Ottawa 67s 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[OMG67]

You forget one thing the goals were scored by players that know how to find the corners of the net. London just doesnot shoot at the net like most teams they aim their shots and are pretty accurate.

LOL. OK. We get it. The Knights are invincible. Unstoppable. Nothing the goalies could do facing their Superhero skills.

 

[44 95 plus tax]

I can only hope that after this weekend Boyd has to know that this is not a buyers year. Squeaking by a Peterborough team that has won twice this year and getting totally dominated by London can only show that we are not able to play with the big boys. There is no way we will be able to compete with anyone in the top half of the conference.

And speaking of big boys, I am really getting tired of teams coming into our barn, 6 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier, pushing us around. Mayich, who is one of our bigger players, would be average size on the London team. We lost the OHL championship to Guelph because of that. We lost in the second round to the Petes, because of that. We lost last year to Oshawa, because of that. We end up taking stupid penalties trying to play big and tough. And when your PK is 67%, that is not good.

People on here talk of good drafting. I disagree. Marco Rossi is the only 67 in the past 10 years to play regularly in the NHL. I really can't see anyone in the future playing NHL regularly. Perhaps Mews, but personally I think he will be AHL at best. Maybe that is more on development, but you need the players to develop.

Whitehead had his best game that I have seen yesterday. He's the only one that showed up to play. Time to move him up between Pinelli and Stonehouse.

And don't confuse the three goals we scored in the third as good 5v5 play. London mailed it in for the third period. Also two bad goals on the London goalie. That was a terrible game from the 67's.

 

[OMG67]

I can only hope that after this weekend Boyd has to know that this is not a buyers year. Squeaking by a Peterborough team that has won twice this year and getting totally dominated by London can only show that we are not able to play with the big boys. There is no way we will be able to compete with anyone in the top half of the conference.

And speaking of big boys, I am really getting tired of teams coming into our barn, 6 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier, pushing us around. Mayich, who is one of our bigger players, would be average size on the London team. We lost the OHL championship to Guelph because of that. We lost in the second round to the Petes, because of that. We lost last year to Oshawa, because of that. We end up taking stupid penalties trying to play big and tough. And when your PK is 67%, that is not good.

People on here talk of good drafting. I disagree. Marco Rossi is the only 67 in the past 10 years to play regularly in the NHL. I really can't see anyone in the future playing NHL regularly. Perhaps Mews, but personally I think he will be AHL at best. Maybe that is more on development, but you need the players to develop.

Whitehead had his best game that I have seen yesterday. He's the only one that showed up to play. Time to move him up between Pinelli and Stonehouse.

And don't confuse the three goals we scored in the third as good 5v5 play. London mailed it in for the third period. Also two bad goals on the London goalie. That was a terrible game from the 67's.

Don’t confuse NHL players with OHL players. If it is about winning at the OHL level, developing NHL prospects isn’t the be-all/end-all.

With respect to the drafting approach in rounds one and two, I agree. Those two rounds we should be drafting size where possible. But, as has been mentioned a few times by others, sometimes that can be difficult when the 67’s are drafting on the back end of the first round. That said, I am still (again) bewildered Boyd passed on Beaudoin and selected Mews. We were so short on size and centres, he passes up on a big Ottawa centre and selects the converted forward offensive D-Man.

He did draft Brzustewicz and Amidovski in each of the last two 1st rounds. Both have size. I’d like to think he is adapting a bit. Houben has received a good amount of ice in hopes of him developing. I think they are slowly moving in the right direction with respect to size. the reality is if you don’t pick it early, you won’t get skilled ones later. They need to work harder on accessing it earlier.

We should draft early in the 1st round each of the next two drafts. The Saginaw 2nd in 2026 should be an early pick. They will 100% rebuild next year. Look for them to recoup draft picks next year moving Misa (if he is returned) and Parekh.

We will have some size for the next cycle I think. Dietsch is a good size. Bonomo is a good size. Two bigger kids on the back end. It would be great if we could sign the two Barnett kids. Two more decent sized kids on the back end. USNTDP kids so they will be a tough sign but you never know.

We will see how things go over the next two drafts. They will obviously be important. If we can snag some size in each of the next two 1st rounds and then manage to still kill it in the middle rounds getting those Gerrior types, we will be ok. But, as you mention, if we draft small skill in the fist two rounds constantly, we will need to trade for size and that doesn’t come cheap!

 

[Fawlty]

Just an observation on the size and skill discussion and trying to rationalize why a team like London who is near the top year after year and would therefore be drafting late too, still seems to have big skilled players. I guess it's partly because they are able to entice players to play for them and the players and/or their agents probably make it clear they will only report to London. So perhaps a lot of teams pass on those types of players? Brzustewicz is a case in point. Kudos to the 67s for selecting him but I suspect he was never going to report to Ottawa. Ottawa has drafted bigger guys over the last few drafts but often they either don't make the team or they can't convince them to report (USNTDP kids). Sometimes also they don't seem to play "big." They have size but don't use it effectively. I still think though that the 67s mindset is to go for the smaller speedier players over the bigger, physical players given the choice. I wish they didn't because it's clearly not working especially come the playoffs.

 

[OMG67]

Just an observation on the size and skill discussion and trying to rationalize why a team like London who is near the top year after year and would therefore be drafting late too, still seems to have big skilled players. I guess it's partly because they are able to entice players to play for them and the players and/or their agents probably make it clear they will only report to London. So perhaps a lot of teams pass on those types of players? Brzustewicz is a case in point. Kudos to the 67s for selecting him but I suspect he was never going to report to Ottawa. Ottawa has drafted bigger guys over the last few drafts but often they either don't make the team or they can't convince them to report (USNTDP kids). Sometimes also they don't seem to play "big." They have size but don't use it effectively. I still think though that the 67s mindset is to go for the smaller speedier players over the bigger, physical players given the choice. I wish they didn't because it's clearly not working especially come the playoffs.

London has a nack for gobbling up the defected players. Dickinson and Brzustewicz are two of them currently on their roster. Bonk was an NCAA “rumoured” commit that signed. Montgomery (9th round flier pick) signed a couple weeks ago as a former NCAA commit. Halttunen was an Import pick so sort of a freebie with how the Import draft works.

The rest of their “normal” OHL draft picks from the 1st and 2nd round aren’t particularly sizable. Guys like Cowan, Barkey, O’Reilly, and Hawery aren’t giants by any means. They’ve done well drafting and developing overall and have managed to pick up some good players with deeper picks over the years.

But, what would the team look like had they not snagged Brzustewicz and Dickinson off the defect list, as well as Bonk as a somewhat “arranged” pick, as well as Montgomery with the NCAA rule change? That team would look a lot different. The defence for sure!

 

[Larionov]

It's one thing to lose at home - it's another thing entirely to get washed 10-3 in your own barn. That's awful. It's junior hockey so you're reluctant to name names, but let's just say that there are some veterans on this team, with the notable exception of Pinelli, who are underachieving terribly. They should be well ahead of their scoring pace from last year, but instead many are behind it. Not acceptable in a league where veteran players should be dominating. James Boyd should be doing a lot of soul searching regarding the roster that he has assembled here, because it simply isn't good enough.

 

[OMG67]

It's one thing to lose at home - it's another thing entirely to get washed 10-3 in your own barn. That's awful. It's junior hockey so you're reluctant to name names, but let's just say that there are some veterans on this team, with the notable exception of Pinelli, who are underachieving terribly. They should be well ahead of their scoring pace from last year, but instead many are behind it. Not acceptable in a league where veteran players should be dominating. James Boyd should be doing a lot of soul searching regarding the roster that he has assembled here, because it simply isn't good enough.

It’s tough when you don’t have centres.

 

[Boris67]

Considering who was left off this list-impressed Luca given an invite

 

[beastintheeast]

LOL. OK. We get it. The Knights are invincible. Unstoppable. Nothing the goalies could do facing their Superhero skills.

I am not saying that superhuman skills are needed BUT this was the first time that Nelson had played against such a well coached and developed team. Ithink if MacK had beenin nets it would have beeen a little better BUT you also have to wonder if it would have been much bettr considering all the penalties and crap play.

This was a top ranked team against a lower ranked might make the play offs team. It showed London and Hunter were albe to pick apart the team and showed why they are a powerhouse.

Don’t confuse NHL players with OHL players. If it is about winning at the OHL level, developing NHL prospects isn’t the be-all/end-all.

With respect to the drafting approach in rounds one and two, I agree. Those two rounds we should be drafting size where possible. But, as has been mentioned a few times by others, sometimes that can be difficult when the 67’s are drafting on the back end of the first round. That said, I am still (again) bewildered Boyd passed on Beaudoin and selected Mews. We were so short on size and centres, he passes up on a big Ottawa centre and selects the converted forward offensive D-Man.

He did draft Brzustewicz and Amidovski in each of the last two 1st rounds. Both have size. I’d like to think he is adapting a bit. Houben has received a good amount of ice in hopes of him developing. I think they are slowly moving in the right direction with respect to size. the reality is if you don’t pick it early, you won’t get skilled ones later. They need to work harder on accessing it earlier.

We should draft early in the 1st round each of the next two drafts. The Saginaw 2nd in 2026 should be an early pick. They will 100% rebuild next year. Look for them to recoup draft picks next year moving Misa (if he is returned) and Parekh.

We will have some size for the next cycle I think. Dietsch is a good size. Bonomo is a good size. Two bigger kids on the back end. It would be great if we could sign the two Barnett kids. Two more decent sized kids on the back end. USNTDP kids so they will be a tough sign but you never know.

We will see how things go over the next two drafts. They will obviously be important. If we can snag some size in each of the next two 1st rounds and then manage to still kill it in the middle rounds getting those Gerrior types, we will be ok. But, as you mention, if we draft small skill in the fist two rounds constantly, we will need to trade for size and that doesn’t come cheap!

I think the bigger question about the draft is who is going o do it. I think it is almost safe to say that Boyd will do this years but unless OSEG is willing to deal with him and DC in the future I am not sure he will be here for the 2026 draft.

Bonomo is not a lock to make this team he has 1 goal in 27 games no assists playing OJHL so best case he is a good defensive D.

Dietsch has the size but we need to see more of him hopefully it happens.

 

[OMG67]

I am not saying that superhuman skills are needed BUT this was the first time that Nelson had played against such a well coached and developed team. Ithink if MacK had beenin nets it would have beeen a little better BUT you also have to wonder if it would have been much bettr considering all the penalties and crap play.

This was a top ranked team against a lower ranked might make the play offs team. It showed London and Hunter were albe to pick apart the team and showed why they are a powerhouse.

I think the bigger question about the draft is who is going o do it. I think it is almost safe to say that Boyd will do this years but unless OSEG is willing to deal with him and DC in the future I am not sure he will be here for the 2026 draft.

Bonomo is not a lock to make this team he has 1 goal in 27 games no assists playing OJHL so best case he is a good defensive D.

Dietsch has the size but we need to see more of him hopefully it happens.

Bomomo is a stay at home type.

Ottawa played with London 5 on 5 no issues and did so last weekend in London as well. I think you are making way more out of this than it was. Loppsided scores happen now and then. We are talking about 5 power play goals and a penalty shot. That’s six special teams goals. That accounts for a small portion of the minutes. 3 minors and one major. That’s less than 11 minutes of 60. Ottawa’s PK has been trash all year. Big gap between Ottawa in 20th and whomever is in 19th. 61% is garbage. I have no issues if you point at the bad PK but the score was not indicative of the overall play. You know I will call them out. That 1st period was even-Steven for the flow of play. Three shit goals and a PP goal. Game over….

I really don’t want to speculate on Boyd until we get through the deadline. As fans, we owe him the opportunity to go through his first real selloff period before we pass judgement. See what/how he does. We may be praising him on Jan 11 and we look stupid now suggesting he won’t do “x” and “y.” Then he goes and out and signs an NCAA guy out of the blue as well. I say give him a chance before assuming he disappoints.

 

[OMG67]

Considering who was left off this list-impressed Luca given an invite

Pinelli has had an outstanding year considering his lack of support and the fact he hasn’t played with a centre one game this year.

No doubt, Cameron pushed for him but the competition getting on the team will be fierce. He’s definitely in tough to make the squad.

 

[beastintheeast]

London has a nack for gobbling up the defected players. Dickinson and Brzustewicz are two of them currently on their roster. Bonk was an NCAA “rumoured” commit that signed. Montgomery (9th round flier pick) signed a couple weeks ago as a former NCAA commit. Halttunen was an Import pick so sort of a freebie with how the Import draft works.

The rest of their “normal” OHL draft picks from the 1st and 2nd round aren’t particularly sizable. Guys like Cowan, Barkey, O’Reilly, and Hawery aren’t giants by any means. They’ve done well drafting and developing overall and have managed to pick up some good players with deeper picks over the years.

But, what would the team look like had they not snagged Brzustewicz and Dickinson off the defect list, as well as Bonk as a somewhat “arranged” pick, as well as Montgomery with the NCAA rule change? That team would look a lot different. The defence for sure!

Again tke a look at the OHL 30 years ago. Ottawa was in the same breathe as London for players. Everyone seemed to be so good NHL teams followed the 67's closely. Players wanted tolay in Ottawa.

Now it is different the reason is simple. You mentioned that Cowan was small but consider this in

2018
Ottawa drafted Tolnai Cranley Belanger (BTW WE DRAFTED AHEAD OF LONDON SO COULD HAVE HAD eVANGELISTA)
London drafted Evangelista Strange Panwar

2019
Ottawa drafted Matier beck Sirizotti
London drafted Roloff Mailloux McCue

2020
Ottawa drafted Moldenhauer Stonehouse Sirman
London drafted Bujold Edward Smith

2021
Ottawa drafted Barlas Pinelli Foster
London drafted Barkey Cowan and Bonk (ALL 3 ARE PLAYING IN THE WJC)

2022
Ottawa drafted Mews Marelli Kelly
London drafted Testa Oreilly Nichol

2023

Ottawa drafted HB whitehead Dietsch
2025 Second Round Pick (Niagara)
2027 Second Round Pick
2027 Third Round Pick

London drafted moore Mevdev Arrowsmith


Here is my point even drafting later than London they still were able to find better players.
Hunter isnot afraid to trade plaeyrs that are ot performing at the team level and use them for either picks or in a package.

As has been stated Hunter has a deal with the Nots and other teams to develop the rookies before they comt to play for him or there is the understanding that they will get minutes but are on a team witha history of sending players t the NHL on a regualr basis.

Killer had the same reputation he drafted plaeyrs that were not the best but developed them. I am one of many that think if Lance had not had his demons he would have made teh AHL and had a shot at NHL ice time.

Consider the centers that this team has sent to the NHL that are still playing. BUT nothing has happened under Boyd drafting.

London does not have to pay extra for players or give them benefits all they have to do is show the list of players they have sent to the nHL.

The only difference is that London has had the same coach and GM while the rst of the OHL keeps revolving them. Same thing when Killer coached everyone knew the product on the ice and the ethos.

 

[OMG67]

Again tke a look at the OHL 30 years ago. Ottawa was in the same breathe as London for players. Everyone seemed to be so good NHL teams followed the 67's closely. Players wanted tolay in Ottawa.

Now it is different the reason is simple. You mentioned that Cowan was small but consider this in

2018
Ottawa drafted Tolnai Cranley Belanger (BTW WE DRAFTED AHEAD OF LONDON SO COULD HAVE HAD eVANGELISTA)
London drafted Evangelista Strange Panwar

2019
Ottawa drafted Matier beck Sirizotti
London drafted Roloff Mailloux McCue

2020
Ottawa drafted Moldenhauer Stonehouse Sirman
London drafted Bujold Edward Smith

2021
Ottawa drafted Barlas Pinelli Foster
London drafted Barkey Cowan and Bonk (ALL 3 ARE PLAYING IN THE WJC)

2022
Ottawa drafted Mews Marelli Kelly
London drafted Testa Oreilly Nichol

2023

Ottawa drafted HB whitehead Dietsch
2025 Second Round Pick (Niagara)
2027 Second Round Pick
2027 Third Round Pick

London drafted moore Mevdev Arrowsmith


Here is my point even drafting later than London they still were able to find better players.
Hunter isnot afraid to trade plaeyrs that are ot performing at the team level and use them for either picks or in a package.

As has been stated Hunter has a deal with the Nots and other teams to develop the rookies before they comt to play for him or there is the understanding that they will get minutes but are on a team witha history of sending players t the NHL on a regualr basis.

Killer had the same reputation he drafted plaeyrs that were not the best but developed them. I am one of many that think if Lance had not had his demons he would have made teh AHL and had a shot at NHL ice time.

Consider the centers that this team has sent to the NHL that are still playing. BUT nothing has happened under Boyd drafting.

London does not have to pay extra for players or give them benefits all they have to do is show the list of players they have sent to the nHL.

The only difference is that London has had the same coach and GM while the rst of the OHL keeps revolving them. Same thing when Killer coached everyone knew the product on the ice and the ethos.

I don’t understand your point. 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023 Ottawa drafted better than London based on what you have posted here. The 2021 draft was a crap shoot with the season previously cancelled so no one saw any of these players in their D-1 year.

 

[beastintheeast]

I don’t understand your point. 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023 Ottawa drafted better than London based on what you have posted here. The 2021 draft was a crap shoot with the season previously cancelled so no one saw any of these players in their D-1 year.

Are you saying Tolnai was a better choice than Evangelista
Would OPrielyy not have been a better pick that Marrelli or mews/

I agree that there is no great knowledge but the other side is if they drafted worse than we did why do they produce NHL players and are still almost always at the top of the board.

If not the drafting then it is trading and coaching>

 

[OMG67]

Are you saying Tolnai was a better choice than Evangelista
Would OPrielyy not have been a better pick that Marrelli or mews/

I agree that there is no great knowledge but the other side is if they drafted worse than we did why do they produce NHL players and are still almost always at the top of the board.

If not the drafting then it is trading and coaching>

I was looking at it as a group. I forgot that Stanges was actually pretty good. And, yes, Mews is more impactful than O’Reilly. Marrelli and O’Reilly are probably similar in impact. Testa is garbage. Relatively speaking, if you are lining all those players up LDN vs OTT, Ottawa has had the better overall draft in those rounds without any question. Remember, we shouldn’t care what players move on to the NHL, we should care about how they performed in a 67’s jersey because that is what matters in the OHL.

The difference is that London is buying Defected players at a huge discount almost every 2nd or 3rd year. They are pulling solidly from Europe (Generally, Ottawa is too). They are managing to sign the NCAA recruits (Ottawa isn’t). THAT is the difference, not drafting.

Ottawa has drafted countless excellent US Born players. Many have gone on to play in the USNTDP and then starred in NCAA. We haven’t managed to pry one player out of those programs. Not one!

London has a competitive advantage over other teams. Lining up London against ANY OTHER OHL TEAM is similar to what we see here with Ottawa. It really isn’t a fair comparison. If you want a fair comparison, line Ottawa up against Hamilton or Kitchener.

Additionally, Ottawa may not have performed great in the playoffs but they did win the OHL version of the PResident’s Trophy three out of four seasons from 2019 through 2023. They did win 14 games in a row to start the playoffs in 2019. It is not like Ottawa has been an embarrassing pile of shit.

I think you are warped into only looking at the negatives and you are unable to look at the positives. I don’t think you are fairly balancing the good and the bad. There is a hell of a lot of good coming out of Ottawa the last 10 years. That coincides with Kilrea moving on from the GM duties. Go figure.

Since 2015, the 67’s have had 75 or more points 6 of 9 seasons. 3 times over 100 points. One Finals appearance. Two other seasons made it to the 2nd round. All of that being over the last five seasons (with only 4 playoffs with the lost Covid playoff).

It is time for a rebuild year this year and next. Not a big deal. Most teams, other than London, go through that on a moderately regular cycle. Why should Ottawa be any different?

 

[dirty12]

Are you saying Tolnai was a better choice than Evangelista
Would OPrielyy not have been a better pick that Marrelli or mews/

I agree that there is no great knowledge but the other side is if they drafted worse than we did why do they produce NHL players and are still almost always at the top of the board.

If not the drafting then it is trading and coaching>

you need to consider the knights' 2-4 picks and ability to sign defects. Stranges, Mallioux, George, Bonk, Cowan, ...were going to London or ustndp or ncaa. It took Flint sacrificing the second pick of round 2 or London probably would have had Power too.

 

[OMG67]

you need to consider the knights' 2-4 picks and ability to sign defects. Stranges, Mallioux, George, Bonk, Cowan, ...were going to London or ustndp or ncaa. It took Flint sacrificing the second pick of round 2 or London probably would have had Power too.

All this is why no one can compare themselves to London as if any team could do it. In theory, maybe the door is open but it would take an iron grip on a franchise owned and operated by highly respected hockey people that stretches deep into the NHL circles combined with the ability to actually develop the players in a high leverage environment.

The difficulty in that is the NHL will remain the goal at this level so the Hunters have proven to be a rare breed.

It would be like Patrick Roy owning Quebec and never leaving for NHL opportunities or something similar to that. It is really tough to get that type of asset and keep it for decades.

 

[beastintheeast]

I was looking at it as a group. I forgot that Stanges was actually pretty good. And, yes, Mews is more impactful than O’Reilly. Marrelli and O’Reilly are probably similar in impact. Testa is garbage. Relatively speaking, if you are lining all those players up LDN vs OTT, Ottawa has had the better overall draft in those rounds without any question. Remember, we shouldn’t care what players move on to the NHL, we should care about how they performed in a 67’s jersey because that is what matters in the OHL.

The difference is that London is buying Defected players at a huge discount almost every 2nd or 3rd year. They are pulling solidly from Europe (Generally, Ottawa is too). They are managing to sign the NCAA recruits (Ottawa isn’t). THAT is the difference, not drafting.

Ottawa has drafted countless excellent US Born players. Many have gone on to play in the USNTDP and then starred in NCAA. We haven’t managed to pry one player out of those programs. Not one!

London has a competitive advantage over other teams. Lining up London against ANY OTHER OHL TEAM is similar to what we see here with Ottawa. It really isn’t a fair comparison. If you want a fair comparison, line Ottawa up against Hamilton or Kitchener.

Additionally, Ottawa may not have performed great in the playoffs but they did win the OHL version of the PResident’s Trophy three out of four seasons from 2019 through 2023. They did win 14 games in a row to start the playoffs in 2019. It is not like Ottawa has been an embarrassing pile of shit.

I think you are warped into only looking at the negatives and you are unable to look at the positives. I don’t think you are fairly balancing the good and the bad. There is a hell of a lot of good coming out of Ottawa the last 10 years. That coincides with Kilrea moving on from the GM duties. Go figure.

Since 2015, the 67’s have had 75 or more points 6 of 9 seasons. 3 times over 100 points. One Finals appearance. Two other seasons made it to the 2nd round. All of that being over the last five seasons (with only 4 playoffs with the lost Covid playoff).

It is time for a rebuild year this year and next. Not a big deal. Most teams, other than London, go through that on a moderately regular cycle. Why should Ottawa be any different?

If we drafted better is a point that is up to interpretation. However, the d

All this is why no one can compare themselves to London as if any team could do it. In theory, maybe the door is open but it would take an iron grip on a franchise owned and operated by highly respected hockey people that stretches deep into the NHL circles combined with the ability to actually develop the players in a high leverage environment.

The difficulty in that is the NHL will remain the goal at this level so the Hunters have proven to be a rare breed.

It would be like Patrick Roy owning Quebec and never leaving for NHL opportunities or something similar to that. It is really tough to get that type of asset and keep it for decades.

But the question still stands Why do these players want to go to London. Again I can remember when Ottawa was a go to spot also.

It somes down to many things but the obvious one is that London like Ottawa had and would have had if Toruigny stayed have a system tht not only drafts good players but makes them better and produces wining teams with players that go onto the NHL or AHL

Cowan was not the great star that he is simply because of his ability.

I am not knocking Boyd so much as trying to get people to understand tht not only does London draft well but theyhave a system that develops players because they have a coaching staff and Front office that have stability and have been around a long time. Why was Ottawa so hot Killer stayed and he was the system. He developed players like Peca Marshall, MacAuley Boynton Campbell Couture et al

 

[dirty12]

If we drafted better is a point that is up to interpretation. However, the d

But the question still stands Why do these players want to go to London. Again I can remember when Ottawa was a go to spot also.

It somes down to many things but the obvious one is that London like Ottawa had and would have had if Toruigny stayed have a system tht not only drafts good players but makes them better and produces wining teams with players that go onto the NHL or AHL

Cowan was not the great star that he is simply because of his ability.

I am not knocking Boyd so much as trying to get people to understand tht not only does London draft well but theyhave a system that develops players because they have a coaching staff and Front office that have stability and have been around a long time. Why was Ottawa so hot Killer stayed and he was the system. He developed players like Peca Marshall, MacAuley Boynton Campbell Couture et al

What sets Cowan apart imo, is his desire to win.
Right now, Kitchener might have the best management team and coach. For the past few seasons the rangers have been getting pretty well every player they desire including late first ranked players in round three.
Unlike the Hunters, the rangers staff might not be around for 20 years.

 

[OMG67]

If we drafted better is a point that is up to interpretation. However, the d

But the question still stands Why do these players want to go to London. Again I can remember when Ottawa was a go to spot also.

It somes down to many things but the obvious one is that London like Ottawa had and would have had if Toruigny stayed have a system tht not only drafts good players but makes them better and produces wining teams with players that go onto the NHL or AHL

Cowan was not the great star that he is simply because of his ability.

I am not knocking Boyd so much as trying to get people to understand tht not only does London draft well but theyhave a system that develops players because they have a coaching staff and Front office that have stability and have been around a long time. Why was Ottawa so hot Killer stayed and he was the system. He developed players like Peca Marshall, MacAuley Boynton Campbell Couture et al

I think we’ve answered this question various ways throughout the last few years. I don’t understand why you don’t understand so I will detail this for the last time.

1> The Knights have had stability. The same ownership group, GM and Coach (mostly) since they purchased the team in 2001.
2> They managed to get a state of the art building constructed in the downtown core which has added a level of financial stability most teams do not have.
3> Between Dale and Mark, they have over 2000 NHL games played between them. During their career, they had an opportunity to make numerous connections in NHL circles that they have done a great job leveraging as the owners of the Knights
4> Between Dale and Mark, they have been very successful at recruiting and developing top end talent since day one. It is its own self fulfilling prophecy though. When you are able to recruit mostly the best players, it is a lot easier to develop them because you have the best players to start with!

These are the ways they have managed to create a competitive advantage over the competition. So, why can’t other teams do it?

1> It requires full control over the franchise. To have the full control, you need to be owners. The barrier to entry starts at $20mil now. So, like I mentioned above, a person like Patrick Roy, as an example, needs to raise $20mil to buy a team. Then they have the power to control how the team operates.
2> The person that does do this needs to “want” to won and operate a Major Junior Franchise. This enterprise is not what you would call a money maker so they have to do it for the sake of wanting to do it. They need to be fuelled by something other than money.
3> The NHL doles out shit tonnes of money for staff. A Head coach makes pretty much $1mil annually at the low end. Any decent coach that is successful will be offered a head coaching position at the NHL level. You can either own and operate an OHL team that you had to pay $20mil for OR go be an NHL coach for $1mil+ per year. That is a pretty easy decision for most.

This is all why you either cannot gain stability hiring a coach/GM or find someone willing to dump $20mil into a franchise to essentially buy a job they could get (assuming they are good) at the NHL level. IT is like trying to capture a unicorn. Why would a guy like Tourigny stay in the OHL? He won’t. Why would an ex-NHLer with tonnes of experience and a strong professional network dump $20mil into a team and then blow their brains out operating it? It takes a rare sort of person to make that type of investment.

So, this leaves us with a franchise that likely has no real stability if it operates at the highest levels of the OHL because they cannot possibly be expected to keep their staff. The OHL is a development league for the players, officials, and staff. People move up.

So, circling back now to your original question, have I adequately answered it in a way where we can stop the silliness of teams comparing themselves to the London Knight’s? 19 other teams can run this same scenario and come up with all the same answers.

As @dirty12 has suggested, the Rangers have done a great job recently but as they continue to do that, their staff will gain respect and will become targets for hire at higher levels. Then, they will need to recruit other staff.

Ottawa is owned and operated by essentially a Property Manager. They have put people in place to manage the sports teams portfolio. Their ownership is an arms length away from the team. There isn’t a passion for winning. Their priority is to maintain financial viability so as to not suck funds out of the Property Management aspect of their portfolio. OSEG has lost $$$ every year they have existed. So, it is not like OSEG is going to drop $500k per year on the best available coach in an effort to maintain stability when $500k likley isn’t enough to keep their staff guy anyway.

 

[gadder]

Ottawa is owned and operated by essentially a Property Manager..

Their priority is to maintain financial viability so as to not suck funds out of the Property Management aspect of their portfolio

Aha - there we have it! Ottawa, the gov't town, the town fun forgot, is running the team as a budget line item. It's not about winning or losing, it's about maintaining decent finances. Hence Boyd's strategy on being decent every year. Bums in seats rule.

The common wisdom is, in junior hockey, you can't be decent every year AND win championships.

If the above is the case, then we as hard-core hockey fans (as evidenced by the fact of being part of this online board) are doomed to perpetual griping.