Sarnia Sting 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[davewheeler]

Off the top for London......Sam Gagner, Patrick Kane, John Tavares, sure there's more.

tkachuk as well I think... so London is on Par with Sarnia for having guys leave early despite having 100x the talent over the years...this proves the point. London has had many many times where a top player has played for 4 sometimes 5 years...

 

[rve24]

tkachuk as well I think... so London is on Par with Sarnia for having guys leave early despite having 100x the talent over the years...this proves the point. London has had many many times where a top player has played for 4 sometimes 5 years...

There are more players than the poster you responded to here that got called up early for LK. Not sure it proves the point as you say. Sarnia has had players stay 4/5 years also n out up big numbers.
I'll give you another one for LK.......Mete( and there are more )
Sarnia has had a lot of high end talent in the years you originally referenced.....and yes some moved on early.
It sucks as a Jr fan kids move on but Sarnia isn't unique here as your original response post suggested.

Other teams have had that as well. The LK list givenin earlier post above is still far from complete for your time frame. It's probly close to double the list given.



All good here as I think Sarnia would be up there with kids moving up early but they aren't a unicorn in that respect.

 

[StingUpdates]

What a terrific effort in their first roady B2B. Came out with great energy & got rewarded. Surzy made more than a few great saves, too in those opening minutes.

Pretty crazy Gaudreau stopped the first 10 shots than allowed 6 on 16. I'm sure they are buddies but you could tell Surzcyia wanted this one. Freakin' sucks they stopped playing at the end & cost him his stat line cause he was awesome. Great weekend from the goalies.

I think it's safe to say Seca damn well did it again with the twins. These two put on a clinic in this one. That 5th goal (LeBlanc' 2nd) was just ridiculous effort by all 5 guys on the ice. Erie couldn't handle them whatsoever. Andrew gets a hatty + Assist & goes +4, Jacob gets 3 Assists after the GWG vs NIA. Both point per-game now & are +6 & +9 respectively. Highway robbery by Seca. Could be some tough, tough decisions next year with our OAs (Filak, Surzcyia, Twins, Doucette).

I thought Fischer had a fantastic night too. Showing real maturity taking a step back to let J. LeBlanc be more of the aggressor as he's a touch better at it right now. Quietly has 8 points in 9 games. I'm sure yall are tired of me saying it haha, but another rock solid night from the rookies on D. Barr should've been given an assist on Filak's goal & he went +2. T (with Brown) for 3rd in rookie +/- at +5 in 8GP. Huge shot block right before Brown's goal. Hurt has been just so steady eddy. Really impressive play in his own end for a rookie.

Speaking of Brown this kid is nasty. What patience on his goal (and pass by Doucette).. Dominated pre season & now has 4G/3A in 9 games with 6or7 of the 9 on line 3 with Way as his C. Plays with such great pace & anticipation. Always seems to make the right play. Special.

Kukumberg just keeps getting better. He's such a good play driver. 6PT in his first 9GP ain't to shabby. Nice pass by Lominac on his goal & as usual great effort by Moses to create the turnover who hopefully is ok. Didn't look great going off.

This team thru 9 games is the hardest working Sting i've seen in awhile. 14 games including pre season & they've had 1 true dud & 1 iffy game. For a team so young that's damn impressive. Major props to this coaching staff. The system they have in place is terrific & huge credit for the guys for committing to it from the start.

6-3-0 with Wainwright & Hall returning. Love to see it. Tough game TUES in KIT, especially with Mesar likely playing.

Oh and did anyone else get a great chuckle out of the lady who screamed WTF (just not the short form version) after almost all our goals lmao.

 

[StingUpdates]

While I still think there's something there with Doherty & I dislike how he's been used he hasn't helped himself lately. He to frequently stops using his great skating ability & when he does that its ugly.

My guess is he's sitting when 10&12 return. Lominac's been far more dangerous & noticeable even while on that 4th line.

For me you send Sim down, make Doherty the 13th F & run with the 12 until someone warrants being sat or is injured which unfortunately might already be the case with Moses.

Must say I've liked how Letang has used all 7D much more the last 2 weekends. He's giving Omeri a fair amount of ice even as the 7th D. Just tough cause I bet they talked before the yr that when 1 struggled they'd sit but Barr & Hurt really haven't struggled yet so it's left no spot for Omeri consistently. I have been pretty happy with his game tho. Nothing crazy just been efficient & smart. There's more offense to him tho. Probably just being safe cause a bad mistake would be killer for him.

 

[robp1219]

It's very rare for NHL drafted/signed forwards to return to the OHL for their overage year, too many other options. Has Sarnia actually been affected by this more than other teams? Players sticking in the NHL in their 19 year old season? Chychrun maybe? Anyone else?

Chychrun, zacha and konecny all did it the same year. That was a terrible loss. None of those players made a huge impact in the NHL that year.

 

[davewheeler]

There are more players than the poster you responded to here that got called up early for LK. Not sure it proves the point as you say. Sarnia has had players stay 4/5 years also n out up big numbers.
I'll give you another one for LK.......Mete( and there are more )
Sarnia has had a lot of high end talent in the years you originally referenced.....and yes some moved on early.
It sucks as a Jr fan kids move on but Sarnia isn't unique here as your original response post suggested.

Other teams have had that as well. The LK list givenin earlier post above is still far from complete for your time frame. It's probly close to double the list given.



All good here as I think Sarnia would be up there with kids moving up early but they aren't a unicorn in that respect.

Victor mete played for 3 years he didn't leave early. You keep saying there are many more... double... yet you aren't giving any names. Sarnia has never had the likes of Perry - 1 st round pick, Schremp - 1 st round pick, Bolland - 2nd round pick, Bouchard - 1 st round nhl pick, Dylan Hunter - 5 year player. Seth Griffith - 4 year player, Max Domi - 1 st round pick stayed for 4 years, Harrington- 2 nd round pick , Dvorak - 1st round pick, .... All those guys stuck around for extra years when they easily could have played elsewhere.... There is no comparison.... Every time London wins it's because they have elite players in their 4th year. I can't speak for the rest of the O but Sarnia rarely gets that... Imagine Sarnia getting back Pastojov, Voit, Belluz and Del Mastro this year.... thats the equivalent to what London had when they won. So like I said.... no comparison.

 

[rve24]

Victor mete played for 3 years he didn't leave early. You keep saying there are many more... double... yet you aren't giving any names. Sarnia has never had the likes of Perry - 1 st round pick, Schremp - 1 st round pick, Bolland - 2nd round pick, Bouchard - 1 st round nhl pick, Dylan Hunter - 5 year player. Seth Griffith - 4 year player, Max Domi - 1 st round pick stayed for 4 years, Harrington- 2 nd round pick , Dvorak - 1st round pick, .... All those guys stuck around for extra years when they easily could have played elsewhere.... There is no comparison.... Every time London wins it's because they have elite players in their 4th year. I can't speak for the rest of the O but Sarnia rarely gets that... Imagine Sarnia getting back Pastojov, Voit, Belluz and Del Mastro this year.... thats the equivalent to what London had when they won. So like I said.... no comparison.

Awesome, You start with saying 3 years isnt leaving early? And end with a bunch of players that played 3 years? Odd. London has had a group of those as well. Some pretty good players on par with or better than the ones you named.

You can find the names if you choose, ya did a good job finding ones that stayed.......LK has lost players with non OA eligibility left. So have other teams. That was my point in my response.

Feel free to believe only Sarnia has players leave early and they are hard done by. All good here.

Enjoy the solid start to the season. It's good to see.

 

[davewheeler]

Awesome, You start with saying 3 years isnt leaving early? And end with a bunch of players that played 3 years? Odd. London has had a group of those as well. Some pretty good players on par with or better than the ones you named.

You can find the names if you choose, ya did a good job finding ones that stayed.......LK has lost players with non OA eligibility left. So have other teams. That was my point in my response.

Feel free to believe only Sarnia has players leave early and they are hard done by. All good here.

Enjoy the solid start to the season. It's good to see.

I feel like you're not understanding whats being discussed.... I said London has had numerous top OHL players who played 2 years after their NHL draft year come back for their 4th or 5th ohl season..... then I went onto say that if belluz, voit ect all came back this year .... that would be the comparison to the years London was knocking off OHL titles. I did look up the players lol thats why I know im right. try it. It's always interesting hearing how hard London has had it over the years such a bad luck organization, I don't know how they do it.. Every team has lost players with years left.... The debate was how often does it happen.... in my opinion, per capita, it happens to Sarnia much more than other teams.... such a weird way to debate... arguing a point and then refusing to back it up... odd. Phew, im glad a knights fan is happy with our team, we were all waiting for that approval.

 

[rve24]

I feel like you're not understanding whats being discussed.... I said London has had numerous top OHL players who played 2 years after their NHL draft year come back for their 4th or 5th ohl season..... then I went onto say that if belluz, voit ect all came back this year .... that would be the comparison to the years London was knocking off OHL titles. I did look up the players lol thats why I know im right. try it. It's always interesting hearing how hard London has had it over the years such a bad luck organization, I don't know how they do it.. Every team has lost players with years left.... The debate was how often does it happen.... in my opinion, per capita, it happens to Sarnia much more than other teams.... such a weird way to debate... arguing a point and then refusing to back it up... odd. Phew, im glad a knights fan is happy with our team, we were all waiting for that approval.

Glad ya know your right. Or as you said your opinion (cause I didn't spoon feed you names doesn't mean your factually correct) Maybe you are, maybe not.

Odd way to debate saying VM never left early than using 3 year players as an example of leaving early????
Ya that never happened here. ( There are 4 recent ones, 2 year after year all stars )

If you crave the approval of a Knights an I'll say yes Sarnia has it so tough. Happy, you win lol.
And I never said London was a bad luck org. as you did nor did i think any sting fan craved or waited for approval from me. Lol but I guess you got use hyperbole for some reason.

I actually think it's a good thing when players move up early. You seemingly think Sarnia is hard done by it.


Again glad Sarnia is off to a solid start. I like when they, Kit n Windsor are solid teams.

 

[StingUpdates]

We've certainly had some unfortunate luck with returning players. Rymsha & Pezzetta both went pro at 20 when they clearly shouldn't have. Would've got great returns there.

Chychrun should not of went pro at 18. Ridiculous move by Arizona. Konecny earned a spot but that hurt cause he would've been arguably the best OHL player. Galchenyuk made MTL midway thru the yr (lockout season) while he was utterly obliterating the league. Perreault was like one of 5 guys to go pro after the covid year. Considering he's weaknesses outside of scoring can't believe ANA did that.

Its definitely set us back. Just getting one of those guys back and u can add one, two 2nds in a trade. Let alone if it was TK, Galchenyuk, Chychrun, Perreault who would've gotten us an absurd return that we would've been benefiting from just last year.

Realistically I think it's safe to say physically Voit isn't pro ready. Dubas signed him right away and it made no sense so he had to go pro. Another yr physically maturing in Jr would do 0 harm. DBB isn't fast enough to be good as a rookie in the AHL. He can be soft too which gets u eaten alive at that level.

Definitely a piss off watching other teams seemingly almost always get guys back who are on the cusp though. Sure would be nice if we got one of those two back but not holding my breath.

 

[ohloutsider]

We've certainly had some unfortunate luck with returning players. Rymsha & Pezzetta both went pro at 20 when they clearly shouldn't have. Would've got great returns there.

Chychrun should not of went pro at 18. Ridiculous move by Arizona. Konecny earned a spot but that hurt cause he would've been arguably the best OHL player. Galchenyuk made MTL midway thru the yr (lockout season) while he was utterly obliterating the league. Perreault was like one of 5 guys to go pro after the covid year. Considering he's weaknesses outside of scoring can't believe ANA did that.

Its definitely set us back. Just getting one of those guys back and u can add one, two 2nds in a trade. Let alone if it was TK, Galchenyuk, Chychrun, Perreault who would've gotten us an absurd return that we would've been benefiting from just last year.

Realistically I think it's safe to say physically Voit isn't pro ready. Dubas signed him right away and it made no sense so he had to go pro. Another yr physically maturing in Jr would do 0 harm. DBB isn't fast enough to be good as a rookie in the AHL. He can be soft too which gets u eaten alive at that level.

Definitely a piss off watching other teams seemingly almost always get guys back who are on the cusp though. Sure would be nice if we got one of those two back but not holding my breath.

Windsor did not get Shane Wright back, I mean they had to make an "exception" to not send him bach to Windsor, LOL. Also did not get Wyatt Johnson back, JL Foudy. It happens to all teams .

 

[Ferda11]

No one here is saying this doesn’t happen to other teams. It does. But I’ve yet to see anyone point out more players of significance that were lost early to pro, than any Sarnia poster has mentioned so far. Especially players that were all but expected to be back in junior. Sarnia’s definitely been worse off in that category then most teams are. It is what it is, call it a feather in the organizations hat if you want.

 

[JAMER]

No Voit again for the Marloes today. Can't find him on any injuries lists.

 

[Sting Fire]

No Voit again for the Marloes today. Can't find him on any injuries lists.

Voit sustained an undisclosed injury during the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, per Terry Koshan of The Toronto Sun.

 

[StingUpdates]

Won't lie seeing how well we've played & seeing how much of a step certain guys have taken definitely makes me wonder how we'd look with Martone, MacDonell, Namestnikov & a healthy Wainwright.

Be set up for what we always complain we don't do. Be good for multiple years. Probably be battling for around 5th now. Next yr be better & be a team that could add & go on a run but likely just adds a 2 yr piece & maybe wins a round then the following yr be a juggernaut.

But as we've seen with Owen Sound it isn't easy. They looked primed for B2B great years & they came 8th & got swept last yr. Flint the same with the yr prior & last season & they finished 5th & lost RD1.

For me too we knew we had legitimate studs in Voit, Burke, Mast, Ritchie, Dillingham (thought Gaudreau was one) & great euros in Lantz , Vilmanis that we had been building around. Punting it would've been pretty bad for the attendance & we wouldn't be seeing the packed houses still carrying over. We also only had 2 legit threats in the conference as well & 1 lost in RD1. It's so rarely that open in the west.

Not to mention we definitely don't add the twins who've been incredible with all those Fs, Moses too & guys like Doucette might of been let go or buried on the depth chart.

While I'm confident they still would've done well, who knows who we draft if we pick higher. Likely not Brown, Barr, Hurt & obviously there's other fantastic rookies are there many teams if any past 2or3 more jacked up about their rookie class right now than us?

Even with them 25-26 would've been the goal and I fully believe Martone will be in the NHL at 19 & MacDonell might be in the AHL or ECHL while Namestnikov wouldve aged out. Be pretty brutal losses if it happened & we'd have to make big deals just to break even if u will.

I remain happy with their decision, especially MacDonell, Namestnikov, Daviault trades. Martone one.. tough. We knew he'd be a star & he already is one. If he is back at 19 then I'll probably really regret we did it. I do hope by then we have a good enough team that we don't need to trade our most recent 1st cause that is getting tiresome. Only 2-3 teams do it a yr & we are always one of them when we are competing. Hopefully Seca can fill out the holes over the next 2 seasons & summers. D looks good. Hopefully G is good. Gonna need some big PT guys up front besides Wainwright, Brown.

 

[Ferda11]

Won't lie seeing how well we've played & seeing how much of a step certain guys have taken definitely makes me wonder how we'd look with Martone, MacDonell, Namestnikov & a healthy Wainwright.

Be set up for what we always complain we don't do. Be good for multiple years. Probably be battling for around 5th now. Next yr be better & be a team that could add & go on a run but likely just adds a 2 yr piece & maybe wins a round then the following yr be a juggernaut.

But as we've seen with Owen Sound it isn't easy. They looked primed for B2B great years & they came 8th & got swept last yr. Flint the same with the yr prior & last season & they finished 5th & lost RD1.

For me too we knew we had legitimate studs in Voit, Burke, Mast, Ritchie, Dillingham (thought Gaudreau was one) & great euros in Lantz , Vilmanis that we had been building around. Punting it would've been pretty bad for the attendance & we wouldn't be seeing the packed houses still carrying over. We also only had 2 legit threats in the conference as well & 1 lost in RD1. It's so rarely that open in the west.

Not to mention we definitely don't add the twins who've been incredible with all those Fs, Moses too & guys like Doucette might of been let go or buried on the depth chart.

While I'm confident they still would've done well, who knows who we draft if we pick higher. Likely not Brown, Barr, Hurt & obviously there's other fantastic rookies are there many teams if any past 2or3 more jacked up about their rookie class right now than us?

Even with them 25-26 would've been the goal and I fully believe Martone will be in the NHL at 19 & MacDonell might be in the AHL or ECHL while Namestnikov wouldve aged out. Be pretty brutal losses if it happened & we'd have to make big deals just to break even if u will.

I remain happy with their decision, especially MacDonell, Namestnikov, Daviault trades. Martone one.. tough. We knew he'd be a star & he already is one. If he is back at 19 then I'll probably really regret we did it. I do hope by then we have a good enough team that we don't need to trade our most recent 1st cause that is getting tiresome. Only 2-3 teams do it a yr & we are always one of them when we are competing. Hopefully Seca can fill out the holes over the next 2 seasons & summers. D looks good. Hopefully G is good. Gonna need some big PT guys up front besides Wainwright, Brown.

Woulda, shoulda, coulda…..it is what it is brotha! I do know one thing…this years rebuild is the first one that I can remember that I’ve personally felt confident about. We’re on the right track! Onwards and upwards!

 

[StingUpdates]

Woulda, shoulda, coulda…..it is what it is brotha! I do know one thing…this years rebuild is the first one that I can remember that I’ve personally felt confident about. We’re on the right track! Onwards and upwards!

Most definitely. I was just so fully convinced we were gonna be horrific this yr that I didn't really care much, but so far they've been surprisingly good so just crossed my mind.

Right with yah. I think we are right up there best run teams (GM/coaching) in the league which I'm not sure Ive ever thought before. Not saying best, but IMO definitely up there. The job they did last yr with an elite team & now with the 2nd youngest team in the league has been remarkable. Especially with Wainwright out.

Also, congrats to Brown for being on the U17 Canada team! Sucks we'll lose him for 2 weeks. Hate how it's right in the thick of the schedule. Somewhat surprised Barr didn't get an invite looking at some of the other invites on D, but whatever good for us as get to keep him haha.

 

[StingUpdates]

Well tonight will be a tough one. KIT has been an absolute wagon so far & Mesar likely makes his season debut so they'll be coming out with even more jump.

Surzycia gonna have to come up big & the Fischer-LeBlanc pair have their work cut out for them with the league's best line thus far.

Not expecting it but maybe the boys can make a statement tonight that it's time to take us a bit more serious. Make it 4 straight Ws & win 6 of 7!

Edit: No Moses tonight. Really gonna miss his speed & energy out there. Hope it isn't serious. He's been awesome. Still no Wainwright or Hall. Luecke listed as drawing in so lineup gets even younger.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Well tonight will be a tough one. KIT has been an absolute wagon so far & Mesar likely makes his season debut so they'll be coming out with even more jump.

Surzycia gonna have to come up big & the Fischer-LeBlanc pair have their work cut out for them with the league's best line thus far.

Not expecting it but maybe the boys can make a statement tonight that it's time to take us a bit more serious. Make it 4 straight Ws & win 6 of 7!

Edit: No Moses tonight. Really gonna miss his speed & energy out there. Hope it isn't serious. He's been awesome. Still no Wainwright or Hall. Luecke listed as drawing in so lineup gets even younger.

Hurt is also out of the lineup. Bridgewater up but will not play tonight

 

[StingUpdates]

Hurt is also out of the lineup. Bridgewater up but will not play tonight

Oh wonderful. Not feeling confident about this one, but wasn't vs SSM or LDN. Think we might be due for our first beatdown. Bridgwater is listed as 7th D and we sometimes go with that. See which 1 of him & Luecke play. I'd go with Luecke.

Can't get much more inexperienced than we'll be tonight.

 

[StingUpdates]

Well that bounce sucked. Defended it well & it bounces right to Lam who has a guy backdoor.

 

[Ferda11]

Oh my Surzycia….what a save on that cross crease play with the toe kick! He’s been very good. He’s going to be a very busy guy tonight it appears.

Sarnia really needed to connect on one of those two power plays. Vilmanis close with the hard post and out. Sarnia having all kinds of trouble gaining the offensive zone. How many pucks are we planning on coughing up trying to split 4 guys up the middle solo?? Yikes.

#6 needs to see less ice.

 

[StingUpdates]

Oh boy MacDonald. Not a shift he'll wanna remember. Ugly stuff. Team yet to wake up so far. Just skating with no juice. PP1 looked disastrous. PP2 actually looked decent but fluffed on a couple good looks.

 

[StingUpdates]

Nice cross check right to the side of the head on Brown. How tf isn't that called.

Horrible pinch by MacDonald. Brutal game he's having. Team was pushing too to start the PD. Not a bad goal but would've liked a save to keep it within 2.

LeBlanc would've had a chance to stop that rush & he got stuck on something in the penalty box lmfao. What the heck.

Poor play, bad bounces & KIT playing really well in this one. Just nothing going our way. Will say Surzycia seems to be coming back to earth. Not playing bad whatsoever just not that form he was on early on

Poor Sikic lol. Gets mauled by 3 dudes and it's called 2 for each. PP has been ugly tonight. Seems to correlate with wins & losses.

 

[Ferda11]

Yeah not much going here at all. Figured this game was going to be a stinker when we were talking about the remaining October schedule last week. Haven’t seen a team play us as tough as Kitchener has so far this year. What a interesting situation they have there with the surprising start, but the need to recoup picks. Hard to imagine them selling if they keep this up. Impressive team.