Ottawa 67s 2024-25 Season Thread, Part I

[OMG67]

Another important note involves the potential for the NCAA/CHL rule change. That may turn out to be huge for Ottawa. A kid like Vandenberg may be far more motivated to play at home and prepare for NCAA. I know there is a lot of chatter about kids leaving the OHL early but I am not sure that makes a lot of sense. Kids graduate at 18 now (used to be 19). The NCAA is very competitive. They can stay in the OHL through their 19 year old season and delay the NCAA for a year or two and then go and play their four years in their prime. I think a kid like Vandenberg would relish that opportunity. I know a kid like Dylan Peterson a few years back would also have been the perfect fit for that opportunity.

I really think this rule will help Ottawa. They have some committed players and will continue to attract those types of players with their program. I really feel this is a big positive for the 67’s going forward.

 

[beastintheeast]

I think that we are going to have to look at trading players the question though is not who we want to trade but more who will get us the best return.

It could be that a team might be in more of a need for a Foster typoe player that canplay any position going down the stetch than a high scorer.

I think that this year the market could be flooded adn could be a buyers market instead of a sellers.

 

[Hinterland]

Fosters value is probably fairly high right now. Too early in the season for trade talks? Not like he would get a frp back anyways

Or wait another month or two and his value may go down?

67's dominated all three games they played this season. In all games they had periods were they controlled possession completely. They found a way to lose vs Niagara and not win vs Oshawa in 60 but play was impressive overall. I'd be careful about trading key players right now while things are going well for a rather young team.

If there are good offers then I wouldn't be against the right trade but keep in mind that the 67's traded Gardiner and Hilton already with no bodies coming back. If they make another trade, there have to be bodies coming back. This does make trading more complicated. With the team doing well and needing bodies anyway I think trading for need would be the best option. The 67's need goal scorers, ideally right shooting ones. They're creating chances but aren't scoring enough goals and the only righty forwards on the roster are Dever, Kelly and Horner. Not a single natural goal scorer, Horner even partly still playing defense.

 

[Hinterland]

I think that we are going to have to look at trading players the question though is not who we want to trade but more who will get us the best return.

It could be that a team might be in more of a need for a Foster typoe player that canplay any position going down the stetch than a high scorer.

I think that this year the market could be flooded adn could be a buyers market instead of a sellers.

Trading has become more difficult now that the 67's are short of bodies. Sirman was the only scratched skater vs NB but the 67's can only play him if they sit MacKenzie.

It's more difficult to trade if you need bodies and can't just trade for picks. And while the team is dominating possession in all games I wouldn't wanna trade key players unless it's for someone who can really help the team. It's not difficult to see that the single biggest need is goal scoring. Those players who could help the 67's wouldn't come cheap though.

 

[OMG67]

The strategy for Boyd since forever is to try to be competitive. He will give this team an opportunity to prove capable. From my perspective, that means he will give this team through the holidays before he makes a decision on what to do.

I don’t think we have the right assets to add the players we would need so I cannot see this team as a buyer. They’ve bought two seasons in a row now. It is tough to do it three seasons in a row.

The 67’s need to do a retool. The question is whether that should be this year or next. I believe there are valid options either way. The two players that become the high value trade options are Pinelli and Mews. I don’t see Boyd trading both in back to back years so he is more likely to strategically trade one. The one he keeps is the year he stays mostly status quo.

A lot of people don’t scan the market to determine the best timing to make seller or buyer moves. They look at the team and decide it is a competitive team so we should make buyer moves. The challenge this year is the “projected” competitive landscape.

Brampton is an elite team with loads of picks still available to make buyer moves. Their top line right now is just motoring. Their top line of Martone, Rehkopf and MacDonell have a combined 12 goals in 4 games. But, the rest of the team has 10! It will be a fun team to watch in the fist half to see what they do.

Barrie has made some significant moves. They still are waiting for a couple players to return from injury. They also have the biggest likely trade chip in the league with Parker Vaughn. Once that team forms within the next week or two, they should start to pile up the points.

Oshawa is waiting on Ritchie and Roobroeck to return. It may take a while for Ritchie to return. We may see him stick in Colorado as long as the start of the team canada camp in December and then be reassigned after the Tournament is complete. But, if both of those guys return, they will be strong, especially after adding Barlow.

I think those three teams will be really tough for Ottawa to catch up to by the time we hit the second half of the season. I think we need to keep that in mind. It also points to the reason why Boyd should wait as long as possible to get a sense of the landscape before he decides on his strategy entering the 2nd half.

 

[Donnie740]

The strategy for Boyd since forever is to try to be competitive. He will give this team an opportunity to prove capable. From my perspective, that means he will give this team through the holidays before he makes a decision on what to do.

I don’t think we have the right assets to add the players we would need so I cannot see this team as a buyer. They’ve bought two seasons in a row now. It is tough to do it three seasons in a row.

The 67’s need to do a retool. The question is whether that should be this year or next. I believe there are valid options either way. The two players that become the high value trade options are Pinelli and Mews. I don’t see Boyd trading both in back to back years so he is more likely to strategically trade one. The one he keeps is the year he stays mostly status quo.

A lot of people don’t scan the market to determine the best timing to make seller or buyer moves. They look at the team and decide it is a competitive team so we should make buyer moves. The challenge this year is the “projected” competitive landscape.

Brampton is an elite team with loads of picks still available to make buyer moves. Their top line right now is just motoring. Their top line of Martone, Rehkopf and MacDonell have a combined 12 goals in 4 games. But, the rest of the team has 10! It will be a fun team to watch in the fist half to see what they do.

Barrie has made some significant moves. They still are waiting for a couple players to return from injury. They also have the biggest likely trade chip in the league with Parker Vaughn. Once that team forms within the next week or two, they should start to pile up the points.

Oshawa is waiting on Ritchie and Roobroeck to return. It may take a while for Ritchie to return. We may see him stick in Colorado as long as the start of the team canada camp in December and then be reassigned after the Tournament is complete. But, if both of those guys return, they will be strong, especially after adding Barlow.

I think those three teams will be really tough for Ottawa to catch up to by the time we hit the second half of the season. I think we need to keep that in mind. It also points to the reason why Boyd should wait as long as possible to get a sense of the landscape before he decides on his strategy entering the 2nd half.

At best, Ottawa would be fourth best in the conference . Realistically, they’re closer to 6th or 7th in the east.

It’s the exact same issue as it was last year - - they’re an undersized team that plays a soft perimeter game. Trying to “go for it” this year would be a ludicrous mistake in judgement. Doing nothing but standing pat is pointless. Either you buy and play for the current season or you sell for the future.

Trading Pinelli should be a no-brainer for Ottawa. And if you’re going to trade Pinelli, you might as well trade Mews too.

 

[OMG67]

At best, Ottawa would be fourth best in the conference . Realistically, they’re closer to 6th or 7th in the east.

It’s the exact same issue as it was last year - - they’re an undersized team that plays a soft perimeter game. Trying to “go for it” this year would be a ludicrous mistake in judgement. Doing nothing but standing pat is pointless. Either you buy and play for the current season or you sell for the future.

Trading Pinelli should be a no-brainer for Ottawa. And if you’re going to trade Pinelli, you might as well trade Mews too.

I think the point I am making with Ottawa was the same as I was making with Kingston. Kingston is poised to “want” to make a run but compared to the top teams, they are probably a little short on depth of top end talent. So, it makes more sense for them to go out with what they have and prove they have a team worthy of investing more of their future assets for the now.

Same goes for Ottawa. They need to go out and prove they are capable of running with the Steelheads, Generals, and Colts. They did beat the Generals but they were VERY short staffed with players still in Pro camps. As the teams start to reassemble, especially the ones with the more elite talent still hanging out in the NHL camps, it will get interesting to see where the divide in the conference happens.

Personally, I think you are accurate; however, I admire Boyd’s disciplined approach this year. It is important, In my opinion, to give the team an opportunity and not write them off from the start of the season. There is nothing more deflating than the management basically throwing in the towel before the season even starts. This is why I have been so shocked at all the big name trades. It is rare to see so many this early.

As fans, we can speculate as to what is likely to happen. That is our prerogative. However, the Management doesn’t have the same luxury. They need to play to win until the team proves incapable of winning. Then, and only then, should a team enter sell mode. Of course, the exception would be a team like Peterborough. If you go out and trade everything you have the season before, you best bet the team needs to restock picks etc. Ottawa hasn’t done that. They’ve maintained a reasonably stocked draft cabinet. They aren’t as hard up for picks as many others. They can be more picky-choosey.

 

[sirius67fan]

Another important note involves the potential for the NCAA/CHL rule change. That may turn out to be huge for Ottawa. A kid like Vandenberg may be far more motivated to play at home and prepare for NCAA. I know there is a lot of chatter about kids leaving the OHL early but I am not sure that makes a lot of sense. Kids graduate at 18 now (used to be 19). The NCAA is very competitive. They can stay in the OHL through their 19 year old season and delay the NCAA for a year or two and then go and play their four years in their prime. I think a kid like Vandenberg would relish that opportunity. I know a kid like Dylan Peterson a few years back would also have been the perfect fit for that opportunity.

I really think this rule will help Ottawa. They have some committed players and will continue to attract those types of players with their program. I really feel this is a big positive for the 67’s going forward.

I wonder if the rule changes soon if there's any chance Vandenberg would come this year. I also wonder if Caton Ryan an NCAA commit who went to the BCHL this year would consider coming to play a higher caliber. We have the space and he's proven he can score in the CCHL.

 

[OMG67]

I wonder if the rule changes soon if there's any chance Vandenberg would come this year. I also wonder if Caton Ryan an NCAA commit who went to the BCHL this year would consider coming to play a higher caliber. We have the space and he's proven he can score in the CCHL.

Does it matter when the rule changes? As long as it comes into effect for next season, players can make a decision now. It is not like they are suiting up for their NCAA team this year.

The question really becomes whether they will delay their NCAA commitment date or not. Caton Ryan is slated to join Clarkson next year. Would he delay that one more year and play as a 19 year old for Ottawa next year? Would Vandenberg keep his commitment with Providence or would he delay his one year and play his 19 year old season here? To me, that is the bigger question.

 

[zaluty]

Do you trade Pinelli if the team is doing well in January? It is the almost same situation Kingston had with Ludwinski last year.

 

[OMG67]

Do you trade Pinelli if the team is doing well in January? It is the almost same situation Kingston had with Ludwinski last year.

It doesn’t matter if the team is doing well. What matters is how they fit into the competitive landscape.

The 67’s could be playing .600 hockey but be in 5th place while Brampton is playing .800 hockey with Oshawa getting Ritchie sent back after the WJHC poised to surge forward.

Then Brampton makes two big deadline deals and becomes UBER dominant.

This is just a hypothetical but in that scenario, Ottawa is tied for first with Oshawa who is getting Ritchie back and they trade for Smith. How does Ottawa fit into that landscape? Do they also try to make buyer moves and trade Amodovski? Do they stay status quo and struggle to get through the first round? Do they trade Pinelli and drop in the standings?

This is a scenario that could very well happen.

So is this the same situation as last year for Kingston? I don’t think so. Last year we didn’t have a dominant team or teams at the deadline/. We had a bunch of good teams. Big difference.

 

[dirty12]

Do you trade Pinelli if the team is doing well in January? It is the almost same situation Kingston had with Ludwinski last year.

I’m not sure ‘67s are in the same situation as Kingston a year ago wanting to gain some confidence before an all-in season with 10-11 players on the roster born 2005.

 

[Hinterland]

At best, Ottawa would be fourth best in the conference . Realistically, they’re closer to 6th or 7th in the east.

It’s the exact same issue as it was last year - - they’re an undersized team that plays a soft perimeter game. Trying to “go for it” this year would be a ludicrous mistake in judgement. Doing nothing but standing pat is pointless. Either you buy and play for the current season or you sell for the future.

Trading Pinelli should be a no-brainer for Ottawa. And if you’re going to trade Pinelli, you might as well trade Mews too.

Too early to tell.

The 67's dictated play in all games this season. They clearly dominated possession, they clearly outshot and outchanced their opponents. Now, the results may be mixed because the 67's are lacking finish but keep in mind that they have yet to unleash Ekberg and are minus Dietsch and Stonehouse as well. Stonehouse returning is gonna be huge and Dietsch coming back is gonna allow the 67's to release Sirman and keep Horner on the wing full time where he's far more valuable.

I know, Oshawa was missing bodies as well but it's very encouraging to see that 67's team dominate early. It's a team lacking experience so it should only get better.

Therefore I think a wait and see approach isn't that bad of a plan. If I remember correctly, Boyd actually even announced that's what they're gonna do.

Also, I mentioned it a couple of times earlier but the 67's traded away two players already this season with no bodies coming back. If they wanna trade more players then they can't do it for picks only and have to ask for bodies in return. Which does make trading more complicated.

 

[sirius67fan]

Does it matter when the rule changes? As long as it comes into effect for next season, players can make a decision now. It is not like they are suiting up for their NCAA team this year.

The question really becomes whether they will delay their NCAA commitment date or not. Caton Ryan is slated to join Clarkson next year. Would he delay that one more year and play as a 19 year old for Ottawa next year? Would Vandenberg keep his commitment with Providence or would he delay his one year and play his 19 year old season here? To me, that is the bigger question.

I do think it could matter when they change the rule. Let's say it happens next week. As the seasons are only starting some players might change their minds. Would be nice to get a guy like Ryan now and maybe get two years out of him.I realize it's unlikely but you never know.

 

[frontsfan67]

Everyone knows the first couple of weeks of the season in every league there’s some surprises but as the games roll out teams go back to normal. Let’s not get overly optimistic here. Look at the Pete’s last year. How did that end up for them?

There’s a reason why there is 68 games in a season and not 3 or 4. Long season ahead. Not even close to the trade deadline yet and we know Ottawa, Kingston, Sudbury, no matter what they do won’t be able to compete with Oshawa or Brampton regardless(who are still bound to add to their already impressive teams)

 

[Donnie740]

I agree that there’s no urgency to trade Pinelli and Mews before the New Year - - unless they get a ridiculous offer like the Barlow trade that’s way too good to pass up.

Ottawa was too small in stature and too thin on depth to compete in the playoffs last year. They haven’t gotten any bigger or deeper this season but the East is much more powerful at the top than it was last year.

The situation is very similar to Kingston last year. The Frontenacs were a fringe contender at the midway point of the year, but it was obvious that they were a badly flawed team that didn’t have a hope in hell of challenging for a championship. Instead of dealing Ludwinski for a trove of picks and young talent, Kingston inexplicably decided to buy. Which turned out to be an abject failure, just as expected.

 

[Vector Calculus]

Anyone know of a stream or a way to watch today’s game? It isn’t on Rogers 22.

 

[OMG67]

Anyone know of a stream or a way to watch today’s game? It isn’t on Rogers 22.

You can go on CHLTV and buy the single game.

 

[Vector Calculus]

You can go on CHLTV and buy the single game.

Thanks - this is what I ended up doing. It was a hot mess using my phone’s browser (kept resetting to ads every 10 seconds) but working fine from my laptop.

 

[mianjo]

It's on Onhockey

67's lead 3-2 after 1


Goal
#18 Jack Dever (1) scores. Assists: #6 Thomas SirmanSHORT HANDED
1st 8:20
+/-

Goal
#23 Will Gerrior (2) scores. Assists: #18 Jack Dever, #6 Thomas Sirman
1st 12:23
+/-

Goal
#28 Caden Kelly (1) scores. Assists: #18 Jack DeverGAME WINNING
1st 18:26

Shots on Goal

Teams	1st	Total
OTT	22	22
KGN	6	6

 

[OMG67]

Whichever coach is responsible for the Penalty Kill needs to be taken out back to the woodshed….. Maybe join Steve Buscemi in the wood chipper!

 

[Vector Calculus]

Whichever coach is responsible for the Penalty Kill needs to be taken out back to the woodshed…..

It is absolutely insane at this point. I know small samples sizes etc etc, but they entered the game at like 37.5% PK and might end the game…worse somehow??

 

[analyser]

Ekberg OT winner.

 

[Hinterland]

Funny how every game is kinda the same. They're carrying play, dominating possession, creating chances...but somehow keep on finding ways not to win in 60'. They were the much better team in all four games but had to play OT twice and even lost one. They're being very generous right now...which is probably due to a lack of experience but them dominating four different teams this early in the season is still a good sign I'd say.

 

[sirius67fan]

Funny how every game is kinda the same. They're carrying play, dominating possession, creating chances...but somehow keep on finding ways not to win in 60'. They were the much better team in all four games but had to play OT twice and even lost one. They're being very generous right now...which is probably due to a lack of experience but them dominating four different teams this early in the season is still a good sign I'd say.

Yes it's a good sign but I think it's a bit of a mirage. We haven't played top teams yet imo (Oshawa was without their four best players). I really don't see this team higher than 6th in the east. That's ok as long as they play the young guys. As long as we're competitive and give a good effort I can live with it.