Sarnia Sting 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[StingUpdates]

Crazy it's the 3rd game & I have no clue who id start vs Kitchener.

Surzycia has been awesome. Chartier if he's up (which he is) needs games & KIT is a fine opponent for his debut. Gaudreau been back for almost a week & is the teams #1 G on paper + OA.

Can not wait for them to be down to two lol.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Crazy it's the 3rd game & I have no clue who id start vs Kitchener.

Surzycia has been awesome. Chartier if he's up (which he is) needs games & KIT is a fine opponent for his debut. Gaudreau been back for almost a week & is the teams #1 G on paper + OA.

Can not wait for them to be down to two lol.

They should start Surzycia. My guess is Gaudreau will get his first start. Wouldn't be surprised to see Chartier start on Saturday in Windsor

 

[Ferda11]

I'm doubting we see any of Chartier with Ben back. Like someone said a few pages back, it will be Chartier who gets hurt the most from this. Until a trade is done, he will see very little to no games I'm guessing. They will be playing Ben or Surzycia as much as possible to showcase for a trade... if the team does in fact plan on trading one. Still concerned about Letang's comments a few weeks back about Ben being the #1 guy and all that....It would be a very Sarnia Sting thing to do if they just went with Ben and Nick the whole year and did nothing lmao.

Kitchener isn't really playing like a bottom feeder if the preseason and first two games were any indication. Should be a good battle between two teams looking to prove the league wrong with their initial low rankings. Kitchener definitely has the upper hand offensively.

I like the idea of SAG calling up for Ben. I agree that as their team currently stands, they aren't getting past London. But this time last year we were all wondering how the hell we were ever going to compete and then BOOM - Pasta, Kyrou, Del Mastro, DBB and so on......SAG can do the same quite easily with the picks they posses. Although, one would argue the talent available for trade this year is no where near the level of skill available last year.

 

[Stellar29]

I'm doubting we see any of Chartier with Ben back. Like someone said a few pages back, it will be Chartier who gets hurt the most from this. Until a trade is done, he will see very little to no games I'm guessing. They will be playing Ben or Surzycia as much as possible to showcase for a trade... if the team does in fact plan on trading one. Still concerned about Letang's comments a few weeks back about Ben being the #1 guy and all that....It would be a very Sarnia Sting thing to do if they just went with Ben and Nick the whole year and did nothing lmao.

Kitchener isn't really playing like a bottom feeder if the preseason and first two games were any indication. Should be a good battle between two teams looking to prove the league wrong with their initial low rankings. Kitchener definitely has the upper hand offensively.

I like the idea of SAG calling up for Ben. I agree that as their team currently stands, they aren't getting past London. But this time last year we were all wondering how the hell we were ever going to compete and then BOOM - Pasta, Kyrou, Del Mastro, DBB and so on......SAG can do the same quite easily with the picks they posses. Although, one would argue the talent available for trade this year is no where near the level of skill available last year.

You're likely in a position where it would be best to run with Gaudreau and Surzycia until closer to the deadline. Hopefully Gaudreau re-establishes himself as a top goalie and a team who intends on making a run realizes they need a goalie. The OA market is so bad and there aren't really any obvious openings for goalies, at least not yet, that you'd be selling at a rock bottom price. Savard and Lawrence just went for 8th round picks. Unless you feel moving Gaudreau to free up playing time for Chartier is more important it's likely better to try and rebuild Gaudreau for some form of value in a trade return. Just my two cents.

 

[Kingpin794]

I'm doubting we see any of Chartier with Ben back. Like someone said a few pages back, it will be Chartier who gets hurt the most from this. Until a trade is done, he will see very little to no games I'm guessing. They will be playing Ben or Surzycia as much as possible to showcase for a trade... if the team does in fact plan on trading one. Still concerned about Letang's comments a few weeks back about Ben being the #1 guy and all that....It would be a very Sarnia Sting thing to do if they just went with Ben and Nick the whole year and did nothing lmao.

Kitchener isn't really playing like a bottom feeder if the preseason and first two games were any indication. Should be a good battle between two teams looking to prove the league wrong with their initial low rankings. Kitchener definitely has the upper hand offensively.

I like the idea of SAG calling up for Ben. I agree that as their team currently stands, they aren't getting past London. But this time last year we were all wondering how the hell we were ever going to compete and then BOOM - Pasta, Kyrou, Del Mastro, DBB and so on......SAG can do the same quite easily with the picks they posses. Although, one would argue the talent available for trade this year is no where near the level of skill available last year.

I don't mean any disrespect, but I really hope we don't use assets for Gaudreau. It's the OHL. It's more about the skaters in front of the goalie. There's only one goalie I'd spend picks/players to replace Oke and he might not even be available.

 

[Ferda11]

You're likely in a position where it would be best to run with Gaudreau and Surzycia until closer to the deadline. Hopefully Gaudreau re-establishes himself as a top goalie and a team who intends on making a run realizes they need a goalie. The OA market is so bad and there aren't really any obvious openings for goalies, at least not yet, that you'd be selling at a rock bottom price. Savard and Lawrence just went for 8th round picks. Unless you feel moving Gaudreau to free up playing time for Chartier is more important it's likely better to try and rebuild Gaudreau for some form of value in a trade return. Just my two cents.

Definitely understand this logic, but "rebuilding" a 20yr old goalie is not something the Sting should be wasting resources on, especially in a rebuild year. Focus needs to be on the youth. I also think there is just as great of a risk of Gaudreau hurting his trade stock even more by then with his inconsistencies. I just don't see a difference in what Gaudreau would fetch now, compared to 3 months from now, not to say that can't change. For the sake of Chartier and Surzycia development, I don't hold onto Gaudreau very long if I can help it.

Hell, if Gaudreau ever lived up to expectations, we wouldn't even be having a conversation right now as he would have turned Pro this year. I'll take what we can get at this point honestly.

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

I don't mean any disrespect, but I really hope we don't use assets for Gaudreau. It's the OHL. It's more about the skaters in front of the goalie. There's only one goalie I'd spend picks/players to replace Oke and he might not even be available.

Still curious to see what Saginaw has up their sleave, not a whole lot on the table for pickups if certain teams like North Bay are planning on 'doing something' this season

 

[Kingpin794]

Still curious to see what Saginaw has up their sleave, not a whole lot on the table for pickups if certain teams like North Bay are planning on 'doing something' this season

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We’ll be fine with Oke. Address other areas.

 

[Stellar29]

Definitely understand this logic, but "rebuilding" a 20yr old goalie is not something the Sting should be wasting resources on, especially in a rebuild year. Focus needs to be on the youth. I also think there is just as great of a risk of Gaudreau hurting his trade stock even more by then with his inconsistencies. I just don't see a difference in what Gaudreau would fetch now, compared to 3 months from now, not to say that can't change. For the sake of Chartier and Surzycia development, I don't hold onto Gaudreau very long if I can help it.

Hell, if Gaudreau ever lived up to expectations, we wouldn't even be having a conversation right now as he would have turned Pro this year. I'll take what we can get at this point honestly.

Maybe you can get away with a bit of both scenarios? Give Gaudreau until end of October or mid November to see if anything opens up for trade and if not, cut your losses and waive him. Chartier comes in and plays the rest of the year with Sarnia.

I kind of wonder if Erie is an under the radar option? Lalonde never really got going last year and depending on how they start the year, maybe they would have interest in bringing someone in to stabilize their younger roster. They do have an OA spot open. Otherwise I don't really see anywhere to send him at the moment.

 

[robp1219]

I like SAG but they really need some size & grit up front. Oke is TBD in net. D looks alright especially with Hache add.

Filak is the exact type of F they need. Michigan kid too. Just as I said I'm torn on if Id want him dealt. Think the team would be too. Would have to be a great offer which SAG could certainly offer with all their picks.

I do wonder if A. LeBlanc can keep his play up if he gets any interest. He'd be a nice 3rd liner for a team I think. But has to show it for more than a weekend obviously.

Vilmanis has to be at the top of teams list that need an import. Just tricky sometimes to trade them as we've seen. Hopefully a contender needs one.

Vilmanis, filak and gaudrea to Saginaw for a king’s ransom of pick’s and a 17 year old.

 

[robp1219]

Crazy it's the 3rd game & I have no clue who id start vs Kitchener.

Surzycia has been awesome. Chartier if he's up (which he is) needs games & KIT is a fine opponent for his debut. Gaudreau been back for almost a week & is the teams #1 G on paper + OA.

Can not wait for them to be down to two lol.

I think gaudreau plays tonight

 

[JAMER]

Vilmanis, filak and gaudrea to Saginaw for a king’s ransom of pick’s and a 17 year old.

I like that trade. But switch Gaudreau for Surzycia Saginaw already has there 3 OAs. And I highly doubt any of them would be moved for Gaudreau.

 

[StingUpdates]

Idk if I can remember 3 guys going to one team in a deal. Certainly be interesting haha. Be quite a haul, but as Kingpen mentioned I don't see them wanting Gaudreau unless Oke falls off but even then I bet they go to NB for Divincentis. Filak+Vilmanis I can definitely see.

Surzycia could make sense as insurance if Oke struggles. Not sure what their backup is all about. Gotta think if Nick can keep this up many teams will call for insurance or to push their starter. But as I've said if he keeps this up do you even deal him? We don't know what Chartier is yet. Don't wanna leave yourself completely screwed in net next year.

 

[StingUpdates]

Going 11/7 again. Somewhat surprised Sim sits again. I thought he did solid vs WSR. Same lines as last week except Kukumberg goes to L2 w/Sikic, LeBlanc while Moses goes to L3 w/Brown & Way. Wish they were giving Brown some more talented linemates.. Omeri 7th D. Surzycia starts again. Gaudreau backup.

 

[StingUpdates]

Pp or lack of one is killing them. Nice to see Barr get his first. Surzycia really keeping them in it. Get Brown & Doherty on the damn ice more. Our vets are doing nothing

 

[robp1219]

I like that trade. But switch Gaudreau for Surzycia Saginaw already has there 3 OAs. And I highly doubt any of them would be moved for Gaudreau.

Why would we get rid of Suryzcia? He’s been lights out to start the season and he has this year and next left in the league. If I move him it would be at the deadline if he’s still playing lights out to get a good return, or move him next season.

 

[StingUpdates]

Oh man is this team gonna struggle to score goals. Especially if their PP is gonna be this putrid. Yeesh.

Holy smokes Surzycia. Once again just brilliant. He must have made 4or5 highlight reel saves after they made it 2-0.

Losing my mind watching Sikic & Way hop over the boards while Brown, Doherty, Lominac sit on the bench. No Fs really did great tonight but I thought 23&55 at least pushed the pace & tried creating. More than a few others can say.

Also PLEASE make it make sense how in pre season Brown was nasty on the PP and now he plays 40 seconds a game on it. Idiotic.

Liked Barr & Hurt again. Thought Young was our best D. One of those games u remember Fischer is just 17. Rough game although that last end to end rush then backcheck on Rehkopf was outstanding. Don't understand dressing 7D & have Omeri play maybe 5 minutes.

Onto a tough, tough SSM team Friday.

 

[Ferda11]

I’ll post more comments tomorrow but Surzycia deserves some stick taps now. What a performance. I’d like to know how many of those shots were considered high danger. Almost had that first one on the two on one, but had absolutely zero chance on that Rehkopf snipe for the second. Definitely 6-8 highlight/super high quality saves for him tonight and was the only reason it wasn’t 7-1.

 

[StingUpdates]

Your seeing why most had us 10th. Lack of offense jumps off the screen. Especially when their vets don't do much. Pretty crazy that with this young of a DCore they've only allowed 2-2-2. Obviously ton of credit to Surzycia who's been one of the best goalies in the league if not the best so far.

But I'm still really happy with their young D. Tonight definitely they lost structure in that 3rd PD, but still only 25 shots. id have to rewatch but I didn't think it was Hurt or Barr being the reasons for those BAs or 2on1s either. Super impressed by them.

I've liked Doherty's game. He's using his speed. Unfortunately he's barely playing. Still has 2A. Brown hasn't been as good, but not like there giving him any help putting Way & Moses with him. 2 grinders + PP2 which barely plays.

Need way more from Sikic, Way. Just not sure they have it honestly. Vilmanis creates more than anyone else but man does he need to 1, finish his looks & 2, use his linemates more. LeBlanc can't be the do it all guy. He's a finisher. Unfortunately he doesn't have a legit playmaker on his line. Filak is leaving it all out there. Like LeBlanc he can't be the do it all guy. He needs skill on his line.

Desperately miss Wainwright & his speed & finishing ability. If the dam ever bursts in net this will be a long, long season. See who starts Friday. I'd guess Gaudreau then Surzycia Saturday.

 

[davewheeler]

Ok so first bad game of the year.... power play was simply awful... like it's hard to be any worse than that..... Fischer looked like a complete pylon all night big time yikes game for him..... Surzycia was unreal, again ... he's who people thought Ben was suppose to be. He is our #1 goalie however we need to play Ben to showcase his game and get him traded..... This will be the theme in Sarnia this year, work hard, zero goal scoring ability.... Lastly, Sarnia needs to take those jerseys and throw them directly into the trash.... it was a joke, you could't read the names on the back of the jersey ... lets try to be a serious team here for once lol.

 

[StingUpdates]

Ok so first bad game of the year.... power play was simply awful... like it's hard to be any worse than that..... Fischer looked like a complete pylon all night big time yikes game for him..... Surzycia was unreal, again ... he's who people thought Ben was suppose to be. He is our #1 goalie however we need to play Ben to showcase his game and get him traded..... This will be the theme in Sarnia this year, work hard, zero goal scoring ability.... Lastly, Sarnia needs to take those jerseys and throw them directly into the trash.... it was a joke, you could't read the names on the back of the jersey ... lets try to be a serious team here for once lol.

No kidding eh. Who thought black nameplate on dark blue was a good idea.. I like the college idea. 3600 for a Wednesday is awesome, but the jerseys were worse than the on ice play haha.

 

[davewheeler]

No kidding eh. Who thought black nameplate on dark blue was a good idea.. I like the college idea. 3600 for a Wednesday is awesome, but the jerseys were worse than the on ice play haha.

I agree I was impressed with the turnout... but damn I feel like thats going to fade fast with Sarnia lacking any offensive skill. One of these years Sarnia will be good for 2 years in a row.......

 

[StingUpdates]

Letang on the goalies

"We think we have two #1 goalies & they'll battle for who gets starts". Well that probably answers it. Send Chartier down then. U can't have this kid sitting all yr just practising. Be pure idiocy when he's 17. I hope he doesn't demand out. Cause he deserves OHL minutes especially in his draft yr.

U can tell he's very (very) prepared to be patient with this group lol. Just hope he plays the young Fs more cause he's playing the hell out of the young D. Tho I can understand the hesitancy to have so many rookies playing big minutes. Just not sure the vets are that much better lol.

 

[davewheeler]

Letang on the goalies

"We think we have two #1 goalies & they'll battle for who gets starts". Well that probably answers it. Send Chartier down then. U can't have this kid sitting all yr just practising. Be pure idiocy when he's 17. I hope he doesn't demand out. Cause he deserves OHL minutes especially in his draft yr.

U can tell he's very (very) prepared to be patient with this group lol. Just hope he plays the young Fs more cause he's playing the hell out of the young D. Tho I can understand the hesitancy to have so many rookies playing big minutes. Just not sure the vets are that much better lol.

He shockingly pulled the goalie with like 2 mins or more left in the game.... he must read this forum lol.... it didnt work but it was the right decision, hope he sticks with it.

 

[StingUpdates]

He shockingly pulled the goalie with like 2 mins or more left in the game.... he must read this forum lol.... it didnt work but it was the right decision, hope he sticks with it.

Yah noticed that too haha. I laughed when KIT broke out immediately off the draw like naturally they'll score within 10 seconds. Thought now he'll never do it lmao.

Luckily they didn't. When u have a team that lacks offense u should be a team that's aggresive with pulling. Because 5on5 they're likely not gonna find one.