Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV

[SELLTHETEAM]

I think competitively there are far better teams out there who are more deserving of hosting the Memorial Cup. Niagara has the arena and the fan base, but given its history the IceDogs are far from a showcase team.

New owner, new brand... try for the next, next bid.

Hopefully that's what they do. Trade the malcontents and stockpile picks like has never been seen before. He, Roobroeck and Edgar alone should net them a crazy amount of picks and set them up to be really good for years if done right.

 

[Howard]

I think there is a lot of room for this team to develop and get back to what it had before all this crap started.

As I have said the league is probably leary of a new owner. If the system and team are screwed up a neew owner is not going to make it better. Also the price is going to be based on the basement and DD maynot be able to get enough to pay the markers he has.

As to sponsorship, most of that does not depend on the owner, but it depends on the crowds and the on-ice product.

I can see a new GM coming in, no matter who it is, looking at this as a feather in their cap and the ability to develop a team that is already strong and has the power.

As to coaching, I still see a spot for Ben as the head coach. He knows the team, the players want to play for him, and it keeps their stars in Niagara. The new GM will have limits on Ben and be watching him. He is a rising star I think, in the coaching ranks.


DD tried it his way and failed. The league left him alone sort of and he did not grow. Therefore, they are going to step in and rebuild the team. He will have two choices: grow and learn, or not grow and learn, and have someone buy him out once the new team is functioning. BUT the new owners are going to be told that they can own the team but the GM will still be inlace and cannot be fired or undermined

Where can I get a pair of those glasses you’re wearing?

As evidenced last year this team has no defence. They probably need 5 new d at least. There is no one capable of building a strong unit around. As for forwards, some good ones want out and others have to be moved to change chemistry. There are some bad apples on this team. Some of these players really don’t like each other.

Coaching? BB demonstrated he didn’t have these kids backs. They may like the ac’s but BB lost their confidence through his inactions. May know his X’s and O’s but not a leader. These aren’t young pro’s, they’re kids who you have to be able to communicate with and have trust in their coach.

Hopefully a new GM can establish a healthy, positive environment but this team needs more than just a hockey fix.

 

[Millpond]

Let's say by some miracle that DD sells the team over the summer. Team gets a respectable group to come in. Simpson is named GM and a decent coach is added. Would Niagara become a legit memorial cup host then? I'm sure the league would love to advertise the redemption arc story to go along with the location and venue.

They'd have to outbid cities like London

 

[Millpond]

Serious question .

Is there any hope for the Ice Dogs under their current ownership/management ?

Does this teamneed to be ripped down to become successful somewhere down the road ?

 

[ScoutLife4]

Serious question .

Is there any hope for the Ice Dogs under their current ownership/management ?

Does this teamneed to be ripped down to become successful somewhere down the road ?

Changing a culture starts at the top and trickles down.
I hate to be negative but i don't think there is a chance this team succeeds with the current owner.

 

[sbpointer]

Changing a culture starts at the top and trickles down.
I hate to be negative but i don't think there is a chance this team succeeds with the current owner.

I hear you and generally agree. I do feel like though if the Rob Simpson thing is true he would have to have some assurances to leave the situation he is in...

 

[bigsportsfan]

Serious question .

Is there any hope for the Ice Dogs under their current ownership/management ?

Does this teamneed to be ripped down to become successful somewhere down the road ?

I don’t think they can be successful with the current owner. Even if he stops interfering with the hockey staff, he is extremely cheap and won’t give them the budget necessary to become successful. The IceDogs have limited scouts (to reduce costs), won’t draft US players (American scholarships cost too much) and barely participate in the import draft (too expensive). I just don’t see it working.

Plus fans really dislike DD now and I think attendance and corporate sponsorships will suffer until a new owner is found.

 

[dogs777]

I don’t think they can be successful with the current owner. Even if he stops interfering with the hockey staff, he is extremely cheap and won’t give them the budget necessary to become successful. The IceDogs have limited scouts (to reduce costs), won’t draft US players (American scholarships cost too much) and barely participate in the import draft (too expensive). I just don’t see it working.

Plus fans really dislike DD now and I think attendance and corporate sponsorships will suffer until a new owner is found.

I don’t know if sponsorship will suffer but agree with the rest