Sarnia Sting 2023-24 Season Thread (Part Two)

[StingUpdates]

Seca's comments on the picks tonight

“Jonathan is a player who had a great season with both Don Mills U18 and the Cobourg Cougar, he also was a teammate of current Sting forward Carter Kostuch as a member of the 2022-23 Vaughn Kings. He is a skilled defender who moves well, reads the ice and someone we believe is ready to make the jump.”

"Our Ottawa area scouts were very intrigued by Mark this season and see significant upside in his game. He is a late blooming, big kid that the puck seems to find. We are excited to bring Mark to Sarnia”

“Roen was a leader on his Jr. Sting team this season who put up great numbers with his skill at the centre position. We are always excited when local talent joins the organization and look forward to working with Roen”.

Sounds pretty excited, especially for the first two picks. Certainly seems like they think Kapageridis will push for a spot. Gonna be a lot of decisions to make back there. Seems happy about Besedin too. See if he can make some noise come camp. Goalie spots are definitely up for grabs.

 

[StingUpdates]

The battle on defence come camp is gonna be intense. Should have four "locks" in Fischer, Barr, Hurt, Young then you have 2 spots for Bridgewater, Omeri, O'Toole, Andersen, Kapageridis, Schnieder. Not to mention if they do indeed add an OA D.

Will be fun to watch & hopefully some of the guys can take a spot & run with it. I really like how Seca makes it a point to have depth on defence.

Like I said G will be wide open for Chartier, Maillet, Besedin, Gillis & if they add one via trade or import draft.

F will have battles to with there being 4or5 spots for Denney, Gaughan, Simpson, Sim, Hall, Lominac, Luecke & potentially a 2nd import if they go that route.

 

[stingwagoner]

At this point we need a clear #1 D whether it be by OA or import we also need a Import top 6 player.

I'm good with Surzycia if no OA D available.
I think DS moves some guys in off season like omeri and doherty moses

 

[StingUpdates]

“An offensive-minded D-man. Moves pretty well, competitive, reminds us a little bit of Mitch Young. Still raw and developing. Had a pretty good U18 season with Don Mills, but then he was called up to Cobourg Cougars . . . and then through the playoffs, he was outstanding. I watched him personally a few times and, to be honest with you, we were shocked how good he looked and how ready he would be.”

“We had some pretty good reports on him last year and through Carter,” Seca said. “Then, watching him play live with the junior A team as an affiliate sealed the deal. We think he’s going to be ready to play. That’s going to be up to him. We’re going to give him a good chance to make our hockey club.”

More from Seca on Kapageridis. Love the sounds of him. Have heard from non Sarnia people too he was the guy to get in this draft. Adds another good upside kid to the 2007 class.

 

[stingwagoner]

looking good for next season regardless as most teams in Division loose 6-8 players key players each team.
I'm sure big difference on how team shapes up after camp.
biggest question mark is the OAs (need quality not like this past seasons OAs huge D OA to steady and chill young and fischer so there is someone else to take their minutes so it becomes a hunger back there to play the game right or lose privileges on special teams.

 

[StingUpdates]

Here's a little video with Kapageridis. Looks like a really fun player. Can see why they see some Mitch Young to him. Love the pick. '07 class looks so strong with Brown, Kostuch, Barr, Hurt, Luecke, Andersen, Sim & now Kapageridis. Let alone if they can convince Kosiba or Quinlan to come or if one of their later picks pan out.

Love the potential of our defense in the transition, puck moving part of the game. Could be a really productive backend.

 

[Samee987]

We've only had Vilmanis here since the trade deadline but what an exciting player he is to watch. His compete level is thru the roof. Always wants the puck and has sick moves. I'm going to say he's better than Petrov (and Petrov was pretty darn good).

 

[StingUpdates]

Funny how fast things can change. Year ago I wasn't sure if I even wanted to return for this season. Now with round 2 not even over yet I just wanna get back to the rink & see what type of strides this group can take.

Have some hopeful, but cautious expectations for the next couple seasons. Would be nice to actually get to enjoy multiple seasons in a row for once.

 

[stingwagoner]

Next year will be a pleasant surprise, I'm excited to see wainwright and doucette's speed together and throw in new 1st round draft this year and have kostuch and brown on a line with Filak will be so exciting.

There will be some off season changes few guys are odd man out at moment and with Import draft

DS will make this team electric again this year with a top end team in 25. And beyond seeing it setting up well now.

Fans will be rewarded for this past years short comings be ready.

Playoffs here we come '24

 

[nelli27]

New thread... Sarnia Sting 2023-2024 Off-Season Thread (Part 1)

 

[davewheeler]

Im not really sure whats going on with this site but I guess ill just make my comment here..... as im typing the soo just made it 4-2. Karimov back on L4 is simply embarrassing. sold out barn and it seems like the team is trying to lose. But remember its all going to plan and we should be happy because a few years ago we won a couple of playoff rounds.

 

[stingwagoner]

What's happening with this site. SOO just way bette coached team all organized and D move puck up the ice. Unlike out D, they love to wait til other teams are set up before we want to move it.
Ds post game last game was interesting as was kinda protecting his job /players etc but I have yet to see Letang do something like that he just blamed players all year instead of taking ownership for Him having to be better. There is 4 games left as it looks I'd be a betting man to bet on Buzz finishing 9th. Owen sounds coach has them playing hardworking hockey and soo is more organized and together while Buzz try to pad individual stats. Felt bad for Surzycia.

 

[davewheeler]

Huge loss...you have to think Sarnia's playoff chances are all but gone.

 

[stingwagoner]

It's looking slim that was a win and have great chance to make playoffs lose and backs against the wall have to steal points from some good teams ans the last 2 games flint and soo games are all or nothing.

I'm at a loss Karimov 2 goals last game had bunch of chances tonight pretty much sat late in game manza goal scorer not much ice in 3rd. Fire Letang already who cares about timing cant get worse at this point.

 

[StingUpdates]

If Letang is back next season I genuinely don't know how you can explain that to fans.

This is the worst coached team in the league. Half the time it looks like the team has quit on him.

Guys like Karimov and Manza must hate him. Seriously. Karimov tonight for the first time I've seen finally had a verbal spat with him. Brief but they got into it in the 2nd after Ruslan was benched/demoted for nothing.

Can we talk how bizarrely, awful the goaltending has been handled? He rode Surzycia all 1st half not giving Maillet a fair shot. Then in FEB he gave Maillet 3-4-5 straight starts including family day (which ur starter always plays).. then after it he hasn't given Evan a start since including a 3in3 last weekend where Nick got destroyed all 3 games. Then he went back to him vs Erie where he played awful.

So in the biggest game of the season & what would've been his biggest start he has to turn to Maillet. The rookie backup who hasn't started in weeks while our OA G sits.

Like what complete & utter incompetence.

I pray we don't win another game.. get this garbage over with.

 

[davewheeler]

If Letang is back next season I genuinely don't know how you can explain that to fans.

This is the worst coached team in the league. Half the time it looks like the team has quit on him.

Guys like Karimov and Manza must hate him. Seriously. Karimov tonight for the first time I've seen finally had a verbal spat with him. Brief but they got into it in the 2nd after Ruslan was benched/demoted for nothing.

Can we talk how bizarrely, awful the goaltending has been handled? He rode Surzycia all 1st half not giving Maillet a fair shot. Then in FEB he gave Maillet 3-4-5 straight starts including family day (which ur starter always plays).. then after it he hasn't given Evan a start since including a 3in3 last weekend where Nick got destroyed all 3 games. Then he went back to him vs Erie where he played awful.

So in the biggest game of the season & what would've been his biggest start he has to turn to Maillet. The rookie backup who hasn't started in weeks while our OA G sits.

Like what complete & utter incompetence.

I pray we don't win another game.. get this garbage over with.

I haven't been to a game in a bit .... Ive been chiming in on tv so I don't notice these things but there is no doubt most of the players hate him. I have never seen a team at any level of hockey tinker and change lines as much as letang has this year....no doubt this pisses the players off. They want some sort of consistency. if not for Edwards this team would be in last place by a wide margin. There is no doubt the team feels hopeless....imo they dont win another game. Losing 8 straight to miss the playoffs is a joke. Again, beating a very dead horse.

 

[StingUpdates]

I haven't been to a game in a bit .... Ive been chiming in on tv so I don't notice these things but there is no doubt most of the players hate him. I have never seen a team at any level of hockey tinker and change lines as much as letang has this year....no doubt this pisses the players off. They want some sort of consistency. if not for Edwards this team would be in last place by a wide margin. There is no doubt the team feels hopeless....imo they dont win another game. Losing 8 straight to miss the playoffs is a joke. Again, beating a very dead horse.

I fear they might win next week. Windsor and Flint have nothing to play for. They might sit a bunch of guys which we don't want.

If those teams play there guys tho? We will not win again.

 

[stingwagoner]

How can we be excited about this team?fischer isn't very good what happened to him is he injured of just a quitter when things get tough?
Kid just isn't a Captain. Just like Letang Is a fake Coach. Teams problem is they have no identity. No accountability

 

[Jason M]

Just saw the presser with Letang. He basically just said all the same crap as Seca the other day. Just said how excited he is for the future. He didn't even seem upset at all makes me think him and Seca don't care. Or maybe there trying to tank on purpose now. I just hope to God Letang isn't back next year.

 

[StingUpdates]

How can we be excited about this team?fischer isn't very good what happened to him is he injured of just a quitter when things get tough?
Kid just isn't a Captain. Just like Letang Is a fake Coach. Teams problem is they have no identity. No accountability

he got hurt a few weeks back. has definitely hurt his play. He's definitely a captain. Been the only dude in the organization to say it how it is lately. has said their play is embarrassing, pathetic, garbage etc.

Also looks like all the losing has gotten to him. Kid looks defeated.

 

[StingUpdates]

Jason mentioned the other day about Mark Guy & tonight I heard some rumblings similar & Guy was sitting with Seca in the GM box. That seems pretty telling I think.

Maybe a new owner would actually be for the better. Maybe he'd come in & want his own guys. He has connections from being an ECHL AHL NHL player agent.

Whatever gets a new guy behind the bench im in for. Literally anyone. This shit has been beyond depressing, disappointing, frustrating.

 

[stingwagoner]

Big crowd tonight to see that, sting don't deserve 4200 at a game. And On Fischer, a Captain doesn't get defeated or carefree in strughling part of season, not if want players to follow his Lead, still think that selection was a keep Fischer happy selection not for a real Leader. Find at this point in the Season Fischer has poor body language after goals and is leading the D core to do whatever they want hardly on team page IMO. Whether that comes from a soft coach allowing that play all year without accountability or it's just that selfish mentality that players think they are better than team I Don't know but the Team has not gotten better all year while other teams have. We compete sometimes because some players have great games that's all. It is totally far from a cohesive unit. Maybe it's the constant tinkering and always adjusting to different linemates or constantly being dropped to 4th line or same old pp players, like forcing Fischer to play PP when he isn't that player at all.
They need to come 9th and fire all staff DS included to bring in new direction with Balls to do what is best for team not themselves. DS should have fired Letang and jefferies before christmas after that 2-19 stretch. But he went with Haley who had them turned around teams effort (while Letang gone) Ds personal connection to Letang obviously affected that decision and DS should take the Sword for that decision. After all looking back that was a team altering decision for the worse.
Frustration has Gotten the better of to say the least. 4 games left and my hope is not making playoffs.

 

[robp1219]

Jason mentioned the other day about Mark Guy & tonight I heard some rumblings similar & Guy was sitting with Seca in the GM box. That seems pretty telling I think.

Maybe a new owner would actually be for the better. Maybe he'd come in & want his own guys. He has connections from being an ECHL AHL NHL player agent.

Whatever gets a new guy behind the bench im in for. Literally anyone. This shit has been beyond depressing, disappointing, frustrating.

Ya he was an agent with Newport which is the premier agency for hockey. He was an agent for some big time players over the years, so I’m sure he still has lots of connections, and he played for the London knights and western university and his kid played for us. So he definitely knows hockey, the league, and the sting organization. I’m pretty sure he is a managing partner at Lincoln ford. So he definitely has money, and I would assume lives in the area now. Be ideal if he bought into club and was 50/50 partners with Legwand, get his connections from being an agent and Legwand connections from little Caesar’s and Michigan hockey and being a solid nhl player. Also be able to pump some real good money into this organization.

 

[robp1219]

I fear they might win next week. Windsor and Flint have nothing to play for. They might sit a bunch of guys which we don't want.

If those teams play there guys tho? We will not win again.

I think if Windsor rest guys it will only be Greentree, protas and cristoforo, and probably let the backup play. They will still be way better than us lol. I don’t think flint will rest anyone, they aren’t a contender so they should probably worry about making sure their game is on point to face Kitchener, and they also score by committee no real super stars or stand outs, could maybe rest Mccue? I still think the sting do their best to squeak in and completely embarrass themselves against London for a week, the worst possible outcome… eliminate a chance at a lottery pick and get embarrassed… seems like a sarnia thing to do.