Sarnia Sting 2024 - 25 Season Thread, Part II

[SarniaStingFan]

Maillet only reason it's 1-1 after one. Sheesh. Didn't love the goal (did it hit our Dman?) but he made 4or5 amazing saves.

Almost like he's a half decent goalie who should play more!

Nice to see Karimov score. They gotta tighten up if they wanna win this one.

They need to put more pressure on the Otters. That was the key to getting the Karimov goal. Most of the time they gave Erie way too much space to build up speed through neutral ice. Spence got around the defence and almost scored a few times. I would love to see a response from the Sting in the second for their young goalie who has kept them in this one

 

[stingwagoner]

Was alright road period after a huge let down effort last night, jumped in bus and headed to Erie.
Long day expecting more of a fade as game goes.
D need to helo Maillet

 

[StingUpdates]

Uhh... Interference?????? Di Iorio never has the puck???? What a brutal non call.

Also, Hall doesn't need to come flying in throwing punches.

Like what a joke. Di Iorio has to leave, maybe hurt and we end up shorthanded for 5 minutes.

 

[StingUpdates]

What a fricken goal by Moses! Where did those hands come from?! Wow. They needed that in a big way.

Helluva job on the PK so far. Beamish especially has had an unreal night on the PK

Huge 3rd period. This would be a killer game to let slip away.

 

[honeydripper]

Uhh... Interference?????? Di Iorio never has the puck???? What a brutal non call.

Also, Hall doesn't need to come flying in throwing punches.

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the ‘reverse hit’.
If I can’t hit you from behind, you can’t stop and hit me with your back. Not to mention, most the time the first point of contact of the guy jumping backwards is the other guy’s head.
I hope Dio is ok and back out in the third.

 

[StingUpdates]

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I don’t like the ‘reverse hit’.
If I can’t hit you from behind, you can’t stop and hit me with your back. Not to mention, most the time the first point of contact of the guy jumping backwards is the other guy’s head.
I hope Dio is ok and back out in the third.

I totally agree with you. Brown does it all the time and I'm left baffled it isn't interference lol.

This one tho was beyond blatant. 17 wasn't even hitting him he was reaching for the puck. Just a cheap hit.

 

[davewheeler]

hmmmm maybe Letang is starting to figure out playing Karimov is a good thing to do.

 

[honeydripper]

hmmmm maybe Letang is starting to figure out playing Karimov is a good thing to do.

….yet, still choosing him to serve the 5min major

 

[davewheeler]

good win for the Buzz. They have been playing much better since Haley was let go. Erie is a pretty disappointing team if you ask me. I thought they would be better. Pano Fimis is a weird player, just never really turned out.

 

[StingUpdates]

Lets go!! Thats a real solid win. Yes they were outshot pretty good, but I thought in the 2nd & 3rd they did a great job clearing the net front & making it clear lines of sight for Maillet. Speaking of Maillet how about the rook!? First start in a month+ and he stops 35/38! Give. Him. More. Starts!

Stars of the night tho that 3rd line!! Moses & Karimov get 2G/1A each & Edwards has his season best 3 assists! They spent the entire night in the Ozone. Karimov looked like he couldn't be knocked off the puck tonight. I'd argue that was his best OHL game. Letang is finally giving him legit ice time. Moses was unreal, too. The nights where he's clicking he sure does make an impact. Just sucks its like once every 10-11 games lol.

Fischer-Young were awesome. Physical, winning battles, using their speed. When they play like that I don't think there's to many better D pairs in the league honestly. I once again liked Bodin, too. I heard whispers (cant say for certain) he was healthy scratched not hurt & told he needs to up his compete/battle & he sure did this weekend. Hope that continues. Him & Bridgewater have been a solid 3rd pair.

How about the PK! 5/5 including a 5 min PK where they scored a SHG! First weekend with Matsos they go 7/7 with a huge goal. I loved how aggressive they were even vs a good Erie unit. Hurt-O'Brien are not only strong 5on5 they are awesome together on the PK.

Now they get Franceschetti, Doucette back & Manza has been added to the roster (#55)! So some reinforcements before their lone game next week vs a good Wolves team.

Been a strong 10-ish games since Haley was let go. Credit to the staff & the players. They keep playing like this & they'll give themselves a real shot for 5th.

 

[StingUpdates]

good win for the Buzz. They have been playing much better since Haley was let go. Erie is a pretty disappointing team if you ask me. I thought they would be better. Pano Fimis is a weird player, just never really turned out.

Totally agree. I said it to people I watched the game with. They have a bit of everything, but also lack a bit of everything if that makes ANY sense lmao.

Some size, but not a ton of it, some speed but not a ton of it, some skill but not a ton of it.

Fimis was the guy I wanted that year too. Went right before us when we took Namestnikov. Both have had similar issues. They look the part, but have never taken that next step to be star players.

Daviault is disappointing too. I thought that kid was gonna be a stud. Hasn't really developed since his rookie yr outside of adding some muscle.

 

[davewheeler]

Totally agree. I said it to people I watched the game with. They have a bit of everything, but also lack a bit of everything if that makes ANY sense lmao.

Some size, but not a ton of it, some speed but not a ton of it, some skill but not a ton of it.

Fimis was the guy I wanted that year too. Went right before us when we took Namestnikov. Both have had similar issues. They look the part, but have never taken that next step to be star players.

Daviault is disappointing too. I thought that kid was gonna be a stud. Hasn't really developed since his rookie yr outside of adding some muscle.

Yah good take on Erie...Stan Butler being the coach surely doesn't help... the guys a fossil now and probably isn't down with the modern game .... I didn't even know Max was still in the league until I randomly checked a GUE box score and saw his name. After he was traded to GUE and put up 37 goals in 45 games or whatever it was... I thought he'd take off... just never did.

 

[stingwagoner]

Maillet was very good, faceoffs last 2 games we are falling. Anyway good 2 points but if they played half as good last night it would be 4pts.

 

[StingUpdates]

Man, I really hope Seca, Letang, Legwand can convince Beamish & Manza to push their commitments back until their OA seaons/2027-2028. I cant say I know how it works fully & what goes into that, but it would be huge & it not happening would really hurt.

A 2026-2027 mock lineup with them in it looks like:

Brown-Beamish-??
We've seen how great these 2 (+Filak) already look at 17. Imagine them at 19 & maybe with an even more dynamic winger by then? Could be an elite line. Hell, they already are looking like one at 17.


Karimov-Edwards-Kostuch (fingers crossed)
The potential of this line is really high. Karimov is really figuring out NA hockey & by 19 he could be an absolute beast. Edwards is a stud already. He'll be an elite player for us at 18. Kostuch was finding his groove before the injury. See if he can comeback & at what level.


Manza-Di Iorio-??
TBD on how good Manza is, but PPG in OJHL at 16 & was performing slightly better in the BCHL than Beamish who's come over and been almost PPG. Even if he's just a 20G/20A guy that's a boost let alone if he's more. Di Iorio like Edwards is gonna be a special player for us. He'll be dominant at 18.

That right there is 7 impactful - good - great Fs for us. Add in Luecke looks like he's figuring out his role in this league. By 19 maybe he's a solid middle-6 winger. Hopefully at least 1or2 of Chamberlain, Simpson, Gaughan can become decent players in some way & there's always some surprises that emerge from drafts or free agency.

Wont be many better trios down the middle than Beamish-Edwards-Di Iorio. They'd have 0 need to add a C which is always expensive. Add in they'll have multiple OA spots open, import spot open & hopefully whoever their top picks this yr are pegged to have solid 2nd seasons by then.

It's hard not to get super excited about that group. It would be a pretty nasty F group of almost all home grown talent. Losing Beamish + Manza would be brutal for them especially adding in the uncertainty of Kostuch. Imagine they both leave + Kostuch retires or isn't what he was? U go from set up extremely well to needing to add multiple good Fs.

It would let them focus entirely on the defence & goaltending & for once not need to break the bank to go for it! Hopefully both can flourish here & it makes them wanna stay that extra year because it isn't like either would get good ice time at 19 in NCAA compared to what they'd get here.

 

[cupcrazyman2]

This team isn’t going to win a trophy this year but they might finish as high as 4th in the conference & 10th overall.

 

[davewheeler]

Man, I really hope Seca, Letang, Legwand can convince Beamish & Manza to push their commitments back until their OA seaons/2027-2028. I cant say I know how it works fully & what goes into that, but it would be huge & it not happening would really hurt.

A 2026-2027 mock lineup with them in it looks like:

Brown-Beamish-??
We've seen how great these 2 (+Filak) already look at 17. Imagine them at 19 & maybe with an even more dynamic winger by then? Could be an elite line. Hell, they already are looking like one at 17.


Karimov-Edwards-Kostuch (fingers crossed)
The potential of this line is really high. Karimov is really figuring out NA hockey & by 19 he could be an absolute beast. Edwards is a stud already. He'll be an elite player for us at 18. Kostuch was finding his groove before the injury. See if he can comeback & at what level.


Manza-Di Iorio-??
TBD on how good Manza is, but PPG in OJHL at 16 & was performing slightly better in the BCHL than Beamish who's come over and been almost PPG. Even if he's just a 20G/20A guy that's a boost let alone if he's more. Di Iorio like Edwards is gonna be a special player for us. He'll be dominant at 18.

That right there is 7 impactful - good - great Fs for us. Add in Luecke looks like he's figuring out his role in this league. By 19 maybe he's a solid middle-6 winger. Hopefully at least 1or2 of Chamberlain, Simpson, Gaughan can become decent players in some way & there's always some surprises that emerge from drafts or free agency.

Wont be many better trios down the middle than Beamish-Edwards-Di Iorio. They'd have 0 need to add a C which is always expensive. Add in they'll have multiple OA spots open, import spot open & hopefully whoever their top picks this yr are pegged to have solid 2nd seasons by then.

That would be a pretty nasty F group of all home grown talent. Losing Beamish + Manza would be brutal for them especially adding in the uncertainty of Kostuch. Imagine they both leave + Kostuch retires or isn't what he was? U go from set up extremely well to needing to add multiple good Fs.

It would let them focus entirely on the defence & goaltending & for once not need to break the bank to go for it!

Hopefully both can flourish here & it makes them wanna stay that extra year because it isn't like either would get good ice time at 19 in NCAA compared to what they'd get here.

That's why 25/26 is so important.... guys need a reason to stay... If they're just a meh team like they are now guys won't have a reason to come back. That's why it was a good idea to keep Fischer. A great season combined with a good playoff run they boys will be thinking about winning it all in 2027 if everyone returns. Gotta think were going to snag a great player in this summers draft too... I dont think we will be in the lottery but for sure a top 8 pick. I'm basing this off nothing but I have a feeling Legwand has a trick up his sleeve. I took a deep dive in the USHL Waterloo Blackhawks page and it doesn't seem like Kosiba is playing a whole lot. He's got 5 points in 23 games this year. He is committed to Western Michigan in 26/27. Would be nice if he decided to give the O a go next year and see what happens. I understand the allure of the NCAA but how much do you want to hurt your NHL draft stock/development by riding the pine in the USHL for 2 years rather than the O. Theres no doubt scouts would rather see Adam Valentini in the O rather than the Chicago Steel. But thats just my opinion.

 

[StingUpdates]

That's why 25/26 is so important.... guys need a reason to stay... If they're just a meh team like they are now guys won't have a reason to come back. That's why it was a good idea to keep Fischer. A great season combined with a good playoff run they boys will be thinking about winning it all in 2027 if everyone returns. Gotta think were going to snag a great player in this summers draft too... I dont think we will be in the lottery but for sure a top 8 pick. I'm basing this off nothing but I have a feeling Legwand has a trick up his sleeve. I took a deep dive in the USHL Waterloo Blackhawks page and it doesn't seem like Kosiba is playing a whole lot. He's got 5 points in 23 games this year. He is committed to Western Michigan in 26/27. Would be nice if he decided to give the O a go next year and see what happens. I understand the allure of the NCAA but how much do you want to hurt your NHL draft stock/development by riding the pine in the USHL for 2 years rather than the O. Theres no doubt scouts would rather see Adam Valentini in the O rather than the Chicago Steel. But thats just my opinion.

I've gone back and forth because this team has gone back and forth lol, but this team *should* be a good team next year.

Brown-Beamish-??
Karimov-Edwards-Kostuch*
Wainwright-Di Iorio-Manza
Simpson-Chamberlain-Luecke

That'll be a strong F unit. I see 6-8 guys getting 20+ goals. Strong down the middle.

Fischer-Young will be a top 5 pair.
Hurt-O'Brien have been awesome together.
Be a very strong top-4 IMO.

Bridgewater has been a really solid 3rd pair D.. hopefully improves. Barr has good upside but has to have a big summer. If Bodin can play like he did this weekend + SEP/OCT that's a very strong Dcore.

Goaltending be biggest ?? Maillet looks solid, but not a go to starter. They'll need to find that, or hope grovestine continues to develop like he has been.

1st, two 2nds & one open OA spot to add to the roster too. I bet they'd try and add 1or2 good 19 year olds too. Help them next yr then be quality OAs the year after when they really wanna win. Hopefully just better than how Johnston went

 

[StingUpdates]

This team isn’t going to win a trophy this year but they might finish as high as 4th in the conference & 10th overall.

If Erie keeps playing like this 4th will be a possibility, although u give the edge to them figuring it out & Saginaw's star power carrying them

We keep playing like this tho & I do believe they'll push for it. Easier schedule and a lot of rest.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Lets go!! Thats a real solid win. Yes they were outshot pretty good, but I thought in the 2nd & 3rd they did a great job clearing the net front & making it clear lines of sight for Maillet. Speaking of Maillet how about the rook!? First start in a month+ and he stops 35/38! Give. Him. More. Starts!

Stars of the night tho that 3rd line!! Moses & Karimov get 2G/1A each & Edwards has his season best 3 assists! They spent the entire night in the Ozone. Karimov looked like he couldn't be knocked off the puck tonight. I'd argue that was his best OHL game. Letang is finally giving him legit ice time. Moses was unreal, too. The nights where he's clicking he sure does make an impact. Just sucks its like once every 10-11 games lol.

Fischer-Young were awesome. Physical, winning battles, using their speed. When they play like that I don't think there's to many better D pairs in the league honestly. I once again liked Bodin, too. I heard whispers (cant say for certain) he was healthy scratched not hurt & told he needs to up his compete/battle & he sure did this weekend. Hope that continues. Him & Bridgewater have been a solid 3rd pair.

How about the PK! 5/5 including a 5 min PK where they scored a SHG! First weekend with Matsos they go 7/7 with a huge goal. I loved how aggressive they were even vs a good Erie unit. Hurt-O'Brien are not only strong 5on5 they are awesome together on the PK.

Now they get Franceschetti, Doucette back & Manza has been added to the roster (#55)! So some reinforcements before their lone game next week vs a good Wolves team.

Been a strong 10-ish games since Haley was let go. Credit to the staff & the players. They keep playing like this & they'll give themselves a real shot for 5th.

When I was watching tonight I kept seeing Filak like qualities in Karimov. Doing a lot of good work on the cycle, getting to the front of the net to score both of his goals, and was mixing it up. Karimov is more physical while the play is going on compared to Filak who loves jawing after the whistle. I thought Edwards was great in all facets. I believe he started the first and second goals by poking pucks away from the Otters. He played a very responsible defensive game. Looks so much comfortable in the middle. 5 PTS in 4 games since being moved back to C. Keep him there Letang.

That's got to be a big confidence booster for Maillet. His first win since October 18th in Sudbury. He kept them in it in the first when they still had bus legs. Made 6 or 7 quality saves that period. I said after the first I wanted to see the team respond for their young netminder and they did. Only allowed 19 shots in the second and third combined after giving up that many in the first. They didn't get rattled both times that Erie got within one either. They stayed composed and scored a goal of their own both times.

I was really impressed with the final two minutes. The work of Wainwright, Filak, and Beamish stood out. They were all battling hard along the boards to make sure the Otters had a hard time getting the puck. The team has really tightened up in late game situations since blowing that game against Flint.

Good thing we get Doucette and Fraceschetti back for Friday because now Hall is likely going to be suspended. It will be interesting to see what they do with the lines since they're all rolling

 

[StingUpdates]

When I was watching tonight I kept seeing Filak like qualities in Karimov. Doing a lot of good work on the cycle, getting to the front of the net to score both of his goals, and was mixing it up. Karimov is more physical while the play is going on compared to Filak who loves jawing after the whistle. I thought Edwards was great in all facets. I believe he started the first and second goals by poking pucks away from the Otters. He played a very responsible defensive game. Looks so much comfortable in the middle. 5 PTS in 4 games since being moved back to C. Keep him there Letang.


I was really impressed with the final two minutes. The work of Wainwright, Filak, and Beamish stood out. They were all battling hard along the boards to make sure the Otters had a hard time getting the puck. The team has really tightened up in late game situations since blowing that game against Flint.

Definitely a good comparable for that stuff..Karimov is a sturdy kid. Couple shifts he had guys draped all over him & they couldn't get it off him. Even drew a penalty because of it. Kid LOVES going to the net. I think every goal he has this yr is within 3 feet of the net. He's getting better for passing/quick shifts/not being fancy in bad areas. He's gonna be a real good power forward in the coming years.

Yah Edwards just ain't a winger lol. Night and day when he plays W or C. He loves bringing it up. At wing he can't. I absolutely loved that assist on Karimov's 2nd G. Great burst of speed to get it, strong move using 1 hand then a smart shot low to get a rebound.

The urgency late is what sticks out. They refused to lose those board battles. Filak was kicking and clawing to get it out haha. Wish he and Beamish got assists on the empty netter but alas.

 

[DarkRedxJ]

Manza now listed on the roster. On the OHL site he'll be wearing #55.

 

[SarniaStingFan]

Definitely a good comparable for that stuff..Karimov is a sturdy kid. Couple shifts he had guys draped all over him & they couldn't get it off him. Even drew a penalty because of it. Kid LOVES going to the net. I think every goal he has this yr is within 3 feet of the net. He's getting better for passing/quick shifts/not being fancy in bad areas. He's gonna be a real good power forward in the coming years.

Yah Edwards just ain't a winger lol. Night and day when he plays W or C. He loves bringing it up. At wing he can't. I absolutely loved that assist on Karimov's 2nd G. Great burst of speed to get it, strong move using 1 hand then a smart shot low to get a rebound.

The urgency late is what sticks out. They refused to lose those board battles. Filak was kicking and clawing to get it out haha. Wish he and Beamish got assists on the empty netter but alas.

It feels like Karimov is starting to realize the strength advantage that he has on a lot of guys in the O. I've been seeing some good hard shifts from him every game but it's very inconsisent. Tonight he was able to sustain that more often. He'll become even more effective if he can do that more often because it wears the opposition's defence down.

It was a shame that Beamish ended with no points. Like you said earlier he was a beast on the PK. I counted four notable plays that he made on the kill. Then he was clawing with Filak to get puck out at the end. He's been an outstanding pickup. I'm really hoping they can convince him to stay past next season