Sarnia Sting 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[StingUpdates]

One thing that baffles me a bit is this:

Filak took an unsportsmanlike penalty (well deserved) for taunting Flores after scoring - horrible penalty to take.
But, how did Flores not get a similar penalty when he threw the puck at Filak a shift or 2 later?
Instead, Flores was just warned by the ref.

Typical OHL reffing. Call Filak for taunting then within 5 minute Flores does it right back & he gets a warning. Just so bad. Then LeBlanc gets a cheap holding call when Humphrey so clearly embellished. They let a ton of holding go all day.

In OT Humphrey tripped A. LeBlanc, too when he caught the puck in our end. I never saw a replay but sure looked like Sikic got held or hooked on his BA in OT too.

Officiating had been solid this yr up till yesterday. Hopefully isn't the beginning of it going downhill lol.

 

[StingUpdates]

Pretty tough schedule in November. 11 games. OSx2, SAGx2, GUE. Eastern trip @ PBO, KGN, OTT are 8 of those games. ER, FLT, BRNT the other 3.

December ain't a cake walk either with LDNx3, KIT, SAG, OS..

That's 17 games. This team so far has always proved me wrong when I doubt them but I'm not expecting a ton of wins in that stretch.

 

[JAMER]

Pretty tough schedule in November. 11 games. OSx2, SAGx2, GUE. Eastern trip @ PBO, KGN, OTT are 8 of those games. ER, FLT, BRNT the other 3.

December ain't a cake walk either with LDNx3, KIT, SAG, OS..

That's 17 games. This team so far has always proved me wrong when I doubt them but I'm not expecting a ton of wins in that stretch.

I'm honestly not to concerned. Gotta remember WJC camps start in about 2 weeks. So Owen sound will be with out Barlow and Petrovsky 2 out of the 3 we play them. LDN will most likely be with out there entire top line all 3 games we play against them and maybe Bonk. KIT will be without Rehkof and Brzustewicz. And SAG will be with out Sapivaliv who is always there best player every time we play them.

 

[HockeyPops]

Thought WJC camps were the second week of December?

 

[StingUpdates]

WJCs are 2nd week of December. But solid points for the December meetings. But we'll lose Letang, Vilmanis & Kukumberg potentially.

Hopefully by then Hall, Moses are back. Saw Moses in a cast/sling yesterday so unfortunately his injury might be fairly long term which is a shame. Really like his game. Wouldve loved to have him in the playoffs last yr.

 

[JAMER]

WJCs are 2nd week of December. But solid points for the December meetings. But we'll lose Letang, Vilmanis & Kukumberg potentially.

Hopefully by then Hall, Moses are back. Saw Moses in a cast/sling yesterday so unfortunately his injury might be fairly long term which is a shame. Really like his game. Wouldve loved to have him in the playoffs last yr.

Yeah I'm probably about 2 weeks off. But my point still stands. Yes we will lose Letang Vilmanis and possibly Kukumberg. But Wainwright will be back and plus our D and goaltending have been so good. I don't think it will hurt us much losing them. With other teams losing guys who are basically running there whole offense. And us getting a good amount of depth scoring I think we'll be fine.

 

[Texcanuck]

Pretty tough schedule in November. 11 games. OSx2, SAGx2, GUE. Eastern trip @ PBO, KGN, OTT are 8 of those games. ER, FLT, BRNT the other 3.

December ain't a cake walk either with LDNx3, KIT, SAG, OS..

That's 17 games. This team so far has always proved me wrong when I doubt them but I'm not expecting a ton of wins in that stretch.

Hey, play hard & good things happen. If this team keeps doing what it has been doing, they will win their share.
Biggest concern for me will be the loss of Letang to WJC. I think he’s the guy who elevates this team to the level it is at. Remains to be seen if the rest of the coaching staff can keep it going. Hope so!!

 

[Texcanuck]

Can you believe we got the LeBlanc twins for a 2024 14th, a 2025 6th & 15th, and a 2027 5th??
Perhaps the best reclamation/steal I’ve ever seen.

 

[StingUpdates]

Can you believe we got the LeBlanc twins for a 2024 14th, a 2025 6th & 15th, and a 2027 5th??
Perhaps the best reclamation/steal I’ve ever seen.

Honestly after having Seca as GM & Letang as HC for a few years i can believe it. If there's one thing about us that has me most excited it's that this staff (coaches, managment, scouts etc) must be fantastic talent evaluators.

Starting with the draft (not counting covid draft, that was a total crapshoot) we've done very well. Last yr we came away with Martone, Campbell, Doherty, Hall, Chartier, Omeri, Fischer who are all OHLers with potentially a star F (Martone), Stud Dman (Fischer), Starting goalie (Chartier) being the headliners. Not to mention Soares, Denney, O'Toole all look like guys who could be OHLers next yr (Soares should be now dammit)

This year (still so early i know) Brown looks like a stud, Barr & Hurt have been tremendous & look like two huge pieces to our Dcore for 4+ years. Bridgwater has the tools to be a really solid Dman. Sim already playing & is improving. If he grows he'll be a huge piece. Beamish is having a helluva start in Jr B. Luecke looks really promising. Don't sleep on Andersen or McNally either.

Have gotten two starting goalies from the U18 draft in Thornton & Surzcyia, too. That;s a draft teams have had a horrific time finding regulars in. MacDonald been a solid depth Dman.

Our leading scorer up till this weekend was a UFA signing last summer. Lominac has shown good flashes as a 17 yr old UFA signing.

Then their ability to find guys struggling where they are or needing a fresh start has been pretty damn incredible. Ritchie for a 6th. Young for a 6th. Moses for a 12th. LeBlanc's for 5th/6th/14th/15th. Had he not had such brutal luck Hoover was looking great & he was somewhat cheap. Heck getting Way who scored 15 goals last yr when looking like he may not even be an OHLer in OSH for McIntyre & an 8th was tremendous.

That's 7 guys just in the last couple seasons not to mention how well Pastujov, Kyrou, DelBelBelluz, Del Mastro all fit pretty much instantly.

At this point when we acquire somebody i almost dont care what they did where they just were. We'll know how to best utilize them & maximze their skillsets. It's a major feather in the caps of the coaches & scouts, Seca. Been fooled many times before, but i truly believe we haven't been in better hands in a long, long time if ever.

 

[StingUpdates]

As for the twins, they've certainly blown me away. Everyone i talked to when we made the trade was practically mocking Sarnia for the move. Everyone pointing at their +/- or Andrew's lack of production.

I went back & watched some of their games & i even thought man, Jacob is a bit of a disaster in his own end. Month in & he's been awesome on the top pair playing massive minutes always vs top lines & is producing at over a PPG clip. He also got bumped to PP1 QB @ SAG & the PP has gone 2/3 since & looked much more threatening.

Andrew i actually thought could push for 20Gs. Looks like i lowballed him lmao. He's honestly crazy to watch some nights. His puck protection & strength is some of the best i've seen for a Sting player. He has shifts where he'll shrug off 3or4 opposing players & eventually get a chance or set one up.

You could make a real argument they've been our best F & best Dman. They always bring 100% effort & have a bit of an attitude which i love cause that can rub off on all the rookies. Been pretty clutch too.

Not sure they'll keep up the over PPG pace, especially post deadline, but man have they been fun to watch. Gotta be teams kicking themselves for not doing that move first. Not sure where we'd be without them & they could be 2 elite OA options next year.

 

[cupcrazyman2]

Can you believe we got the LeBlanc twins for a 2024 14th, a 2025 6th & 15th, and a 2027 5th??
Perhaps the best reclamation/steal I’ve ever seen.

Jon Sim from Laval QMJHL picked up on waivers for free.However that trade for the LeBlanc twins is very,very good.

 

[StingUpdates]

Would seem like the twins are a package deal so I'd say that makes them fairly unlikely to be traded. Would need to be a perfect situation for a team to need both & be willing to give up some solid picks.

So if that's the case I think it would almost be a certainty (least I hope) that either Filak or Doucette are dealt. Cause that's two of your 3 OAs in the twins then you have Filak/Doucette/Surzycia as 3 other options. While I like all 3 no need to keep both Fs because it'll only decrease their value for when u gotta flip them in August or September next yr.

If Doucette can keep up a somewhat similar pace to what he's done I'd be really intrigued to see if he gains interest. Could be a really solid upgrade to a contenders 3rd line. He's really cut the gap down with Filak for who'd I'd prefer as an OA, tho I still lean 11 slightly.

Filak I have to imagine gets a fair bit of attention. Such a good playoff guy who can play line 1, 2 or 3. Would add much needed grit to teams who need it. Add in he's back as OA & I would be hoping for a good return.

Obviously Vilmanis is our best chip, but gotta hope a contender needs an import or wants an upgrade.

Sarnia in the past has been such a brutal team for selling off their pieces when they aren't contending. Always seem to hold onto them. It's why we never seem to be one of those teams who have three 2nds or 3rds or have six 2nds over a 3 yr run. Such an advantage for building a team & adding without killing your team for years when u go for it.

Gives me confidence Seca dealt Guy+Reesor a few years back at least.

 

[Stellar29]

Would seem like the twins are a package deal so I'd say that makes them fairly unlikely to be traded. Would need to be a perfect situation for a team to need both & be willing to give up some solid picks.

So if that's the case I think it would almost be a certainty (least I hope) that either Filak or Doucette are dealt. Cause that's two of your 3 OAs in the twins then you have Filak/Doucette/Surzycia as 3 other options. While I like all 3 no need to keep both Fs because it'll only decrease their value for when u gotta flip them in August or September next yr.

If Doucette can keep up a somewhat similar pace to what he's done I'd be really intrigued to see if he gains interest. Could be a really solid upgrade to a contenders 3rd line. He's really cut the gap down with Filak for who'd I'd prefer as an OA, tho I still lean 11 slightly.

Filak I have to imagine gets a fair bit of attention. Such a good playoff guy who can play line 1, 2 or 3. Would add much needed grit to teams who need it. Add in he's back as OA & I would be hoping for a good return.

Obviously Vilmanis is our best chip, but gotta hope a contender needs an import or wants an upgrade.

Sarnia in the past has been such a brutal team for selling off their pieces when they aren't contending. Always seem to hold onto them. It's why we never seem to be one of those teams who have three 2nds or 3rds or have six 2nds over a 3 yr run. Such an advantage for building a team & adding without killing your team for years when u go for it.

Gives me confidence Seca dealt Guy+Reesor a few years back at least.

Just spit balling but it would seem the LeBlanc twins would be a fit in Owen Sound. They could use a depth upgrade at forward and another D. They don't have a lot of major trade assets and I'm sure Sarnia would be selling for a modest profit from what they paid to acquire them. They would also be good OAs so it's entirely possible they don't move at all depending on what Sarnia has planned for the rest of the roster.

It's fascinating to think about what Sarnia could fetch in return if they do go to market. Looks like a great return on the investment cost at this point.

 

[JAMER]

DBB did not play for Cleveland again tonight.

 

[StingUpdates]

Fingers crossed Wainwright is back today. His speed & finishing ability will be such a big boost to the lineup. Obviously, if he is back might take a few weeks to get up to speed but still, big addition. Be intrigued to see the lines cause I doubt we see 7-11-22 split with their recent play.

I'd maybe go
LeBlanc-Filak-Vilmanis
Kukumberg-Wainwright-Doucette
Doherty-Sikic-Lominac
Sim-Luecke

Owen Sound is coming off an ugly loss where their HC called out their effort. We gotta be ready to go right away cause they'll likely be coming out pissed off & there ain't many teams more lethal when on than them.

There's really no easy ones this month. So starting off with a somewhat surprising win would be nice.

 

[StingUpdates]

Can't even make it up now. Wainwright is back, but Kukumberg is out as is Luecke.

So only 10Fs.

7-11-22
25-12-15
93-9-55
92

 

[StingUpdates]

What an annoying period. Had a few just trickle wide. They have 1 trickle in. Refs fall for that dive by Stewart. Ridiculous call. Horrid. And they score right away on it.

D definitely little sloppy under OS physical play.

 

[StingUpdates]

Think this team missed Wainwright? So good. 2 primary assists thru 2. Definitely got all the breaks that period. Fricken love the never say die attitude tho. See if they can complete the comeback in the 3rd.

Sim 1st point too! Kids been good again tonight.

 

[StingUpdates]

One of the worst officiated games I have ever seen. What a way to ruin a great game. Both Leblanc penalties were just horrendous. But especially the second. We are on A FREAKING BREAKAWAY & their guy dives into him & Brennan calls tripping?!?!?!? WHERE?!? Quite honestly might be the worst call I've seen. I'm still dumbfounded.

Wasn't just us either. Fischer chops a guys stick in half & they don't call it. An automatic call & they don't call it.

Really sucks cause these kids played their tails off in the 2nd & 3rd. Wainwright comes back like a house on fire. 3 points. Sim gets 2 assists! They were really carrying the play until the circus began.

Such a shame. Such a fricken shame.

Wasn't impressed by OS. Came out hot but 5on5 we outplayed them. Unfortunately r PK finally broke & it broke bad lol. Goes 0/4. Thought Fischer-Hurt did a helluva job vs Barlow. Barely noticed him 5on5. Both went +2.

Lominac could've had a few tonight. Sucks he couldn't punch one in. Onto Gaudreau's return on Sunday. Imagine there will be quite a ceremony pre game lol.

 

[Texcanuck]

Agree with you 100%. Garbage officiating. League ought to review that game. & give the crew a few days off.
Lots of positives by the No-quit Sting. I love this team. As shown by the killer Owen Sound power play, our skill guys are nowhere near the skill level of their top 5, but the guts & hustle of Sarnia could have (and probably should have) won the game.

 

[DCruickshank]

One of the worst officiated games I have ever seen. What a way to ruin a great game. Both Leblanc penalties were just horrendous. But especially the second. We are on A FREAKING BREAKAWAY & their guy dives into him & Brennan calls tripping?!?!?!? WHERE?!? Quite honestly might be the worst call I've seen. I'm still dumbfounded.

Wasn't just us either. Fischer chops a guys stick in half & they don't call it. An automatic call & they don't call it.

Really sucks cause these kids played their tails off in the 2nd & 3rd. Wainwright comes back like a house on fire. 3 points. Sim gets 2 assists! They were really carrying the play until the circus began.

Such a shame. Such a fricken shame.

Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses on refs

One of the worst officiated games I have ever seen. What a way to ruin a great game. Both Leblanc penalties were just horrendous. But especially the second. We are on A FREAKING BREAKAWAY & their guy dives into him & Brennan calls tripping?!?!?!? WHERE?!? Quite honestly might be the worst call I've seen. I'm still dumbfounded.

Wasn't just us either. Fischer chops a guys stick in half & they don't call it. An automatic call & they don't call it.

Really sucks cause these kids played their tails off in the 2nd & 3rd. Wainwright comes back like a house on fire. 3 points. Sim gets 2 assists! They were really carrying the play until the circus began.

Such a shame. Such a fricken shame.

Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses o

 

[Ferda11]

Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses on refs


Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses o

Like he said, the officiating was horrible.

 

[StingUpdates]

Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses on refs


Do you think the Sting player slashed the stick out of Attack players hands (broke it actually)then Stung came down the ice right away for their second goal.....ref calls bad both ways.. as I say weak blaming loses o

They called a bad one on us. U scored. They missed a call on us. We scored.

Then they totally hijacked the game late & gave u a 4on3 + a 5on4. Led to Tying & GWG.

As I said. They sucked. All game. Was an atrocity & an utter embarrassment.

Ruined a great, entertaining game.

 

[Texcanuck]

We all agree - crap calls in both directions. Changed the game completely - IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.

 

[Ferda11]

Too bad we didn’t get at least a point. Hard to finish when the refs are trying to make up for the missed calls they should have called on us earlier in the game. Comical both ways.

Good to have #12 back. Immediately makes an impact. Be nice to see this team healthy enough to ice 4 lines for once. Have we even had a game with 12 F’s? Brutal. Annoying game honestly. Hard to look past the shit show in stripes that turned this game into a circus.