Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV

[Howard]

Assistant coach MS trained and coached Tang for three years, maybe he can exert some influence.

 

[Sam14]

It is my hope that any of these players that can help our team win will report. Hard to imagine that the Icedogs would select Michael Tang with a 4th round pick without some assurance that he would report. If not, he could have been taken in a significantly later round.

You would hope (or logically think) that has to be the case. However, the 2023 OHL Priority Draft serves as a reminder that we don't ever know what to believe or think.

2023
With their fourth pick of the evening (third round, 50th overall), the IceDogs chose forward Hayden Reid of the Leamington Flyers of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

“He’s playing junior B as a 16-year-old. He didn’t get picked in the draft last year,” DeDobbelaer said. “He grew about five inches and he’s had an outstanding year.”

DeDobbelaer said Reid has a four-year scholarship to Colgate on the table. “We’ve talked to the family and talked to the boy and they’d like to play in the OHL,” DeDobbelaer said. “He’s a top-nine player right now.”

 

[knowescape]

Any sightings of our first round draft pick?

 

[Sam14]

Any sightings of our first round draft pick?

IceDogs hockey ops are asking the same question.

 

[the dog]

Guess will see this upcoming weekend who shows up at rookie camp

 

[knowescape]

IceDogs hockey ops are asking the same question.

They posted a promo for him on social media saying he's "going to be a problem" was wondering if they meant for other teams or in terms of signing.

Kind of arrogant if they haven't spoken with him yet ..

 

[Sam14]

It is my hope that any of these players that can help our team win will report. Hard to imagine that the Icedogs would select Michael Tang with a 4th round pick without some assurance that he would report. If not, he could have been taken in a significantly later round.

Michael Tang tendered with USHL the day of the draft (April 11). Madison must be fairly confident Tang will play there, since they forfeited both their first-round and second-round picks in Phase I of the USHL draft by simply tendering him.

Also, makes you question if the IceDogs were even aware that Tang had tendered with the USHL when they drafted him? With only 1, 3, 4 at the top of the draft, you're probably right using their only 4th on Tang was probably not the best decision.

 

[Sam14]

06 Henry Mews has committed to the University of Michigan to play NCAA in 25-26 season. IceDog fan consider this a warning shot. If we don’t have new ownership next season, do not be surprised if 07 RR goes this route also.

 

[Sam14]

Any sightings of our first round draft pick?

Guess will see this upcoming weekend who shows up at rookie camp

Simple Explaination: IceDogs unable to get a commitment from the top players in the draft; IceDogs decide to select the BPA (smart move); IceDogs unable to reach Edgar that evening; IceDogs tell the media he is coming; IceDogs immediately began the process of recruiting like crazy.

Regardless of what occurs, I give them A LOT of credit for drafting BPA with the 10th overall pick, rather than selecting a lesser talent willing to sign, to avoid this mad scramble to recruit Edgar.

If Ryerson Edgar signs that is great, however, declaring Edgar defective, collecting the comp pick and draft picks is not a bad alternative for a new ownership group. FYI. There are now multiple groups looking to purchase the IceDogs.

#selltheteam

#someonesaveus

 

[knowescape]

Simple Explaination: IceDogs unable to get a commitment from the top players in the draft; IceDogs decide to select the BPA (smart move); IceDogs unable to reach Edgar that evening; IceDogs tell the media he is coming; IceDogs immediately began the process of recruiting like crazy.

Regardless of what occurs, I give them A LOT of credit for drafting BPA with the 10th overall pick, rather than selecting a lesser talent willing to sign, to avoid this mad scramble to recruit Edgar.

If Ryerson Edgar signs that is great, however, declaring Edgar defective, collecting the comp pick and draft picks is not a bad alternative for a new ownership group. FYI. There are now multiple groups looking to purchase the IceDogs.

#selltheteam

#someonesaveus

BPA is the way to go for every round, barring a positional need. Not having a relationship with the top x players is a sign of a dysfunctional organization though. If they knew the BPA was never going to report but the next in line was eager to, then they can strategize. Niagara doesn't have the staff to know either way, so they end up guessing.

 

[Sam14]

BPA is the way to go for every round, barring a positional need. Not having a relationship with the top x players is a sign of a dysfunctional organization though. If they knew the BPA was never going to report but the next in line was eager to, then they can strategize. Niagara doesn't have the staff to know either way, so they end up guessing.

Agree 100% with what you wrote. I don't know if they believe Edgar will "never" report / sign. Three factors in play here in the recruitment process: 1. results of the pending investigation 2. possible sale of the team 3. a strong belief they can recruit him.


#selltheteam

#someonesaveus

 

[Dogs Enthusiast]

Sam14 likes our fist pick regardless of the outcome. I didn't see that coming. ;-)

 

[knowescape]

Sam14 likes our fist pick regardless of the outcome. I didn't see that coming. ;-)

What's not to like? He was highly rated throughout his draft year and it was surprising he was still available at #10. It's been my experience if the player plans to report but logistics of a first meeting get in the way, there is usually a post from their camp acknowledging the draft. So far, silence. Betting he is actively looking for a better landing zone.

 

[BobbyStokers9713]

he should not have even been there at 10- if you get him o report you would be extremely lucky.

 

[knowescape]

he should not have even been there at 10- if you get him o report you would be extremely lucky.

Given the silence, I'm anticipating a defection.

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

Given the silence, I'm anticipating a defection.

I still think this is a blessing.

Use the picks to get a defenseman, have 2 first to start the next rebuild.

 

[knowescape]

I still think this is a blessing.

Use the picks to get a defenseman, have 2 first to start the next rebuild.

I agree, I just hope this was discussed in advance, not that he was blind-sided on draft day.

 

[dogs777]

06 Henry Mews has committed to the University of Michigan to play NCAA in 25-26 season. IceDog fan consider this a warning shot. If we don’t have new ownership next season, do not be surprised if 07 RR goes this route also.

I’m wondering if this makes teams think twice before taking a big swing at a player via trade

 

[dogs777]

. FYI. There are now multiple groups looking to purchase the IceDogs.

#selltheteam

#someonesaveus

this is nice to see but it really all depends on who the groups are and MORE IMPORTANTLY if DDD is actually willing to take their money before he’s fined and suspended again I hope he is but gut feeling says he’s not smart enough to know when his game is over

 

[Mcnotloilersfan]

I agree, I just hope this was discussed in advance, not that he was blind-sided on draft day.

The player?

I'll be honest and say I don't think any player is owed that. We have a draft for a reason. From there, the player can decide if they want to report or not.

This system exists to encourage teams to always take the best player available.

 

[SELLTHETEAM]

The player?

I'll be honest and say I don't think any player is owed that. We have a draft for a reason. From there, the player can decide if they want to report or not.

This system exists to encourage teams to always take the best player available.

Well, every second year anyway!

 

[Dog Fan]

Given the silence, I'm anticipating a defection.

Same thing happened last time there was an ownership change. Denise and Bill selected Lucas Lessio with their first overall selection...he was defective and the next year they selected two defensemen: Jesse Graham and Luke Mercer. Jesse and Luke were teammates in minor midget so that helped them report to our organization which had not yet earned the trust of many agents.

 

[sbpointer]

Simple Explaination: IceDogs unable to get a commitment from the top players in the draft; IceDogs decide to select the BPA (smart move); IceDogs unable to reach Edgar that evening; IceDogs tell the media he is coming; IceDogs immediately began the process of recruiting like crazy.

Regardless of what occurs, I give them A LOT of credit for drafting BPA with the 10th overall pick, rather than selecting a lesser talent willing to sign, to avoid this mad scramble to recruit Edgar.

If Ryerson Edgar signs that is great, however, declaring Edgar defective, collecting the comp pick and draft picks is not a bad alternative for a new ownership group. FYI. There are now multiple groups looking to purchase the IceDogs.

#selltheteam

#someonesaveus

Maybe Mark Hunter has one last phone call to whoever is managing this thing before the sale...
You can never have too many centers...

I'm sorry. I'll see myself out...

In all seriousness I hope there is a change soon and the Niagara Region gets some stability they deserve. Great OHL market with some terrible recent luck.

 

[knowescape]

Well, every second year anyway!

And only in the first round. Great system.

 

[knowescape]

Maybe Mark Hunter has one last phone call to whoever is managing this thing before the sale...
You can never have too many centers...

I'm sorry. I'll see myself out...

In all seriousness I hope there is a change soon and the Niagara Region gets some stability they deserve. Great OHL market with some terrible recent luck.

I'm sure Edgar's agent called London right after Niagara selected. Probably didn't have to look the number up, nor did anyone have to be introduced.