Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part III

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Define what you mean by that. Like I know there has been a lot said in here. But these guys are getting blown out every single night lol. They could lose the rest of em at this point 😂
You define what an owner and management group should be providing to a team. Now ask yourself to what degree the Niagara IceDogs organization is meeting those goals.
 
Denying the fact that there are serious problems with “this” team is not going to make these problems disappear. They can only be resolved if we first get new ownership in Niagara.

The problems are escalating; the situation is unstable; what is known to the general public is only the tip of the Iceberg. This off-season, if still under DD, will be unsettling for this fan base.
Okay besides in your warped mind give examples of all these problems that you see in the organization.

As to Frasca, how much ice time was he getting? As the 8th D and a rookie, that usually means limited ice time. Especially when you are getting ready for the playoffs. Also, if he is related at all to Gabiriel, then, it is a matter of whether he wants more ice time, or does not, like the coach.

As to playing somewhere else at this stage, he can practice and play junior B and get ready for next year when he should be a more important part of the team. If not, then, like any other player, he will be traded for whatever they can get. every team has these players it is part of the I AM ME SEE ME ROAR I KNOW I AM THE BEST AND WANT WHAT I THINK I DESERVE TO HELL WITH ANYONE ELSE.
 
You define what an owner and management group should be providing to a team. Now ask yourself to what degree the Niagara IceDogs organization is meeting those goals.
Yeah I mean their record in the first half was better than their play. But it’s the same guys, same coach, they held at the deadline which is what most fans wanted. The day of travel, meals etc are noted issues but nothing I know of has changed really to make things dramatically worse that would indicate that the 11 game losing streak isn’t at least somewhat the players fault too. Yes Assadourian and Paris missed time. Yes goalie injuries now. 11 in a row though. It’s pathetic.

Incoming 4 game sweep
 
Yeah I mean their record in the first half was better than their play. But it’s the same guys, same coach, they held at the deadline which is what most fans wanted. The day of travel, meals etc are noted issues but nothing I know of has changed really to make things dramatically worse that would indicate that the 11 game losing streak isn’t at least somewhat the players fault too. Yes Assadourian and Paris missed time. Yes goalie injuries now. 11 in a row though. It’s pathetic.

Incoming 4 game sweep
Even though, this is the same team, their plays are no longer recognizable. This may not be for a lack of talent, they have shown how much they have, it must be in their heads, they will figure this out before playoffs begin
 
Even though, this is the same team, their plays are no longer recognizable. This may not be for a lack of talent, they have shown how much they have, it must be in their heads, they will figure this out before playoffs begin

It’s got to be in the heads of the skaters, goalies, and coaches. Goals scored are down. Shots allowed are down. And in the past 13-14 games; the goalies are stopping 80%, 83%, and 82% of shots faced.
 
Wait... Are you suggesting the team's problems are imaginary? Ha!
No, every team has problems. I am just tired of Sam and his put-downs without any facts to back them up. What are these huge issues that Niagara fans should be upset about.

Even though, this is the same team, their plays are no longer recognizable. This may not be for a lack of talent, they have shown how much they have, it must be in their heads, they will figure this out before playoffs begin
Part of the problem, I think, is that they do not have a goalie they have faith in. With Flores out and to me that is a good and bad thing they do not have that guy who can steal a game.

I think that at this stage they are over their heads in that teams like Branpton and Brantford finally have every one back. Kingston made some deal s that are helping.

Still, if you get Flores back before the last week of the season, you are the team that scares me. You he the parts it is just a case of getting everything back together.
 
Oh, really? and things were so much better under the Burke's. This franchise has been in a downward spiral since the Burke's hired their two sons as coach and GM. I don't believe too much of this happened when Marty was here...I can remember two examples: Lessio and one other. But we also got Dougie Hamilton as a result of him wanting to play with his brother so pretty even.
These bozo's are making the Burke brothers look like Scotty Bowman and Sam Pollock.
 
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DE, I can only assure you that what’s post is the truth (and only what fans are willing to share): problems are escalating; situation is unstable; several players, parents, player agents are unhappy; finances are a concern; the off-season will be unsettling for fans; and what is shared is only the half of it.

However, here is some good new: IceDogs end their 10 game losing streak against Owen Sound tonight Unfortunately, for all of us who truly care about this franchise, those problems will still be there tomorrow.
They've already won their last game this season.
 
No, every team has problems. I am just tired of Sam and his put-downs without any facts to back them up. What are these huge issues that Niagara fans should be upset about.
Do you mean other than the failure to draft available US and International players to increase the talent pool of the team? The mismanagement of draft picks and subsequent buying and selling of players with a similar net result? The failure to take flyers on higher performing players in the late rounds and then convince them to come and play? To have adequate scouting staff to properly recruit and retain interested players? To have sufficient business and hockey operations staff to manage player, family and agent expectations? To have a skilled GM to properly build a team so you aren't wholly dependent on 2-3 players, or likewise totally screwed if they are injured or ill? To spend actual dollars on player comforts, training and mental well-being - so that they don't feel like sweat shop workers, or so that future players would want to sign? To invest in quality staff members and then let them perform in their roles without constant mismanagement or interference?

Because if you've already taken those issues into account, I would also like to mention the decommissioning of the game day experience. The increase in ticket prices. The reduction of available options at the concession stands but with a greater cost. The severe decline of the STH experience and population (to the point where home games sound like away games).

But if you've already considered all of these things, then I guess you're right. Everything is fine and Sam is crazy.
 
Remember back in Nov -Dec when this was a first place team and I said the Analytics show this team heading towards a 7th place finish and a couple people tried to call me an idiot?
Anyone know how that’s going?
Just wanted to check back in.
 
Remember back in Nov -Dec when this was a first place team and I said the Analytics show this team heading towards a 7th place finish and a couple people tried to call me an idiot?
Anyone know how that’s going?
Just wanted to check back in.

Back in Nov-Dec you stated Brampton and Brantford would pass Niagara in [(two weeks)]. You were told that Niagara would likely be passed after the trade deadline when other teams loaded up while Niagara might stand pat.
 
Do you mean other than the failure to draft available US and International players to increase the talent pool of the team? The mismanagement of draft picks and subsequent buying and selling of players with a similar net result? The failure to take flyers on higher performing players in the late rounds and then convince them to come and play? To have adequate scouting staff to properly recruit and retain interested players? To have sufficient business and hockey operations staff to manage player, family and agent expectations? To have a skilled GM to properly build a team so you aren't wholly dependent on 2-3 players, or likewise totally screwed if they are injured or ill? To spend actual dollars on player comforts, training and mental well-being - so that they don't feel like sweat shop workers, or so that future players would want to sign? To invest in quality staff members and then let them perform in their roles without constant mismanagement or interference?

Drafting American players in past drafts was a crap shoot. You did not know where the kid would play and how much NCAA accounted.

I would suggest looking at this team because the talent that you guys have this year and will have for the foreseeable future looks good.

Loshko was a definite improvement in your OA positons

Your team is playing with a system that they can recreate.

You have a rookie GM like a lot of teams. Kingston, for one, is going through this.

You have an owner putting up the money and learning ont he fly. THE OHL fins defeinitley had to hurt his wallet.

The league has standards tht all teams must meet for players so I amnot sure where that is going. Plse provide proof instead of acusation.

Are you saying that Boudreau is not a quality coach? If so, please have him removed so that Ottawa can snap him up.
Because if you've already taken those issues into account, I would also like to mention the decommissioning of the game day experience. The increase in ticket prices. The reduction of available options at the concession stands but with a greater cost. The severe decline of the STH experience and population (to the point where home games sound like away games).

Take look around the league a lot of teams have cut back on the game day experience and yes those fans are upset but it is $.

Are you sure that the team runs the concessions? Most have the city owning and running through a contractor. It is the contractor that decides what is sold and what is not. The reason is the same in any business just because 5 people like Pizza with wasabi sauce and anchovies does not mean they hve to sell it when 100 like pepperoni

DTH decline is not a surprise the team for the last few years sucked. Things in life are more expensive. People have less money. Talk to @frontsfan67 about it. Kingston is going through the same thing as Ottawa to a certain extent.

But if you've already considered all of these things, then I guess you're right. Everything is fine and Sam is crazy.
What I am saying is that this team is no differnet than any other OHL or CHL team or any business. There are issues and are going to be issues.

You have to see what this team does this year based on the drafts and who reports. A lot of American kids as well as Cdn kids are now gong to enter the draft because of the NCAA rules.

From what i see Boudreau and your GM Owner have a plan. It is a plan that I am sure the city is interested in as it entails getting a team together that will allow them to bid and hopefully win the M CUP.
 
The league has standards tht all teams must meet for players so I amnot sure where that is going. Plse provide proof instead of acusation.


From what i see Boudreau and your GM Owner have a plan. It is a plan that I am sure the city is interested in as it entails getting a team together that will allow them to bid and hopefully win the M CUP.
Meeting the minimum standards is not the same thing as meeting the needs of a winning team. If you doubt that, compare Niagara to London.

What sort of proof would you even accept?

Oh wait, you think the OHL is going to support a Niagara bid for a Memorial Cup and win? You don't need a hockey forum, you need a proctologist to extricate your noggin.
 
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Drafting American players in past drafts was a crap shoot. You did not know where the kid would play and how much NCAA accounted.

I would suggest looking at this team because the talent that you guys have this year and will have for the foreseeable future looks good.

Loshko was a definite improvement in your OA positons

Your team is playing with a system that they can recreate.

You have a rookie GM like a lot of teams. Kingston, for one, is going through this.

You have an owner putting up the money and learning ont he fly. THE OHL fins defeinitley had to hurt his wallet.

The league has standards tht all teams must meet for players so I amnot sure where that is going. Plse provide proof instead of acusation.

Are you saying that Boudreau is not a quality coach? If so, please have him removed so that Ottawa can snap him up.


Take look around the league a lot of teams have cut back on the game day experience and yes those fans are upset but it is $.

Are you sure that the team runs the concessions? Most have the city owning and running through a contractor. It is the contractor that decides what is sold and what is not. The reason is the same in any business just because 5 people like Pizza with wasabi sauce and anchovies does not mean they hve to sell it when 100 like pepperoni

DTH decline is not a surprise the team for the last few years sucked. Things in life are more expensive. People have less money. Talk to @frontsfan67 about it. Kingston is going through the same thing as Ottawa to a certain extent.


What I am saying is that this team is no differnet than any other OHL or CHL team or any business. There are issues and are going to be issues.

You have to see what this team does this year based on the drafts and who reports. A lot of American kids as well as Cdn kids are now gong to enter the draft because of the NCAA rules.

From what i see Boudreau and your GM Owner have a plan. It is a plan that I am sure the city is interested in as it entails getting a team together that will allow them to bid and hopefully win the M CUP.
While I agree with some of what you’re saying ( regarding Americans being a crapshoot in previous years the concessions not being run by the team and decline in STH due to being last the last couple years) I don’t think you know or realize how bad this owner is/has been as for the rookie GM he’s not actually the GM
 
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Erie rallied from a three to nothing deficits to shade the Icedogs 5 to 4 Mystic two goals paced Erie. Paris He Levin Gallinov scored for the dogs before 3,542 fans at the Meridian Centre winless streak now twelve games.Next game at home Saturday night against London Saturday night.
 
Meeting the minimum standards is not the same thing as meeting the needs of a winning team. If you doubt that, compare Niagara to London.

What sort of proof would you even accept?

Oh wait, you think the OHL is going to support a Niagara bid for a Memorial Cup and win? You don't need a hockey forum, you need a proctologist to extricate your noggin.
I realy have ahrd time with anyone and I here it fromother fans comparing London to their team. The Hunters have set up a first class system but you also have to remember that they have been in the league 25 years. Also they and the city of London have done a lot to attract not just OHL but other big events to the arena to pay the bills.

While I agree with some of what you’re saying ( regarding Americans being a crapshoot in previous years the concessions not being run by the team and decline in STH due to being last the last couple years) I don’t think you know or realize how bad this owner is/has been as for the rookie GM he’s not actually the GM

Hey I am not saying that the owner is a genius or the best owner. But look at Kington and how long it has taken Springer to get over his Geniue ( mavety). I was also a part of the staff when it was the Howeard and Earl show in Ottawa.

What I am saying is that the team is a good team. The owner or whoever has put together a failry good line up and found a good coach.

To me there is too much negativity from some people on here toward the players and what they are doing.

This is an owner that came in on a shoestring and is starting to build a team. This off-season is going to say a lot. But you have to admit that between what he has done and what Boudreau is behind the bench, this is a young team that is going to be hard to beat.

As to the arena can anyone confirm what the deal is with the team. Most teams have a limit on what they can do and are only getting oney from the gate. They have very little control over the venue.

As to the M Cup. consider that there is going to be a push from the East to have an EASTERN team host it as the last one was American west.

The teams that will try will be Brantford, Peterborough and maybe Kingston.
In order to even get considered, you have to have an on-ice product that is not going to embarrass the league.

The venue, location, and everything else are up to the city and area to promote and set up.

The bottom line is that if the city has said that it wants to host, then the team has to build toward that and say, "There, we did our part. Now get off your assets and promote the hell out of it."

will they get it? but if you have a good product on the ice you have a lot better chance than if you are rebuillding.
 
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