North Bay Battalion 2022-23 Season Thread

[belair]

Getting Hislop now may have been a move they had to make. Nelson, Chistopolous, Lukin and Hislop is a good top 4 - but when Mathurin and Winslow get back? That's a back end (coupled with a 4 line offence) that could give teams in the OHL a *lot* of problems to deal with. Though if you ask me, the dealing (I don't *think* ) is done yet; maybe some depth in the bottom 6 and recoup some of the picks lost in this deal....what does everybody think - or is there another big deal coming? It takes guts to make a big deal like this early - I think Adam Dennis is waving that "all in " flag sooner than we may think.

Dependant on how the injuries heal up, I think there'll be a couple smaller deals before the deadline to shore up the back up role and possibly add an SOB in the bottom six.

This is the all-in year because we're in for a couple rebuilding years starting next year.

 

[Monster66]

With Ottawa at the top, and Peterborough making the deal(s), NB couldnt sit back and wait. Look for Missy to try to get into the deals soon. Only so many high end guys available. Look to see Barrie sell off if continue to falter. Teams are starting to separate and making decisions if they have what it takes to go for it or not. Ottawa got a ton of picks to go for high end guy.

I think Ottawa will be a little more patient given the start they've had. Hamilton has some good OA's that will likely be available assuming the HBD's stay lower in the standings. Morrison and Hayes will likely be traded. I also think Barrie might be sellers if they continue to sputter along. Cardwell, MacDonnell and Verling would all be available. Lots of options for teams to improve but it'll depend on the asking price. Besides the 67s and for some reason, I am still not sold on them being a league champion contender (I'm sure they will keep proving me wrong) but who has stood out this year as a clear front runner?? I mean, Peterborough is looking like they might be emerging as a top candidate in the east. Adding BO who is arguably the top forward in the league but they also lost a tough hard nose very good defenseman in that trade. So, again, who in anyone's eye right now is a favorite to win the league?

 

[190 is almost 206]

That was a lot to give up. Shakes head!!

 

[Monster66]

Dependant on how the injuries heal up, I think there'll be a couple smaller deals before the deadline to shore up the back up role and possibly add an SOB in the bottom six.

This is the all-in year because we're in for a couple rebuilding years starting next year.

I agree wholeheartedly. NB will lose Jackson, MacDonald, Winslow for sure and most likely, Petrov, Bloom, and maybe Ertle and Arnsby. These opportunities only only come around every 5 years or so and I like the fact that Adam D is making moves to position this team amongst the top in the league. Especially for a small market team, it takes courage to go for it. And it also shows he has his finger on the pulse of this team and the league. It'll look good on his resume as he aspires to be a GM at the next level.

 

[dirty12]

Dependant on how the injuries heal up, I think there'll be a couple smaller deals before the deadline to shore up the back up role and possibly add an SOB in the bottom six.

This is the all-in year because we're in for a couple rebuilding years starting next year.

Next year is not necessarily a rebuilding year. The Battalion ‘04 class is still in tact. Nelson, Wakely, Mathurin, VanSteensel, Podoliouhk, DiVincentis, Lukin will likely be among the best groups of 19 yr olds.
There will be good OA options in Arnsby, Christopolous, Hislop, Tarasevich

 

[belair]

Next year is not necessarily a rebuilding year. The Battalion ‘04 class is still in tact. Nelson, Wakely, Mathurin, VanSteensel, Podoliouhk, DiVincentis, Lukin will likely be among the best groups of 19 yr olds.
There will be good OA options in Arnsby, Christopolous, Hislop, Tarasevich

Their draft pick cabinet needs to be restocked though. I'm not sure that they'll be a team that misses the playoffs necessarily, but I'd wager we see Nelson, DiVincentiis, Arnsby and a couple other high value pieces moved for draft pick hauls.

It's not often you see teams take more than two shots at a title.

 

[dirty12]

Their draft pick cabinet needs to be restocked though. I'm not sure that they'll be a team that misses the playoffs necessarily, but I'd wager we see Nelson, DiVincentiis, Arnsby and a couple other high value pieces moved for draft pick hauls.

It's not often you see teams take more than two shots at a title.

As of now, the battalion wil be over a full compliment of picks at seasons end or have Fantilli.
Ertel is a good, surprisingly good play maker considering he doesn’t shoot, some great passes tonight.

 

[belair]

As of now, the battalion wil be over a full compliment of picks at seasons end or have Fantilli.
Ertel is a good, surprisingly good play maker considering he doesn’t shoot, some great passes tonight.

As of right now they don't have a 3rd until 2025 or a 2nd until 2026. It'd be nice for Fantilli to report, but he's currently setting pace in NCAA scoring at a very rare pace.

It doesn't make a lot of sense wasting the last year you have elites to go in on a run you're not expected to contend. And teams get those big names because they have an abundance of those futures.

 

[The Green Tank]

Hislop was huge tonight and a massive upgrade on D. Bloom comes as advertised.

Currie was fun to watch. Outwater wasn’t noticeable at all. Ertel is starting to look really good.

 

[yacky]

Hislop was huge tonight and a massive upgrade on D. Bloom comes as advertised.

Currie was fun to watch. Outwater wasn’t noticeable at all. Ertel is starting to look really good.

18 big mac im told is out for 6wks with back injury

 

[190 is almost 206]

At this point sure we could use help but why rush a deal now, trade deadline is 2 months away and we're winning so there should be no fear of missing the playoffs. Again, one loss in 9 games, no need to panic now. Get players back, assess then strengthen team just like every team who has "went for it" has done. Perhaps Mr Dennis is on the phone right now plotting his All-in strategy. They don't hand out championships in November folks.

 

[Uncle]

18 big mac im told is out for 6wks with back injury

Forgot he wasn’t even out there. We can’t catch a break man
We have to be deepest team up front. Wow.

Hislop was much better than I thought he would be!

 

[dirty12]

As of right now they don't have a 3rd until 2025 or a 2nd until 2026. It'd be nice for Fantilli to report, but he's currently setting pace in NCAA scoring at a very rare pace.

Fantili not showing by early February returns the *23-3rd & *’24-4th to the Battalion. The picks for the next draft would be 1, 3, 4, 3-5ths, 2-6ths and a pick used in the import draft. That’s more than the Battalion can use given no spot for a 16 yr old D or G next year.

It doesn't make a lot of sense wasting the last year you have elites to go in on a run you're not expected to contend. And teams get those big names because they have an abundance of those futures.

The last year(s) of eligibility for your best players is when you expect to contend. The battalion D & G will be at its best next season.

 

[HockeyPops]

Fantili not showing by early February returns the *23-3rd & *’24-4th to the Battalion. The picks for the next draft would be 1, 3, 4, 3-5ths, 2-6ths and a pick used in the import draft. That’s more than the Battalion can use given no spot for a 16 yr old D or G next year.

North Bay graduates enough over the next two years to warrant having these quantities of picks, IMO. They graduate 6 this year (all forwards), and then 7 (or possibly even 8) next year. The 5ths and 6ths wouldn't be pushing for a spot until they are 17 (2024-2025) anyway. 13-14 graduations over the next two years has to be above the league average, and warrants having 8 picks in the first 6 rounds this coming draft to replenish the troops.

 

[GeoBlue]

Just a stab in the dark here but if anyone is planning on making the looooong drive to Kitchener tonight, I have tickets that I can sell you. etickets can be transfered upon payment. Please let me know if you are interested.

 

[GeoBlue]

Just a stab in the dark here but if anyone is planning on making the looooong drive to Kitchener tonight, I have tickets that I can sell you. etickets can be transfered upon payment. Please let me know if you are interested.

These have been sold.

 

[dirty12]

North Bay graduates enough over the next two years to warrant having these quantities of picks, IMO. They graduate 6 this year (all forwards), and then 7 (or possibly even 8) next year. The 5ths and 6ths wouldn't be pushing for a spot until they are 17 (2024-2025) anyway. 13-14 graduations over the next two years has to be above the league average, and warrants having 8 picks in the first 6 rounds this coming draft to replenish the troops.

The battalion have used 4-5 picks in rounds 2-3-4 for five consecutive drafts. Player graduation particularly among D & G is not a near future concern. The team can use 4, 5, 6 picks on D and be fairly confident at least one is an OHL player at 17 yrs old.
Hislop (OA moved off-season for picks)
Mathurin ‘04 - Nelson ‘04
Lukin ‘04 - Christopolous ‘03
Turley ‘06 - Kennedy ‘05
Rismond ‘06
And unsigned of yet picks MacKenzie 4th-‘05, Landry 6th-‘05
Things would have to go poorly for NB to sell ‘04 born next season imo

 

[HockeyPops]

The battalion have used 4-5 picks in rounds 2-3-4 for five consecutive drafts. Player graduation particularly among D & G is not a near future concern.
Hislop (OA moved off-season for picks)
Mathurin ‘04 - Nelson ‘04
Lukin ‘04 - Christopolous ‘03
Turley ‘06 - Kennedy ‘05
Rismond ‘06
And unsigned of yet picks MacKenzie 4th-‘05, Landry 6th-‘05

I'm using 2-3 picks in my 5th and 6th round next summer on defensemen.

It's rare you bring in a player drafted after the 4th round at 16 years old. So any picks in the 5+ round range should be pushing for a spot when they are 17. Let's assume they use their 2023 1st, 4th, 4th on forwards. Next season they bring in one defenseman from a prior draft (probably MacKenzie or Landry) to fill the Christopolous spot. Then after next season Mathurin & Nelson are gone. The unsigned '05 is too old to bring in, and you have 2 spots to fill. You probably draft a defenseman with an early pick in 2024, but you have another spot that needs filling hence spending the 5ths and 6th this summer on it.

That makes it a near future concern, as in you need to plan for it in the next draft.

 

[Uncle]

Go to all defenseman and filter by shots. See how ahead Nelson is to the next D. He’s been great for us. Generates a ton of offense from the point, we are watching history for North Bay hockey


Also shoutout to Lukin who was a liability, now has become a solid defender, embracing keeping it simple.

Tarasevich too. Blossoming!

 

[The Green Tank]

Go to all defenseman and filter by shots. See how ahead Nelson is to the next D. He’s been great for us. Generates a ton of offense from the point, we are watching history for North Bay hockey


Also shoutout to Lukin who was a liability, now has become a solid defender, embracing keeping it simple.

Tarasevich too. Blossoming!

Good for Lukin. He was +4. I agree that he is starting to look like a good stay home D. Wakely continues to shine.

Owen Sound is a solid team and could easily win the west.

Tarasevich was a great trade. Even better since the battalion gave up a late pick for him.

 

[Millpond]

Good for Lukin. He was +4. I agree that he is starting to look like a good stay home D. Wakely continues to shine.

Owen Sound is a solid team and could easily win the west.

Tarasevich was a great trade. Even better since the battalion gave up a late pick for him.

The Attack is still very much a work in progress.
Last night showed that.

For some inexplicable reason, they are into their 2nd season struggling to generate much on the PP. If/when they get it going, it could mean a difference.

The Battalion, despite 3 in 3 and a ton of travel came out guns blazing.

They are relentless on the forecheck , take advantage of scoring chances and have a lethal blueline .

This wasn't the Attack's best weekend .

They struggled to put away Oshawa the night before, and never really got their game going last night.

Despite a strong second period, they could not get close in the 3rd.

Not excuse making, but Chrnard was playing his first games in a month, after a 'lower body injury' and didn't look to be 100%.

Kudos to Adam Dennis , Ryan Oulehan and company, you've got a solid, exciting team to watch .

I always enjoy a trip to North Bay, love the fans and arena .
Reminds me a whole lot of the vibe here in the sound .

 

[SeniorJuniorFan]

As I was preparing this, a couple of contributions went up so I will sound like a bit of a broken record here on a couple of items, but have left it intact.

Without seeing the game, here are a few random observations from the scoresheet, for this game and elsewhere:

Recognizing the value of +/- has seemed to fade into the background over the past number of years, anomalies still strike me as kind of interesting, as in VanSteensel and Romani at +3 (same line?) and offensive juggernaut defender Alexander Lukin at +4.

Wonder if the Petrov “sore wrist’ will be short, medium or long term. The team seems snakebit right now re: injuries.

With the game in the balance (4-3 NB end 2), captain and spiritual leader Arny took himself out of the first half of the third with the recently popular mouthguard violation.

Is Dalyn Wakely a young version of Mitch Russell?

While some in the Attack section on here don’t seem too impressed with the play of their team last night, shout out to the Troops for a road win against a top tier team in the 3rd of 3 in 3.

Nic Sima, who had 2G in 17GP with NB, has 1G in 2GP with SAG. The Spirit, who recently offloaded their 19 year old captain (4th leading scorer) and a 19 year old defender for spare parts are 8-2 last 10, including now 6 in a row and sit atop the Western Conference (in points, 2nd in %).

Game of the year (so far) this Thursday vs. league’s No. 1 OTT – will attendance make it to the rarified air of 2500, or stay in the 50% (2100-2200) rut?

 

[belair]

The battalion have used 4-5 picks in rounds 2-3-4 for five consecutive drafts. Player graduation particularly among D & G is not a near future concern. The team can use 4, 5, 6 picks on D and be fairly confident at least one is an OHL player at 17 yrs old.
Hislop (OA moved off-season for picks)
Mathurin ‘04 - Nelson ‘04
Lukin ‘04 - Christopolous ‘03
Turley ‘06 - Kennedy ‘05
Rismond ‘06
And unsigned of yet picks MacKenzie 4th-‘05, Landry 6th-‘05
Things would have to go poorly for NB to sell ‘04 born next season imo

The Battalion are much deeper this year than they will be next season.

I think that you're undervaluing the quality leaving the roster through graduation at the end of this year. I think Arnsby returns as an OA, but losing Petrov, Jackson, Ertel, MacDonald, Bloom...That's an overwhelming number of high-end offensive weapons leaving the organization.

North Bay puts themselves in a better position long-term by trading Nelson and DiVincentiis as 19 year olds to a contender, turning them into a considerable volume of tradeable assets and/or young skaters.

 

[hardclimate]

As I was preparing this, a couple of contributions went up so I will sound like a bit of a broken record here on a couple of items, but have left it intact.

Without seeing the game, here are a few random observations from the scoresheet, for this game and elsewhere:

Recognizing the value of +/- has seemed to fade into the background over the past number of years, anomalies still strike me as kind of interesting, as in VanSteensel and Romani at +3 (same line?) and offensive juggernaut defender Alexander Lukin at +4.

Wonder if the Petrov “sore wrist’ will be short, medium or long term. The team seems snakebit right now re: injuries.

With the game in the balance (4-3 NB end 2), captain and spiritual leader Arny took himself out of the first half of the third with the recently popular mouthguard violation.

Is Dalyn Wakely a young version of Mitch Russell?

While some in the Attack section on here don’t seem too impressed with the play of their team last night, shout out to the Troops for a road win against a top tier team in the 3rd of 3 in 3.

Nic Sima, who had 2G in 17GP with NB, has 1G in 2GP with SAG. The Spirit, who recently offloaded their 19 year old captain (4th leading scorer) and a 19 year old defender for spare parts are 8-2 last 10, including now 6 in a row and sit atop the Western Conference (in points, 2nd in %).

Game of the year (so far) this Thursday vs. league’s No. 1 OTT – will attendance make it to the rarified air of 2500, or stay in the 50% (2100-2200) rut?

School nights always have a negative effect on attendance - I'd say 21-2200 per usual.

 

[dirty12]

The Battalion are much deeper this year than they will be next season.

I think that you're undervaluing the quality leaving the roster through graduation at the end of this year. I think Arnsby returns as an OA, but losing Petrov, Jackson, Ertel, MacDonald, Bloom...That's an overwhelming number of high-end offensive weapons leaving the organization.

North Bay puts themselves in a better position long-term by trading Nelson and DiVincentiis as 19 year olds to a contender, turning them into a considerable volume of tradeable assets and/or young skaters.

I may be over estimating the potential of a back end together for a third season that includes ViVincentis, Nelson, Mathurin, Christopolous, Lukin, Kennedy, …the battalion may never replicate that. I would not be surprised if the only pick replacements come from trading Hislop pre-season and Fantili not showing.
That does not mean I underestimate the impact of graduations at forward Having traded Outwater & Sima, it will be four years before the Battalion can replace the age, size, and skill of Petrov, Ertel, Jackson, & MacDonald.