Niagara Icedogs 2024-25 Season Thread, Part IV
- Thread starter SoupNazi
- Start date
…not quite sure how the cover up of the egregious behaviour of the “players” (that has only been partially exposed on here), protects the assistant coaches?
Players are getting a free pass and no accountability for their immature actions that adversely affected many.
OHL coming across as a bush league here in among the many that know what has been going on.
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This is really sad. The exodus of players will begin soon. Who would want to play in this circus and jeopardize their career hopes? If you are a parent knowing that the league is not protecting your child must be very difficult.
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Niagara has notoriously done very little scouting for the CHL Import draft. Based on Frank Violas role with the Spits in scouting I am hoping that he is able to bring some of the knowledge on the scouting that the Spits did to maybe finally actually use the Import Draft.
Another thing that came to mind is now that there will be 3 import slots it’s unlikely for a team to draft 3 impactful imports in the same draft and the IceDogs currently have 0. With a relatively weak OA group across the league I wonder if the IceDogs would consider getting an OA Import like Josef Eichler from Windsor. The reason I’d prefer Eichler to OA’s like Jakub Chromiak or even Andrew Wycisk is Wycisk and Chromiak are right shot offensive defenceman while Eichler is right shot but a strong physical defenceman. IceDogs other 2 leading candidates at RD are Caden Bell who is a promising rookie and Matthew Virgilio who had a strong end to the year after a not so strong season. Bell and Virgilio are also both offensive defenceman. IceDogs have started the last 2 years with an OA Import in Loshko and Sobolev.
Another thing that came to mind is now that there will be 3 import slots it’s unlikely for a team to draft 3 impactful imports in the same draft and the IceDogs currently have 0. With a relatively weak OA group across the league I wonder if the IceDogs would consider getting an OA Import like Josef Eichler from Windsor. The reason I’d prefer Eichler to OA’s like Jakub Chromiak or even Andrew Wycisk is Wycisk and Chromiak are right shot offensive defenceman while Eichler is right shot but a strong physical defenceman. IceDogs other 2 leading candidates at RD are Caden Bell who is a promising rookie and Matthew Virgilio who had a strong end to the year after a not so strong season. Bell and Virgilio are also both offensive defenceman. IceDogs have started the last 2 years with an OA Import in Loshko and Sobolev.
His scouting background doesn’t matter if the budget doesn’t change
DD’s financially-challenged CHL IMPORT DRAFT TRACK RECORD:
2022 No Selection (11th overall selection)
2023 U.Prodrekar (4th overall selection). Traded 2024
2024 G. Eliasson 2nd rd Pick NHL. (12th overall selection) Did not sign. Traded for a 3rd.
I can only hope that he uses at least 2 picks to demonstrate that he is learning from these investigations that he has to invest in the team. Or even if he’s not learning at least making the picks to appease the league. If he doesn’t use at least 2 picks I feel like that would be sending red flags to the league already.
…failing / unwilling to sign someone as OHL accomplished as London Knights AGM Rob Simpson for financial reasons is already a huge red flag concern. Bottom line, it’s no secret DD is in debt and can’t afford the cost of running an OHL team properly.
knowescape
Made you look
Despite the hopeful suggestions from the OHL that help was on the way, there are two things that are very clear at this moment:
1) DD is still in charge.
2) He has no intention of doing the right thing.
I am not offering any criticism to Frank Evola. His track-record with Windsor and his long history both in and outside of the OHL is an impressive resume. His Director of Hockey Operations title is probably this close (gestures with fingers held slightly apart) from a GM spot in a smaller club. Windsor is a quality organization and it would be fool-hardy to think that Evola had nothing to do with it or that he learned nothing there during his tenure. My prediction is that Evola, if he is the chosen candidate, will be with the team for a year and then move into a GM role at an established team without the baggage.
But... (you knew this was coming), DD still refused to hire the best candidate because it meant spending money and the league did nothing to challenge that. What this means, folks, is that DD will continue to do the wrong things for the wrong reasons and the team will continue to struggle. The OHL for all its chest beating about ethics and culture is still reluctant to properly supervise this franchise.
1) DD is still in charge.
2) He has no intention of doing the right thing.
I am not offering any criticism to Frank Evola. His track-record with Windsor and his long history both in and outside of the OHL is an impressive resume. His Director of Hockey Operations title is probably this close (gestures with fingers held slightly apart) from a GM spot in a smaller club. Windsor is a quality organization and it would be fool-hardy to think that Evola had nothing to do with it or that he learned nothing there during his tenure. My prediction is that Evola, if he is the chosen candidate, will be with the team for a year and then move into a GM role at an established team without the baggage.
But... (you knew this was coming), DD still refused to hire the best candidate because it meant spending money and the league did nothing to challenge that. What this means, folks, is that DD will continue to do the wrong things for the wrong reasons and the team will continue to struggle. The OHL for all its chest beating about ethics and culture is still reluctant to properly supervise this franchise.
Dogs Enthusiast
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2019
- 151
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I beleiive the Eliasson pick was done on purpose to be traded. It was a clever way to harvest a draft pick.
Other than that. Ya, dismal record for import picks.
OHL credibility is taking a beating recently. Obviously all the bravado about player education and league action and accountability is window dressing. Is it a coverup or just ineptness? Either way it's inexcusable.
Look at the recent story from the CBC:
The only person commenting from the OHL is the communications director, same as the IceDogs press release, and he throws Branch under the bus! Crawford is no where to be seen in either case. Off to a great start as commissioner. Outstanding leadership!
Btw, what are the chances that Niagara is one of the non-compliant teams!
knowescape
Made you look
Only guessing, but if the course cost $5 a head then I'd lean towards "no" for Niagara. Even if it was free but DD had to buy a couple of pizzas and bottles of water.... Still saying "no".
How can this even be optional? But then again if the OHL doesn't guard against a franchise going rogue...
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,173
- 905
The league has not changed the rule it is still 2 and the 3 is to allow teams that re going for it to add a third if they want.
Last year, you got a good Import OA in Loshko.
Let's face it: the longer the league dicks around, and no matter what, this is the league's fault, the longer no one will know what is happening.
I think Viola would be the wrong person. If you are trying to show DD what needs to be done and win the battles, you need a GM or coach with a track record, either in this league or in pro leagues.
Viola would be a babe in the woods.
Cameron may be a good choice for you guys as a GM.
2025 CHL Import Draft expands to three rounds, set for July 2nd - Ontario Hockey League
The 2025 CHL Import Draft will expand to three rounds, reflecting a new policy that allows CHL clubs to carry up to three import players.
chl.ca
The 2025 CHL Import Draft will expand to three rounds for the first time, reflecting a new policy that allows CHL clubs to carry up to three import players on their rosters
beastintheeast
Registered User
- Mar 27, 2013
- 3,173
- 905
Missed that, thanks, but not sure I can see many teams doing a draft of 3. More likely that they will trade for the third at the deadline or build each year2025 CHL Import Draft expands to three rounds, set for July 2nd - Ontario Hockey League
The 2025 CHL Import Draft will expand to three rounds, reflecting a new policy that allows CHL clubs to carry up to three import players.
The 2025 CHL Import Draft will expand to three rounds for the first time, reflecting a new policy that allows CHL clubs to carry up to three import players on their rosters
As to you guys I think the import is the least of your worries. The league has to get off it's assets a;nd get you a front office and coach.
Awfully hard to entice people to come if they have no idea what they are coming to.
knowescape
Made you look
The league has very little interest in most franchises. So long as the talented youth still play in the OHL, there is no concern - even if less than half the teams are sound. Most teams just exist to give the big names someone to play against. Niagara is nothing more than an embarrassment to the league, a problem that needs to be squelched quickly, at least on the surface.
The OHL's minimal efforts and lack of transparency are going to backfire this time. You are going to see talented players go elsewhere in larger numbers due to the instability that has been left to fester. It's tough to get someone to eat an apple when part of it is rotten. When one franchise fails, the entire league suffers.
The OHL's minimal efforts and lack of transparency are going to backfire this time. You are going to see talented players go elsewhere in larger numbers due to the instability that has been left to fester. It's tough to get someone to eat an apple when part of it is rotten. When one franchise fails, the entire league suffers.
ohloutsider
Registered User
Not sure who Viola is but you obviously know nothing about Frank Evola. He has been a key figure in the Spits organization and is respected around the league. He would be missed by the Spits but it is a development league so he is a deserving candidate for a GM position. I would hate to see him leave but like players, moving forward is a good thing.
WTF? If you’re wondering why Niagara IceDog fans question if DD is tone deaf and/or delusional… A narcissist can convince themselves of anything.
“…we need to improve on and off the ice. So we had a lot of little issues this year, but too many of them, you know, death by a thousand cuts. There was nothing too severe, but stuff that just needed more discipline, more attention to details.”
“…we just want the IceDogs to be the premier organization in the OHL. Michelle and I are committed to make sure that we are number one.”
“…and if we have to continually make changes we’re committed to the region and we’re committed to the OHL. We want to get to the next level.”
4 Seasons 4 coaches?
“We’re going to keep doing this until we get it right”
2027 Mem-Cup Bid?
“We missed out on a few things with our last bid, so we think we can improve on…to get the next one.”
Hiring a GM?
“Our agreement was that I was going to hire the GM with the OHL’s approval. They weren’t putting in a GM in place for me.”
“99% coach will be the GM hire”
…that 1% for a narcissist is a lot of pull
Impact NCAA agreement?
“Niagara doesn’t have USA scout. We were just handling that ourselves. 81 USA players were selected in the recent draft. The Landscape is changing so we have to change with the times.”
…4 years to figure out you need USA scouts LOL
Attendance Issues?
“We have 1100 Season Tickets sold”
…wow are they plummeting!
“…we need to improve on and off the ice. So we had a lot of little issues this year, but too many of them, you know, death by a thousand cuts. There was nothing too severe, but stuff that just needed more discipline, more attention to details.”
“…we just want the IceDogs to be the premier organization in the OHL. Michelle and I are committed to make sure that we are number one.”
“…and if we have to continually make changes we’re committed to the region and we’re committed to the OHL. We want to get to the next level.”
4 Seasons 4 coaches?
“We’re going to keep doing this until we get it right”
2027 Mem-Cup Bid?
“We missed out on a few things with our last bid, so we think we can improve on…to get the next one.”
Hiring a GM?
“Our agreement was that I was going to hire the GM with the OHL’s approval. They weren’t putting in a GM in place for me.”
“99% coach will be the GM hire”
…that 1% for a narcissist is a lot of pull
Impact NCAA agreement?
“Niagara doesn’t have USA scout. We were just handling that ourselves. 81 USA players were selected in the recent draft. The Landscape is changing so we have to change with the times.”
…4 years to figure out you need USA scouts LOL
Attendance Issues?
“We have 1100 Season Tickets sold”
…wow are they plummeting!
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Dogs Enthusiast
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2019
- 151
- 614
Sounds like we have a new GM
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Caputo
@BCaputo_AGM
·
1m
“Our new General Manager has begun connecting with the players & is relocating to the Niagara Region to be boots on the ground.”#IceDogs owner Darren DeDobbelaer via
@DogPoundPodcast
Season Finale on their soon-to-be announced General Manager hire. #OHL
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Caputo
@BCaputo_AGM
·
1m
“Our new General Manager has begun connecting with the players & is relocating to the Niagara Region to be boots on the ground.”#IceDogs owner Darren DeDobbelaer via
@DogPoundPodcast
Season Finale on their soon-to-be announced General Manager hire. #OHL
Dogs Enthusiast
Registered User
- Sep 25, 2019
- 151
- 614
>>>> Attendance Issues?
>>>>>>“We have 1100 Season Tickets sold”
That sounds like most people renewed. Wasn't the number we figured for last season under 1500?
>>>>>>“We have 1100 Season Tickets sold”
That sounds like most people renewed. Wasn't the number we figured for last season under 1500?
Actual numbers was: 1900 last year. We used to have over 3200 STH.
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