Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I

Sam14

Registered User
Mar 28, 2018
349
273
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).

PRE-TRADES 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,
 
Last edited:

Mcnotloilersfan

I'm here, I'm bored
Jul 11, 2010
11,317
5,547
Niagara
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,
So to start, my expectation from scouts that I have spoken with, is that Czata will be drafted (later round pick unless his offense picks up). The expectation for the 2026 NHL draft is that Roobroeck is a guaranteed top 10, possibly top 5 pick. Wassilyn is a 1st rounder, Crete and Galiyanov likely get drafted. He as a 19 year old will be one of the best players in the CHL.

The forward group next season will be contender worthy. You might just add some tweeks to really beef up that middle 6.

I'd argue to be considered the favourite in the conference, they need to add 4 pieces to the team for 2025-26.

1A Goalie
1st pair dman
2nd pair dman
Middle six forward with size and scoring

Between their import picks, and shopping around the league for discounted over-agers, I hope they can use those avenues to fill two of those holes.

The biggest trade required IMO will be for that high end dman. That deal will have to be done toward the deadline, because it will have to include whoever we select in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Yes, our owner has hindered us with terrible asset management - we could have been a contender this year and a juggernaut next year with proper management.

However, I absolutely see a path to this team having a real shot at winning the league next season.
 
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dirty12

Registered User
Mar 6, 2015
10,031
4,378
So to start, my expectation from scouts that I have spoken with, is that Czata will be drafted (later round pick unless his offense picks up). The expectation for the 2026 NHL draft is that Roobroeck is a guaranteed top 10, possibly top 5 pick. Wassilyn is a 1st rounder, Crete and Galiyanov likely get drafted. He as a 19 year old will be one of the best players in the CHL.

The forward group next season will be contender worthy. You might just add some tweeks to really beef up that middle 6.

I'd argue to be considered the favourite in the conference, they need to add 4 pieces to the team for 2025-26.

1A Goalie
1st pair dman
2nd pair dman
Middle six forward with size and scoring

Between their import picks, and shopping around the league for discounted over-agers, I hope they can use those avenues to fill two of those holes.

The biggest trade required IMO will be for that high end dman. That deal will have to be done toward the deadline, because it will have to include whoever we select in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Yes, our owner has hindered us with terrible asset management - we could have been a contender this year and a juggernaut next year with proper management.

However, I absolutely see a path to this team having a real shot at winning the league next season.
I'd wait on the D; Brauti, Virgilio, Wycisk, Cheynowski can be a legit top 4 at 19-20 yrs old.
 

Sam14

Registered User
Mar 28, 2018
349
273
So to start, my expectation from scouts that I have spoken with, is that Czata will be drafted (later round pick unless his offense picks up). The expectation for the 2026 NHL draft is that Roobroeck is a guaranteed top 10, possibly top 5 pick. Wassilyn is a 1st rounder, Crete and Galiyanov likely get drafted. He as a 19 year old will be one of the best players in the CHL.

The forward group next season will be contender worthy. You might just add some tweeks to really beef up that middle 6.

I'd argue to be considered the favourite in the conference, they need to add 4 pieces to the team for 2025-26.

1A Goalie
1st pair dman
2nd pair dman
Middle six forward with size and scoring

Between their import picks, and shopping around the league for discounted over-agers, I hope they can use those avenues to fill two of those holes.

The biggest trade required IMO will be for that high end dman. That deal will have to be done toward the deadline, because it will have to include whoever we select in the first round of the 2025 draft.

Yes, our owner has hindered us with terrible asset management - we could have been a contender this year and a juggernaut next year with proper management.

However, I absolutely see a path to this team having a real shot at winning the league next season.
I do love the optimism but realistically a lot of what would have to happen next year is wishful thinking (NHL Draft; Import Signing; bargain OAs), while the other teams are prepared, planned and set up for success. Nothing in his play last year and this year, would indicate he will be drafted but for the sake of argument lets say Czata is a late round NHL pick, that really doesn’t move the needle.

OHL championship teams are built very differently. IceDogs do not have the talent pool in the right age groups or the draft assets to assemble a roster like these teams...and other than Kingston the other 3 teams are working on a two year championship window the IceDogs can’t match.

This is what a potential championship roster looks like in the OHL...

BRAMPTON
ROSTER:
6 NHL DRAFTED PLAYERS
CORE PLAYERS:
04 D
- Stevie Leskovar (NHL MIN 24 RD 6); Spencer Sova
05 F - Carson Rehkopf (NHL SEA 23 RD 2); Angus MacDonell (NHL DAL 23 RD 6); Luke Misa (NHL CAL 24 RD 5); Mason Zebeski; Adam Zidlicky; D – Finn Harding (NHL PITT 24 RD 7);
06 – F Porter Martone (NHL 1st Rd Project 2025); Jack Van Volsen; Lucas Karmiris; Martin Vaculik IMPORT; D – Parker Von Richter; Jakub Fibigr IMPORT (NHL SEA RD 7)
07 - G Jack Ivankovic
DRAFT CAPITAL
25
: 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 5
27: 3, 4, 5, 5
28: 2, 2, 5


BARRIE
ROSTER:
8 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
04 F
Jelsma, Beau (ATO PITTS ); Dalyn Wakely (NHL EDM 24 RD 6);
05 F Brad Gardiner (NHL DAL 23 RD 3); D Beau Akey (NHL EDM 23 RD 2); Tristen Bertucci (NHL DAL 23 RD 2); Grayson Tiller; G Sam Hillebrandt
06 F Cole Beaudoin (NHL UTAH 24 RD 1); Riley Patterson (NHL VAN 24 RD 4); Emil Hemming SIGNED (NHL DAL 24 RD 1); Bode Stewart; Carter Lowe; D G.Eliasson IMPORT (NHL OTT 24 RD 2); Aitcheson, Kashawn
DRAFT CAPITAL
25
: 2, 3, 4, 5, 5
26: 3, 4, 5, 5
27: 2, 4, 4, 5
28: 4, 5

BRANTFORD
ROSTER:
7 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
OA-04 F
PatrickThomas (NHL WSH 23 RD4); Ben Bujold; Zak Lavoie;
05 F Nick Lardis (NHL CHI 23 RD 3); Cole Brown (NHL NJ 23 RD 6); D Noah Roberts
06 F Marek Vanacker (NHL CHI 24 RD 1); Luca Testa; D Owen Protz (NHL MON 24 RD 4); Adam Jiricek IMPORT (NHL STL 23 RD 1); G – Ryerson Leenders (NHL BUFF 24 RD 7);
07 F Jake O’Brien;
DRAFT CAPITAL
25
: 3
26: 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5
27: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5
28: *3, *4, *5



KINGSTON
OSTER:
7 NHL DRAFTED
CORE PLAYERS:
04
*G Nolan Lalonde (NHL CLB ELC); Cedrick Guindon (NHL MON 22 RD 4)
05 F – Ethan Miedema (NHL BUF 23 RD 4); Luke McNamara; Matthew Soto; Tuomas Uronen IMPORT (NHL VGK 23 RD 6); 05 D Quinton Burn (NHL STL 23 RD 3); Cal Uens; Maleek McGowan; Emil Pieniniemi IMPORT (NHL PITT 23 RD 3); G Mason Vaccari
06 F Jabob Battaglia (NHL CAL 24 RD 2); D Vann Williamson
DRAFT CAPITAL
25
: 3, 4, 5
26: 2, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5
27: 2, 3, 5, 5
28: 2, 2, 2, 2*, 3, 3, 3, 4


Here is what the IceDogs look like in 2025-2026...believe me I wish it were different but this roster is not winning a championship. They have a 1st round pick to trade along with enough assets to add maybe two elite players....leaving the draft cupboard dangerously barren. Plus, you have 2 or 3 teams (Brantford, Barrie and Brampton) in the East starting with strong rosters, with the ability to become even stronger with their 1st round pick to trade and more draft assets.

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 (NHL DRAFTED ??)
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,
 
Last edited:
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Sam14

Registered User
Mar 28, 2018
349
273

Generalsupdates

@GeneralsUpdates on Twitter
Sep 4, 2017
7,464
4,613
Have heard that the Gens are kicking tires on Gavin Bryant if Dylan Roobroeck isn't sent back to the OHL, as Bryant is close to returning and it looks like NIA will go Flores, Loshko, Van Vliet as OAs
 

Sam14

Registered User
Mar 28, 2018
349
273
Have heard that the Gens are kicking tires on Gavin Bryant if Dylan Roobroeck isn't sent back to the OHL, as Bryant is close to returning and it looks like NIA will go Flores, Loshko, Van Vliet as OAs
Quality player and individual. Gavin would be a great addition to the Gens already strong roster! Not the best idea for the IceDogs but we’re used to that
 
Last edited:

Mcnotloilersfan

I'm here, I'm bored
Jul 11, 2010
11,317
5,547
Niagara
Sorry Sam that post is just far too exhausting in pessimism. I've been around with seasons tickets since day 1. They won't be as deep as the 2011-12 team, (really should have won that year) but I think they compare to a lot of other contenders when looking at next season. I think you're failing to look at growth in a lot of our players. My "optimism" is supported by scouts I talk to, especially in regards to the NHL draft.


As far as Bryant goes, this might unfortunately be the path forward now. NVV is too important on the backend, Loshko is dynamic offensively, and the Coach just declared out loud that Flores is their guy in net.
 

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