Kitchener Rangers 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 4)

[All the Answers]

I think this is a good news story for the Rangers.
Do they have Jussi Ahokas locked up long term too? If not get r done and start planning for that Memorial Cup bid..

I believe he is through next year with options on 3 and 4. I'm guessing pro teams will come calling...

 

[bobber]

I believe he is through next year with options on 3 and 4. I'm guessing pro teams will come calling...

I think Jussi has to show he can win on a consistent basic before moving on to pro. Deboer had one of the best winning percentages in junior before moving on after a few years. My hope is that Jussi has some input on the type of team him and his staff want on the ice at the Aud.

 

[EvenSteven]

DeBoer turned down head coaching jobs at the AHL level and assistant coaching jobs at the NHL level while biding his time / building his resume waiting for a head coaching job in the show.

Let’s hope Jussi does the same.

 

[bobber]

DeBoer turned down head coaching jobs at the AHL level and assistant coaching jobs at the NHL level while biding his time / building his resume waiting for a head coaching job in the show.

Let’s hope Jussi does the same.

If Jussi turns out to be near as good as Deboer it bodes well for the franchise here. Guess we wait and see if him and his staff can hang a banner or two. I think he needs a couple of seasons to get use to the hockey played here in the OHL. The CHL is arguably the best junior league in the world so it's a step up IMHO. Not many junior leagues have players that step right into the NHL within a year or two.

 

[rangersblues]

If Jussi turns out to be near as good as Deboer it bodes well for the franchise here. Guess we wait and see if him and his staff can hang a banner or two. I think he needs a couple of seasons to get use to the hockey played here in the OHL. The CHL is arguably the best junior league in the world so it's a step up IMHO. Not many junior leagues have players that step right into the NHL within a year or two.

A big reason for Deboer's success in junior was he both GM and coach. He answered to nobody and was able to acquire the players he wanted. Unfortunately Jussi doesn't have that luxury.

 

[Coaches Coroner]

A big reason for Deboer's success in junior was he both GM and coach. He answered to nobody and was able to acquire the players he wanted. Unfortunately Jussi doesn't have that luxury.

You have to be genuinely good at both though for it to work out. Spott had that Luxury.

 

[Krangers08]

Starting today. CHL players can sign ELC’s
(Would slide to the start of next year)

 

[bobber]

One of the top players in the 2024 draft is Hage's younger bro. MM will likely steer clear of this player.

 

[East Avenue Bully]

One of the top players in the 2024 draft is Hage's younger bro. MM will likely steer clear of this player.

I am intrigued by the prospect Maximus Crete, mainly because of his name.

Five to Watch for the 2024 OHL Priority Selection - Ontario Hockey League

Providing an in-depth focus on five more top young players eligible for the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

chl.ca

 

[bobber]

I am intrigued by the prospect Maximus Crete, mainly because of his name.

Five to Watch for the 2024 OHL Priority Selection - Ontario Hockey League

Providing an in-depth focus on five more top young players eligible for the 2024 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore.

chl.ca

The problem with a name like Maximus if he doesn't perform at the Aud they will call him Minimus and want to put him in a crate.

 

[Jives]

Can’t read Josh brown article on Martin. When does he say Martin is expected back?

 

[rangersblues]

Can’t read Josh brown article on Martin. When does he say Martin is expected back?

Others might be more optimistic but I'd say it's still very much up in the air from the article.

 

[K2]

When does he say Martin is expected back?

Martin to Josh: “London would be a great test not only for our team, but also for my first game back.”

One of the top players in the 2024 draft is Hage's younger bro. MM will likely steer clear of this player.

Agreed, certainly not without some concrete, advance assurance. I've been lucky to see Michael play twice this season and he's really become a standout player for the Steel despite missing most of last season after a preseason shoulder injury and unexpectedly losing his dad last Summer. Can't imagine the impact of losing a parent on Michael & Alexander or Hunter & Henry B in their teens; it was brutal for me in my 50s.

 

[robertmac43]

What's a realistic goal for this team right now in the standings? Do people think we can end up jumping into third by seasons end?

 

[HockeyPops]

To catch the Soo, Kitchener needs to go down the stretch with at least .300 MORE THAN THE SOO. So, if the Soo finishes their last 11 games at .500, Kitchener would need to finish their last 10 at .800 to tie. Not sure who would win the tie break.

 

[Offside by a mile]

What's a realistic goal for this team right now in the standings? Do people think we can end up jumping

I don't see it happening. Kitchener would have to go 9-1 and the Soo 6-5 down the stretch. I think 4th is where we'll land, which as a fan with 10 games left it honestly feels like a bit of an uneventful finish to the season. I hope the boys don't go flat. On another hand It may give us a bit of lineup flexibility to rest some bumps and bruises all while getting the 13/14 fwd and 7th D man some ice time down the stretch.

 

[robertmac43]

I don't see it happening. Kitchener would have to go 9-1 and the Soo 6-5 down the stretch.

Yeah that's a big ask.

Hopefully we can come in rested and ready for the first round. I would love to see this team go on some kind of run. I feel more attached to this squad then those of the past few seasons.

 

[Offside by a mile]

Marty is back in the lineup tonight. !!! That needs it's own headline.

But Adrian is also back. So that's good news.

Marty playing on the 3rd line with Ellinas and Romano i'm hearing.

Lam and Stark Scratches.

Man i hate the Knights. Lets piss pump these guys tonight!!

 

[HockeyPops]

Lam and Stark Scratches.

Is Lam a healthy scratch? If so I am shocked.

 

[East Avenue Bully]

Is Lam a healthy scratch? If so I am shocked.

Lam has skill, but he's still a smaller kid. Physical teams like the Knights give him fits, esp w a bit of the extra contact after the play when the refs aren't watching.

Not complaining, it's part of the game. I'd do the same.

He just needs to grow a mite and get used to it.

 

[HockeyPops]

I guess, although in my (limited) viewings he does a great job getting to the greasy areas. Obviously more strength will make a huge difference, but even so he has been incredibly effective when I have watched him.

 

[Offside by a mile]

Is Lam a healthy scratch? If so I am shocked.

I believe he is healthy unless something has happened at practice this week i'm unaware of.

I'm a big Lam fan but IMO Romano has outplayed him the last month. If you told me that would be the case in December i would have laughed at you, i think Romano took longer to adjust and we're just seeing the Tip of the Iceberg when it comes to his overall game.

Don't get me wrong i think Lam is an absolute stud, but we don't need what he brings to the table as much as we need what Romano brings on our 3rd line. Faceoffs/bigger body/200 ft player.

 

[EvenSteven]

With Martin back, the justification of keeping him over Schmidt or bringing in another OA D begins tonight.

No pressure.

 

[bobber]

Martin to Josh: “London would be a great test not only for our team, but also for my first game back.”


Agreed, certainly not without some concrete, advance assurance. I've been lucky to see Michael play twice this season and he's really become a standout player for the Steel despite missing most of last season after a preseason shoulder injury and unexpectedly losing his dad last Summer. Can't imagine the impact of losing a parent on Michael & Alexander or Hunter & Henry B in their teens; it was brutal for me in my 50s.

Watched Young Hage in the Ranger rookie camp. Kid is a special player for sure. Heads and tales ahead of every player in the camp. Made something happen every shift. I lost my father in my early 20's hits the family hard. Michael Hage is ranked in the 1st round of the NHL draft this year. Kid has amazing vision. Sorry to here these players lost their fathers so young.

 

[bobber]

I believe he is healthy unless something has happened at practice this week i'm unaware of.

I'm a big Lam fan but IMO Romano has outplayed him the last month. If you told me that would be the case in December i would have laughed at you, i think Romano took longer to adjust and we're just seeing the Tip of the Iceberg when it comes to his overall game.

Don't get me wrong i think Lam is an absolute stud, but we don't need what he brings to the table as much as we need what Romano brings on our 3rd line. Faceoffs/bigger body/200 ft player.

I think Lam being a light weight type player it's best to spot him into the line up here and there. He does get knocked around because he goes into the dirty areas to make plays. He will be a great player in a couple of years here at the Aud.