Sarnia Sting 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[Ferda11]

Sting were given all the chances in the world to win that game last night. The 6 powerplays, including a lengthy 5 on 3 and we only ended up with 16 shots on goal? how? lol. Toss in Surzycia's performance and there's 2 really solid chances to win the game.

Agree with the Fischer comments. Cost us the first goal and was battling demons all game. His youth certainly showed last night. Think he's trying to do a bit too much, especially on the PP. He has to be feeling quite a bit of pressure to step up and be the #1 guy.....that's a lot for a 17 yr old.

Also agree about Young, love his potential and I'd love to see him get a shot at QB on PP1. I like his offensive upside more than anyone else on the blueline honestly. He was our best d-man last night.

See how they respond Friday. SSM coming off a big win last night vs LDN....

 

[HockeyPops]

Idk if I can remember 3 guys going to one team in a deal. Certainly be interesting haha

Suzuki, Durzi, and Roberts. Worked out pretty good for Guelph.

Regarding your goalies; doesn't seem like many teams would make room for an OA goalie. Assuming you were able to find a spot for Gaudreau would you settle for a 4th for him as that might be all he demands in this market? Contrast that with Surzycia who might be able to draw as much as 2x2nds if he continues playing well. Who would make more sense for the Sting to move this season?

 

[davewheeler]

Sting were given all the chances in the world to win that game last night. The 6 powerplays, including a lengthy 5 on 3 and we only ended up with 16 shots on goal? how? lol. Toss in Surzycia's performance and there's 2 really solid chances to win the game.

Agree with the Fischer comments. Cost us the first goal and was battling demons all game. His youth certainly showed last night. Think he's trying to do a bit too much, especially on the PP. He has to be feeling quite a bit of pressure to step up and be the #1 guy.....that's a lot for a 17 yr old.

Also agree about Young, love his potential and I'd love to see him get a shot at QB on PP1. I like his offensive upside more than anyone else on the blueline honestly. He was our best d-man last night.

See how they respond Friday. SSM coming off a big win last night vs LDN....

In the home opener Sarnia's PP was successfully setting up 1 timers for Fischer at the top.... He scored on one... it was beautiful... no messing around. However, that was Windsor who seem to be a dumpster fire.... We talked to at least 3 scouts who said they were there to see Fischer so it will be interesting to see where he is taken. Soo are a nice team.

 

[davewheeler]

Suzuki, Durzi, and Roberts. Worked out pretty good for Guelph.

Regarding your goalies; doesn't seem like many teams would make room for an OA goalie. Assuming you were able to find a spot for Gaudreau would you settle for a 4th for him as that might be all he demands in this market? Contrast that with Surzycia who might be able to draw as much as 2x2nds if he continues playing well. Who would make more sense for the Sting to move this season?

if you can get that for Surzycia you need to pull the trigger .... I wouldn't be opposed to moving both of them... we're rebuilding for 3 years down the road sadly.

 

[howler2]

if you can get that for Surzycia you need to pull the trigger .... I wouldn't be opposed to moving both of them... we're rebuilding for 3 years down the road sadly.

Do this and they will play at least 2 years to an MT building. We are sick of these tactics .

 

[StingUpdates]

I think super highly of Fischer. Last night was probably his worst game in the O. It happens. As mentioned I'm not sure there's another 17 yr old who's being asked to do as much as him for their team.

Top pair, top pp, pk & is surrounded by rookie D or really no established OHL D. He really doesn't have a guy he can go talk to or lean on for advice or anything like that.

Skating has improved a lot. Physically looks stronger & his shot is really strong. Can always count on effort with him too which is nice. But totally agree he's trying to do a little to much which is understandable given some of the things I said & our lack of F talent. I'd guess he projects as a top 2 RD pick. Especially with NHL bloodlines (teams love that haha) as long as he keeps progressing throughout the yr.

Totally agree on Young, Ferda. I thought that might have been his best OHL game. He was awesome. Such a great skater and has great hands for a Dman. Good instincts too. With a few more shooters up front I think he'd rack up a fair bit of points. Still won't be surprised if he pushes for 30+

 

[Stellar29]

I think super highly of Fischer. Last night was probably his worst game in the O. It happens. As mentioned I'm not sure there's another 17 yr old who's being asked to do as much as him for their team.

Top pair, top pp, pk & is surrounded by rookie D or really no established OHL D. He really doesn't have a guy he can go talk to or lean on for advice or anything like that.

Skating has improved a lot. Physically looks stronger & his shot is really strong. Can always count on effort with him too which is nice. But totally agree he's trying to do a little to much which is understandable given some of the things I said & our lack of F talent. I'd guess he projects as a top 2 RD pick. Especially with NHL bloodlines (teams love that haha) as long as he keeps progressing throughout the yr.

Totally agree on Young, Ferda. I thought that might have been his best OHL game. He was awesome. Such a great skater and has great hands for a Dman. Good instincts too. With a few more shooters up front I think he'd rack up a fair bit of points. Still won't be surprised if he pushes for 30+

I felt Owen Sound should have made room for Young last season. Their D wasn't that great and he had a really good camp in my opinion. He skates well and shows good offensive instincts. Sarnia definitely got the better of that transaction. Happy DeGray found him a spot to play and credit to Young for making the most of it.

 

[davewheeler]

Do this and they will play at least 2 years to an MT building. We are sick of these tactics .

What are you talking about? Sarnia rarely trades away it's good players for picks... They usually do the exact opposite... they hang onto guys when they should be dealt. Sarnia is going to be bad and were going to loose a lot of games the next two years anyway.... it's about time we started playing like the big boys do. The recipe is very simple yet for some reason Sarnia never follows it.... its- trade vets for picks and young players when not contending and then add vets for picks when contending.

 

[howler2]

What are you talking about? Sarnia rarely trades away it's good players for picks... They usually do the exact opposite... they hang onto guys when they should be dealt. Sarnia is going to be bad and were going to loose a lot of games the next two years anyway.... it's about time we started playing like the big boys do. The recipe is very simple yet for some reason Sarnia never follows it.... its- trade vets for picks and young players when not contending and then add vets for picks when contending.

Big gain last year , what did we get 3 or 4 wks of decent hockey . Now we are at least 3 years away for a decent team.

 

[HockeyPops]

its- trade vets for picks and young players when not contending and then add vets for picks when contending.

I think the recipe is to also try to at least be competitive in the down years. Not sure how you would achieve that this year if you traded away both. If the market for an OA goalie is indeed that soft, then Gaudreau might hold more value for Sarnia to keep than to trade?

 

[davewheeler]

I think the recipe is to also try to at least be competitive in the down years. Not sure how you would achieve that this year if you traded away both. If the market for an OA goalie is indeed that soft, then Gaudreau might hold more value for Sarnia to keep than to trade?

yeah its one thing to try but this roster is simply not going to be.... that's the price you pay when you deal your last 2 first round picks for a run. How does it gain Sarnia by holding onto players this year? I just dont see how it does?

Big gain last year , what did we get 3 or 4 wks of decent hockey . Now we are at least 3 years away for a decent team.

Sarnia made the critical error of trading young players .... they should have just stuck to picks. Trading Martone was simply silly.

 

[HockeyPops]

yeah its one thing to try but this roster is simply not going to be.... that's the price you pay when you deal your last 2 first round picks for a run. How does it gain Sarnia by holding onto players this year? I just dont see how it does?

Maybe you're right, maybe this roster is not going to be competitive with or without Gaudreau. The Soo tried to be competitive last year, and failed for the most part.

And yet, early indications are that this team might be able to be competitive. Maybe keeping Gaudreau allows them to continue to be for most of the rest of the season?

 

[davewheeler]

Maybe you're right, maybe this roster is not going to be competitive with or without Gaudreau. The Soo tried to be competitive last year, and failed for the most part.

And yet, early indications are that this team might be able to be competitive. Maybe keeping Gaudreau allows them to continue to be for most of the rest of the season?

If Sarnia was a young team then yes I would say lets try and be as good as possible, but were not, our best forwards are all older guys with not a lot of talent or upside. If people think this year is bad just wait until next... the roster is going to be super thin up front... but at least we will be young. This year should be about accumulating for the upcoming years... then next year focus on being as good as possible. Also, im sick of Ben in Sarnia lol im sorry but its the truth...

 

[StingUpdates]

Well the last thing I thought we'd add is another goalie hahah. Just his rights tho. Gonna guess Palazeez works with him & maybe he's impressed.

They definitely needed some depth because as I've mentioned outside Chartier we got a whole lot of nothing.

 

[StingUpdates]

If Sarnia was a young team then yes I would say lets try and be as good as possible, but were not, our best forwards are all older guys with not a lot of talent or upside. If people think this year is bad just wait until next... the roster is going to be super thin up front... but at least we will be young. This year should be about accumulating for the upcoming years... then next year focus on being as good as possible. Also, im sick of Ben in Sarnia lol im sorry but its the truth...

I do think by the end of the yr tho we probably see Brown, Doherty each playing fairly big minutes as rookies up front. Wainwright still just 18. Hall when healthy was playing line 3 as a rookie. Hopefully we cut the 11/7 & Sim plays a bit. Lominac gets a consistent shift as a rookie.

That's 6 guys who will be here this yr, next yr & the yr after + Luecke who likely gets some games towards seasons end as a 16 yr old.

That's a ton of youth up front. But u are right with Sikic, Vilmanis, LeBlanc, Filak playing big minutes as vets.

 

[FatKid]

Well the last thing I thought we'd add is another goalie hahah. Just his rights tho. Gonna guess Palazeez works with him & maybe he's impressed.

They definitely needed some depth because as I've mentioned outside Chartier we got a whole lot of nothing.

This pretty much sums me up (and I'm assuming several others) as a Sting Fan... Why would we add a goalie of all positions?!

 

[JAMER]

I was talking to someone I know at the game last night. And they asked me why they played Surzycia instead of Ben. And of course everyone will say it's cause he playing well. But I mentioned to them that I thought they maybe showcasing him. And then today we pick up another goalie I think there's a bigger move coming soon. And I still believe Surzycia will be the odd many out. There's just way more teams we can send Surzycia to then Ben.

 

[StingUpdates]

We'll see. My guess this is just depth. Talking to a KIT person they said he's a fine prospect. Certainly not OHL ready right now. I think Seca really prioritizes depth. At every position. We only have 3 goalies, one an OA, one 19. You'd like more depth than that so they addressed it.

I do think there's a real possibility Surzycia gets more attention from other teams than Gaudreau. OA market is tough & ur only bringing Ben in to be your starter. Nick you can bring in to be a good backup, a guy to push your starter or with how he's played potentially your starter.

As I've said though, it better be a good offer & I don't imagine those would come until he can prove this isn't a hot start because if he's actually this good how could you possibly move off him when you have no set plan in net next year. Be foolish.

Also, on Maillet he was an all star last yr in his U18 league. Sparkling 0.928 sv% in 37 starts. Has had a solid start this yr but only 4 games in.

 

[StingUpdates]

Well tonight could be a tough one. SSM on a tear to start this yr. Scoring a lot. Have no worries we won't give it 100% might just be overmatched.

I'm guessing Gaudreau starts which could be a tough first game back. I'm sure if he allows 4-5-6 goals there will be no overreactions lol.

Sounds like Wainwright is a few weeks out. Hall around a month. Little less, little more depending how he feels.

Be great to get them back down the middle, especially Wainwright. Miss that speed.

Hope to see 12/6 tonight. Get Sim back in there. See if they can give the Soo their first loss!

 

[honeydripper]

Is it just me, or does the noncommittal colour scheme on Benny’s new pads scream “get me out of here” ?

 

[bighockeyfan61]

I felt Owen Sound should have made room for Young last season. Their D wasn't that great and he had a really good camp in my opinion. He skates well and shows good offensive instincts. Sarnia definitely got the better of that transaction. Happy DeGray found him a spot to play and credit to Young for making the most of it.

Really happy to see Young get an opportunity and showcase himself as a regular OHLer. I think this will go down as one of the better trades Seca has made, I also wouldn't be surprised if we see other players like Mitch who are underutilized in their current situation brought in and giving a chance to show they can play.

 

[JAMER]

Just read the article from yesterday's trade. I find it odd that's there's still no statement from Seca about it. I know some will say it's just because it's a depth trade and it could be. But I think there's still something else going on. Because even when Seca makes depth trades he still will make a statement. Even if it's to say it's a depth move. But radio silence this time just think it's odd.

 

[StingUpdates]

Same lines as WED except Sim is back in & it's 12/6. Hate having Brown with Way & Moses. Gaudreau starts. Surzycia backup.

 

[StingUpdates]

Well alrighty then. What an offensive explosion. Jacob LeBlanc with 3 assists. Sikic absolutely flying too.

Defensively typical mistake get up 3 early and thinks it's a point night. Started taking risks everywhere & let Soo back in it.

Gaudreau fine. Not mad about either goal.

 

[StingUpdates]

Well goddamn boys! Certainly not SSMs best so far but loving the aggression & pace we are playing with. MUCH more detailed & smart that PD. Only what 3 shots against?

Gotta be Sikic' best game in the O. He's dominating & he's finishing!!!! Lol. Barr, Brown, Sim all grab an assist. Moses 1st and it's against former squad.

Close it out boys!