Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season, Part II

[Dogs Enthusiast]

The loss last night was partly my fault. I missed half the game and couldn't cheer them on.

Weird start time today, 530. Hopefully resume our winning ways. I promise I will cheer harder.

 

[Sam14]

I’m not sure Roobroek has to be traded. There is certainly risk in early graduation, but not so great that the team needs to panic and rush things as Brampton has.

Until his play in recent weeks, I was never concerned of possibly losing Ryan Roobroeck after the 2026 NHL draft, however, it’s now a concern that can’t be disregarded.

RR size, ability and late birthdate resembles the trajectory of another player who had similar size, ability and late birthdate that went directly into the NHL after being selected 3rd overall in the 2023 NHL draft, Adam Fantilli.

After the year, Roobroeck puts together next year (which could be huge), hard not to imagine RR going in the top 4 and directly into the NHL, as Fantilli did in a similar situation.

 

[dirty12]

Until his play in recent weeks, I was never concerned of possibly losing Ryan Roobroeck after the 2026 NHL draft, however, it’s now a concern that can’t be disregarded.

RR size, ability and late birthdate resembles the trajectory of another player who had similar size, ability and late birthdate that went directly into the NHL after being selected 3rd overall in the 2023 NHL draft, Adam Fantilli.

After the year, Roobroeck puts together next year (which could be huge), hard not to imagine RR going in the top 4 and directly into the NHL, as Fantilli did in a similar situation.

Fantili played against men in NCAA though. And once signed, he cannot return to NCAA. Also a bit different than Roobroek, Martone, McTavish; Fantili was eligible for AHL.
The point is there is time to let it play out. Don’t panic add like Brampton because Roobroek might graduate early; the IceDogs may or may not be top contenders at the next deadline, and Roobroek may be no more ready for full-time NHL than Martone.

 

[Sam14]

Fantili played against men in NCAA though. And once signed, he cannot return to NCAA. Also a bit different than Roobroek, Martone, McTavish; Fantili was eligible for AHL.
The point is there is time to let it play out. Don’t panic add like Brampton because Roobroek might graduate early; the IceDogs may or may not be top contenders at the next deadline, and Roobroek may be no more ready for full-time NHL than Martone.

Still two very similar players. Fantilli was signed because they knew he was good enough to go directly to the NHL. The same may very likely play out for RR. Regardless it would be irresponsible to base an entire MemCup bid on only the hope RR returns. That would be something DD would definitely do but it’s also a very stupid thing to do.

 

[dirty12]

Still two very similar players. Fantilli was signed because they knew he was good enough to go directly to the NHL. The same may very likely play out for RR. Regardless it would be irresponsible to base an entire MemCup bid on only the hope RR returns. That would be something DD would definitely do but it’s also a very stupid thing to do.

Don’t be silly, of course the bid cannot be based solely on the return of Roobroek. A decision between serious contention next season or partial sell to support a cup bid will have to be considered at the next deadline.
The point is; don’t pre-maturely make panic moves over fear of early graduation as it occurs at a rate of about one OHL player per year. If Roobroek is having a 200’ impact like Schaefer was approaching next deadline, it will be a no doubt contending season.

 

[Sam14]

Don’t be silly, of course the bid cannot be based solely on the return of Roobroek.

You obviously don't know Darren DeDobbelaer very well!

 

[frontsfan67]

Until his play in recent weeks, I was never concerned of possibly losing Ryan Roobroeck after the 2026 NHL draft, however, it’s now a concern that can’t be disregarded.

RR size, ability and late birthdate resembles the trajectory of another player who had similar size, ability and late birthdate that went directly into the NHL after being selected 3rd overall in the 2023 NHL draft, Adam Fantilli.

After the year, Roobroeck puts together next year (which could be huge), hard not to imagine RR going in the top 4 and directly into the NHL, as Fantilli did in a similar situation.

Yeah no way is roobroeck staying for a 19 year old season. Could be a 80 or 90 point guy this year then a 110+ next year (unless on WJC when he misses some games)

It’s one thing with the skill but he’s also 6’4 and 190 (brother 6’7 so maybe not fully done growing either?) let’s assume by the end of next year he is 200-210 and potentially 6’5, 6’6, or 6’7 that would be incredibly hard for a team to pass up and a team to send back to junior after already dominating it both skill and size wise.

 

[dirty12]

Yeah no way is roobroeck staying for a 19 year old season. Could be a 80 or 90 point guy this year then a 110+ next year (unless on WJC when he misses some games)

It’s one thing with the skill but he’s also 6’4 and 190 (brother 6’7 so maybe not fully done growing either?) let’s assume by the end of next year he is 200-210 and potentially 6’5, 6’6, or 6’7 that would be incredibly hard for a team to pass up and a team to send back to junior after already dominating it both skill and size wise.

Same things pre-maturely said each year about Martone, Barlow, …but it’s was a late 2nd round selection that last graduated early two seasons ago.
I do believe there is a very good chance Dickinson graduates early.

 

[Sam14]

It’s one thing with the skill but he’s also 6’4 and 190 (brother 6’7 so maybe not fully done growing either?) let’s assume by the end of next year he is 200-210 and potentially 6’5, 6’6, or 6’7 that would be incredibly hard for a team to pass up and a team to send back to junior after already dominating it both skill and size wise.

RR’s size combined with his incredible skill will certainly be a factor. The Roobroecks have good genes, both parents have height. In Dylan’s, final u16 season, he experienced a massive growth spurt during that season, that both aided and hindered his development in his ohl draft year. Ryan is young and most certainly not done growing, 6.05 or 6.06 and 200+lbs, by the 2026 NHL draft is more than possible

 

[frontsfan67]

Same things pre-maturely said each year about Martone, Barlow, …but it’s was a late 2nd round selection that last graduated early two seasons ago.
I do believe there is a very good chance Dickinson graduates early.

Martone still isn’t even drafted. It’s certainly possible he isn’t back next year in the OHL. Also I think roobroeck will be better next year than Martone is this year(plus bigger) but again lots of hockey to be played

Barlow is too 1 dimensional im not shocked by that. Dickinson should absolutely have graduated but same could be said about Haltunnen, Cowan, Bonk too. Not even going to bother with predictions on that I have 0 idea how all 4 are back in the OHL this year. Someone’s got a lucky horseshoe somewhere.

 

[dirty12]

Martone still isn’t even drafted. It’s certainly possible he isn’t back next year in the OHL. Also I think roobroeck will be better next year than Martone is this year(plus bigger) but again lots of hockey to be played

Barlow is too 1 dimensional im not shocked by that. Dickinson should absolutely have graduated but same could be said about Haltunnen, Cowan, Bonk too. Not even going to bother with predictions on that I have 0 idea how all 4 are back in the OHL this year. Someone’s got a lucky horseshoe somewhere.

Teams are more than willing to return players to Hunter.
The hype train for Barlow and Martone were a bit out of control. Predicting early graduation to the NHL 1.5 years in advance is a silly exercise imo, especially based only on point production.
Schaefer was dominant with and without the puck.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

I think the two 1st picks he refers to come from ‘25 & ‘26 drafts.
I’m not sure Roobroek has to be traded. There is certainly risk in early graduation, but not so great that the team needs to panic and rush things as Brampton has. Holding the rights to Roobroek could be the difference in winning a memorial cup bid. His NHL team would almost certainly hold him no longer than WJC, and assign him to the IceDogs for a championship run.
Kinda like McTavish.
I think the steelheads may have really screwed themselves out of a great chance next season possibly only because of concern over Martone possibly graduating.

While anything is possible, I'd be very surprise if Roobroeck doesn't make the NHL right after his draft year, having already done 3 years of junior. I mean, he's on pace for 50 goals now. I just assume whoever drafts him will feel he has nothing left to learn in Junior, even if it is a Mem Cup run.

 

[dirty12]

While anything is possible, I'd be very surprise if Roobroeck doesn't make the NHL right after his draft year, having already done 3 years of junior. I mean, he's on pace for 50 goals now. I just assume whoever drafts him will feel he has nothing left to learn in Junior, even if it is a Mem Cup run.

The 50 goal pace really is impressive, so is Roobroek’s defensive effort over the past month. We will see how ready he is during the playoffs and next WJC.
What NHL teams want is a player that proves able to consistently contribute towards wins. Winning is everything.

 

[frontsfan67]

The 50 goal pace really is impressive, so is Roobroek’s defensive effort over the past month. We will see how ready he is during the playoffs and next WJC.
What NHL teams want is a player that proves able to consistently contribute towards wins. Winning is everything.

Very likely a top 5 pick in the 2026 NHL draft and it is absolutely loaded.

I think he goes #2 after Gavin McKenna, maybe 3 with how good Viggo Björck is in Sweden. (Search guy up he is dominating Swedens u20 league as a smaller 16 year old)
Mathis Preston is phenomenal too on Spokane. And then there’s obviously Ethan Belchetz as well who I could see going top 5.

Will be very interesting in the playoffs how Roobroeck handles that

 

[three dog night]

Icedogs get swept again in Michigan losing 6 to 3 toSaginaw with lack of discipline in the third period Brauti likely suspended for the next couple of games after a slew foot penalty little over 3,800 in Saginaw. Next game New Year Eve at six against Peterborough at home.

 

[dogs777]

Icedogs get swept again in Michigan losing 6 to 3 toSaginaw with lack of discipline in the third period Brauti likely suspended for the next couple of games after a slew foot penalty little over 3,800 in Saginaw. Next game New Year Eve at six against Peterborough at home.

He’s probably getting suspended but that didn’t look like much of a slew foot even the guy calling the game for Saginaw thought it wasn’t one. Glad He was able to come back after going into the boards hard

 

[beastintheeast]

I think the two 1st picks he refers to come from ‘25 & ‘26 drafts.
I’m not sure Roobroek has to be traded. There is certainly risk in early graduation, but not so great that the team needs to panic and rush things as Brampton has. Holding the rights to Roobroek could be the difference in winning a memorial cup bid. His NHL team would almost certainly hold him no longer than WJC, and assign him to the IceDogs for a championship run.
Kinda like McTavish.
I think the steelheads may have really screwed themselves out of a great chance next season possibly only because of concern over Martone possibly graduating.

Dirty knows me so well. Yes I am talking about the next 2 drafts.

This is not a team built for this year it could be a contender next year BUT the money for the city region is hosting a m cup. With roobrek leading a stellar cast and some astute traded 27 m cup has to be the goal

 

[Sam14]

Icedogs get swept again in Michigan losing 6 to 3 toSaginaw with lack of discipline in the third period Brauti likely suspended for the next couple of games after a slew foot penalty little over 3,800 in Saginaw. Next game New Year Eve at six against Peterborough at home.

Coach Ben:

Boudreau said. “We got completely outworked, outplayed and we got exactly what we deserved, to be honest, this weekend. There’s no other way to say it. Both of the other teams were better than us in almost every category.”

Boudreau said. “We gave up almost 60 shots yet again.”

“We’re one of the highest scoring teams in the league. We’re also one of the worst defensive teams in the entire league with two of the best goalies.”

Boudreau said it is back to the drawing board Monday at practice. “We have to get on the ice tomorrow and hopefully find a way to get this negativity out of the dressing room. And that starts with me.”

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

Coach Ben:

Boudreau said. “We got completely outworked, outplayed and we got exactly what we deserved, to be honest, this weekend. There’s no other way to say it. Both of the other teams were better than us in almost every category.”

Boudreau said. “We gave up almost 60 shots yet again.”

“We’re one of the highest scoring teams in the league. We’re also one of the worst defensive teams in the entire league with two of the best goalies.”

Boudreau said it is back to the drawing board Monday at practice. “We have to get on the ice tomorrow and hopefully find a way to get this negativity out of the dressing room. And that starts with me.”

At least he gets that big changes back there are needed next year.

 

[donjohnson]

He’s probably getting suspended but that didn’t look like much of a slew foot even the guy calling the game for Saginaw thought it wasn’t one. Glad He was able to come back after going into the boards hard

Live action it looked like a slew foot and the replay shown on the video board made it a pretty easy review and confirmation. Was it the worst one I've ever seen, no, but the Niagara player definitely pulled him backwards and I'd assume he'll get the auto suspension for it.

I was also glad to see He back on the ice after going in VERY hard. When I watched it on the chl app it could have been a 2min hook on Saginaw but both players were tangled up. HE is a very interesting player to watch...lots of skill but also plays very physical. He took a big run at Parekh (could have easily been called Kneeing) late in the game and Hay was chasing him around trying to get him to drop the gloves to no avail.

Is Niagara in the market for a goalie? I haven't followed your team and am just looking at the stat sheets...Flores has a great record but a pretty high GAA and Robertson looked shaky at times last night although he did make 50 saves so I'm not going to be too hard on him

 

[Sam14]

Is Niagara in the market for a goalie? I haven't followed your team and am just looking at the stat sheets...Flores has a great record but a pretty high GAA and Robertson looked shaky at times last night although he did make 50 saves so I'm not going to be too hard on him

Here is the answer from the coach himself. Boudreau said, “We’re one of the highest scoring teams in the league. We’re also one of the worst defensive teams in the entire league with two of the best goalies.”

 

[Dog Fan]

Get me Gibson for this year. I think he could be a difference maker...then teach some of our forwards to play better in the defensive zone. It could be a decent run 2 series, maybe 3 if we get lucky.. Then time for ddd to sell!

 

[bigsportsfan]

Why can Sam never be satisfied? LOL

Listen, Niagara's ownership has no desire to be the top team next year. Less the rest of the league gets lazy, a few teams will be battling.

Yes, Niagara will be one of them. That really does not matter and I think the ownership, the city and Boudreau could care less.

They are building for a team that is a contender in 27, an arena that can hold a national tournament, and a city that is looking to fully support and get behind HOSTING THE 2027 MEMORIAL CUP.

That is where the money is for not only the team but the city and the outlying area.

This is a team that wants to show the league, NHL scouts, and other GMs, as well as doubting Thonas fans (hi Sam), that they know what they are doing. Although they are not doing it the way other teams have, they are doing it.
Tentative line up 2027

He
Czata
Arrowsmith
Dianov
Crete
Roobrek
Doherty
Wassyllyn
Hotles
Galianov

Brauti
Chenowski
Dewachter
Virgilio
Frasca

2 import picks
2 first round draft pics
Assorted other draft picks.

That is not a bad place to start. Look what they did finding Loshko this summer.

Why waste time trying to be competitive this year when London is going to be almost impossible?

This is a team built for the future that for the next few years is going to bring exciting hockey to Niagara region.

Kevin He won't be back for an OA year and Roobroeck is questionable at best.

I really don't see the league giving Niagara the Memorial Cup unless there is an ownership change soon. Remember, DD has done a lot of bush league type things, like not paying for the players meals when travelling to out of town games, taking long bus rides the day of the game instead of staying at a hotel, not providing meals in the media/scout room and we can't forget his 2 year suspension (which ends after this season) for the bullying scandal.

Before the league gives him the Memorial Cup, he needs to have a track record of running the team properly for multiple years. Awarding the tournament to Kitchener is a much safer pick.

 

[bigsportsfan]

Is Niagara in the market for a goalie? I haven't followed your team and am just looking at the stat sheets...Flores has a great record but a pretty high GAA and Robertson looked shaky at times last night although he did make 50 saves so I'm not going to be too hard on him

Not this season. Floris is the reason the IceDogs have such a great record. He often faces 50+ shots a night and makes many great saves to keep them in the game.

 

[the dog]

Tickets are selling well for tomorrow new years eve game at 6pm