I actually think that for the 21/22 season, it did serve a purpose. I believe that it was implemented to screw over the Burke family and the IceDogs organization one more time for causing so much embarrassment to the league. It gave the OHL the ability to ensure that Michael Misa would not go to Niagara and ensure continued futility for the IceDogs. As much as I can’t stand Branch, I don’t blame him for wanting to stick it to Niagara one more time.
Niagara IceDogs 2022-23 Off-Season Thread
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Wolf on a Wire
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- Sep 18, 2022
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Sova seems a lock for an OA season and Erie has 2-3rd and a 4th round picked D that will be 19 that year. Besides, Erie’s GM should be extorting some sort of compensation for ‘passing’ on Schaefer?
Stan should be able to get his [BIG D] with the 1st pick of round 4, maybe another with Erie’s 2nd pick in round 4 or the 5th round.
I like this trade. We get the extra pick for future trades to enhance the roster prior to the bid for the 27 Memorial Cup. We have another 3rd round pick this year.
dkl
Registered User
2nd Overall: C Ryan Roobroeck (London Jr. Knights)
5th Overall: C Ethan Czata (Mississauga Rebels)
28th Overall: D Artem Frolov (Vaughan Kings)
Can't be mad at that at all. Had to do what you had to do to get a commit at 5, but I'm liking what I see from Czata. Makes you wish we could've had the Roob bros. together though
5th Overall: C Ethan Czata (Mississauga Rebels)
28th Overall: D Artem Frolov (Vaughan Kings)
Can't be mad at that at all. Had to do what you had to do to get a commit at 5, but I'm liking what I see from Czata. Makes you wish we could've had the Roob bros. together though
The Icedogs do need D, and there were a few big D to choose from. At least one team would have had to put Reid a Colgate commit playing Jr on their draft list to make him eligible; Niagara must really like him and have a commitment.
I understand what you are saying but I can't help thinking that our GM is reaching on this one. Couldn't he have waited for the under 18 draft?
No, to be eligible for U18 draft a player must have played U18 hockey. I have never seen the kid play, but I think a Colgate commit with a good year in jrB would a good use of a 3rd pick; especially considering how few 2006 born prospects the Icedogs have.
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Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
Does anyone know if Frolov would be considered an Import? I'm assuming not if he was in this draft
Well, we just drafted another forward in the 4th round...I guess we are going into next year with Cato, LeBlanc, Ride, Vannetten, Runco, Wycisk and a 16 year old Frolov on Defence. I don't think that group will strike fear in the opposition on any given night.
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
If Cato even plays.
I believe the owner stated they have a d-man in mind at the import draft? If they do that, I would also look into a cheap overage guy if possible.
The big question marks for next year are Michaud and Flores. Assuming Michaud does his overage year, and Flores doesn't ask out, the team will have decent fire power up front and reliable goaltending.
If they get a high import D-man, and a decent veteran...and if Ride takes the step forward that I think he will, it could be okay as well.
If the owner doesn't get trade happy again, they should at least get back into the playoffs and earn some respect back.
GermanSpitfire
EU Video Scout for McKeen’s | Rest Easy #13
Niagara picks Kevin He’s brother, Eric in round 8
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
We still have an import draft and crazy trades from our owner to survive, but here's a rough look at the roster right now. I'm assuming at this point that Cato is done.
Waddick-Michaud*-Rooberick
He-Assadourian-Lavoie
Copeland-Leblanc-Agostinelli*
Czata-Podolioukh-Reid
Ride-Leblanc
Wycisk-Vannetten
Frolov-Runco
Flores
Jones
Forwards:
For a rebuilding team, this is a rather strong top 6 (assuming Michaud returns). I like Rooberick playing with these two vets. The 2nd line had some strong moments together last year. They could be great if He takes the step forward that some scouts are anticipating. Hoping the 4th line players push the 3rd liners down. I'm fine if Agostinelli doesn't return in favour of a young player getting ice time.
This group shouldn't be touched this summer. Just let them grow.
Defense:
Yikes! That 'top pair' is a low end, barely passable 2nd pair. If Ride takes a strong step forward, it becomes an OKAY 2nd pair. Two things happening could change this nightmare situation.
First, bringing in a quality 17 year old dman with their high import draft pick.
Second, either hope Cato returns healthy, or you make a move for the best affordable 19/20 year old d-man available. Between that and the import pick, you're hopefully pushing the entire depth chart down a pair. That would make this group JUST passable for a rebuilding team.
Goaltending:
Flores is solid. Scouts I have talked to agree. He gave the team a chance on more nights than most give him credit for. Jones also shows some promise coming into his 2nd year. I have no issues with the goaltending going into next year.
Final Assessment:
If the owner just leaves this team alone. Brings in a quality dman in the import draft, and a cheap vet if Cato can't return, this group should squeeze into the 7/8 slot for the playoffs. I just don't have faith in him doing the right thing...
Waddick-Michaud*-Rooberick
He-Assadourian-Lavoie
Copeland-Leblanc-Agostinelli*
Czata-Podolioukh-Reid
Ride-Leblanc
Wycisk-Vannetten
Frolov-Runco
Flores
Jones
Forwards:
For a rebuilding team, this is a rather strong top 6 (assuming Michaud returns). I like Rooberick playing with these two vets. The 2nd line had some strong moments together last year. They could be great if He takes the step forward that some scouts are anticipating. Hoping the 4th line players push the 3rd liners down. I'm fine if Agostinelli doesn't return in favour of a young player getting ice time.
This group shouldn't be touched this summer. Just let them grow.
Defense:
Yikes! That 'top pair' is a low end, barely passable 2nd pair. If Ride takes a strong step forward, it becomes an OKAY 2nd pair. Two things happening could change this nightmare situation.
First, bringing in a quality 17 year old dman with their high import draft pick.
Second, either hope Cato returns healthy, or you make a move for the best affordable 19/20 year old d-man available. Between that and the import pick, you're hopefully pushing the entire depth chart down a pair. That would make this group JUST passable for a rebuilding team.
Goaltending:
Flores is solid. Scouts I have talked to agree. He gave the team a chance on more nights than most give him credit for. Jones also shows some promise coming into his 2nd year. I have no issues with the goaltending going into next year.
Final Assessment:
If the owner just leaves this team alone. Brings in a quality dman in the import draft, and a cheap vet if Cato can't return, this group should squeeze into the 7/8 slot for the playoffs. I just don't have faith in him doing the right thing...
What is the injury that kept Cato out most of the season?
With 20(2, 3, 4) picks over the next four years, the Icedogs imo should have Michaud and two good OA D up until the deadline while looking to acquire ‘06 and/or ‘05 D from wannabe contenders.
With 20(2, 3, 4) picks over the next four years, the Icedogs imo should have Michaud and two good OA D up until the deadline while looking to acquire ‘06 and/or ‘05 D from wannabe contenders.
I think the term rebuilding should be used lightly. Out of the 20 players you listed, 8 of them are either 19 or 20 year olds. They are likely to add another OA and maybe even another 19 year old or two so you could be losing 7 or 8 players after this season.
Who are you counting?
Michaud for sure. Possibly Cato, probably not Agonestelli or Rosenzweig. All four of Leblanc, Leblanc, Flores, Lavoie are future OAs. Klein and Vannetten are essentially place holders.
The 2024-25 Icedogs likely have ~20 returnees. I can see Niagara counting cards closely again this coming season.
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The defensemen we have on next years team better take a major step forward or we will have a similar record to this past year. I just don't see how we get the puck out of our own end.
Leblanc & Ride will be good this season, excellent the next imo. The others, well there’s 20(2-4) picks to address that
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
Why? Why can't a rebuilding team have a few decent 19/20 year olds to help ease the rookies in?
Michaud for example. If Rooberick and Assadourian look like they hold their own at C by the deadline, you might trade Michaud and let the kids take over. But in the beginning, he's there so the young kids don't have to struggle as much.
dkl
Registered User
Good news for us:
“We have one commitment in the European draft from a defenceman and we’re trying to get another commitment from another high-end defenceman,” -GMDD via Bill Potrecz
Of course, we have kind of been conditioned to be underwhelmed, but at least reinforcements are on the way. It also pretty much spells the end to Valdemar William Hull, which is a surprise to no one.
Mcnotloilersfan
I'm here, I'm bored
From what I have
They could have signed him as a free agent and not wasted the pick
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