SSM Greyhounds 2023-2024 Off-Season Thread (Part 1)

[HockeyPops]

I also liked McQueen. It will be interesting to see if he can still play once the game speeds up more, but he did a great job finding his teamates and putting them in space. Seems like a very cerebral player.

Gillen great again. Joining the rush every time it made sense to and ripped a great goal on a 3 on 2.

Cali great, physical player with an absolutely sick finish on his team's first goal.

 

[Fischhaber]

Any word on where Carson Andrew is playing next year?

A couple of the prospect guys on Twitter say he's already on the radar for the 2026 NHL draft, but there wasn't any chatter about before the OHL draft.

Obviously with that kind of talent, he would have went much higher if teams thought he would sign, but I can't find anything on his commitments.

 

[Sakic fan]

Thought there was some positives out there today. Some players who caught my eye.

Elliott showed a nice release and some good speed. Reminds me of Nick Robertson. Looks like a great pick for round taken.

Andrew although playing with Martin looked like a player with potential and nice offensive skillset, Lagoutte also with Martin and both took advantage of opportunity.

Gillen showed flashes of offense but not very big or fast and needs work in D zone. Took a heavy hit and needs to play with less risk imo, a river boat gambler.

McQueen made some nice plays for a late pick, good size.

Cali a nice looking player with size and skill, made some nice in tight plays. Will fit in well and sees ice very well and protects puck and seemed to find nice spots on ice in offensive zone to make plays. Worked hard in D zone as well.

Pangretitsch big mobile D with some nice hands. Pinched and caught too often and left team out to dry on several 3 on 1, 2 on 1s will need to work on that. Not very physical for his size, was expecting more physicality but maybe not his style?

Kelly a nice size and lots of speed, agree with Houndzfan and could be a great checking type with skill.

Castiglione looks like another good sized forward with skill and speed.

Solomon was a physical presence, steam rolled a few, looked like alot of players were leary of him. Made easy outlets for his squad on effortless breakouts that led to many offensive transitions and shut down most rushes on his side with ease, reminds me of Gibson, blocks shots, hits, great passer, good body position and calm under pressure. Decked out in Greyhound gear too.

Allen made some nice plays on Defense and nice hit on Gillen. Skates well.

Martin was toying with players, can't wait to see him progress. We all know what we have here. 1st round pick 2025 NHL draft, likely WJC participant in 3rd/4th year.

Hayes was his usual spark plug self with tenacity and high offensive IQ. Expect him to explode and score 30 this year. Leadership qualities very noticeable.

Camputaro looks like goalie of the future. Massive size and moves with ease.

Thomas also made several nice saves and looks like a potential gamer.

Won't make it out tomorrow so hopefully get some more updates.

 

[HockeyPops]

I must have a thing for right shots. After Cali, not too many left shots that impressed...

Cali - Another great scrimmage. Scored a goal on the first shift of the game. Physical. Skilled. Ready to step into 4C.
Andrew - Great all-around game. One shift he was fantastic from start to finish and showcased his complete game - got a good zone entry, moved the puck in the o zone, found space, backchecked hard on Cali and won the puck back on the wall at his own blueline, and then spotted Long up at the offensive blueline and hit him for a breakaway goal.
Gillen - real physical player for his size, and always jumping up into the play. Doesn't get caught much from what I could see.
Allen - Loved his game. Physical when needed. Good pass. Great defensively.
Zuyev - smooth skater, great edges. Gets himself out of trouble in his own end with his skating and starts the rush. Doesn't jump up offensively in the offensive zone as much as he could with his tools, but lots to like there.
McQueen - lots of skill, good hockey IQ. Still needs to show he can find another gear and still execute at speed. Could be a real diamond in the rough if he can.
Ronson - solid game, noticeable
Long - had a few nice touches
Lagoutte - showed some speed.

Goalies
Irvin - looked good
Sloan - nice surprise, looked sharp
Thomas - steady
Camputaro - big, strong, fast, but raw. Probably could use a year in jr A.

 

[Houndzfan20]

I must have a think for right shots. After Cali, not too many left shots that impressed...
Cali - Another great scrimmage. Scored a goal on the first shift of the game. Physical. Skilled. Ready to step into 4C.
Andrew - Great all-around game. One shift he was fantastic from start to finish and showcased his complete game - got a good zone entry, moved the puck in the o zone, found space, backchecked hard on Cali and won the puck back on the wall at his own blueline, and then spotted Long up at the offensive blueline and hit him for a breakaway goal.
Gillen - real physical player for his size, and always jumping up into the play. Doesn't get caught much from what I could see.
Allen - Loved his game. Physical when needed. Good pass. Great defensively.
Zuyev - smooth skater, great edges. Gets himself out of trouble in his own end with his skating and starts the rush. Doesn't jump up offensively in the offensive zone as much as he could with his tools, but lots to like there.
McQueen - lots of skill, good hockey IQ. Still needs to show he can find another gear and still execute at speed. Could be a real diamond in the rough if he can.
Ronson - solid game, noticeable
Long - had a few nice touches
Lagoutte - showed some speed.

Goalies
Irvin - looked good
Sloan - nice surprise, looked sharp
Thomas - steady
Camputaro - big, strong, fast, but raw. Probably could use a year in jr A.

Same thoughts as pops.

- Long looked much better today. His breakaway goal was really really good.
- cali was dominant. Much better than I was expecting.
- carson andrew is a player. Hopefully he signs cause he will be a keeper. Dominant as well.
- owen Allen again was physical and fast. Like his game a lot.
- Camputaro looked good but his positivity was infectious. Even when he left he saw all the kids in the lobby and was eagerly interacting with them.

Lots more that can be written, but I'll just say that there was a lot of talent on display at this development camp. Bright future in houndtown

 

[HockeyPops]

owen Allen again was physical and fast. Like his game a lot.

i think it's Isaiah Allen. Unless you meant Owen Kelly?

Still interested to see how this roster takes shape this fall. We have a number of holes to fill, but can probably only have 3 of the 2008s on the roster. As i understand it, the rule max 4 must include your first two picks. So one of those spots goes to Croskery whether he comes or not.

We need a lot more bodies (non 2008s) to round out the roster, and with those midround picks not coming, I am not sure who they will be.

 

[Houndzfan20]

i think it's Isaiah Allen. Unless you meant Owen Kelly?

Still interested to see how this roster takes shape this fall. We have a number of holes to fill, but can probably only have 3 of the 2008s on the roster. As i understand it, the rule max 4 must include your first two picks. So one of those spots goes to Croskery whether he comes or not.

We need a lot more bodies (non 2008s) to round out the roster, and with those midround picks not coming, I am not sure who they will be.

Good catch. Owen kelly. My brain isn't braining.

 

[Sakic fan]

i think it's Isaiah Allen. Unless you meant Owen Kelly?

Still interested to see how this roster takes shape this fall. We have a number of holes to fill, but can probably only have 3 of the 2008s on the roster. As i understand it, the rule max 4 must include your first two picks. So one of those spots goes to Croskery whether he comes or not.

We need a lot more bodies (non 2008s) to round out the roster, and with those midround picks not coming, I am not sure who they will be

HockeyPops do u think we sign 3 forwards then with the holes up front?

Cali obviously will be here, maybe Carson Andrew and another, maybe only 2 08s?
How was Elliott today?

Main camp it will be interesting to see what 05/06 Free Agents are invited. I see an obvious need to find forwards with most of our D returning, 2 spots to fill on D but thinking only 1 seeing as Solomon joined team for playoff run. Gillen reminds me of Brodie with his playing style. Would Gillen be a good fit in the bottom of lineup or would Dean and Taylor prefer a bigger more defensive type for 7th spot? Brady Smith with Listowel should have an inside track I would think up front. Would need to address some toughness and physicality imo with some invites.

August will be very interesting and can't wait for main camp.

 

[HockeyPops]

Elliott has a great motor and workrate. Forechecks hard and backchecks harder. He plays a very simple game offensively. Nothing wrong with that, but there were a few times when he elected for the low percentage shot when the better play was either a cycle or he had an open man in space who would have had a higher percentage chance.

Of the 08s I would definitely sign both Cali and Andrew on the spot if I could. Pangretitsch probably has the next best chance and would bring some needed size and bite. He and Gillen were mixing it up quite a bit and at one point I thought they were going to go...which reminded me a little of hulk hogan vs andre the giant. Certainly would have been interesting.

But don't sleep on Long, Kelly, or Allen being our final 08 over Pangretitsch. I think they all showed more even if they were drafted later. I expect that last spot to be decided at main camp.

One thing counting against signing an 08 defenseman is that there weren't many 07 forward standouts. There were a few 07 defense standouts though, so maybe we round out the d with 07s, allowing us to sign 3 of the 08 forwards?

 

[DWI Dale]

Big thanks for sharing your observations guys. Nothing helps get over a tough end to the season like some snippets of the future but was busy with tryouts this weekend. Cheers.

 

[HockeyPops]

Big thanks for sharing your observations guys. Nothing helps get over a tough end to the season like some snippets of the future but was busy with tryouts this weekend. Cheers.

Hope you also found some gems in your tryouts.

 

[Sakic fan]

Elliott has a great motor and workrate. Forechecks hard and backchecks harder. He plays a very simple game offensively. Nothing wrong with that, but there were a few times when he elected for the low percentage shot when the better play was either a cycle or he had an open man in space who would have had a higher percentage chance.

Of the 08s I would definitely sign both Cali and Andrew on the spot if I could. Pangretitsch probably has the next best chance and would bring some needed size and bite. He and Gillen were mixing it up quite a bit and at one point I thought they were going to go...which reminded me a little of hulk hogan vs andre the giant. Certainly would have been interesting.

But don't sleep on Long, Kelly, or Allen being our final 08 over Pangretitsch. I think they all showed more even if they were drafted later. I expect that last spot to be decided at main camp.

One thing counting against signing an 08 defenseman is that there weren't many 07 forward standouts. There were a few 07 defense standouts though, so maybe we round out the d with 07s, allowing us to sign 3 of the 08 forwards?

I think alot of these players at first Dev camp were making some selfish plays to try and show their talent over making the right hockey play, that won't work at main camp, very typical when trying to open some eyes.

Gillen and Pangretitsch mixing it up is great, Gillen is feisty. Glad to hear Pangretitsch showed more of that today. Really think this will be an interesting battle for last D spots. I really like the Allen kid from what I saw yesterday too. I'm sure there will be some more D FA at main camp too.

Yes the 07 F group took a hit with Charron choosing NCAA route, Brady Smith is in Jr. B Championship series and had a good year. Great opportunity for 08s and FA to grab a spot with the misses in 07 draft up front.

 

[HockeyPops]

Yes if Brady Smith is still interested that certainly helps.

 

[HockeyPops]

So, looking at our prospects after this weekend, I think these would be my leading candidates to make the team:
Cali L C (08)
Andrew R RW (08)
Long L C (08)
Smith L C (07)
Hunka R RW (06)
IMPORT LW (07)

Solomon R RD (07)
Gillen R LD (07)
IMPORT D (07)

Tegelaar L G (06)

Probably also look at signing Camputaro and placing him with junior A.

 

[Houndzfan20]

Heard one more 07 would have been here but had broken his thumb. Not sure if it was charron or chase reid

I think alot of these players at first Dev camp were making some selfish plays to try and show their talent over making the right hockey play, that won't work at main camp, very typical when trying to open some eyes.

Gillen and Pangretitsch mixing it up is great, Gillen is feisty. Glad to hear Pangretitsch showed more of that today. Really think this will be an interesting battle for last D spots. I really like the Allen kid from what I saw yesterday too. I'm sure there will be some more D FA at main camp too.

Yes the 07 F group took a hit with Charron choosing NCAA route, Brady Smith is in Jr. B Championship series and had a good year. Great opportunity for 08s and FA to grab a spot with the misses in 07 draft up front.

Charron has recently decommitted so nobody knows what that is about right now lol. All speculation.

 

[HockeyPops]

Heard one more 07 would have been here but had broken his thumb. Not sure if it was charron or chase reid

Or Mainville or Dell'Elce?

 

[Houndzfan20]

Or Mainville or Dell'Elce?

I don't think it was dell'elce. Was Maineville here last year at camp?

 

[HockeyPops]

Mainville was at main camp.

 

[Buttsy]

LOL, it was kind of nice (but very odd) to have a couple of Soo fans rooting for the Knights this past round! Safe to say now that Saginaw is out its back to a more "normal" world of "London SUCKS"?

 

[DWI Dale]

LOL, it was kind of nice (but very odd) to have a couple of Soo fans rooting for the Knights this past round! Safe to say now that Saginaw is out its back to a more "normal" world of "London SUCKS"?

You did us a solid. But next year all bets are off!

 

[OHL4Life]

I heard he wasn't coming this weekend.

you never know but i doubt youll see him in the soo to start the year, him, edwards and kawajah seemed alll legit tenders. things don't always go like people want so who know, but i doubt he leaves chicago so quick.

 

[HockeyPops]

you never know but i doubt youll see him in the soo to start the year, him, edwards and kawajah seemed alll legit tenders. things don't always go like people want so who know, but i doubt he leaves chicago so quick.

Interesting quote here by Raftis:

Raftis said Saturday that Croskery’s absence was a logistical one as opposed to the young blueliner choosing not to report.

Development camps a learning experience for both player, team

'It's a little more laid back than the traditional training camp' - Soo Greyhounds GM Kyle Raftis

www.sootoday.com

 

[nelli27]

You guys always seem to find gems in the middle rounds.... testament to the scouting, and bringing in players who can adapt well to Hounds hockey (fast skating, skilled).

 

[Houndzfan20]

So, looking at our prospects after this weekend, I think these would be my leading candidates to make the team:
Cali L C (08)
Andrew R RW (08)
Long L C (08)
Smith L C (07)
Hunka R RW (06)
IMPORT LW (07)

Solomon R RD (07)
Gillen R LD (07)
IMPORT D (07)

Tegelaar L G (06)

Probably also look at signing Camputaro and placing him with junior A.

if it were me, and it's not lol, i'd look for two 07 forwards that will be impact players down the road. we have a ton of defence prospects and current vets that i'm comfortable with. i think it'd be great to have a couple strong forwards to grow with martin and hayes. would make the rebuild that much quicker.

just my opinion.

thoughts?

 

[OHL4Life]

You guys always seem to find gems in the middle rounds.... testament to the scouting, and bringing in players who can adapt well to Hounds hockey (fast skating, skilled).

they did, i think they have had more issues in the last few years after vic carneiro left. havent seen many tye kartye lately.