Kitchener Rangers 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[dirty12]

I am all for having a fourth OA as a goalie. I can’t see it starting this year as teams have already planned their rosters and it wouldn’t be fair to change this rule just before the season starts. But starting next year I am all for it.

An example would be that Malboeuf could have landed a spot somewhere this year. He could have been an insurance policy / veteran presence for some team.

Plus Canada has been terrible at developing goalie over the last 15 years or so. Give goalies one more year of development.

If the league is changing the rule regarding trading of first year imports prior to the start of the season, why not change a rule regarding OA goalies.

 

[RB76]

Regarding the impending NCAA eligibility rules changes, IMO the CHL could benefit by reducing the nos of overages allowed. No need to see 20yr olds running a 16yr old before they get a chance to develop.

 

[OHL4Life]

Regarding the impending NCAA eligibility rules changes, IMO the CHL could benefit by reducing the nos of overages allowed. No need to see 20yr olds running a 16yr old before they get a chance to develop.

depends, why limit yourself, teams can still have the option of only going limited overages if they want better 16 year olds.

 

[Ref Hannah]

Regarding the impending NCAA eligibility rules changes, IMO the CHL could benefit by reducing the nos of overages allowed. No need to see 20yr olds running a 16yr old before they get a chance to develop.

I humbly disagree! We should be wanting better hockey. Older more mature seasoned players. The big difference here for a player is that NCAA allows for 2 more years of development and 2 more years that NHL teams would own your rights. The NHL wants to level that up across the board, as it benefits them greatly.
If the OHL doesn't get proactive, it will suffer.

 

[RB76]

https://thehockeynews.com/news/ncaa-vs-chl-whats-the-difference-in-the-level-of-play

I found the above recent article interesting discussing the difference between the CHL and the NCAA and what it could become:

"The CHL is traditionally a more free-flowing, skilled league that allows players to develop the dynamic elements of their game. The NCAA is a more structured, physical brand of hockey that allows players to develop their all-around game at both ends of the ice.

That is why the combination of the two – if the NCAA granting CHLers eligibility ever comes to fruition – could ultimately be the best development path for hockey players. It’s why the NCAA route has become increasingly used by young players."

 

[LostRangers]

https://thehockeynews.com/news/ncaa-vs-chl-whats-the-difference-in-the-level-of-play

I found the above recent article interesting discussing the difference between the CHL and the NCAA and what it could become:

"The CHL is traditionally a more free-flowing, skilled league that allows players to develop the dynamic elements of their game. The NCAA is a more structured, physical brand of hockey that allows players to develop their all-around game at both ends of the ice.

That is why the combination of the two – if the NCAA granting CHLers eligibility ever comes to fruition – could ultimately be the best development path for hockey players. It’s why the NCAA route has become increasingly used by young players."

That’s interesting. I recall a conversation with a former Ranger’s team official who talked about a kid they tried to convince coming to the O. Player in question went NCAA, where he learned zero structure. Got drafted to the show, but never got a sniff because he couldn’t understand playing in a structured system. The exact opposite of what this article states.
While some time has passed since that conversation, I can see the NCAA improving based on improved coaching, but the CHL has definitely not regressed.

 

[MJ5]

"The CHL is traditionally a more free-flowing, skilled league that allows players to develop the dynamic elements of their game. The NCAA is a more structured, physical brand of hockey that allows players to develop their all-around game at both ends of the ice.

This is exactly how I see it. I have season tickets for Flint, and season tickets for Michigan State.

While the OHL is a more open game, there is fighting. NCAA is much more physical, and if you throw a punch its a game misconduct. The fighting aspect of the game almost seems ass backwards.

2 very different leagues and styles. Great hockey across the board tho.

 

[Ref Hannah]

That’s interesting. I recall a conversation with a former Ranger’s team official who talked about a kid they tried to convince coming to the O. Player in question went NCAA, where he learned zero structure. Got drafted to the show, but never got a sniff because he couldn’t understand playing in a structured system. The exact opposite of what this article states.
While some time has passed since that conversation, I can see the NCAA improving based on improved coaching, but the CHL has definitely not regressed.

Just like anywhere else...It probably depends on the school and staff. And prior to that, the USHL team and staff.

depends, why limit yourself, teams can still have the option of only going limited overages if they want better 16 year olds.

Or better yet....holding more youngsters back and developing them. Physically and mentally so they don't get their arms broken to pieces or clavicle broken by friendly fire!

 

[GeoBlue]

This is exactly how I see it. I have season tickets for Flint, and season tickets for Michigan State.

While the OHL is a more open game, there is fighting. NCAA is much more physical, and if you throw a punch its a game misconduct. The fighting aspect of the game almost seems ass backwards.

2 very different leagues and styles. Great hockey across the board tho.

Well.........They fight in the pro leagues.

 

[OHL4Life]

Just like anywhere else...It probably depends on the school and staff. And prior to that, the USHL team and staff.


Or better yet....holding more youngsters back and developing them. Physically and mentally so they don't get their arms broken to pieces or clavicle broken by friendly fire!

ok? you see lots of players with broken clavicles in the ohl? is this a pandemic?

 

[Ref Hannah]

ok? you see lots of players with broken clavicles in the ohl? is this a pandemic?

Nope! But if a fourth player gets hurt during preseason activities or practices...you may want to get a mask out!

 

[OHL4Life]

Nope! But if a fourth player gets hurt during preseason activities or practices...you may want to get a mask out!

ok, you do that

 

[Habsrule]

I watched the Montreal Canadiens behind the draft video on YouTube. They were talking about how when they get to the later rounds in the NHL draft that they try to avoid CHL players and prefer to go for NCAA or Europeans players. They said that if you draft a player from the CHL that they only have two years to decide if they want to sign him. But if they draft a player out of the NCAA or Europe that they have a much longer runway of three or four years to sign that player.

With the new rules where CHL players can go to the NCAA route I can see more CHL players getting drafted.

 

[RB76]

I can see the NCAA, CHL and the NHL working together to develop a structured and controlled optimal development path for its players:

CHL / USHL (16-19yrs)
NCAA / CIS (20-23yrs)
AHL / NHL

In theory it would require certain guarantees such as a standard four year agreement for CHL / USHL, exceptions for super elite individuals, NIL changes to allow Canadian athletes to earn, etc., but the result could offer greater opportunities and possibilities for more players.

NIL money is changing the landscape rather quickly. Not saying NCAA Hockey will fully participate but Check out the following from the Athletic:

“We should start by going back to the recruitment of five-star quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who agreed to an unprecedented $8 million NIL deal in 2022 after committing to the Vols. It’s still a big number, but even just two years ago, it made waves. The largest NIL deal anyone had heard of was going to a QB who’d spurned steadier powers for oft-turbulent Tennessee.”

 

[Krangers08]

Some notes from the record
Anstis is out of his sling
Swick is dealing with a UBI at Vegas camp. Vegas wants swick to play another year of junior
sale was not invited to Seattle’s main camp but trying to latch on in the ahl
Still no decision on the OA’s.

 

[EvenSteven]

Interesting about Sale. I said it before and I’ll say it again. I compare his first year in the OHL to that of Mesar who needed a year to get his feet wet in the league. Once he returned for his second season, he was a much better player.

I see the same path for Sale. He didn’t do anything last year to show that he’s too good for this league. I can see Seattle sending him back to Kitchener for his 19 year old season where I feel he would excel now that he has a year of NA hockey under his belt.

 

[Gondrex]

Agree on Sale. Can anyone - who is better informed than me - let us know what Seattle's AHL depth chart looks like?

On a different note, is Kos destined to play for Ilves? I may have missed any official announcement.
*Edit: Never mind, It looks like he's played 2 games already.

 

[OnlyUpFromHere]

Agree on Sale. Can anyone - who is better informed than me - let us know what Seattle's AHL depth chart looks like?

On a different note, is Kos destined to play for Ilves? I may have missed any official announcement.
*Edit: Never mind, It looks like he's played 2 games already.

Scratched G1 and was on the 4th line in G2 today.

Meanwhile, Pobezal was on the 2nd line for Nitra today in their season opener (scored) and Chrenko is playing U20 in Slovakia and has 11 points in 5 games which leads the league.

 

[Krangers08]

Nathan Gaitens made his GOJHL debut and scored on the PP.
Weston Cameron scored shorthanded and now has 3 goals in 3 games
15th round pick Ryder Roberson has AP with Elmira. Has 1 goal and 12 PIM in 2 games. Set to play Waterloo u18 this year.

 

[frontsfan67]

Agree on Sale. Can anyone - who is better informed than me - let us know what Seattle's AHL depth chart looks like?

On a different note, is Kos destined to play for Ilves? I may have missed any official announcement.
*Edit: Never mind, It looks like he's played 2 games already.

They’re pretty damn good. Pretty sure they’ve gone to the AHL finals 2 years in a row. Got a few graduating like wright but a few good ones coming in like goyette, firkus, Nelson etc.

I think Sale would be best in junior like Mesar but what do I know- just a fan lol.

 

[EvenSteven]

I think Sale would be best in junior like Mesar but what do I know- just a fan lol.

I think if Sale were to return, and he ramps up his game, he may draw interest at the deadline. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if interest isn’t there (imports aren’t always easy to move) or if MM can’t get value, we go with him for the duration as the top line LWer.

Move out Swick which means an OA trio of Parsons, Miseljevic, Pugliese. Go with a top line of Sale, Ellinas, Miseljevic, and at least have a pretty good top line in a rebuild year. Using those three as the top line shields the kids from top checking forwards and top pairing D, giving them a better chance to succeed.

 

[Rangers True Blue]

I think if Sale were to return, and he ramps up his game, he may draw interest at the deadline. But I also wouldn’t be surprised if interest isn’t there (imports aren’t always easy to move) or if MM can’t get value, we go with him for the duration as the top line LWer.

Move out Swick which means an OA trio of Parsons, Miseljevic, Pugliese. Go with a top line of Sale, Ellinas, Miseljevic, and at least have a pretty good top line in a rebuild year. Using those three as the top line shields the kids from top checking forwards and top pairing D, giving them a better chance to succeed.

By move out, you mean trade Swick, yes? The picks would be nice. Same with Ando when the time comes which should garner some solid picks.

A respectable season while rebuilding would be ideal. I can't see Rangers at the bottom but should be a good, growing season for them. I hope the fans are ready for this....

 

[EvenSteven]

By move out, you mean trade Swick, yes? The picks would be nice. Same with Ando when the time comes which should garner some solid picks.

A respectable season while rebuilding would be ideal. I can't see Rangers at the bottom but should be a good, growing season for them. I hope the fans are ready for this....

I see this season as the 08-09 season was. But, even though we missed the playoffs that year, there will be so many subpar or rebuilding teams in the West this year, I believe we would have to try really hard to miss the playoffs. As much as I’d like that top four pick in the first round, I’m not holding my breath.

Yes, I’d move Swick and Andonovski for big return but in truth, as I’ve said, I don’t see us getting true value for Sale. So there’s nothing wrong with him being returned here and playing out the season in Kitchener. We’re about developing players as well as trying to build a winning team. Allowing him top minutes in all situations on a rebuilding team would be good for his development.

 

[rangersblues]

I see this season as the 08-09 season was. But, even though we missed the playoffs that year, there will be so many subpar or rebuilding teams in the West this year, I believe we would have to try really hard to miss the playoffs. As much as I’d like that top four pick in the first round, I’m not holding my breath.

Yes, I’d move Swick and Andonovski for big return but in truth, as I’ve said, I don’t see us getting true value for Sale. So there’s nothing wrong with him being returned here and playing out the season in Kitchener. We’re about this team the pldeveloping players as well as trying to build a winning team. Allowing him top minutes in all situations on a rebuilding team would be good for his development.

I don't see missing the playoffs but I do see the similarities.

 

[Krangers08]

Parsons starts, Stark draws in. 10 forwards 7 Defenders