Owen Sound Attack 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

[DCruickshank]

Lots of 17 and 18 year old talent on this team!! I have seen this comment and totally agree...this is a 19 and 20 year old league for the most part....better days ahead

 

[Stellar29]

In all my years of following Jr Hockey the biggest lesson learned is it is predominately a 19 yr old league. 16-18 yr olds are typically inconsistent and you hope when they are 19-20 they develop that consistency I know there are exceptions to that but in general I find it true. I will never complain after losing a game like last nights,what a game. This fan would not be unhappy if we ended up playing the Firebirds in the 1st rd again it would be a hell of a series IMHO.

I was at the game Saturday and it was highly entertaining. The Attack had plenty of chances, just couldn't finish. The effort was there. They played much stronger defensively I thought.

Nice to see George get another game. I didn't think he had too many difficult shots but looked poised in the net and outside of the second goal did a good job managing the rebounds. His glove hand was sharp.

I really liked the Stewart - Papais - Hookey line. Stewart has been earning scoring chances of late and picked up a couple of goals. I thought Tersigni was really good again in his limited minutes. I think he's starting to show signs of figuring it out. He's been stripping pucks and doing a nice job of hanging onto pucks to make plays. He set up Stewart in the slot Friday night with a great back hand pass. Rogers wasn't super noticeable but he made a great defensive play in the second diving back to knock the puck off a Flint stick in a prime scoring position.

 

[michigan fan]

I don't think it's fair to put that entirely on the coaching staff. They certainly have a role to play in that area but so do the leadership group in that locker room. That shouldn't happen two games in a row like that, especially after getting hammered by Flint. Everybody needs to look in the mirror. Definitely not a great look for the coaching staff though, you're right about that. I would expect a much better effort come Wednesday.

Overall, the defensive play has been especially bad of late. The gap control has been poor and they given up the middle of the ice far too easily. The D have been knocked off pucks in the corners pretty easily. You're not going to win games when your goalies are facing that many grade A chances and you turn the puck over like they have been.

One hundred percent coaching and it’s time for a change. We went to fling with a 4 game winning with our # line of guidon Goure and Barlow having chances every time on the ice together and that line changed. Our pp was 6-17 in that stretch 35% we go to flint our pp line switched. We start down 4-0. Then we move to Windsor start again down 5-0 bench Goure to the 4th line after the first period leave chenard out to dry and get embarrassed in his home town. There’s too much offensive power to be coached by walters he was never an offensive player he’s just not a good fit with this group. We need Joey hishon to come back to be the head coach then maybe we would be the powerhouse I know we can be. Our starts to every game should tell you alone he’s not the guy for this team. Just my 2 cents

 

[ktownfan]

I was at the game Saturday and it was highly entertaining. The Attack had plenty of chances, just couldn't finish. The effort was there. They played much stronger defensively I thought.

Nice to see George get another game. I didn't think he had too many difficult shots but looked poised in the net and outside of the second goal did a good job managing the rebounds. His glove hand was sharp.

I really liked the Stewart - Papais - Hookey line. Stewart has been earning scoring chances of late and picked up a couple of goals. I thought Tersigni was really good again in his limited minutes. I think he's starting to show signs of figuring it out. He's been stripping pucks and doing a nice job of hanging onto pucks to make plays. He set up Stewart in the slot Friday night with a great back hand pass. Rogers wasn't super noticeable but he made a great defensive play in the second diving back to knock the puck off a Flint stick in a prime scoring position.

You will like stewart more and more as you see him more. Kid is hard and can score. I watched it on tv on Saturday and noticed his board battles and skating. One backcheck he caught up to a guy who started 15 feet ahead of him. True team guy. He and Hookey and Papais seem to like each other and have some chemistry for sure.

 

[KFawcett]

One hundred percent coaching and it’s time for a change. We went to fling with a 4 game winning with our # line of guidon Goure and Barlow having chances every time on the ice together and that line changed. Our pp was 6-17 in that stretch 35% we go to flint our pp line switched. We start down 4-0. Then we move to Windsor start again down 5-0 bench Goure to the 4th line after the first period leave chenard out to dry and get embarrassed in his home town. There’s too much offensive power to be coached by walters he was never an offensive player he’s just not a good fit with this group. We need Joey hishon to come back to be the head coach then maybe we would be the powerhouse I know we can be. Our starts to every game should tell you alone he’s not the guy for this team. Just my 2 cents

My inconsistency comment wasn't aimed at any game or instance in particular I'm talking in general it takes a few years to develop. Overall I'm happy with the team and there play and just my opinion but I think we're probably right we're we should be in the standings.

 

[KFawcett]

I was at the game Saturday and it was highly entertaining. The Attack had plenty of chances, just couldn't finish. The effort was there. They played much stronger defensively I thought.

Nice to see George get another game. I didn't think he had too many difficult shots but looked poised in the net and outside of the second goal did a good job managing the rebounds. His glove hand was sharp.

I really liked the Stewart - Papais - Hookey line. Stewart has been earning scoring chances of late and picked up a couple of goals. I thought Tersigni was really good again in his limited minutes. I think he's starting to show signs of figuring it out. He's been stripping pucks and doing a nice job of hanging onto pucks to make plays. He set up Stewart in the slot Friday night with a great back hand pass. Rogers wasn't super noticeable but he made a great defensive play in the second diving back to knock the puck off a Flint stick in a prime scoring position.

My inconsistency comment wasn't aimed at any particular games or even specifically aimed at the Attack it was a general observation of Jr hockey. I personally am happy with this team and IMHO we are probably right we're we should be. This team in my opinion is on the way up and could even surprise some people in the playoffs. Everybody needs to do there job and outwork there opponents.

 

[Millpond]

One hundred percent coaching and it’s time for a change. We went to fling with a 4 game winning with our # line of guidon Goure and Barlow having chances every time on the ice together and that line changed. Our pp was 6-17 in that stretch 35% we go to flint our pp line switched. We start down 4-0. Then we move to Windsor start again down 5-0 bench Goure to the 4th line after the first period leave chenard out to dry and get embarrassed in his home town. There’s too much offensive power to be coached by walters he was never an offensive player he’s just not a good fit with this group. We need Joey hishon to come back to be the head coach then maybe we would be the powerhouse I know we can be. Our starts to every game should tell you alone he’s not the guy for this team. Just my 2 cents

I can accept you don't like the coach(es), for some reasons , but I don't know how to break it to you, Joey is not coming back, head coach or otherwise.

He left of his own choice to pursue a career in skills development with mostly NHL players.

 

[Stellar29]

I can accept you don't like the coach(es), for some reasons , but I don't know how to break it to you, Joey is not coming back, head coach or otherwise.

He left of his own choice to pursue a career in skills development with mostly NHL players.

Even if you were going to make a change, I don't think a first time head coach is the answer.

Like him or not, there's a track record of success with Coach Walters. He was a skilled player early on in his career and evolved into a role player as a pro. I think his experience as a player would make him relatable, especially to the younger kids entering the league that have to switch gears from being a relied upon scorer to a role player. The players speak highly of him and seem to enjoy playing for him.

I think the key here is this is a development league and the players have, for the most part, developed and improved in their time in Owen Sound. Players aren't stuck in the line up. If their play warrants it, they are rewarded with expanded roles and ice time. I think he's done what's expected of him.

Has he been perfect? No. The slow starts have been an issue this year. The sloppy defensive coverage at times has been an issue. These are things that I would like to see them improve on but I don't think we're at a point where a coaching change is required.

Dale DeGray isn't afraid to make changes in season if it's needed as the Todd Gill situation would show.

 

[OSAfan]

Are Owen Sound practices open to the public? I might be in town in the near future and was thinking of trying to watch a practice.

 

[Millpond]

Are Owen Sound practices open to the public? I might be in town in the near future and was thinking of trying to watch a practice.

Yes. 2:30 most afternoons

 

[Stellar29]

Just out of curiosity, with so many returning players projected for next season, how aggressive would you be with the up coming OHL draft? Would you be more willing to draft a high upside, project type player who needs time to develop with top picks? Would you maybe take a swing a little earlier in the draft on a player who is questionable to report or dip into the American player pool?

It looks like it will be a tough roster for rookies to crack next season so it could be a good time to maybe take a little more risk in the draft. Just curious what your draft strategy would be.

 

[ohloutsider]

Just out of curiosity, with so many returning players projected for next season, how aggressive would you be with the up coming OHL draft? Would you be more willing to draft a high upside, project type player who needs time to develop with top picks? Would you maybe take a swing a little earlier in the draft on a player who is questionable to report or dip into the American player pool?

It looks like it will be a tough roster for rookies to crack next season so it could be a good time to maybe take a little more risk in the draft. Just curious what your draft strategy would be.

You draft a first rounder that you know other teams will be interested in at the trade deadline. OS should be all-in next year.

 

[DCruickshank]

You need to draft players that will help out in years to come...after next we will be in a mini rebuild

Owen Sound will only be "all in" in an Owen Sound way...with an eye to next year and beyond

 

[OSAfan]

Just out of curiosity, with so many returning players projected for next season, how aggressive would you be with the up coming OHL draft? Would you be more willing to draft a high upside, project type player who needs time to develop with top picks? Would you maybe take a swing a little earlier in the draft on a player who is questionable to report or dip into the American player pool?

It looks like it will be a tough roster for rookies to crack next season so it could be a good time to maybe take a little more risk in the draft. Just curious what your draft strategy would be.

I would always draft the best player available based on upside and probability to hit upside. The one caveat to that is how I adjust the list based on probability to go the OHL route.

 

[Stellar29]

You need to draft players that will help out in years to come...after next we will be in a mini rebuild

Owen Sound will only be "all in" in an Owen Sound way...with an eye to next year and beyond

That was my thought. This year's draft won't have much impact on next year's team. The goal would be to get pieces that can, for the most part, come in at 17 and be ready when we project to have a number of graduations. You basically have an extra year of development at a lower level to work and develop these players. I thought this might be an opportunity to target kids that maybe have a higher upside but aren't going to be ready at 16.

 

[Stellar29]

I would always draft the best player available based on upside and probability to hit upside. The one caveat to that is how I adjust the list based on probability to go the OHL route.

I wonder how the depth of next year's team hinders recruitment efforts though, if it has any impact at all. Outside of the first round pick there may not be any other players that step in at 16 next year which could turn off some players. There would project to be good opportunities for the younger players the following season but that requires patience. I'm intrigued to see what happens.

 

[AttackSound]

Just out of curiosity, with so many returning players projected for next season, how aggressive would you be with the up coming OHL draft? Would you be more willing to draft a high upside, project type player who needs time to develop with top picks? Would you maybe take a swing a little earlier in the draft on a player who is questionable to report or dip into the American player pool?

It looks like it will be a tough roster for rookies to crack next season so it could be a good time to maybe take a little more risk in the draft. Just curious what your draft strategy would be.

A lot hinges on a few different outcomes with players that are 18-19yo now.

If the cards unfold in the right way, then you have to assume it's an all in kind of year. If the opportunity presents itself to move a piece to swing for banners next season as we all believe it could be then I think you have to make that move.

You can't always play a conservative type approach forever in this league if you expect to win.

 

[OSAfan]

I wonder how the depth of next year's team hinders recruitment efforts though, if it has any impact at all. Outside of the first round pick there may not be any other players that step in at 16 next year which could turn off some players. There would project to be good opportunities for the younger players the following season but that requires patience. I'm intrigued to see what happens.

It all comes down to the relationship between the players advisor and the OHL team. The advisor will know the exact situation and opportunities with each team and even more so for the teams they have strong relationships with. The advisor will talk with the GM/Scouts and in some cases there may be a short term fit and in some cases they will have a long term plan. The only time an OHL team truly has to recruit is if they know there is risk to go in a different direction (USHL, or BCHL if you are can get a change of address at the young age) and there are only a handful they would take high and manage the risk. In the end, the OHL owns the players rights and can control the players situation through the time in the OHL so long as they remain on the protection list.

First rounder for sure is targeted for a spot. After that you are talking about depth in the Owen Sound short term but in the long term plan. Most will go to OJ, GOJHL or U18 to develop. That is where most should go anyways because few are Barlow and can play a big role early. Most need to play a big role with a development team and wait for the opportunity to get that big role in Owen Sound.

Just my opinion.

 

[OSAfan]

I think there will be more openings next year than one would expect. You have one forward, one defenseman and one goalie aging out. You probably have an additional forward and defenseman being moved as there is 5 for 3 overage spots. Before competition I see 2 forward, 2 defenseman and 1 goalie spot that could be filled with players rights owned by OS and draft picks.

 

[KFawcett]

I think there will be more openings next year than one would expect. You have one forward, one defenseman and one goalie aging out. You probably have an additional forward and defenseman being moved as there is 5 for 3 overage spots. Before competition I see 2 forward, 2 defenseman and 1 goalie spot that could be filled with players rights owned by OS and draft picks.

You are correct I have been saying there are 6 openings the 5 you listed and 1 import spot. If I'm a gambling man the import will be a d man whether through draft or trade. IMHO the opening in net is addressed our 1st rd pick I'm expecting a fwd as this draft isn't deep in d men apparently brings us down to 3 factor in any unexpected players like Letourneau or the kid in Stratford the name is escaping me without looking it up but he was in all the top prospects and on the allstar team that competed in the St Andrews tourney. Now factor in any moves Dale makes in the summer and there may not be much room for any later rd picks to crack the lineup.

 

[Stellar29]

You are correct I have been saying there are 6 openings the 5 you listed and 1 import spot. If I'm a gambling man the import will be a d man whether through draft or trade. IMHO the opening in net is addressed our 1st rd pick I'm expecting a fwd as this draft isn't deep in d men apparently brings us down to 3 factor in any unexpected players like Letourneau or the kid in Stratford the name is escaping me without looking it up but he was in all the top prospects and on the allstar team that competed in the St Andrews tourney. Now factor in any moves Dale makes in the summer and there may not be much room for any later rd picks to crack the lineup.

As you pointed out, the upcoming draft doesn't have very many first round caliber Dmen so we will likely add a forward, which probably makes the most sense anyways. It's easier to break into the league as a forward than a D as the D have a lot more responsibility. Best case scenario is a forward first round pick and Letourneau. I could see a hockey trade of one of our depth players up front to maybe augment the bottom six.

I think they will target an import D, most likely through the draft, and will need to trade for another. That brings them to 7 D. They have carried 8-9 D the last two years which could open the door to Luddington or maybe a newly drafted player earns a spot in camp to get to 8.

The team is set in net going into next year. Votary has been solid for awhile now, even taking the starter's load of late which I don't think anybody would have expected. George will push Votary for starts next season and I could see a season long battle to claim the starter's job which I think is healthy.

The heaviest lifting is on the blue line. I think they need two solid adds to really round out the group going into next year.

 

[HockeyPops]

You are correct I have been saying there are 6 openings the 5 you listed and 1 import spot.

There are only 5 openings. If you get an import that leaves 4.

 

[KFawcett]

There are only 5 openings. If you get an import that leaves 4.

Technically your correct but we started the season with 2 imports 1 left and we never replaced him even with a N/A player so in my mind we replace the 5 graduating and add an import. Of course as someone that has followed Jr hockey as long as yourself you know there will be other additions and subtractions from the current lineup we are icing nightly.

 

[Millpond]

Technically your correct but we started the season with 2 imports 1 left and we never replaced him even with a N/A player so in my mind we replace the 5 graduating and add an import. Of course as someone that has followed Jr hockey as long as yourself you know there will be other additions and subtractions from the current lineup we are icing nightly.

I thought Petrovski from Flint took his place ? When he arrived, that made 8 D.
Then the import went home shortly after.

 

[OSAttackFan88]

Definitely not a game they should’ve lost. I dunno what to say anymore. It’s concerning with the talent they have up forward. Maybe I was the only one expecting so much more from this team.