Windsor Spitfires 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 8)

[RayzorIsDull]

First chance to respond to the hire but I agree with a lot of what was said here.

First off Bowler said the same thing that is being said in Kitchener and Peterborough, ya don't count us out we have a lot of good returning players. Sure thing, sell lots of tickets and then trade the good players in January to start the rebuild. Never saw that coming.

Now to the JS hire. As Fivehole said there is a strategy in this hire. It is going to be a down year or 2 so why not give JS a chance. He has at least earned a chance at the opportunity, everyone starts somewhere. Give him a 2 year deal maybe a 3rd option year and let's see what he does with it. Likely a less costly deal than most and it may just pan out, and if it doesn't oh well not a go year anyway.
I can see Bowler being reluctant to bring in a high end hire to a retooling team and when it is time to compete that coach may be ready to move on much like the last 4 or 5 Spits coaches. Timing is everything.

Now do I like the hire, not really but I see why it was done.

Others have mentioned Mitchell as an assistant but he has some history so I'm hoping not.

Again as I said earlier this is ultimately up to players and how they respond to him. That is what will make or break his opportunity.

I think there is some glossing over that Smith is the director of player personnel. Whether that is just a title or actual truth we don't know. Still Smith should still be held partially responsible for what happened this year.

He has the most seniority with this organization and yes has been around 4 different head coaches but hasn't gotten to experience much success. Whether that matters we don't know but they're losing a lot of talent and things might be rough for a few years. Things were rough at times when Smith was an assistant and still was employed.

 

[Cherrydon]

Likely a meaningless title as a consolation to not being named coach 2 years go. If that title had teeth it would kind of eliminate the need for a GM? I know "directors " are supposed to be actually ahead of the manager in the real world of business I extremely doubt ot fits the title in the Spits world.

 

[OHLTG]

Since it's been brought up, Smith's role as DoPP involved development side with the prospects and the administrative side of things with Bowler. Smith has a degree in sports management so that likely played a part in everything. This is from the WStar when Smith was originally promoted in 2021.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Since it's been brought up, Smith's role as DoPP involved development side with the prospects and the administrative side of things with Bowler. Smith has a degree in sports management so that likely played a part in everything. This is from the WStar when Smith was originally promoted in 2021.

So prospects they have drafted lately? Eg. Ride, OFlaherty, Miedema(who fans detested).

 

[OHLTG]

So prospects they have drafted lately? Eg. Ride, OFlaherty, Miedema(who fans detested).

I think "detested" is kind of strong; they wanted him to show more consistency knowing what he showed in flashes.

But, there's also Greentree, Spellacy, Cristoforo, Costanzo (lesser), Davis...

Since he started the position in 2021, I'd imagine it would include players from that point forward. I can't say exactly what he did involving them, just that he was involved.

 

[Teflon]

Smith has had a thorough apprenticeship, BUT he has zero HC experience at any level. Thats where my concern really begins. This is supposed to be a premier franchise in the CHL. Do you hire a guy with no HC exp? I dont. BB did. As i said earlier, this is either a GM being told what to do, one that has no concern for his longevity or one that truly is smarter than many other people. I do hope Smith excels and this isnt an experiment or filler hire. The players and fans deserve the best that was available.

 

[OHLTG]

Wellwood had less experience on an OHL bench when the Firebirds made him their HC a while back. I get the concern but maybe this will surprise and he'll be solid. Nobody actually knows right now.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Smith has had a thorough apprenticeship, BUT he has zero HC experience at any level. Thats where my concern really begins. This is supposed to be a premier franchise in the CHL. Do you hire a guy with no HC exp? I dont. BB did. As i said earlier, this is either a GM being told what to do, one that has no concern for his longevity or one that truly is smarter than many other people. I do hope Smith excels and this isnt an experiment or filler hire. The players and fans deserve the best that was available.

His last hire Marc Savard had no head coaching experience either and after 2 years overall obviously no problem with that hire.
Smith with the help of Rychel did 8 games one of the years Letowski was here and went 5-2-1 in that stretch with alot of players injured and out during that stretch.

 

[windsor7]

Smith has had a thorough apprenticeship, BUT he has zero HC experience at any level. Thats where my concern really begins. This is supposed to be a premier franchise in the CHL. Do you hire a guy with no HC exp? I dont. BB did. As i said earlier, this is either a GM being told what to do, one that has no concern for his longevity or one that truly is smarter than many other people. I do hope Smith excels and this isnt an experiment or filler hire. The players and fans deserve the best that was available.

Probably a cheaper hire too.
Management saves money.

 

[Teflon]

Lol im not sure Savard was a poster child. He didnt care about playing D. He played head games and favourites with players. Then the team completely sh-t the bed last year when it counted. This team has had many outstanding coaches. Most of the last few not included.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Lol im not sure Savard was a poster child. He didnt care about playing D. He played head games and favourites with players. Then the team completely sh-t the bed last year when it counted. This team has had many outstanding coaches. Most of the last few not included.

Windsor with Savard behind the bench the last 2 seasons most successful team in the West the last 2 seasons overall tied with London with most playoff series wins 3,conference titles 1 each,tied with 2 division titles regular season finishes,and Windsor gets the edge with 2 conference 1st places finishes regular season with 2 London 0 in that category along with the rest of the Western Conference.
Only Peterborough,Hamilton won 4 rounds the last 2 years playoff wise, including league titles 1 each,while North Bay won 4 rounds the last 2 years,but no conference or league title wins,should note Windsor only team in the league to win regular season conference and division titles.
Should note Hamilton won league title last year and regular season title but finished 6th this year and got knocked out in the 1st round this past season.
Windsor's attendance the last 2 years post covid year season increased from 3000 per game 2 years ago to 4800 per game this past season a 60% improvement.
Despite a short playoff this past season the last 2 seasons overall has been the best since 2011 Mem Cup win notwithstanding in 2017.
Bowler,Savard and company ( players and staff) deserve credit not scorn imo,
Bowler's great drafting of Christoforo, Greentree and Spellacy bodes well for the future evidenced by the fact all 3 are participating in the upcoming Helinka tourney.

 

[windsor7]

Windsor with Savard behind the bench the last 2 seasons most successful team in the West the last 2 seasons overall tied with London with most playoff series wins 3,conference titles 1 each,tied with 2 division titles regular season finishes,and Windsor gets the edge with 2 conference 1st places finishes regular season with 2 London 0 in that category along with the rest of the Western Conference.
Only Peterborough,Hamilton won 4 rounds the last 2 years playoff wise, including league titles 1 each,while North Bay won 4 rounds the last 2 years,but no conference or league title wins,should note Windsor only team in the league to win regular season conference and division titles.
Should note Hamilton won league title last year and regular season title but finished 6th this year and got knocked out in the 1st round this past season.
Windsor's attendance the last 2 years post covid year season increased from 3000 per game 2 years ago to 4800 per game this past season a 60% improvement.
Despite a short playoff this past season the last 2 seasons overall has been the best since 2011 Mem Cup win notwithstanding in 2017.
Bowler,Savard and company ( players and staff) deserve credit not scorn imo,
Bowler's great drafting of Christoforo, Greentree and Spellacy bodes well for the future evidenced by the fact all 3 are participating in the upcoming Helinka tourney.

Stats can have the goal posts moved one way or another...

 

[OHLTG]

Stats can have the goal posts moved one way or another...

Two stats that nobody can deny...

Windsor just had their two best seasons, points-wise, since 2009-11. People can find ways to get on Savard if they want but he took the team to success they haven't seen in a long time. While there are areas of the game I wanted to see improved, I would have had zero issue if he returned for another season.

 

[windsor7]

Two stats that nobody can deny...

Windsor just had their two best seasons, points-wise, since 2009-11. People can find ways to get on Savard if they want but he took the team to success they haven't seen in a long time. While there are areas of the game I wanted to see improved, I would have had zero issue if he returned for another season.

#defense.

 

[rve24]

Windsor with Savard behind the bench the last 2 seasons most successful team in the West the last 2 seasons overall tied with London with most playoff series wins 3,conference titles 1 each,tied with 2 division titles regular season finishes,and Windsor gets the edge with 2 conference 1st places finishes regular season with 2 London 0 in that category along with the rest of the Western Conference.
Only Peterborough,Hamilton won 4 rounds the last 2 years playoff wise, including league titles 1 each,while North Bay won 4 rounds the last 2 years,but no conference or league title wins,should note Windsor only team in the league to win regular season conference and division titles.
Should note Hamilton won league title last year and regular season title but finished 6th this year and got knocked out in the 1st round this past season.
Windsor's attendance the last 2 years post covid year season increased from 3000 per game 2 years ago to 4800 per game this past season a 60% improvement.
Despite a short playoff this past season the last 2 seasons overall has been the best since 2011 Mem Cup win notwithstanding in 2017.
Bowler,Savard and company ( players and staff) deserve credit not scorn imo,
Bowler's great drafting of Christoforo, Greentree and Spellacy bodes well for the future evidenced by the fact all 3 are participating in the upcoming Helinka tourney.

Now it's a 2 year window with reg. season finish and PO round wins included in criteria for success lol? I thought I read from you a much different tone over a decade........
Never change HL, always moving the goalposts will keep ya fit lol. They can be heavy.

What happened to your previous decade long criteria for success of an OHL team?

Anyhow, lm glad you jumped over n are with the majority in that now that success isn't MCup or bust

Windsor with Savard behind the bench the last 2 seasons most successful team in the West the last 2 seasons overall tied with London with most playoff series wins 3,conference titles 1 each,tied with 2 division titles regular season finishes,and Windsor gets the edge with 2 conference 1st places finishes regular season with 2 London 0 in that category along with the rest of the Western Conference.
Only Peterborough,Hamilton won 4 rounds the last 2 years playoff wise, including league titles 1 each,while North Bay won 4 rounds the last 2 years,but no conference or league title wins,should note Windsor only team in the league to win regular season conference and division titles.
Should note Hamilton won league title last year and regular season title but finished 6th this year and got knocked out in the 1st round this past season.
Windsor's attendance the last 2 years post covid year season increased from 3000 per game 2 years ago to 4800 per game this past season a 60% improvement.
Despite a short playoff this past season the last 2 seasons overall has been the best since 2011 Mem Cup win notwithstanding in 2017.
Bowler,Savard and company ( players and staff) deserve credit not scorn imo,
Bowler's great drafting of Christoforo, Greentree and Spellacy bodes well for the future evidenced by the fact all 3 are participating in the upcoming Helinka tourney.

Bookmarked

 

[rve24]

Two stats that nobody can deny...

Windsor just had their two best seasons, points-wise, since 2009-11. People can find ways to get on Savard if they want but he took the team to success they haven't seen in a long time. While there are areas of the game I wanted to see improved, I would have had zero issue if he returned for another season.

2 stats HL woulda denied any other team in the O based on his posts over the last decade.
And he did as much here with teams having better 2 yr runs but trashed them because of no MCup lol.
Odd he liked your post, maybe he forgot his past posts on what he said constitutes success.
But I'm glad he has come around.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Two stats that nobody can deny...

Windsor just had their two best seasons, points-wise, since 2009-11. People can find ways to get on Savard if they want but he took the team to success they haven't seen in a long time. While there are areas of the game I wanted to see improved, I would have had zero issue if he returned for another season.

To add to your points Spits last 2 regular seasons had 189 points total 2nd most in the entire league,only North Bay in the East had more,192 points.
Now North Bay did finish 1st in their Division both seasons but 2nd in their Conference while Windsor finished in 1st both Division and Conference the past 2 seasons .

 

[OHLTG]

2 stats HL woulda denied any other team in the O based on his posts over the last decade.
And he did as much here with teams having better 2 yr runs but trashed them because of no MCup lol.
Odd he liked your post, maybe he forgot his past posts on what he said constitutes success.
But I'm glad he has come around.

Honestly, I don't care about your thing with HL right now. I'm here talking about coaches and how, despite the flaws, we had it good with Savard. Maybe Smith will be similar and we'll keep on the same track. Maybe it'll be better, maybe we'll find it worse. At this point, it's a guessing game with only one true way to find out the results.

 

[rve24]

Honestly, I don't care about your thing with HL right now. I'm here talking about coaches and how, despite the flaws, we had it good with Savard. Maybe Smith will be similar and we'll keep on the same track. Maybe it'll be better, maybe we'll find it worse. At this point, it's a guessing game with only one true way to find out

Yup, nothing wrong with judging Smith on the job he does for better or worse. Totally agree

 

[punch1943]

IMHO…..This is probably a great time to give Smith a shot at the HC job. If not now it would be never. I doubt if many fans are expecting the Spits to be front runners and it should be a better / easier breaking in period. If by hook or crook they are in a position to catch a playoff position I will be pleasantly surprised. If not so be it. As for the OWNERS saving money by hiring a relative that’s their choice. It’s not my team, or your team and they are the ones doling out the $$.
Enjoy the rest of the summer folks.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

IMHO…..This is probably a great time to give Smith a shot at the HC job. If not now it would be never. I doubt if many fans are expecting the Spits to be front runners and it should be a better / easier breaking in period. If by hook or crook they are in a position to catch a playoff position I will be pleasantly surprised. If not so be it. As for the OWNERS saving money by hiring a relative that’s their choice. It’s not my team, or your team and they are the ones doling out the $$.
Enjoy the rest of the summer folks.

If they can't make the playoffs when 80% of the league makes it Bowler should be gone and Smith should be 1 and done. The playoffs are such a low bar.

 

[Teflon]

Hmmm someone here is playing. I know for a fact Savard was chastised for his behaviour with certain players, as was BB. Also held accountable for the utter playoff failure this past year. Now a few months later its ok because of 1 trip to the finals in a covid year and reg season success??? Im confused i guess.
I hold BB and the coaching staff at fault for last year’s debacle! Reg season success and a goodish draft or 2 does not save your ass in this game. Last i checked its a results oriented league. By that i use playoff success and player development as my measuring stick. Were not graduating many nhl players and again last years playoff mess… i also know how players have been treated by all 3 teams BB runs. That all gets him replaced in any place other than here.

 

[OHL 17]

It is very sad day for Spit fans, as Wayne Maxner has passed away.

He was one, if not the number one coach the Spitfires employed.

Rest in peace Max!

 

[OHLTG]

RIP Max!

 

[punch1943]

Great coach/GM….