who makes the roster in the fall. No harm in looking for a diamond. There weren't a lot of players signed from last years draft but this year they did hit the nail on the head. The interest now is focused on a new coach and MM deciding on which moves he decides to make now in a rebuild. I hope they change their model going forward from whatever we saw the last two seasons to something more exciting for fans in the stands.

 

[EvenSteven]

Took in today’s scrimmage. For me, I think we may want to get Hlacar’s name to paper lest he go the way Florian Xhekaj did. Liked Akimov again today. I thought Besner was good today. I liked Cardiff as well. Is this former Thunder and Ranger Mark’s son? Hamlin had a good day I thought.

As far as ‘07’s for 24-25, MacNeil again looked good. Schneider looked good and the size is there. I can see these two breaking camp in September ‘24. MacNeil especially.

I’ll say again. Our four signed ‘07’s are top shelf IMO. Pretty goal by Romano today. Can’t wait til September!

 

[Rangers True Blue]

Took in today’s scrimmage. For me, I think we may want to get Hlacar’s name to paper lest he go the way Florian Xhekaj did. Liked Akimov again today. I thought Besner was good today. I liked Cardiff as well. Is this former Thunder and Ranger Mark’s son? Hamlin had a good day I thought.

As far as ‘07’s for 24-25, MacNeil again looked good. Schneider looked good and the size is there. I can see these two breaking camp in September ‘24. MacNeil especially.

I’ll say again. Our four signed ‘07’s are top shelf IMO. Pretty goal by Romano today. Can’t wait til September!

I was there too. Hlacar on a line with Stark and Bottineau. H is an invite. 6'3 194 lbs. He can hit and hit hard. But he's also in on the play and contributes. Rangers currently have no player like him. Someone the competition will not enjoy playing against. We could call him the Hitman. Will the Rangers look at some grit?

Romano could be the new Pinelli....maybe even better with time. He pulled a dangle that started forward then backwards then forwards. Effortless and smooth. They separated Romano and Lam in the first. I found that Lam didn't have line mates as skilled but he still worked out there!! Knows how to avoid big checks by big guys. Sure he needs to grow a bit and certainly, bulk up but his skill level is off the chart.

Reid our other #1 pick great in his end but also likes to get into the action...driving to the net and creating havoc then back into position. They paired him with MacNeil #4 again. They worked well together.

Besner should get another look. There's upside to him for sure. Terrance (D) and McGurn (F) from the 22 draft would be some nice adds.

We'll see in a few months. NEXT UP...........a new, dynamic coach!

 

[Lokalhockeyfan]

After taking in this morning skate and reading all the comments I have to agree that Akimov & Hlacar stood out and can have an impact at this level. Adding these two players does add some size and grit to a forward group that needs it. With these guys added it does make it easier to move Martin for picks weather the trade is in the summer or during the season. I have below a list of returning/eligible players. I know Mesar is a question mark to return and I left Lam off the top four lines. I would like to see him play Jr. B next season to get top 6 minutes and put up points!! He looks like he could be dynamic creator for the years to come and I would hate to see him on the 4th line getting limited minutes. Romano & Stark look like the real deal and could make a great 1 2 punch up the middle in a couple years with Romano being a great offensive player and Stark being a 200ft complete player.

We are a few months away from training camp but this is how I see the lines/depth chart for our forward group today:

Martin (OA) Rehkopf (05) Mesar (Import 04)
Swick (04) Sop (OA) Bottineau (06)
Misaljevic (04) Mercer (05) Romano (07)
Hlacar (06) Stark (07) Akimov (05)

Extras: Morey (05), Pugliese (04), Lam (07), McGrun (06)

 

[Ward Cornell]

So who's going to start the Sheldon Keefe as the Rangers new HC with Adam as his assistant coach rumour?

 

[bobber]

So who's going to start the Sheldon Keefe as the Rangers new HC with Adam as his assistant coach?

Coming from a Hab fan this is an interesting statement. Why not? Keefe despite the Leaf play off loss was a great OHL coach and Adam was a heart and soul player that left it all on the ice every shift. Won't happen but great to dream. Imagine going from Dennis to and NHL coach. At the very least I can find where the Keefe's actually played hockey somewhere. Kidding. Don't want to get into that issue again.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Coming from a Hab fan this is an interesting statement. Why not? Keefe despite the Leaf play off loss was a great OHL coach and Adam was a heart and soul player that left it all on the ice every shift. Won't happen but great to dream. Imagine going from Dennis to and NHL coach. At the very least I can find where the Keefe's actually played hockey somewhere. Kidding. Don't want to get into that issue again.

I wasn't a fan of the Keefe hiring as a Leaf fan. His history with Frost is just too hard for me to overlook.

 

[bobber]

I wasn't a fan of the Keefe hiring as a Leaf fan. His history with Frost is just too hard for me to overlook.

Yes Coroner I agree. Always appreciate your point of view. Sometime we have a tendency to over look the past when we see someone having some measure of success. I doubt we see him in junior again anyway. From what I read about him in the past he did have quite an ego and a swollen head. Even admitted he acted like an ass at times. Sometimes that stuff is still buried deep in the catacombs of the mind and apologies are weak at best.

 

[Slowpace]

I wasn't a fan of the Keefe hiring as a Leaf fan. His history with Frost is just too hard for me to overlook.

Would have never happened if Shanahan made the right choice for GM.
IMHO, that, and not keeping Lamierello around for a while as a mentor for Mark Hunter, are the root of the problems. As a Knights fan, I'm glad he screwed up, but time to replace Shanahan.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

Would have never happened if Shanahan made the right choice for GM.
IMHO, that, and not keeping Lamierello around for a while as a mentor for Mark Hunter, are the root of the problems. As a Knights fan, I'm glad he screwed up, but time to replace Shanahan.

Eh Hunter had a bad run at the draft here, and Lam was giving away 2nds for 4th liners like they were nothing, inking Matt Martin's to too much money (even though I really liked him). Mark's amazing at the OHL level, but that success didn't translate at the NHL level in the role he was given. Not that Dubas is good and not to say things aren't dire and embarrassing, but to say that I don't think Mark and Lou were going to be "the answer" either IMO.

 

[DeletedAccountt]

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[EvenSteven]

Eh Hunter had a bad run at the draft here, and Lam was giving away 2nds for 4th liners like they were nothing, inking Matt Martin's to too much money (even though I really liked him). Mark's amazing at the OHL level, but that success didn't translate at the NHL level in the role he was given. Not that Dubas is good and not to say things aren't dire and embarrassing, but to say that I don't think Mark and Lou were going to be "the answer" either IMO.

At least one thing is 100% for sure, no way Lou caves to the core four’s salary demands. Dubas rolled over and gave them what they wanted. As a result, he handcuffed the organization salary cap wise.

Had Lou been running the show, at least
Willy, Austin and Mitch are making 1.5 to 2mil less. That saving goes a long way to getting them a decent top pairing D.

As a Habs fan, at the time, the words “We can and we will” brought music to my ears!