Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I

[the dog]

How did Flores look? I heard from a few people there he was up to his old tricks trying to start stuff with Brantford players if I’m Ben I’d make a few changes from the team that played today and he’s one of them Robertson is my #1

It was branford player that started to yap at him first

 

[Dog Fan]

DD had preliminary discussions about moving the IceDogs to another city when he purchased the team. Fortunately there was no way to break the lease, unless the city of St. Catharines allowed him to break the lease. However when the lease expires in 2034, who knows what will happen. I think ultimately his goal is to own an OHL team in Brantford.

If his goal is to have an OHL team in Brantford, why doesn't he swap his team for the Brantford team. I'm pretty sure the Bulldogs owner would love an opportunity to turn the IceDogs ship around.

 

[Dog Fan]

Niagara IceDogs Announce Hockey Operations Changes - Niagara IceDogs

NIAGARA, ON – The Niagara IceDogs have announced changes to their Hockey Operations department. Damon Racicot has been promoted to Senior Advisor, Dan Mckeen has been promoted to Director, Player Personnel while resuming his role as Video Coordinator and Marc Slawson has been hired as an...

chl.ca

This is a nightmare! The same people that lead Brantford teams to 5-43 records are now given more responsibility after missing the playoffs every year they have been associated with the IceDogs.

 

[bigsportsfan]

If his goal is to have an OHL team in Brantford, why doesn't he swap his team for the Brantford team. I'm pretty sure the Bulldogs owner would love an opportunity to turn the IceDogs ship around.

That would be ideal.

 

[Petes1987]

That would be ideal.

Not for the fans in Brantford. I think they would prefer to keep the Bulldogs and their three OHL Championships.

 

[Dog Fan]

Not for the fans in Brantford. I think they would prefer to keep the Bulldogs and their three OHL Championships.

They would keep their team, it would only be an owner trade.

 

[three dog night]

Not for the fans in Brantford. I think they would prefer to keep the Bulldogs and their three OHL Championships.

Did not win a championship in Brantford.

 

[Petes1987]

Did not win a championship in Brantford.

You are correct but the franchise has won one in Belleville and two in Hamilton.

They would keep their team, it would only be an owner trade.

I don’t the Bulldog fans going to want that either.

 

[Kingpin794]

You are correct but the franchise has won one in Belleville and two in Hamilton.

No one ever claims stuff like that. Flint isn't claiming Plymouth's OHL title. Saginaw isn't claiming any of the old North Bay stuff etc etc.

 

[beastintheeast]

Man this sounds so much like Kingston
It is not funny.

The point to all these is so that the owner can make people feel good instead of a raise he gives them a title.

Springer dids the same thing

 

[the dog]

This is a nightmare! The same people that lead Brantford teams to 5-43 records are now given more responsibility after missing the playoffs every year they have been associated with the IceDogs.

So now we have 2 senior advisors?

 

[Sam14]

So now we have 2 senior advisors?

Well, the Niagara team can never have too many unpaid Senior Advisors.

It’s funny how the IceDogs consider Bruce calling his son Ben everyday to discuss hockey warrants an official Senior Advisor title.

 

[Sam14]

Hf boards has lacked an IceDogs’ presence to circumvent discussions and evaluations of decisions, transactions and trades in isolation and without context.

So here are some IceDog facts…

2022-23
Owner DeDobbalaer told IceDog fans, “this team should never go through a rebuild.” (red flag); appoints himself GM (red flag); hires a failed Jr.B coach (red flag); employs a league low 5 scouts (red flag); immediately begins the revolving door of players (red flag). RESULT: Back to back last place finishes (white flag).

2023-24
DDD announces a proper rebuild around an 07-08 core and another Mem-Cup bid in 26-27. Fans cautiously optimistic. Trades: IceDogs add draft picks and a few 06s (2022 3rd D – Cheynowski; 2022 2nd F - Wray; 2022 4th D - Virgilio) to potentially become 06-OAs in 26-27. Allowing them to bank draft capital to spend on a couple of NHL drafted players like a Barlow, Rehkopf, Andonovski, Bertucci - type player in 26-27. Right move…smart move.

2024 PRIORITY DRAFT
The 2008s: IceDogs both benefitted (Braidy Wassilyn) and hindered by their in-bed relationship with player agent John Walters. Regardless, they came away with two key pieces for the 07-08 rebuild (Wassilyn and Crete). GM Wes Consorti, “the 2008s are a nice complement to our outstanding 2007 draft class and we’re excited to see their development this season”.

2024 AUGUST 18
The 07-08s 26-27 MEM-CUP D CORE has potentially TWO 06-OAs Cheynowski and Virgilio (2nd Pairing); ONE 07 Frolov (1st Pairing); ONE 08 Frasca (ceiling 3rd pairing) AND to be serious contenders ONE 1st pairing 07 NHL Drafted D required (cost of ONE…e.g., Bertucci 3x2rd, 3x3rds). IceDogs are heading in the right direction.

2024 AUGUST 19
… “the mandate right now is to make sure we make the playoffs”. Wait! WTF! 07 Frolov + 2nd, 3rd, 3rd out and 06 Brauti in. The roster construct problems 2026-2027: D CORE: IceDogs potentially THREE 06-OAs (NEED 2); ZERO 07s; ONE 08 D (third pairing) AND to be serious contenders at least TWO 07s NHL drafted (cost of Bertucci x 2 - 6x2nd, 6x3rd); a cost they can’t afford.

2024 AUGUST 20
OHL championship teams are built around a long range plan; strategic demographic planning; astute trades; shrewd management of draft picks (e.g., pushing draft picks forward); ability to recruit high-end talent and success at the OHL Priority Draft. Instead, DeDobbalaer recklessly disposes of young players and high draft picks, simply to fulfill … “the mandate right now is to make sure we make the playoffs”.

Additional information for IceDog fans to lend some assistance in assessing Hockey Operations decisions regarding any incoming and outgoing player movement, along with their management of draft capital.

Here is a three year look at the IceDogs roster configuration (core players) moving towards the IceDogs’ Mem-Cup Bid in 2026-2027 (and their current playoff mandate).

DRAFT CAPITAL (As of September 12, 2024)
09s - 2025: - , 3, 4, 4,
10s - 2026: 2, 3, 4,
11s - 2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
12s - 2028: 2, 3, 4,
NOTE: Frolov deal included a 2025 2nd round pick, which will leave Niagara without a 2nd rd 2009.

2024-2025 (Playoff Mandate)
FORWARDS
OA - 04 Gavin Bryant (INJ - Returning)
OA - 04 Andrei Loshko (IMPORT)
05 Alex Assodorian
05 Mike Levin
05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
06 Andrew Vermeulen (roster status unclear)
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn

DEFENCE
OA - 04 Noah Van Vliet
05 Andrew Wycsik (INJ – Status unknown)
05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
OA - 04 G Owen Flores
05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries


2025-2026
FORWARDS
OA - 05 Alex Assodorian
OA - 05 Mike Levin
OA - 05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles

DEFENCE
OA - 05 Andrew Wycsik (?)
OA - 05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
OA - 05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries

2009 - ROOKIES: 1st, 3rd, 4th


2026-2027 (MEM-CUP BID)
FORWARD
OA - 06 Kevin He
OA - 06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles

DEFENCE
OA - 06 Matthew Virgilio
OA - 06 Jack Brauti
OA - 06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
08 Matt Humphries

2009 - YEAR 2: 1st, 3rd, 4th
2010 - ROOKIES: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4
2030: 2, 3, 4,

 

[Dogs Enthusiast]

Thanks for that summary Sam14.

Nice to see some refugees from the now defunct Dogs message board here.

 

[I Loveallsports]

Additional information for IceDog fans to lend some assistance in assessing Hockey Operations decisions regarding any incoming and outgoing player movement, along with their management of draft capital.

Here is a three year look at the IceDogs roster configuration (core players) moving towards the IceDogs’ Mem-Cup Bid in 2026-2027 (and their current playoff mandate).

DRAFT CAPITAL (As of September 12, 2024)
09s - 2025: - , 3, 4, 4,
10s - 2026: 2, 3, 4,
11s - 2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
12s - 2028: 2, 3, 4,
NOTE: Frolov deal included a 2025 2nd round pick, which will leave Niagara without a 2nd rd 2009.

2024-2025 (Playoff Mandate)
FORWARDS
OA - 04 Gavin Bryant (INJ - Returning)
OA - 04 Andrei Loshko (IMPORT)
05 Alex Assodorian
05 David Levin
05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
06 Andrew Vermeulen (roster status unclear)
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn

DEFENCE
OA - 04 Noah Van Vliet
05 Andrew Wycsik (INJ – Status unknown)
05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
OA - 04 G Owen Flores
05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries


2025-2026
FORWARDS
OA - 05 Alex Assodorian
OA - 05 David Levin
OA - 05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles

DEFENCE
OA - 05 Andrew Wycsik (?)
OA - 05 Blair Scott
06 Matthew Virgilio
06 Jack Brauti
06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
OA - 05 G Charlie Robertson
08 G Matt Humphries

2009 - ROOKIES: 1st, 3rd, 4th


2026-2027 (MEM-CUP BID)
FORWARD
OA - 06 Kevin He
OA - 06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn
08 Charlie Hotles

DEFENCE
OA - 06 Matthew Virgilio
OA - 06 Jack Brauti
OA - 06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca

GOALIE
08 Matt Humphries

2009 - YEAR 2: 1st, 3rd, 4th
2010 - ROOKIES: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4
2030: 2, 3, 4,

Think you meant Mike Levin*

 

[three dog night]

IceDogs Complete Trade: Vermeulen to Rangers - Niagara IceDogs

NIAGARA, ON – The Niagara IceDogs have acquired a 2028 9th Round Pick (KIT) in exchange for Andrew Vermeulen. Full Trade: Niagara Receives: 2028 9th Round Pick (KIT) Kitchener Receives Andrew Vermeulen (LW) Vermeulen, a native of Selkirk ON was originally selected in the 4th round by the Niagara...

chl.ca

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

IceDogs Complete Trade: Vermeulen to Rangers - Niagara IceDogs

NIAGARA, ON – The Niagara IceDogs have acquired a 2028 9th Round Pick (KIT) in exchange for Andrew Vermeulen. Full Trade: Niagara Receives: 2028 9th Round Pick (KIT) Kitchener Receives Andrew Vermeulen (LW) Vermeulen, a native of Selkirk ON was originally selected in the 4th round by the Niagara...

chl.ca

Too bad it didn't work. Could have used his size, but too many bodies up front.

 

[Sam14]

Too bad it didn't work. Could have used his size, but too many bodies up front.

He had the size, but unfortunately, his skating issues plagued his development as an OHL player. Relocating him was in the works over a month ago, so I’m glad to see Kitchener step up.

If you look at the roster, this wasn’t a case of too many bodies, as they are now down to 11 F until Bryant returns or 10 if Loshko gets an ELC while at Seattle's rookie camp. I fully expect a couple of trades, to fill out the roster to 14 F before the season opener. Stay tuned.

 

[dogs777]

He had the size, but unfortunately, his skating issues plagued his development as an OHL player. Relocating him was in the works over a month ago, so I’m glad to see Kitchener step up.

If you look at the roster, this wasn’t a case of too many bodies, as they are now down to 11 F until Bryant returns or 10 if Loshko gets an ELC while at Seattle's rookie camp. I fully expect a couple of trades, to fill out the roster to 14 F before the season opener. Stay tuned.

They have 12 without Bryant unless you aren’t counting Crete either because he hasn’t played as for lashko he’s probably still here this year

 

[dogs777]

He had the size, but unfortunately, his skating issues plagued his development as an OHL player. Relocating him was in the works over a month ago, so I’m glad to see Kitchener step up.

If you look at the roster, this wasn’t a case of too many bodies, as they are now down to 11 F until Bryant returns or 10 if Loshko gets an ELC while at Seattle's rookie camp. I fully expect a couple of trades, to fill out the roster to 14 F before the season opener. Stay tuned.

 

[Sam14]

They have 12 without Bryant unless you aren’t counting Crete either because he hasn’t played as for lashko he’s probably still here this year

OA - 04 Gavin Bryant (INJ - Returning)
OA - 04 Andrei Loshko (IMPORT)
05 Alex Assodorian
05 Mike Levin
05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
06 Andrew Vermeulen (roster status unclear... NOW IT IS
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn

 

[dogs777]

OA - 04 Gavin Bryant (INJ - Returning)
OA - 04 Andrei Loshko (IMPORT)
05 Alex Assodorian
05 Mike Levin
05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
06 Andrew Vermeulen (roster status unclear... NOW IT IS
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn

OHL app has Rafek Dianov on the roster he’s played in every game so far in preseason. You might be right when you said they don’t have too many bodies on the roster but they did have too many bodies that could and probably should play every night when healthy

 

[Sam14]

OHL app has Rafek Dianov on the roster he’s played in every game so far in preseason. You might be right when you said they don’t have too many bodies on the roster but they did have too many bodies that could and probably should play every night when healthy

They moved on from Stewart and Vermulaen for a reason. Dianov's 16 games of OHL experience is nothing more than a preseason roster player, for a team that is serious about squeezing into 8th. I fully expect some trades, using more draft capital unnecessarily, to upgrade F 10-13.
A trade with London must be in the works, there is no way Mark Hunter came to town last week to just hang out with Darren.
We also know of the pending trade with Barrie, perhaps a depth player will be attached to the mid-round pick the IceDogs are getting for Import Gabriel Eliasson.

 

[dogs777]

They moved on from Stewart and Vermulaen for a reason. Dianov's 16 games of OHL game is nothing more than a preseason roster player, for a team looking to squeeze into 8th. I fully expect some trades, using more draft capital unnecessarily, to upgrade F 10-13.
A trade with London must be in the works, there is no way Mark Hunter came to town last week to just hang out with Darren.
We also know of the pending trade with Barrie, perhaps a depth player will be attached to the mid-round pick the IceDogs are getting for Import Gabriel Eliasson.

I don’t know why Stewart isn’t around anymore but you move vermeulen to let Crete play pretty much every game if he can stay healthy and Dianov comes out once Bryant is back you might be right about trading for another player but I’d rather see them just bring back someone like Eric He for that role as far the pending eliasson trade it’ll be the pick and maybe the rights to the goalie that didn’t show up for them

 

[tdot]

OA - 04 Gavin Bryant (INJ - Returning)
OA - 04 Andrei Loshko (IMPORT)
05 Alex Assodorian
05 Mike Levin
05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He
06 Mason Wray
06 Andrew Vermeulen (roster status unclear... NOW IT IS
07 Ryan Roobroeck
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn

Any idea on where eric he is playing this year? Not listed on NYR ojhl roster and not on the icedogs pre season roster