Sarnia Sting 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part I

[SarniaStingFan]

Not a bad effort. Thought after the first 10-12 mins they played a solid road game. Had more than a few chances to have the game tied at 1 or at 2 but couldn't finish. PP let's them down again. Also can't leave their best guy (Lardis) & one of the league's best shooter wide open in the slot twice like they did. Bit loose tonight in front of our net.

What I referenced yesterday about Letang also showed again tonight. Lardis is one of the league's elite shooters. U have to stress having Fischer against him. He doesn't. Lardis gets 4 points none with Fischer on the ice.

Need Di Iorio, Karimov, Wainwright, Brown to find the net. They've been around it. Karimov tonight was a beast & that trio seems to have something which is nice. Definitely snakebitten but they play T6 & having four guys at 0 ain't great lol.

Fine game from Surzycia. Wish he had that 2nd goal but he made some big stops after that. Certainly not his fault when ur team scores once.

Onto a really good Oshawa team Friday.

That 3rd Brantford goal late in the second really killed any shot that they had in this game which is a shame because it was a very preventable goal. Didn't seem to have much jump in the third after that happened.

Another 0/4 night on the man advantage is unacceptable. 1/29 on the season. They need to make some personnel changes. It can't be any worse than it is right now. Would love to see Barr and Bridgewater get a chance on the PP when they're back in the lineup.

Edwards gets another one. He's had an incredible start to his rookie season. Really seems to have a nose for the net. 4 of his 5 goals have come in tight or off rebounds. Also made a nice defensive play coming back to break up a 2v1.

Huge test coming when we face Oshawa on Friday night. They'll be a hungry club after losing four in a row. Going to have to play like they did against Saginaw last Friday if they want to have any chance

 

[stingwagoner]

Going to apologize now for long rant!
I wasn't in Brantford but watched game on stream, from what I saw, I disagree with lines for most part. Just not enough for me 1 guy seems to break down line cohesion. There was alot of energy from moses leuke Chamberlain loved it, last night but starting to see some glaring combos that need to get together. 2 shifts wainwright and doucette skated together and they had 2 chances (more than wainwright had all game not why they are not together, doucette barely contributing on with Edward's and kostuch). We need them both going! Johnston showing why London traded him besides his 1st game when, trying to fit in, he is just is 1 dimensional player and hurts line chemistry at times, not using his linemates. I know I'm critical most posts however this pp is ridiculas. Just flat out embarrassing at times
Not working a loaded up with pp with vet guy like every other team is crazy, and actually practicing and playing it for a few games baffles me, no down low play other than 1 time, wainwright went down low to karimov to get a chance out front, not using bumper or not having a guy able to play bumper, 1 bad pass or slow reaction and it's down the ice. Young at top just wants to shot and not really having a good shot gets blocked 90% of time. Fischer at top just stands there with a pass to side guys, it's just like a peewee team starting out. We may never score a pp goal at this rate lol whoever is looking after pp needs to be relieved of duties give to someone else. Edward's finding the net again is encouraging and great for his confidence but we will be dead last this year if we don't put some lines together that can spark our vets. Or trade someone. I know its early but if this is back to back rebuild years will be even more disappointing and a huge shot to support we just built in community
We can be mid pack team with little bit of spark.
Sorry to say, this was our Dzone's coverage worst game this year while alot of D leaving guys alone in own end in slot and forwards watching and just giving bulldogs too much time and apace. Thats 1 place on ice everyone should pay to be in there. It Was a boring game to watch, Bulldogs run a trap style forecheck 1-2-2 where they really don't pressure much and we didn't have gameplan to navigate that. Chalk it up to road game loss being un prepared.
We did have alot going in Second period little buzz going.
Their coach (NHL knowledge ability etc mckee) adjusted mid period to change to up their physical play and they came took it to us physically. We just don't have that type of coach IMO mckee/hunter do things to disrupt the flow of game when other team get some momentum. That my friends is coaching!
Team is different team without Franchesschetti in the line up that's forsure.
Think Maillet plays Friday and I just hope we play a good game and keep it close. We need to remember our record could just as easily be 0-6 for year. Management needs to look at that, Brown seems to be struggling , more mentally than physically he is trying to hard on his own, draft year getting to him, pressure to put up points isn't helping him to play with linemates whoever they are. Maybe put him on 4th line and check his ego for a game or 2 calm him down or scratch him. I'd love to see Sim Friday on top pp even though I'm not fan I think he can help if anywhere. That's where he may just help us get on the pp board, can't do worse.

Sorry for Long rant again but was super frustrating watching last night's game

Love to hear everyone's opinions
Might have more when I rewatch that game today lol

 

[Ferda11]

Bummer about that 3rd goal as someone already mentioned. That killed the momentum we had gained after that slow start and then the first goal. Thought we had a chance to come back until that point after being down 2-0. Lack of finish around the net. The PP is obviously a complete disaster and will continue to cost us games or at least OT/SO pts which can be critical come year end. I don't know what the answer is but this cannot continue. 5 on 5 Sarnia has been great IMO. Sarnia has been able to keep the pace with their opponents for the most part and have been able to create equal scoring opportunities for themselves but again, the lack of finish around the net and the abysmal PP dilutes a lot of that 5 on 5 success. Maybe it's time to swap out Di Iorio with Edwards at the very least on PP1. Edwards clearly has a nose for the net along that right side it seems.

Agree the D game last night was worst of year. Omeri and Hurt struggled with missed assignments and guys getting behind them, not a good night for those 2. Barr coming back would be big for the 2nd pair. He instantly makes Hurt a better player. Goes without saying that Barr better also get his shot on the PP, no excuses at this point.

I was going to mention how I wanted to see Brown and Karimov together. I find their style somewhat similar. They're both hounds on the puck and create space for themselves and others. I think the one obvious negative to the two is they seem to hold onto the puck selfishly at times. They looked great last night with Wainwright, our best line no doubt. Wouldn't mind seeing that continue.

Agree about the Franceshetti comment. The team plays with more energy and physicality with him in the line up. He helps slow the game down overall. He also brings out the best in Moses, who has been just meh since JJ's injury.

 

[frontsfan67]

Going to apologize now for long rant!
I wasn't in Brantford but watched game on stream, from what I saw, I disagree with lines for most part. Just not enough for me 1 guy seems to break down line cohesion. There was alot of energy from moses leuke Chamberlain loved it, last night but starting to see some glaring combos that need to get together. 2 shifts wainwright and doucette skated together and they had 2 chances (more than wainwright had all game not why they are not together, doucette barely contributing on with Edward's and kostuch). We need them both going! Johnston showing why London traded him besides his 1st game when, trying to fit in, he is just is 1 dimensional player and hurts line chemistry at times, not using his linemates. I know I'm critical most posts however this pp is ridiculas. Just flat out embarrassing at times
Not working a loaded up with pp with vet guy like every other team is crazy, and actually practicing and playing it for a few games baffles me, no down low play other than 1 time, wainwright went down low to karimov to get a chance out front, not using bumper or not having a guy able to play bumper, 1 bad pass or slow reaction and it's down the ice. Young at top just wants to shot and not really having a good shot gets blocked 90% of time. Fischer at top just stands there with a pass to side guys, it's just like a peewee team starting out. We may never score a pp goal at this rate lol whoever is looking after pp needs to be relieved of duties give to someone else. Edward's finding the net again is encouraging and great for his confidence but we will be dead last this year if we don't put some lines together that can spark our vets. Or trade someone. I know its early but if this is back to back rebuild years will be even more disappointing and a huge shot to support we just built in community
We can be mid pack team with little bit of spark.
Sorry to say, this was our Dzone's coverage worst game this year while alot of D leaving guys alone in own end in slot and forwards watching and just giving bulldogs too much time and apace. Thats 1 place on ice everyone should pay to be in there. It Was a boring game to watch, Bulldogs run a trap style forecheck 1-2-2 where they really don't pressure much and we didn't have gameplan to navigate that. Chalk it up to road game loss being un prepared.
We did have alot going in Second period little buzz going.
Their coach (NHL knowledge ability etc mckee) adjusted mid period to change to up their physical play and they came took it to us physically. We just don't have that type of coach IMO mckee/hunter do things to disrupt the flow of game when other team get some momentum. That my friends is coaching!
Team is different team without Franchesschetti in the line up that's forsure.
Think Maillet plays Friday and I just hope we play a good game and keep it close. We need to remember our record could just as easily be 0-6 for year. Management needs to look at that, Brown seems to be struggling , more mentally than physically he is trying to hard on his own, draft year getting to him, pressure to put up points isn't helping him to play with linemates whoever they are. Maybe put him on 4th line and check his ego for a game or 2 calm him down or scratch him. I'd love to see Sim Friday on top pp even though I'm not fan I think he can help if anywhere. That's where he may just help us get on the pp board, can't do worse.

Sorry for Long rant again but was super frustrating watching last night's game

Love to hear everyone's opinions
Might have more when I rewatch that game today lol

I give your essay a B+

 

[StingUpdates]

Gotta say this new NCAA CHL agreement sure is gonna be scary. Guys can just up & leave at any time as long as they aren't signed by an NHL team. Obviously need the grades & to be good enough, but that sorta terrifies me.

What if after he gets drafted Edwards was like you know what I wanna go NCAA now like he originally wanted too. Or a player like Barr isn't happy with his role decides I'd rather go that route. Give myself extra seasons to develop & get attention from pro teams.

I know the flip side is maybe 16s & 17s who wouldn't of came will come now for 1-2 seasons because it's better hockey than the USHL & then they can go NCAA, but if they are just gonna leave when they are becoming key players then is it really that great?

It's great for the players no doubt. Get best of both worlds. More chance to develop etc. but for OHL teams i do worry about what it could do. And we know our history with bad luck lol.

 

[ohloutsider]

Change is always scary and to be honest this looks like a good thing for the kids and in the end that is the most important part.

 

[stingwagoner]

Would like to think the ohl would protect their investments a sign players under contract til are 20
Think go to university then.before would affect ohl teams drastically

 

[stinger94]

Gotta say this new NCAA CHL agreement sure is gonna be scary. Guys can just up & leave at any time as long as they aren't signed by an NHL team. Obviously need the grades & to be good enough, but that sorta terrifies me.

What if after he gets drafted Edwards was like you know what I wanna go NCAA now like he originally wanted too. Or a player like Barr isn't happy with his role decides I'd rather go that route. Give myself extra seasons to develop & get attention from pro teams.

I know the flip side is maybe 16s & 17s who wouldn't of came will come now for 1-2 seasons because it's better hockey than the USHL & then they can go NCAA, but if they are just gonna leave when they are becoming key players then is it really that great?

It's great for the players no doubt. Get best of both worlds. More chance to develop etc. but for OHL teams i do worry about what it could do. And we know our history with bad luck lol.

Was thinking about this today and was wondering if maybe it played into Edwards decision to come to Sarnia (as these rumblings had already started when he made the choice). I think the change will happen very quickly (as it did with NIL and how that immediately impacted college football).

This change will absolutely decimate USHL and probably BCHL too.

 

[StingUpdates]

Was thinking about this today and was wondering if maybe it played into Edwards decision to come to Sarnia (as these rumblings had already started when he made the choice). I think the change will happen very quickly (as it did with NIL and how that immediately impacted college football).

This change will absolutely decimate USHL and probably BCHL too.

It definitely could've played a role. Let's hope it didn't tho lol cause if he up & left at 18 that would be fricken brutal for us. Kid is looking like he's gonna be a real high end player in this league. Been blown away by him so far.

 

[StingUpdates]

Another game tonight where I'd be lying if I'm expecting a win. Oshawa coming off a frustrating weekend. Full week of practice with Sennecke+Barlow+Danford.

We've had a terrible time stopping top guys (Greentree, Misa, Lardis) & I'm not sure there's a more deadly duo than Sennecke/Barlow. Letang HAS to make it a priority to chase Fischer/Bodin vs them & not just roll the 3 pairs.

Even if they lose we so desperately need Wainwright/Brown/Di Iorio/Karimov to get going. Get some confidence going for them & it'll be big.

My god a PPG would do wonders, too, but I'm not holding my breath for that one.

Wonder if we see Maillet as well. Give him a chance vs a top team where you're an underdog & give Surzycia a big divisional game Sunday vs Flint where you really need a win.

Also heard Franceschetti is close. Possible this weekend but should be back for the northern trip.

 

[stingwagoner]

Hearing Franchesschetti still few weeks away from skating even.
Might need to match lines like you said and coach to win like it's not minor hockey.
I predict flood gates open for few guys tonight, can't see much more drought for Wainwright di iorio and brown ( if brown wants to play with linemates tonight) been super dry for scoring chances even.
Think maillet goes and Sim dresses on pp1 need good rebound forsure

 

[JAMER]

Surzycia starts and Barr is back.

 

[StingUpdates]

Filak-Wainwright-Moses
Brown-Di Iorio-Johnston
Kostuch-Edwards-Doucette
Karimov-Luecke

Fischer-Bodin
Hurt-Barr
Young-Bridgewater

Surzycia

Moses line 1 when ur struggling to score... Put 23/17 back together after struggling to produce. Karimov on line 4????

Letang must be looking at this board & want me to stop defending him lmao. What the actual hell.

 

[JAMER]

Filak-Wainwright-Moses
Brown-Di Iorio-Johnston
Kostuch-Edwards-Doucette
Karimov-Luecke

Fischer-Bodin
Hurt-Barr
Young-Bridgewater

Surzycia

Moses line 1 when ur struggling to score... Put 23/17 back together after struggling to produce. Karimov on line 4????

Letang must be looking at this board & want me to stop defending him lmao. What the actual hell.

Also Sim out again. Has been sat for 4 of 7 games. I'm wondering if maybe we're trying to move him.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Filak-Wainwright-Moses
Brown-Di Iorio-Johnston
Kostuch-Edwards-Doucette
Karimov-Luecke

Fischer-Bodin
Hurt-Barr
Young-Bridgewater

Surzycia

Moses line 1 when ur struggling to score... Put 23/17 back together after struggling to produce. Karimov on line 4????

Letang must be looking at this board & want me to stop defending him lmao. What the actual hell.

I can't defend these lines. Brown-Wainwright-Karimov looked great on Wednesday and he splits them up. Why does he keep moving Moses up to the top line? He's a bottom six forward. Karimov on the 4th line is mind boggling. He needs to stop using 11F/7D and keep lines together to let some chemistry develop. We've got the Sting curse of playing a goalie who's making his OHL debut tonight too

 

[StingUpdates]

Should be game over. Up 2. All momentum. 4 minute PP. That's dagger time. Instead. Atrocious PP. Penalty. PPg against. Now it's a 1 goal game. An absolute joke to watch.

Brightside. Di Iorio!!! Finally. He deserved that one.

 

[NBBFan]

Really unbelievable just how terrible their PP is. No cohesion what so ever. As much as I like Di Iorio and Edwards, I’m not understanding why they play the minutes they do. I’m not surprised Edwards has the goals he has as he plays half the game. Di Iorio finally found the net after 6 games. It’s about time. The amount he plays, he should have 5-10 points by now. These lines just seem all over the place to me. Where’s Kostuch? Not much PP time at all and 3rd line?

 

[JAMER]

Did Sennecke score in the shootout? Cause I and a few people can't figure out why there where only 2 shooters each. I didn't think he did.

 

[StingUpdates]

Absolutely fricken maddening. Another game they win with ANY semblance of a power play. It is unbelievable. It's cost them 2, maybe 3 games ALREADY.

As for the game they played well vs a vet team with serious championship aspirations. Surzycia unfortunately blew it. Back to back bad goals in the 3rd. Just killer.

Fischer was an absolute monster tonight. 1G 1A & shut down Sennecke. His skating looks incredible. Hurt-Barr had some iffy moments but were strong mostly.

So happy Di Iorio finally got one. He's had so many chances & set up a fair bit too. Brown was good tonight. Wainwright gets a point & won some big draws. Johnston & Doucette were good. Again 5on5 they are playing strong. PK finally bent a bit tonight but that goal was also nasty from Buckley out of mid-air.

Beyond annoyed with the coaching now. PP is one thing. No Barr or Bridgwater in OT but we see Hurt & Bodin.... No Karimov, Kostuch in OT & only 1 shift for Di Iorio (where he nearly scored) & Edwards. Karimov on the 4th line?!?! After being our best player @ BRNT???? Jesus fricken Christ.

Players get some blame too, but coaching is a big reason why this team is 2-2-3 instead of 4-2-1 or 4-1-2.

 

[JAMER]

Did Sennecke score in the shootout? Cause I and a few people can't figure out why there where only 2 shooters each. I didn't think he did.

I see Sennecke score in the shootout. Sorry for the stupid question.

Absolutely fricken maddening. Another game they win with ANY semblance of a power play. It is unbelievable. It's cost them 2, maybe 3 games ALREADY.

As for the game they played well vs a vet team with serious championship aspirations. Surzycia unfortunately blew it. Back to back bad goals in the 3rd. Just killer.

Fischer was an absolute monster tonight. 1G 1A & shut down Sennecke. His skating looks incredible. Hurt-Barr had some iffy moments but were strong mostly.

So happy Di Iorio finally got one. He's had so many chances & set up a fair bit too. Brown was good tonight. Wainwright gets a point & won some big draws. Johnston & Doucette were good. Again 5on5 they are playing strong. PK finally bent a bit tonight but that goal was also nasty from Buckley out of mid-air.

Beyond annoyed with the coaching now. PP is one thing. No Barr or Bridgwater in OT but we see Hurt & Bodin.... No Karimov, Kostuch in OT & only 1 shift for Di Iorio (where he nearly scored) & Edwards. Karimov on the 4th line?!?! After being our best player @ BRNT???? Jesus fricken Christ.

Players get some blame too, but coaching is a big reason why this team is 2-2-3 instead of 4-2-1 or 4-1-2.

Our PP maybe the death of us. But I'm starting to have questions about our coaching staff as well.

 

[yacky]

I see Sennecke score in the shootout. Sorry for the stupid question.


Our PP maybe the death of us. But I'm starting to have questions about our coaching staff as well.

Letang never impressed anyone

 

[stingwagoner]

Not going toot my own horn but I've said it from day 1 letang is a support coach not a leader!

As time goes the player management and his pinea and strategies will become more evident, he is guessing

7 games in and our most electric time in game is when I see doucette with Wainwright both have more jump. Any coach at any level would see that.
But they letang plays them on together 3 on 3.
I'm predicting they play together 3 games doesn't matter who else is on line they will score every game.

 

[StingUpdates]

Honestly can't remember many starts like this for the Sting. I've been pretty damn happy with most of what I've seen. 5on5 they have been even or slightly better in a majority of their games. the PK has been excellent. The goaltending has been steady. Some of the vets (Filak, Doucette, Johnston, Fischer, Surzcyia) have been great. Been very happy with their U17s.

They've just found ways to lose like tonight & vs Saginaw & their PP has been an absolute disaster in every way possible. If they just had a PP at 18-20% they'd be off to a great start & we'd all be thrilled.

Makes me optimistic in a lot of ways because you'd like to think the PP can't be this bad all year... I'd hope lol. And with such a young team you usually see them improve as the year goes on & all those U17s get more & more experience & learn the league.

So in that way the coaches deserve credit. Elite PK. Strong 5on5 play with the 2nd youngest team in the conference is impressive! But in the same breath their short comings in large part fall on the coaches, too. Need a big win Sunday vs Flint before a very winnable northern road trip that kicks off 11 of 14 games away from our rink. Pretty pivotal few weeks in our season.

 

[stingwagoner]

Lines are a joke moses 1st line really, here we go letang. Pp combos come on fischer not with doucettes and wainwright filak is beyond me

 

[SarniaStingFan]

They got another point against a very talented team but I come out of this game more disappointed because like last Friday vs. Saginaw they should have won.

The good: Di Iorio getting his first OHL goal. You felt like that one was coming after he hit a few posts and was getting more involved offensively in the last few games. Surzycia was very solid again stopping 33/36 including all 11 off the stick of Colby Barlow. Great stop on the 2v0 in the second and two nice ones on Marelli in overtime. Fischer's skating has been noticeably better all year and it helped him get 1G/1A tonight. Great shot on his goal too. He was a +1 and Bodin was a +2 against a tough team. Hopefully something to build on for that pairing.

The bad: Blowing another two goal lead. The four-minute PP in the second destroyed all that momentum they had built up. I honestly didn't know that a power play could be this bad. Surzycia made some brilliant saves but also gave up two awful goals in the third. I'm sure he really wants that third one back. The way Letang handles OT infuriates me. The coaching staff doesn't go out and try to win, they try to not lose. Fischer-Bodin were out there together at one point. Hurt was out there for multiple shifts. This is where your offensive guys like Barr, Bridgewater, and Young are supposed to shine so put them out there. Speaking of Young where has he been? At times he was our best d-man last season and this year he's been invisible and as a result is down on the third pairing. I won't repeat myself too much on the lines but they were awful. Moses needs to stay in the bottom six and Karimov needs to get consisent time in the top six.

Had to go on my own @StingUpdates type of rant tonight lol. Should be a good one on Sunday afternoon. Always chippy and close when the Sting go up against the Firebirds. Need a W to close out the weekend. Hopefully we see some better lines and PP play so I don't go insane