Sarnia Sting 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 5)

[JAMER]

After seeing a couple practices and a scrimmage. I'm pretty happy with the LeBlanc Brothers. Brown also impressed me strong on the puck and is always around the net.

 

[StingUpdates]

Writing some notes from the scrimmage that I'll post after, but after 2 A. LeBlanc is utterly dominating. 4or5 points. Nearly had a filthy goal dekeing thru 2D but lost it at the end. Impressive showing from him.

I'm loving Barr. A lot to like. Alot.

 

[StingUpdates]

Brown honestly reminds me a lot of Martone lol. Just happens to be like 5-6 inches shorter haha. Hound on the puck, great around the net, good in tight spaces. Impressive scrimmage from him. Believe he has 2G & 1A.

 

[JAMER]

I know we're only a few scrimmages in. But from what I've seen so far I'm pretty optimistic. Next weekend will be the real test.

 

[StingUpdates]

Great day for the LeBlanc twins. Arguably best player in each scrimmage. Nice to see. Both looked beyond happy & very enthusiastic. Not hard to imagine why lol.

Andrew I think is gonna produce a fair bit. Nothing crazy but I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes for 25G/45 points. Jacob is impressive with the puck. Always has head up, quick decisions & much bigger than I anticipated. Could run PP1. Very least PP2.

Owen MacDonald is giving me some Dillingham vibes just in the sense his 18 yr old jump to 19 was pretty good. Looks more explosive, strong & more fluid in his stride. If I had to guess Letang is gonna play him a fair bit. Nothing special just a typical stay at home D.

I come away impressed with our young Dmen. Hurt's a much better skater than I saw in clips from last yr. I'm a fan. Barr was terrific. I'd be pretty surprised if he doesn't become a real minute eating T3 D on this team as he develops. Omeri showed flashes. Has work to do but you can see the upside. Sees the ice well, good instincts. Bridgewater is a wonderful skater. Has to Round out his game but a yr spent getting stronger, more well rounded & he could be a good one. O'Toole & Andersen have that Dillingham type feel to them. Need to get better with quicker decisions & when to chase a hit.

I think fans will like Hall up front. Never gonna produce a ton i don't think, but he's that reliable, pesty type C u want. Wouldn't be surprised if he plays PK/Late game minutes. Doherty physically looks amazing. He absolutely zooms around the ice. Good shot & hands. Has to piece it all together.

Lominac gives me Dann vibes. Similar frame & skating style. Puck jumps off his stick when he releases. Showed some fiesty-ness too. Think he'll score some goals for us. Just matters does he have guys to get it to him?

C. Soares again impresses me. Puck always finds him & he more often than not finishes it. Not overly big. Not an explosive skater. Just seems smart. I think he's got the best chance of making it of the non recognizable names.

Sim is really gonna test size vs skill lol. He is tiny. He doesn't stand a chance vs OHL Dmen down low. But in open ice & in tight spaces in the middle of the ice he looked good. I'd like to see him spend a yr developing. A growth spurt would be HUGE for him & the team cause the skill is great.

Chartier was good. Gaudreau barely tested. Gillis shaky. Ty Ferguson was really good. FA G. Wanna see more of him. Other FA Gs struggled.

 

[StingUpdates]

The Sting have a handful of really interesting players in my opinion. None of which I expect big things from this year, but I find them all to possess the traits/tools to be big time players in the league when they're 18, 19 & 20.

Sean Doherty ~ He has the tools to be a fairly big point producer in the league. He's got solid size, elite skater, good puck skills & solid compete. Can he piece it all together? Been his biggest issue. He shows flashes of brilliance but not consistently. Can he by years ends be a T6 F on this team or be looked at like a sure fire T6 guy for next yr as an 18 yr old.

Carson Campbell ~ Campbell has the traits to be a solid T4 Dman. Solid size, great skater, good active stick, good with the puck. Issue for him is he barely played last yr & this yr we have so many D at the moment I'd say he's fighting for a spot. Like Doherty, by seasons end can he be playing solid minutes & be looked at as one of staples for the following years backend.

Nathan Omeri ~ Similar to Campbell he has the tools to be a good OHLer. Good feet, good instincts, good offensive upside on D. Can he piece it all together & be a reliable guy who maybe runs one of the PPs by years end & can be looked at like a lock for the following season?

Karsen Chartier ~ From everything I've ever seen from Chartier he has the skills to be a good OHL G. He's 6'3", moves well, seems to be positionally good & really competes. They also frankly need him to pan out. They are about as thin as it gets for G prospects. If he doesn't work out we have nobody to look at.

Was gonna throw in Young, but he's already 18 & I feel like he showed enough last yr to be somewhat confident he'll be a regular. Same can be said with Fischer tho he's 17, just pretty confident he's a stud. Wanna throw in Lominac but let's see him play a bit before that, same with Soares if he gets a contract. Hall is 17, but as I said before I don't think he'll be a big PT guy. Just a really solid middle-6er. Hope he shows more tho. Has the size & showed a good shot today.

These are guys they need to take a step. They are arguably (with Fischer & recent draft class) the next core of the team. If they don't we'll be screwed & this rebuild will take even longer. For me that's what this entire season will be about. Obviously Filak, Sikic & all those guys are gonna do there things but outside of getting picks for them they aren't apart of the next step for this team.

Also there was a "mystery man" playing in the 2nd scrimmage. Wore #15. No nameplate & I DMd the Sting asking but got no reply. Scoresheet has a #15 listed but with no name. He was a big, big kid & was definitely one of the more noticeable players. It looked like (could be wrong) he had a USHL logo on his pants. So I'm not sure if he's a US kid, if it was Kukumberg & they didn't have his nameplate or if he's a pro who just needed some game action before heading out. If he's not might see a signing soon.

 

[stingfan21]

The Sting have a handful of really interesting players in my opinion. None of which I expect big things from this year, but I find them all to possess the traits/tools to be big time players in the league when they're 18, 19 & 20.

Sean Doherty ~ He has the tools to be a fairly big point producer in the league. He's got solid size, elite skater, good puck skills & solid compete. Can he piece it all together? Been his biggest issue. He shows flashes of brilliance but not consistently. Can he by years ends be a T6 F on this team or be looked at like a sure fire T6 guy for next yr as an 18 yr old.

Carson Campbell ~ Campbell has the traits to be a solid T4 Dman. Solid size, great skater, good active stick, good with the puck. Issue for him is he barely played last yr & this yr we have so many D at the moment I'd say he's fighting for a spot. Like Doherty, by seasons end can he be playing solid minutes & be looked at as one of staples for the following years backend.

Nathan Omeri ~ Similar to Campbell he has the tools to be a good OHLer. Good feet, good instincts, good offensive upside on D. Can he piece it all together & be a reliable guy who maybe runs one of the PPs by years end & can be looked at like a lock for the following season?

Karsen Chartier ~ From everything I've ever seen from Chartier he has the skills to be a good OHL G. He's 6'3", moves well, seems to be positionally good & really competes. They also frankly need him to pan out. They are about as thin as it gets for G prospects. If he doesn't work out we have nobody to look at.

Was gonna throw in Young, but he's already 18 & I feel like he showed enough last yr to be somewhat confident he'll be a regular. Same can be said with Fischer tho he's 17, just pretty confident he's a stud. Wanna throw in Lominac but let's see him play a bit before that, same with Soares if he gets a contract. Hall is 17, but as I said before I don't think he'll be a big PT guy. Just a really solid middle-6er. Hope he shows more tho. Has the size & showed a good shot today.

These are guys they need to take a step. They are arguably (with Fischer & recent draft class) the next core of the team. If they don't we'll be screwed & this rebuild will take even longer. For me that's what this entire season will be about. Obviously Filak, Sikic & all those guys are gonna do there things but outside of getting picks for them they aren't apart of the next step for this team.

Also there was a "mystery man" playing in the 2nd scrimmage. Wore #15. No nameplate & I DMd the Sting asking but got no reply. Scoresheet has a #15 listed but with no name. He was a big, big kid & was definitely one of the more noticeable players. It looked like (could be wrong) he had a USHL logo on his pants. So I'm not sure if he's a US kid, if it was Kukumberg & they didn't have his nameplate or if he's a pro who just needed some game action before heading out. If he's not might see a signing soon.

It was Ryder Neinhuis. He is out to fill roster spots on teams. He USA bound

 

[StingUpdates]

It was Ryder Neinhuis. He is out to fill roster spots on teams. He USA bound

Ahh ok thanks. He's a giant dude. Made me think he wasn't gonna be on the team but never know there are some big fellas in the O.

 

[robp1219]

Anyone notice Dylan luecke’s game at all?

 

[StingUpdates]

Anyone notice Dylan luecke’s game at all?

I saw one game with him & I believe he got hurt. So unfortunately not much to take away

At the final scrimmage for today. Another impressive showing for Ty Ferguson in net. I would not be mad at all if they signed him. They desperately need the depth & he's shown legit upside. Only 17 too. But obviously they've seen practice & what not.

Tyler Smith been the other most noticeable FA. Small F but quick & has a good shot. Kowal hasn't been bad either. Zingaro on D best among fa D imo.

 

[StingUpdates]

Going in the B&W game I'd say the FAs who've given themselves the best shot are Ty Smith (5'8, F), Cayden Kowal (6'3, F) who are both 17. Adamo Zingaro (6'5 D) who is 18 & Ty Ferguson in net who is 17. IMO they've easily been the best FAs. Argue they've out performed some of the older guys.

Of the draft picks Barr, Hurt have done the most. Been really impressed with both. Can see why the team is excited about both. Up front not many have stuck out outside Soares. Durham has shown flashes, but needs to get stronger. Not counting Doherty/Hall etc. Also, Brown was really good in the 1 scrimmage I saw of his.

In net Surzycia was probably the best honestly. Gaudreau in the 2 scrimmages I saw didn't see a ton to be fair to him. Chartier was solid. As mentioned Ferguson impressive. Gillis struggled. Other FAs didn't show much.

Of the returning guys, especially at F I'm not overly pleased with what I saw. Will cut some slack that sometimes those guys just go half ass in this cause they're guaranteed, but would've liked to see Filak, Sikic, Vilmanis, Way, Doucette do more. Didn't see anything noticeably different in them outside Sikic shot looks better & Doucette looks bigger. But as I said see how they look in actual games before being to critical.

 

[davewheeler]

whats up y'all.... back again after a quiet summer.... Obviously a re-building year or two or three coming up for the buzz.... goal for this year is to A - hope our young talent from last year can take a bit of a step, but that is hard because we were the oldest team in the CHL last year so a lot of them didn't get a sniff. B - play our young rooks as much as possible and gain them as much confidence as possible. C- Aquire as many pick as possible for our older guys. I am praying our coaching and management learned some hard lessons vs the London series. It is going to be tough watching London compete for another OHL title AND have Max, Martone and McDonnell turn into studs with teams other than Sarnia.... lol I still can't get over that we traded Martone that's just bonkers ..... but whats done is done. Let's hope Sarnia does a better job with these draft picks than the last 4 or 5 years worth.

 

[davewheeler]

Just to piggy back off the last post.... Letang needs to play Brown into the ground.... I do not care if he is a -40 ... he needs to be on the power 1 and 1st or second line. None of this Letang crap where you gotta prove yourself and ride the pine ... thats not how you develop a young player. To be honest he was kind of doing that to Martone last year... Martone leaves Sarnia and basically doubles his offensive output because he's playing way more.

 

[StingUpdates]

Just to piggy back off the last post.... Letang needs to play Brown into the ground.... I do not care if he is a -40 ... he needs to be on the power 1 and 1st or second line. None of this Letang crap where you gotta prove yourself and ride the pine ... thats not how you develop a young player. To be honest he was kind of doing that to Martone last year... Martone leaves Sarnia and basically doubles his offensive output because he's playing way more.

I don't mind starting Brown on L3 to start. Just so he isn't overwhelmed early. But I agree after 10-15 games he should be played a fair bit. Same with Doherty & the other younger guys.

Get them adjusted then play them a ton..figure out what they are & if they're legit. Especially once we hopefully can move some of our 20s&19s yr olds. No point in playing the vets a ton so we can come 8th over playing the rooks & we come 9th. Gives them more experience & we get a high end pick.

Nice to see someone else's handle other than Jason's or Stingfan haha. No disrespect just felt like a 3 way convo last 2 months. Still not over the playoff loss. Really debated calling it a day like Ferda, but unfortunately I love this team to much haha.

 

[davewheeler]

I don't mind starting Brown on L3 to start. Just so he isn't overwhelmed early. But I agree after 10-15 games he should be played a fair bit. Same with Doherty & the other younger guys.

Get them adjusted then play them a ton..figure out what they are & if they're legit. Especially once we hopefully can move some of our 20s&19s yr olds. No point in playing the vets a ton so we can come 8th over playing the rooks & we come 9th. Gives them more experience & we get a high end pick.

Nice to see someone else's handle other than Jason's or Stingfan haha. No disrespect just felt like a 3 way convo last 2 months. Still not over the playoff loss. Really debated calling it a day like Ferda, but unfortunately I love this team to much haha.

lol I needed the summer off that London series still bothers me ... also combined with the fact we really have nothing positive to look forward to this year and possibly next.... Last years playoffs are going to look especially silly when Missy gets not 1 but 2 more years from Martone and hes a top 3 pick in the NHL... I can't remember a more lop-sided trade in the OHL lol a 2nd and your last 2 first round picks for Belluz ... I get Del Mastro too but damn they're both short-term rentals ...... teams loading up NEVER do what Sarnia did. Were just a silly organization that can't do anything right regardless of who's owning/coaching.

 

[StingUpdates]

lol I needed the summer off that London series still bothers me ... also combined with the fact we really have nothing positive to look forward to this year and possibly next.... Last years playoffs are going to look especially silly when Missy gets not 1 but 2 more years from Martone and hes a top 3 pick in the NHL... I can't remember a more lop-sided trade in the OHL lol a 2nd and your last 2 first round picks for Belluz ... I get Del Mastro too but damn they're both short-term rentals ...... teams loading up NEVER do what Sarnia did. Were just a silly organization that can't do anything right regardless of who's owning/coaching.

I'm still fine with it. I believe he built the best team thru those deals. Obviously, we choked as usual, but still think at our best nobody could beat us & it should've lead to a trophy. But it didn't cause Sarnia.

It's definitely gonna hurt watching Martone, especially be an absolute tank the next 3 years. Missy has built quite the young team, too. Don't fault others for being against it. It is annoying we always seem to go for broke our all-in years while other teams don't have to & still win & remain good the following years.

Like have we ever had back to back seasons as a home seed in the playoffs? I don't believe we have. Least not in the 2000s. How haven't we one single time had back to back elite drafts & had multiple cracks at it like LDN is now, like WSR has, Oshawa has etc. Super frustrating that we get this one chance every 4 years to be great then we suck for 3 years every fricken time.

 

[StingUpdates]

Sting release B&W game rosters. No Ty Smith or Ty Ferguson, add in Cayden Kowal to that too. Really shocking to me. It wasn't even close for FAs IMO. They out performed some of the guys who I expect to make the team. Disappointed by that decision.

Luecke playing so must not of been anything serious. Looking for Soares & Mandarino up front (& Luecke). Only 3 who aren't signed that I'd say could have a shot at making it.

On D Zingaro really be the only one who's unknown to watch. Do look forward to seeing how Hurt & Barr handle legit OHL Fs.

 

[davewheeler]

I'm still fine with it. I believe he built the best team thru those deals. Obviously, we choked as usual, but still think at our best nobody could beat us & it should've lead to a trophy. But it didn't cause Sarnia.

It's definitely gonna hurt watching Martone, especially be an absolute tank the next 3 years. Missy has built quite the young team, too. Don't fault others for being against it. It is annoying we always seem to go for broke our all-in years while other teams don't have to & still win & remain good the following years.

Like have we ever had back to back seasons as a home seed in the playoffs? I don't believe we have. Least not in the 2000s. How haven't we one single time had back to back elite drafts & had multiple cracks at it like LDN is now, like WSR has, Oshawa has etc. Super frustrating that we get this one chance every 4 years to be great then we suck for 3 years every fricken time

Well to start ... we need to stop trading our 1st round players when going for it.... Martone, MacDonnel, Sasha Chem, Max .... Management needs to be much better in trade negotiations...Did Windsor trade away their first round pick in 2022 for Wright........ nope.

 

[robp1219]

Just to piggy back off the last post.... Letang needs to play Brown into the ground.... I do not care if he is a -40 ... he needs to be on the power 1 and 1st or second line. None of this Letang crap where you gotta prove yourself and ride the pine ... thats not how you develop a young player. To be honest he was kind of doing that to Martone last year... Martone leaves Sarnia and basically doubles his offensive output because he's playing way more.

I get what you are saying but martone was on a veteran team with good offensive talent and got traded to a very young team . More ice time was available on a rookie team

 

[StingUpdates]

Well, that went as expected, in my opinion. All 4 goalies played well. Surzycia was sharp stopping 9/9, Gaudreau was solid going 8/9, Caracciolo stopped 7/7 & Chartier was the busiest stopping 14/16.

Omeri gets both goals for black. I love the way he plays in the OZone. Very smart & sees the ice well. Clearly has a good shot, too. DZone will be a work in progress. Barr struggled a bit but you see the tools & upside. Hurt was solid. Bridgewater is such a fantastic skater. Really confident with the puck. Good yr of development will do him good.

I like Brown more & more every time I see him. I was skeptical of the pick at first, but I can see why they like him. Truly does remind me of Martone just a lot smaller lol. Sim was fine. U see the skills & creativity in open ice. Issue is along the boards, down low & in front. If he grows, we'll have a player. Fingers crossed. I like Beamish. Won't make the team, but for a mid rd pick I could see him being a solid middle6 guy one day.

You see the upside with Luecke. Big, solid hands, smart. Just needs to improve everywhere a little bit. Issue is can we wait a yr without signing him? Be nice to have his size if he develops. I thought Mandarino looked solid (2nd U18 pick.) If he could get faster he might be a useful B6er. Not a bad showing for Soares but was hoping he'd do more. Imo, still battling for a spot.

Really happy with the goalies. Surzycia has looked completely dialed in all camp. He's giving Ben a run for his money from what I've seen. Chartier looked good. Both goals Omeri was left wide open. Gaudreau looked solid, Sim goal wasn't great. Gonna be interesting to see what they do cause they have 3 guys who can play OHL hockey.

 

[JAMER]

Well, that went as expected, in my opinion. All 4 goalies played well. Surzycia was sharp stopping 9/9, Gaudreau was solid going 8/9, Caracciolo stopped 7/7 & Chartier was the busiest stopping 14/16.

Omeri gets both goals for black. I love the way he plays in the OZone. Very smart & sees the ice well. Clearly has a good shot, too. DZone will be a work in progress. Barr struggled a bit but you see the tools & upside. Hurt was solid. Bridgewater is such a fantastic skater. Really confident with the puck. Good yr of development will do him good.

I like Brown more & more every time I see him. I was skeptical of the pick at first, but I can see why they like him. Truly does remind me of Martone just a lot smaller lol. Sim was fine. U see the skills & creativity in open ice. Issue is along the boards, down low & in front. If he grows, we'll have a player. Fingers crossed. I like Beamish. Won't make the team, but for a mid rd pick I could see him being a solid middle6 guy one day.

You see the upside with Luecke. Big, solid hands, smart. Just needs to improve everywhere a little bit. Issue is can we wait a yr without signing him? Be nice to have his size if he develops. I thought Mandarino looked solid (2nd U18 pick.) If he could get faster he might be a useful B6er. Not a bad showing for Soares but was hoping he'd do more. Imo, still battling for a spot.

Really happy with the goalies. Surzycia has looked completely dialed in all camp. He's giving Ben a run for his money from what I've seen. Chartier looked good. Both goals Omeri was left wide open. Gaudreau looked solid, Sim goal wasn't great. Gonna be interesting to see what they do cause they have 3 guys who can play OHL hockey.

IMO I would move Surzycia. Give him a chance to be a starter somewhere else. Have Chartier play under Ben. I believe Chartier would learn more playing under Ben.

 

[davewheeler]

I get what you are saying but martone was on a veteran team with good offensive talent and got traded to a very young team . More ice time was available on a rookie team

I disagree... remember, at the start of the year Sarnia was a bad team, especially offensively. It was basically Voit and not much else.

Well, that went as expected, in my opinion. All 4 goalies played well. Surzycia was sharp stopping 9/9, Gaudreau was solid going 8/9, Caracciolo stopped 7/7 & Chartier was the busiest stopping 14/16.

Omeri gets both goals for black. I love the way he plays in the OZone. Very smart & sees the ice well. Clearly has a good shot, too. DZone will be a work in progress. Barr struggled a bit but you see the tools & upside. Hurt was solid. Bridgewater is such a fantastic skater. Really confident with the puck. Good yr of development will do him good.

I like Brown more & more every time I see him. I was skeptical of the pick at first, but I can see why they like him. Truly does remind me of Martone just a lot smaller lol. Sim was fine. U see the skills & creativity in open ice. Issue is along the boards, down low & in front. If he grows, we'll have a player. Fingers crossed. I like Beamish. Won't make the team, but for a mid rd pick I could see him being a solid middle6 guy one day.

You see the upside with Luecke. Big, solid hands, smart. Just needs to improve everywhere a little bit. Issue is can we wait a yr without signing him? Be nice to have his size if he develops. I thought Mandarino looked solid (2nd U18 pick.) If he could get faster he might be a useful B6er. Not a bad showing for Soares but was hoping he'd do more. Imo, still battling for a spot.

Really happy with the goalies. Surzycia has looked completely dialed in all camp. He's giving Ben a run for his money from what I've seen. Chartier looked good. Both goals Omeri was left wide open. Gaudreau looked solid, Sim goal wasn't great. Gonna be interesting to see what they do cause they have 3 guys who can play OHL hockey.

Why were you skeptical of the Brown pick at first?

 

[StingUpdates]

I disagree... remember, at the start of the year Sarnia was a bad team, especially offensively. It was basically Voit and not much else.


Why were you skeptical of the Brown pick at first?

I just didn't see a ton of offensive upside. Took me as a MacDonell type. Hard worker, goes to the net but can't create by himself. But so far in camp his hands have really caught me by surprise. Has some really quick hands especially in tight areas & I think he sees the ice/teammates a bit better than MacDonell does.

Still just only camp but he looks good. With how pedestrian we are up front I'm with u that he needs to be played a lot once he's comfortable. Like LDN did with Barkey or Cowan (sort of guys I see him resembling)

 

[StingUpdates]

Think my opening night lines at the moment would be:

LeBlanc-Filak-Kukumberg
Lominac-Wainwright-Vilmanis
Brown-Sikic-Doherty
Doucette-Hall-Soares

Hoover (if healthy) - Fischer
LeBlanc-MacDonald
Young-Campbell
Omeri/Barr/Hurt.

Gaudreau
Surzycia
Chartier

Do I think this will happen? Probably not. I don't imagine Way is let go, but for me he isn't worth keeping as an OA to sit Soares or Hall & have Brown, Doherty or Lominac pushed to L4. Just feel like they'll prioritize his "grit, leadership."

I have no clue what they're gonna do on D. Hoover is yet to play so who knows if he's healthy, but if he is he'll play alot. No matter what they are gonna sit a guy who is good enough to play, if not two or three guys. Just such a tough spot cause I can't imagine Campbell would be thrilled in year 2 to be sitting for a rookie.

Omeri didn't sign over going the school route to sit. Hurt, Barr are promising rooks that in most years would play a bit. Barr as a 2nd rounder especially. We haven't shown we like sending guys down either, but I hate the idea of having those guys only playing 15 games this yr at 16.

Not a clue what they will do there. Somebody's gonna be upset. In net I want Chartier playing games in the O. He's the only G we have for the future. Gaudreau is obvious #1 & will likely be dealt eventually but that could take till JAN. Surzycia didn't have a good enough yr last yr to get much of a return for him right now. He's looked legitimately good so far, too. So are u selling low?

Tough, tough decisions to be made.

 

[dirty12]

Well to start ... we need to stop trading our 1st round players when going for it.... Martone, MacDonnel, Sasha Chem, Max .... Management needs to be much better in trade negotiations...Did Windsor trade away their first round pick in 2022 for Wright........ nope.

Windsor did not trade their 2022-1st, but they did effectively traded away their entire 2005 born class