Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I

[Sam14]

Makes total sense that London is 8 places in front of us in the OHL power rankings.

OHL Power ranking factor the roster strength first along with the W/L record. London is a good example, their roster features 11 (mostly high) NHL drafted players. Niagara has 2 NHL drafted players.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

I would prefer if we didn't do this trade ... or any trades. This team has gelled.

Agreed. And there will be some ugly patches still in this season. Next year is the year to move assets for players. He, Roobroeck, Czata and Wassilyn will be that much better.

 

[knowescape]

Tied at 1 after 1. Crazy number of penalties against us.

There are 2 closed concession stands.

It's going to get worse.

 

[Sam14]

Agreed. And there will be some ugly patches still in this season. Next year is the year to move assets for players. He, Roobroeck, Czata and Wassilyn will be that much better.

With Kevin He transitioning to OHL elite, I understand why fans might suggest that path. However, the lack of planning by hockey ops is exactly the frustration of the STHs who have bailed on DDD.

If you look at how the IceDogs’ roster is constructed (25-26 and 26-27); number of draft picks in the cupboard; the NHL draft talent required by the contenders; the IceDogs can’t get to the point (without doing something drastic) where they are good enough next year or the year after, as a result of DDD asset mismanagement. The IceDogs are currently playing for the moment not the future. As an example, look at the contending teams that will be challenging for the Eastern Championship (see pg.7 Post #166). Those teams all have or will have around 8 NHL drafted players on their roster by the deadline.

If the IceDogs had not traded away youth and draft picks; shown the ability to recruit players, the IceDogs would be in a much better situation to identify and execute a target year(s).

DRAFT CAPITAL
25: 2, 3, 4, 4
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4
27: 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4
28: 2, 3, 4
+ 07 A.Frolov; 05 U.Podrekar; + SIGN IMPORT 06 D - Gabriel Eliasson



This earlier post outlines the challenge (roster talent; age construct; draft capital) facing the IceDogs attempting any type of go for it year…neither roster over the next two years will resemble the roster of an OHL contender like (e.g., London, Brampton, Oshawa, Brantford, Barrie) in terms of high-end NHL talent (or draft picks).

CURRENT AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2025: - , 3, 4, 4,
2026: 2, 3, 4,
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
NOTE: Frolov deal included a 2025 2nd round pick, which will leave Niagara without a 2nd rd 2009.


2025-2026
FORWARD
OA - 05 Alex Assodorian
OA - 05 David Levin
OA - 05 Mathieu Paris
06 Kevin He (NHL DRAFTED)
06 Mason Wray
06 Sean Doherty
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

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

AVAILABLE DRAFT CAPITAL
2026: 2, 3, 4,
2027: 2, 3, 4, 4
2028: 2, 3, 4,
2029: 2, 3, 4,




2026-2027 (MEM-CUP BID) OA - 06 Kevin He (Playing Pro AHL/NHL)
FORWARD
OA - 06 Mason Wray
07 Ryan Roobroeck (PROJECTING NHL DRAFTED)
07 Ethan Czata
07 Ivan Galiyanov
08 Max Crete
08 Braidy Wassilyn (PROJECTING NHL DRAFTED)
08 Charlie Hotles
DEFENCE
OA - 06 Matthew Virgilio
OA - 06 Jack Brauti
OA - 06 Callum Cheynowski
08 Nick Frasca
GOALIE
08 Matt Humphries

2009s - YEAR 2: 1st, 3rd, 4th
2010s - 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]

It's going to get worse.

Nah, that is about the bottom of attendance numbers for this year. Last year we had a few games worse that that.

 

[Dogs Enthusiast]

Tough game last night. Still at the top of the Conference but He is now second for points.

Need a big game tomorrow at home against Kingston. It looks like a bigger crowd than Thursday.