Sarnia Sting 2024 25 Season Thread Part Iii

[robp1219]

Jacob Julien was a u18 draft pick as well.

Ya the sting have had some success with undrafted and U18 players over the years, Matt Martin wasn’t an OHL draft pick, long career in the nhl, anson thronton U18 pick and was signed by the Coyotes after his first year in the OHL . Most teams I would assume have done that over the years.

 

[StingUpdates]

Interesting that the CHL is voting on having 3 imports. I think 2 is perfect, but with more kids leaving for NCAA as the years go on having an extra import will be nice

Feel like it ups the chances of teams picking goalies too because adding 2Fs/1D -- 1F/2D -- 3F in one draft is a lot to add if you have a decent team.

 

[Logosarejusttargets]

Interesting that the CHL is voting on having 3 imports. I think 2 is perfect, but with more kids leaving for NCAA as the years go on having an extra import will be nice

Feel like it ups the chances of teams picking goalies too because adding 2Fs/1D -- 1F/2D -- 3F in one draft is a lot to add if you have a decent team.

I'm wondering if it's a way to close the gap with the USHL which allows 4 imports. A good amount of top end europeans make their way to the USHL and some onto NCAA - maybe the CHL feels they could probably bring more into the fold now that the NCAA option is available.

 

[StingUpdates]

I'm wondering if it's a way to close the gap with the USHL which allows 4 imports. A good amount of top end europeans make their way to the USHL and some onto NCAA - maybe the CHL feels they could probably bring more into the fold now that the NCAA option is available.

Definitely!

CHL to NCAA is a really good option for Europeans if they can do it.

 

[Fastpace]

Completely agree they do the best job in the league at scouting and developing the best players, but they also can get and have got top notch American players that have played a year or two developing in the USNTDP program or USHL who make their team better. For example this year Blake Montgomery, NHL drafted player who played every year in the states developing including the start of this year and produced at a high level in the states. The knights added him to bolster their roster. I’m not saying they have got American players all the time or they will start to do it in the future. I’m saying with the new rules more Americans will come over, will they draft more Americans and use more Americans on their roster maybe? I’m leaning towards yes because there is alot more good American players now a days and they will take the best forwards to make their team better like every team will . My point is they will most likely draft more Americans because they have the best chance at getting Americans to come over especially with the new rules compared to the rest of the league. If you have that advantage you might aswell take advantage of it right? I just feel like this league is going to be filled with American players which I don’t like because it’s suppose to be a Canadian development league, and I think there should be a cap on American players just like import players. Just my opinion.

London does not view players the same way as does CHL fans. Fans around leagues see the best players playing for, as you say, more advantageous teams. London sees it much differently, they chose and pick players that best fit their team and its system, in other word, is the player comes for himself or for the team. Despite their very good record developing players reaching pro leagues, not all talented impactful players made it to the NHL and had a successful career at a higher level. The Sting had some really great moments this year, even though they've missed the playoffs, were able to beat some top teams in this league with a sample of their future team system. A team system accepted by all 20 men on the team, is a lot better than a handful of star players looking after their own interest, is the point I am trying to make.

CHL has outgrown the Canadian only development league, it is now the best world-wide junior league, the best players from all over the world come here to develop. It no longer matters how many are from the US, and are now talking about adding a third European player per team. Other junior Canadian player leagues can now fulfil that role (OJHL, CJHL, CCHL, GOJHL & etc. and other provinces)

 

[robp1219]

Interesting that the CHL is voting on having 3 imports. I think 2 is perfect, but with more kids leaving for NCAA as the years go on having an extra import will be nice

Feel like it ups the chances of teams picking goalies too because adding 2Fs/1D -- 1F/2D -- 3F in one draft is a lot to add if you have a decent team.

I think sarnia has to try and get an elite goalie preferably 18 years old, let bodin walk and replace him, keep karimov just play him more and give him powerplay time.

 

[robp1219]

London does not view players the same way as does CHL fans. Fans around leagues see the best players playing for, as you say, more advantageous teams. London sees it much differently, they chose and pick players that best fit their team and its system, in other word, is the player comes for himself or for the team. Despite their very good record developing players reaching pro leagues, not all talented impactful players made it to the NHL and had a successful career at a higher level. The Sting had some really great moments this year, even though they've missed the playoffs, were able to beat some top teams in this league with a sample of their future team system. A team system accepted by all 20 men on the team, is a lot better than a handful of star players looking after their own interest, is the point I am trying to make.

CHL has outgrown the Canadian only development league, it is now the best world-wide junior league, the best players from all over the world come here to develop. It no longer matters how many are from the US, and are now talking about adding a third European player per team. Other junior Canadian player leagues can now fulfil that role (OJHL, CJHL, CCHL, GOJHL & etc. and other provinces)

Well hopefully with the addition of more American and European players into this league it doesn’t hurt the Canadian players development. I’m thinking it will because not as many Canadian players will get the same competition due to the USHL, Tier II junior A and junior b leagues not being as good. Hopefully Canadian kids that get squeezed out of the CHL can develop in those other leagues.

 

[FatKid]

I saw today that St Louis signed Fischer to a 3 year entry level deal. We've seen this a time or two before... Where does he play next year?

 

[Fastpace]

Well hopefully with the addition of more American and European players into this league it doesn’t hurt the Canadian players development. I’m thinking it will because not as many Canadian players will get the same competition due to the USHL, Tier II junior A and junior b leagues not being as good. Hopefully Canadian kids that get squeezed out of the CHL can develop in those other leagues.

I understand. But here is the thing, by having the bests in the world coming and moving some Canadian juniors down to lower leagues, it also means those leagues will improve by having CHL caliber players playing for them. The quality of play is getting stronger and better

 

[StingUpdates]

I saw today that St Louis signed Fischer to a 3 year entry level deal. We've seen this a time or two before... Where does he play next year?

Can only play NHL or OHL so he'll be back.

 

[robp1219]

I understand. But here is the thing, by having the bests in the world coming and moving some Canadian juniors down to lower leagues, it also means those leagues will improve by having CHL caliber players playing for them. The quality of play is getting stronger and better

maybe tier II junior A and junior B will slightly improve but the USHL will probably get worse because the best American players will leave those leagues to come to CHL and they will get replaced with mid-low calibre CHL players.

 

[robp1219]

Jaakko Wycisk is having a real good OHL Cup tournament he leads the tournament in scoring. Be nice if the sting could get him, 6’0 180 probably room to grow abit. Has lots of speed and skill, he can create scoring chances for his teammates and himself and is just as good at finishing on chances when his teammates set him up. From what I’ve seen/read he’s a pretty complete player and being from Windsor he’s somewhat local.

 

[StingUpdates]

Jaakko Wycisk is having a real good OHL Cup tournament he leads the tournament in scoring. Be nice if the sting could get him, 6’0 180 probably room to grow abit. Has lots of speed and skill, he can create scoring chances for his teammates and himself and is just as good at finishing on chances when his teammates set him up. From what I’ve seen/read he’s a pretty complete player and being from Windsor he’s somewhat local.

As is Kaden McGregor! He looks awesome.

After tomorrow's lottery really gonna deep dive into the projected top 5.

See what they are all about.

 

[StingUpdates]

You know it sure would be nice for Sarnia to draft a goalie than pans out. Two 2nds, 4th, two 5ths.

Like get one in one of those rounds that'll become a good goalie. Been way to few and far between for this franchise.

Having a young promising 16 yr old G to go with what we have up front would be huge.

Also think we need to target a Dman with some size. Someone who's hard to play against every night.

 

[davewheeler]

Does anyone have info on this TPH team.... they're 3-0 and just dusted DMF.

 

[StingUpdates]

Does anyone have info on this TPH team.... they're 3-0 and just dusted DMF.

I could be totally wrong (@SarniaStingFan probably knows), but I believe it's a team of prospects from outside Canada/lesser known areas. Gaughan played for them last yr at ohl cup.

 

[robp1219]

Does anyone have info on this TPH team.... they're 3-0 and just dusted DMF.

It’s a hockey program that’s works with players to develope their game, they train players on and off the ice both pro, junior and minor leagues. They put a team together each year of players who train with them that didn’t go to the tournament because their AAA team didn’t make it. Mostly New York and Michigan kids. So Gaughan is part of their program and his AAA team didn’t make the OHL cup last year so he was eligible to get invited to play for the TPH team. (That’s my understanding)

 

[SarniaStingFan]

I could be totally wrong (@SarniaStingFan probably knows), but I believe it's a team of prospects from outside Canada/lesser known areas. Gaughan played for them last yr at ohl cup.

TPH (Total Package Hockey) is a group of hockey academies in North America. They put together players from their academies in the US every year and send them to the OHL Cup. I'm not certain on this but looks like they got stronger players this year. They have players from strong programs like the Bishop Kearney Selects and Detroit Honeybaked this time around. I'm guessing more players were interested in coming to the tournament with the CHL to NCAA route being available. Their goaltending has been really strong (2 GA in 3 games). It should be noted Don Mills started their backup goalie in that game. I think it would have been much tighter had their starter played

 

[SarniaStingFan]

We can add another name to look out for. The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy mentions Ottawa Valley Titans forward Kaden McGregor (5'11" and 170 lbs) as a possible number one overall pick.

He has 5 points in two games so far at the OHL Cup. He had an incredible OFSAA A/AA tournament with his local high school in Renfrew, putting up 21 goals in 6 games. Obviously a low level of competition but he still eye-popping numbers

 

[StingUpdates]

We can add another name to look out for. The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy mentions Ottawa Valley Titans forward Kaden McGregor (5'11" and 170 lbs) as a possible number one overall pick.

He has 5 points in two games so far at the OHL Cup. He had an incredible OFSAA A/AA tournament with his local high school in Renfrew, putting up 21 goals in 6 games. Obviously a low level of competition but he still eye-popping numbers

Saw his highlights from todays game & he looked sick. Looked very creative & had some high level passes. Good speed, too. Small glimpse, but cant say id be mad getting him.

 

[StingUpdates]

Did this 2 years ago, cant remember if I did it last yr. But player report cards. Might be to hard or to generous on some, but how I feel.

Forward:

Filak ~ B ~ Weird yr for Filak tbh. Ended up leading the team in scoring. Did so much dirty work as he always does. Was apart of by our best line by far (w/23-40), but he really struggled at the end. Going from 24 goals to 14 hurts even tho his assists went up. They will miss his willingness to take a beating out front/down low.

Doucette ~ C- ~ Started well. Played horrendous in 2025. Went down in goals, assists & points as an OA. F worst -29, too. Effort seemed to completely die final 20 games.

Wainwright ~ B- ~ Wasn't sure what to give Wainwright. I expected a bit more production, but still improved in goals, assists, points & was only -6 despite how much he played. Still a strong 2way, PK guy, but offensively it's not all there.

Moses ~ C+ ~ I didnt expect a huge jump, but in 10 more games he had 1 more goal & 3 less assists. He's a weird player because when he's on he genuinely looks damn near elite, but when he's off which is more often, he doesn't do a ton.

Franceschetti ~ F ~ Not on him. Sting simply shouldn't have signed him. Wanted him to be their Boulton & he didn't even do that really. 19 & only 1 point.

Hall ~ D ~ I had some optimism last yr Hall might be something, but clearly he wont be. Lacks foot speed & skill. Gives effort & is physical, but that's about all. Don't see him back next year.

Brown ~ B ~ Some may disagree (looking at you, Dave!! just joking haha) or feel he deserves worse but I thought he was fine. Started way to slow & consistency can be an issue, But he really put the offense on his back during December & January. Doubled his point production. Only -8 which isn't bad. Had real glimpses of being a dynamic player. Needs to play like that consistently & I feel he will.

Luecke ~ C+ ~ Debated on Luecke. I actually liked what I saw from him the 2nd half of the yr. But injuries, suspension, limited ice time hurt him getting on a roll, finding a rhythm. I think something is there with him. Size, speed, some skill, real bite to his game. But end of the day only 4G/3A.

Manza ~ B ~ I like him. 6G/6A in 26 games with 8-10 of those games coming 4th line. Has real skill & a sneaky good shot. Needs to add some muscle. Sneaky breakout guy if he's back which hopefully he is.

Karimov ~ B- ~ Be lying if his season wasn't a bit of a disappointment. Part of it though is ppl on twitter rating him higher than they should've getting our (my) expectations higher than they should've. In saying that, I am a big fan of his skillset. Size, Speed, bite, skill, scoring touch. With more ice time he would've scored 20G/20A I have no doubts. Big summer + proper coaching & he'll take a big step. Praying he comes back lol.

Beamish ~ B+ ~ Amazing signing. Kid came in & was near PPG the whole way thru. Was a huge reason Brown broke his slump & formed that line. That knee injury slowed him down quite a bit, but he's a battler. Elite on draws. Good on PK. Seems to help others stabilize/play better. If he can get a little quicker he'll put up real numbers next year.

Kostuch ~ incomplete~ Sucks. Just sucks. Hope the kid is doing well & can get back to doing what he loves & be a good player for us like he was going to be.

Di Iorio ~ B+ ~ Huge fan of Di Iorio. He works his ass off every night. One of the more detailed 16 yr olds ive seen. Felt like he played it safe a bit & there's more to his game offensively that hopefully comes with age, maturity, strength. Still 6th in team scoring, 4th in assists. as a rookie. he's gonna be an unreal player. Reason he isn't an A he needs to add some muscle & not let really physical play bother him. like I said he has more skill to show. He seemed gun-shy of trying moves (probably coaching)

Edwards ~ A ~ Almost an A+ but I suppose u gotta save that for an epic season not just a great one. Blew my expectations out of the water. As good a rookie ive seen at finding soft/open ice to score goals. Impressed me greatly he scored a ton from in tight as a rookie. Also seemed to come up clutch a lot. Works hard too. Needs to expand his passing game & use his teammates a bit more.

Chamberlain ~NA~ Said it during camp, should've been sent down. Showed some good things, but was better off playing 40-50 games in JrB than sitting most of 2025. Big summer & he could be a good B6er I think, but needs more muscle & shot needs work.

Simpson ~NA~ Like what I saw a lot. Big, skates well, super physical, showing a scoring touch in JrB. Hoping he has a big summer & makes the team as a much needed PWF. Needs to work on hands, discipline.

Gaughan ~NA~ See some glimpses, but they weren't lying when they said he was a project pick. Needs to add a lot of muscle & play with more effort. If he can there's a good player in there I think. If not he'll be a waste of a 3rd.

Defence:

Fischer ~ B+/A- ~ I couldn't decide with Fischer. At his best he was unbelievable for this team. When on there aren't a ton of D better than him in the O. Must've average 25+ minutes a night. Production really went up as did his physical play. But little inconsistent, way to undisciplined & his body language isn't great for a captain. Ton to like. Gonna be a monster next yr. Needs to clean up those areas though to be the best player he can be.

Young ~ B+/A- ~ I thought Young had an amazing season. offense went way up. became an elite 5on5 producer on D. Only -5 with all the minutes he played. Was their leading scorer late in the season. Showed some bite/snarl which is nice. Needs to play harder all the time though & not try to do everything himself so often. Gonna have a huge OA yr imo.

O'Brien ~ B ~ I liked Jack. Defends very hard. Takes no sh*t. Plays simple & he really solidified the D until it went off the rails again lol. Should be a quality shutdown D as an OA. Bit limited offensively. puck movement could be better.

Omeri ~ C ~ I feel like I was unfair to Omeri this yr, but I just didnt see much improvement. Not that big, not that fast, not that skilled. Just ok everywhere. Still was actually team best on D in +/- going +1. Hopefully finds a spot in the league as I imagine his time is done here.

Bodin ~ F ~ Big letdown. He started so well, too. Huge kid. When he wanted to he obliterated guys. Sadly he seemed disinterested a lot & his lack of foot speed got exposed a ton after tape got out on him. They should move on.

Hurt ~B ~ Like last yr I remained a big fan of Hurt. He's such a consistent, strong defender almost every night. Almost forget he's only 17 with how strong of a defender he is. Never strays away or tries to do to much which I really appreciate. His skating improved, but not a ton else did unfortunately. Would love if he had a big summer & comeback with an extra touch of offense or more snarl as a hitter.

Barr ~ C ~ Weird yr again for Barr. He looked stuck in the mud most of 2024 I found. Took him forever to find his legs again. In 2025 though I thought he was a lot better & ended playing rather well. He has good tools, but he needs a big summer adding muscle & speed.

Bridgewater ~ C ~ Opposite of Barr. Started great & faded at the end. Such a great skater, but idk if it was the coaching or him that stopped himself from activating more often. Supposed to be an offensive minded D with great skating, but u rarely saw him leading the rush, pinching etc. Hate he never got a shot on PP. feel like he wont get a fair shot here & is someone they might replace if they get an import/ncaa D.

Andersen ~ NA~ I like his style & I think he should've been back up at the end with how emotionless this group was. His snarl, bite was great. Needs a big summer though & needs to work hard on puck moving, speed if he's to crack the lineup next yr.

Goalies:

Surzycia ~B~ He was our MVP for a good bit of this season, but like last yr he really seemed to fade at the end. Still he had a pretty solid season considering the incompetence in front of him. Had a Sv% on par with elite goalies for quite a while before the team absolutely tanked the final 20 games.

Maillet ~C+~ I had no expectations for Maillet tbh. Beat Chartier out. Thought he gave the team a chance to win most nights. Battles hard. Makes some wild saves. Bit small though & elite shooters pick corners on him a lot. Perfectly fine if he's backup next yr again or splitting with a young guy if they are good.

Coaching:
F ~ F ~ F ~ F ~ F
Yah, we went over it enough. A full on disaster class from the staff this yr on every level. Should be fired. Probably wont be.