Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part I

[three dog night]

A good part of a lack of fans is fans bashing the team and owner.

Let's remember, we've come a long way and we finally have a team that we can be proud of and cheer for. It's a time for support and pride, not criticism.

Did he make mistakes when he first joined the team? Yes, but did the OHL do him any favours with their punishments and fines? NOT A CHANCE.

Remember, we have a young team with some promising stars who are here to entertain us. Yes, there were challenges and the team's performance was not up to par in the past, but let's focus on the potential and the bright future ahead.

It's important to remember that Sunday afternoon games are a shared experience among many OHL teams. Teams like Ottawa and Kingston have been dealing with this for as long as they've been around. We're not alone in this.

Enjoy what you have cheer for them and tell everyone about the great coaching and the players that are going to be stars so that others want to attend.

I swear this could be a team that is Guaranteed and M CUP birth and winning every game and some of you would still be bashing them.

Don't forget there are other cities that would love to have your team that are not presently OHL cities how will you feel if they move

They can’t move for a few years and where too

 

[knowescape]

They can’t move for a few years and where too

Even if the owner paid up the lease in full and left, there would be someone else chomping at the bit to fill the vacancy. It's not like OHL hockey isn't right for Niagara. We have the fans and the facility.

It is funny in other threads I have been called MISTER GLOOM AND DOOM and I am near the level of some people on here.

Some people mistake honesty for pessimism.

 

[beastintheeast]

Even if the owner paid up the lease in full and left, there would be someone else chomping at the bit to fill the vacancy. It's not like OHL hockey isn't right for Niagara. We have the fans and the facility.

A lot of other cities thought the same thing BUT that is not my point. When the Burkes were forced to sell from what I have read there were not a lot of people breaking down the doors to buy the team.

But that was not my point my point was that you are complaining about eh owner and the team. Think what it would be like if he had not bought the team.

As I said before a lot of people complained about Doug Springer in Kingston but if it was not for him the Fronts probably would not be in Kingston right now. Owning a jrB team is a lot different than and OHL team add to that all the crap that the players put the ownership through with their bullying.

My point is give the guy a break. He has finally found a good coach, has a GM that while a novice he will learn much as Cooper in Kingston is.

Enjoy the team. Do not look for issues that right now are not there. You guys have an awesome lineup that is going to also be good next year.

At the beginning of the year, none of you would have thought that

Flores would shine in nets
Van Vliet would be a plus-9 defender
Losho would still be here you guys had all heard the rumour that he was to be traded to Barrie

Based on the way these guys are playing, when Bryant came back, something had to happen.

If you kept Bryant who do you get rid of with the team on this run?

Otawa is in the same boat the difference would be tht we think everything has been explained to the players but still when Stonehouse comes back something has to give..

 

[Dogs Enthusiast]

They can’t move for a few years and where too

Where to, that is fantastic point.

Even with our lower attendance we will sell more tickets than several teams. This team is never leaving and if it did, another franchise would relocate or a new franchise would be granted.

 

[frontsfan67]

Niagara in a last place finish got 9th place out of 20 teams attendance wise. Year before 7th out of 20 teams.

It’s rocky right now sure but when people realize you guys likely make the playoffs I’m sure you’ll get more people out that didn’t want to watch a last place team.

Next year you guys I’m sure jump back into the top 5-7 per game again when you’re making that run

 

[three dog night]

After a 4 to 3/win Friday night in Sarnia the Icedogs fell,short in Windsor 2 to 1 before 5,062 fans in Windsor a good effort tonight despite playing three in three nights. Next game Tuesday night at Peterborough.

 

[three dog night]

Hope Tuesday not a let down game

 

[OHLTG]

After a 4 to 3/win Friday night in Sarnia the Icedogs fell,short in Windsor 2 to 1 before 5,062 fans in Windsor a good effort tonight despite playing three in three nights. Next game Tuesday night at Peterborough.

One of the better games I've seen this season. Niagara should be seriously proud of their roster; competed hard, didn't give Windsor an inch at times, and Flores was outstanding. He literally stood on his head at times (the stacked pad save drew a loud gasp from the crowd).

 

[Sam14]

I disagree that it was similar to last year. There is a noticeable decline in physical attendance and this is especially troubling if indeed it was a voucher night.

That was voucher night. $10.00 and not the usual $2.00 as in past years.

...and it’s very unlikely that any on ice success is going to move the attendance meter much. The causal fans and group numbers remain constant every season regardless if the IceDogs are winning or losing.

The attendance problem is the result of the large number of lost STHs. Their concerns or unwillingness to support this owner is more complex than simply winning a few games and making the playoffs for a first round exit. The cost-cutting measures and continuous mismanagement of assets are a couple of the primary reasons STHs will not support this owner.

Any success the IceDogs have this year or next is limited and capped by the lack of draft currency to turn any of those teams into true OHL championship contenders with a roster that looks like Brantford, Oshawa, Brampton or Barrie. Too many other teams have or are collecting draft currency to augment and strengthen their team for deep playoff runs when it's their window(s).

 

[Countyview]

I’m reasonably new to this site but I have a couple of early observations. I see a lot of negativity here and while every one is entitled to their opinion I can’t help but think a lot of you are missing some hard work and good hockey right under your noses while you play amateur GM. I always thought that fans should cheer and management should manage. If you have already reconciled yourself to failure you will certainly achieve it. This is a new team with exciting young players and a new highly qualified coaching staff. Why overlook what’s happening right in front of you by getting lost in elements you have no control over. In the end you are only short changing yourself.

 

[knowescape]

I’m reasonably new to this site but I have a couple of early observations. I see a lot of negativity here and while every one is entitled to their opinion I can’t help but think a lot of you are missing some hard work and good hockey right under your noses while you play amateur GM. I always thought that fans should cheer and management should manage. If you have already reconciled yourself to failure you will certainly achieve it. This is a new team with exciting young players and a new highly qualified coaching staff. Why overlook what’s happening right in front of you by getting lost in elements you have no control over. In the end you are only short changing yourself.

Actually there are many positive posts on here. Most followers are extremely complimentary on the play of many in the lineup. It is probably the best assembly of players we've had in a decade.

Some discussion forums only allow members to speak about issues or performance with an upswing. Nothing constructive, nothing analytical that doesn't have a rainbow at the end or anything perceived as negative - even if it is true. On those forums, any contrary viewpoints are banned. Heck, it isn't happening just on Facebook either. Journalists who ask difficult questions, or write articles without the requisite amount of pom-pom waving get kicked to the curb by the organization itself.

So personally, I don't mind an opposing point of view. I enjoy the discussion and at times I learn things. Other times, I have helped other people see a different side of an issue than when they first started. I think this is healthier than blind fanaticism.

I have been a fan of OHL hockey in Niagara since the days of the Flyers. I contributed extensively on the original and replacement forums and yet still there were days where people far smarter than me made me pause and reexamine an issue I thought I was right about.

People like Fishfan51 and Blacksox regularly provided opposing insight that made me scratch my head and wonder. Even a character like StinkyPete made me want to take a look at why I thought something was right or wrong. I got schooled plenty.

Hang around arenas long enough and you will hear many opposing viewpoints. Some right, some wrong, some even a little negative at times. The thing is, if we all felt the same, everyone would have the same player's jersey on and there'd be nothing to discuss.

Welcome to HF and please, if you disagree with anything I say - call me on it. I'll do the same and maybe we'll both get a little wiser.

 

[Sam14]

Braidy Wassilyn competing in the World U17 Challenge (Nov 3-8). Team Red #12.

It’s unfortunate that “Hockey Canada” relies almost exclusively on players’ draft positions to select the rosters. If anyone from HC had been scouting the early games, Max Crete is most likely added to the roster. Crete has been outstanding and 2nd in OHL rookie goals. Wassilyn 3rd in rookie scoring.

 

[Dog Fan]

Braidy Wassilyn competing in the World U17 Challenge (Nov 3-8). Team Red #12.

It’s unfortunate that “Hockey Canada” relies almost exclusively on players’ draft positions to select the rosters. If anyone from HC had been scouting the early games, Max Crete is most likely added to the roster. Crete has been outstanding and 2nd in OHL rookie goals. Wassilyn 3rd in rookie scoring.

View attachment 923378

Max plays a similar game to Brendon Gallagher. He will be a consistent player due to his elite work ethic. Thank you HC for not selecting him and leaving him on the IceDogs roster.

 

[WorkHardEveryShift]

Hockey Canada historically relies on high draft picks. Such a joke. They need to stop being lazy and scout the players

 

[dirty12]

Hockey Canada historically relies on high draft picks. Such a joke. They need to stop being lazy and scout the players

There are probably more CHL first round selected forwards than roster spots. I’m not sure all can be accurately scouted after just 10 major junior games.

 

[three dog night]

Any word on Paris and Assurdorian

Petes down three forwards Bryant may play next week

 

[the dog]

Injuries starting again 3 now forwards

 

[dogs777]

Injuries starting again 3 now forwards

2 forwards injured Wassilyn is at the under 17 tournament

Any word on Paris and Assurdorian

Petes down three forwards Bryant may play next week

assadourian is apparently day to day along with Robertson Paris is a ? But I remember seeing somewhere after it happened coach said it might be awhile

 

[Sam14]

2 forwards injured Wassilyn is at the under 17 tournament


assadourian is apparently day to day along with Robertson Paris is a ? But I remember seeing somewhere after it happened coach said it might be awhile

According to Ben, they are planning to be without those two for an extended period of time.

 

[Countyview]

According to Ben, they are planning to be without those two for an extended period of time.

Reinforcement on the way. Stay tuned.