Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

[Stellar29]

Somehow I doubt it,he was fired 7 games into this season and had a record of 5-2,wasn't let go because of his record,GM and he had disagreements,older guy with different ideas ie treatment of players etc is a red flag for me.

Coach with his baggage won't be the answer. There's on ice and off ice concerns there. I'm not sure you'll ever see him again in the league.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Here we go again with swampland for sale. Returning goal scorers returning does not improve the absolute pathetic D. Our touted high end D and experienced Toms leads the team in minus and looks like it is a pain to even get dressed. No doubt Greentree will likely be a league leader in scoring but he needs to drastically improve his defensive play. He has super potential but is not a Wyatt Johnston yet. Even with a pile of 2nd round picks they are still inexperienced 16 year olds and limited to dress so many. Plus we better pray our 1st rounder signs. Forget any flyers thinking about coming here for a while. Plus we will need at least 1 likely 2 goalies even if Froggett is our starter. We loaded last year had Maggio and Wright and couldn't outscore our D though much better D than this year to get out of the 1st round. Need lots of Xmas presents dropped from the sky.

He’s not Johnston yet but he had a better 1st year.

Johnston in 53 games put up 12 goals and 18 assists.

Greentree? 25G, 20A in 61 games.

This year, 28 points in 18 games on the worst team in the CHL. Johnston had no year two due to Covid, which I think made his explosion feel more like a surprise.

In a 68 game season Greentree would be on pace for 105pts this season. Johnstons 3rd (eligible) season? 124.

Greentree is capable of that, and even today Greentree has an inch and 15 pounds on Wyatt.

Johnston may be favorite spit of all time, but Greentree has potential to be something really special. Is Greentree Johnston yet? No. If Johnston had a year two would I imagine it’s on par with Greentree this season? Yes.

Even missing 3 games, at the current pace Liam would hit 100pts, which I believe is possible as it’s not like he was really playing alongside Dionicio & Christopoulos much.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Who is kept and who is going import? Zhugin or Eichler?both? One is going to get the high end import pick next year

Zhugin IMO. I think Eichler has something in addition to years of eligibility. If we don’t keep Sobolev as an OA Import, I doubt we keep Zhugin

 

[ohloutsider]

So here's hoping we see more competitive games now and a coach that will make players accountable for " lazy" hockey.

Also still think some older guys will be moved out and maybe even some coasters? Cards is and issue but they can supplement with mixing in the JrB guys for up to 9 games. Why not? It's not like this is going to get much better and it gives those kids a chance to " make" the team so to speak.
Now you still want OHL caliber hockey players starting in the fall but that's another story for Mr Bowler.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Actually I like Eichler, Walton, and am not willing to give up on Christoforo by next year Woodall,Walton and Christoforo will all be 18 yrs old while Eichler doesn't turn 19 till close to mid December next year.
I do think Manzo and Lavigne both have upside and expect both to make the team especially Manzo next and both will be 17 years of age.
Interesting despite the team currently allowing 55 more goals then scored Eichler is a -11,and 4 of those happened vs Kitchener, Walton is -8 and also 4 of those were against Saturday as well,Woodall is -2 in his 11 games played while Manzo is 0 in his 3 games played.
Only Christoforo has bloated numbers -22 ,though in time I think that's correctable depending who his partner is.
Even Winegard is only a -6 overall,and in the last 6 games where Windsor has allowed 46 goals he is a -2.

I don't hate the positive spin on the defense to be honest. It's a young group, there's time. Our veterans from last year have been moved out. While not game changing, bringing in Mancini and Toms I don't think is a bad call. I'm still very iffy on Toms, but I really like Saginaw's D group this year and getting someone with Mancini's experience may help change the attitude about Defense. Only reason I'm not thrilled about picking him up is he's an OA. He loaded a +22 in a 4th seed Saginaw last year. I think it comes down to coaching, but I wouldn't be surprised if ditching some of our D had to do with wanting our new group to have better leaders. The downside, Christoforo is looked at as a 3rd/4th year guy by most fans rather than what he is, a 2nd year guy trying to take on an increased role on a team that is less talented.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Theres some bodies local that could do the job interim but im guessing BB as well. No chance the Essex guys end up here. More to it than your hearing. I to would clean house but there needs to be some continuity for now unless you hire a permanent HC.

Said from the day i heard Smith was the likely guy it was a mistake! Why BB isnt gone too is likely because hes nearly irreplaceable for the Savages. This is only a step in the right direction, more must happen!

I don't hate that Bowler is nearly irreplaceable at this point. Bowler hasn't made any crazy decisions thus far, and has stayed in line with whether we're buying or selling. It's not like he's done anything off the path, it's just a bummer Wright didn't come as advertised, bummer we lost Wyatt a season early, and a bummer that we're 4-17.

I'd rather have a GM that has large responsibilities with the organization rather than a guy that's just here to kill a season or two destroying the future as he tries to find his next job at the next level.

Windsor doesn't like firing coaches apparently if the last one was nearly 20 years ago. Bowler waited as long as he could to hope the promotion worked, but at 4-17, you're either losing a coach or you're losing your fans and players. I imagine a coaching change at least buys some time for those guys that "wanted out". It proves the GM knows their concerns were justified, and that they're now going to try and right the ship.

Who the answer is, I don't know. All the coaches that come to mind that I would love to see them bring in/back to the OHL are good coaches.. which means that they have assistant positions at the next level.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Maybe they will Look to Greg Walters. Long time coach in the league looking for a job.

Was a surprise fire in my eyes a bit. 5 OHL seasons, every one with a winning record in regulation.

 

[HockeyPops]

Now you still want OHL caliber hockey players starting in the fall but that's another story for Mr Bowler.

This might be the biggest test yet.

You have 3 x 2003s and 8 x 2004s on this roster. Only 3 can occupy spots next year. That is 8 graduations. Who takes their spot to fill out the roster? At first glance, I would say the following 8 would most likely take those spots:

IMPORT
Manzo D (06)
Lavigne D (07)
Hjelholt D (07)
2024 1st (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 4th (08)

Also looking at this combined with the returning roster it would mean that you already have 8 defensemen between the 3 affiliates and 5 returnees (Wingard, Eichler, Cristoforo, Walton, Woodall, Manzo, Lavigne, Hjelholt). Makes me think that all of the following 8 picks need to be forwards; 3xOA, IMPORT, first 4 picks of 2024.

2024-2025 roster would then be something like the following:
Greentree - Abraham? (OA) - Davis
Smith? (OA) - IMPORT - Outwater
Castle? (OA) - Nesbitt - Spellacy
Martin - 2024 1st - Greenwell
2024 2nd - Stewart - 2024 2nd
2024 4th

Walton - Cristoforo
Woodall - Eichler
Lavigne - Winegard
Hjelholt - Manzo

Froggett - Costanzo

How does it look for next year?

 

[OHL4Life]

This might be the biggest test yet.

You have 3 x 2003s and 8 x 2004s on this roster. Only 3 can occupy spots next year. That is 8 graduations. Who takes their spot to fill out the roster? At first glance, I would say the following 8 would most likely take those spots:

IMPORT
Manzo D (06)
Lavigne D (07)
Hjelholt D (07)
2024 1st (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 4th (08)

Also looking at this combined with the returning roster it would mean that you already have 8 defensemen between the 3 affiliates and 5 returnees (Wingard, Eichler, Cristoforo, Walton, Woodall, Manzo, Lavigne, Hjelholt). Makes me think that all of the following 8 picks need to be forwards; 3xOA, IMPORT, first 4 picks of 2024.

2024-2025 roster would then be something like the following:
Greentree - Abraham? (OA) - Davis
Smith? (OA) - IMPORT - Outwater
Castle? (OA) - Nesbitt - Spellacy
Martin - 2024 1st - Greenwell
2024 2nd - Stewart - 2024 2nd
2024 4th

Walton - Cristoforo
Woodall - Eichler
Lavigne - Winegard
Hjelholt - Manzo

Froggett - Costanzo

How does it look for next year?

they may have one top pairing guy in cristoforo, one top 4 guy in woodall (maybe), and lots of 5-6 guys. no issue with lavigne and manzo as 6/7, but walton, eicher, winegard and hjelhot are all 5/6 too

 

[ohloutsider]

This might be the biggest test yet.

You have 3 x 2003s and 8 x 2004s on this roster. Only 3 can occupy spots next year. That is 8 graduations. Who takes their spot to fill out the roster? At first glance, I would say the following 8 would most likely take those spots:

IMPORT
Manzo D (06)
Lavigne D (07)
Hjelholt D (07)
2024 1st (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 4th (08)

Also looking at this combined with the returning roster it would mean that you already have 8 defensemen between the 3 affiliates and 5 returnees (Wingard, Eichler, Cristoforo, Walton, Woodall, Manzo, Lavigne, Hjelholt). Makes me think that all of the following 8 picks need to be forwards; 3xOA, IMPORT, first 4 picks of 2024.

2024-2025 roster would then be something like the following:
Greentree - Abraham? (OA) - Davis
Smith? (OA) - IMPORT - Outwater
Castle? (OA) - Nesbitt - Spellacy
Martin - 2024 1st - Greenwell
2024 2nd - Stewart - 2024 2nd
2024 4th

Walton - Cristoforo
Woodall - Eichler
Lavigne - Winegard
Hjelholt - Manzo

Froggett - Costanzo

How does it look for next year?

I still think/guess that Abraham may not be here next year as well as Smith and Castle being easily replaced and not prime OA candidates.

Also there is a slight chance Michelone will be here instead of Costanzo. Maybe with the coaching change it may not go this way and Costanzo stays around?

they may have one top pairing guy in cristoforo, one top 4 guy in woodall (maybe), and lots of 5-6 guys. no issue with lavigne and manzo as 6/7, but walton, eicher, winegard and hjelhot are all 5/6 too

Walton has a good chance to be a 3-4 guy with improved coaching. The other 3 not so much.

 

[HockeyPops]

Do you think Bowler will spend assets bringing in different OAs next year?

 

[Cherrydon]

He’s not Johnston yet but he had a better 1st year.

Johnston in 53 games put up 12 goals and 18 assists.

Greentree? 25G, 20A in 61 games.

This year, 28 points in 18 games on the worst team in the CHL. Johnston had no year two due to Covid, which I think made his explosion feel more like a surprise.

In a 68 game season Greentree would be on pace for 105pts this season. Johnstons 3rd (eligible) season? 124.

Greentree is capable of that, and even today Greentree has an inch and 15 pounds on Wyatt.

Johnston may be favorite spit of all time, but Greentree has potential to be something really special. Is Greentree Johnston yet? No. If Johnston had a year two would I imagine it’s on par with Greentree this season? Yes.

Even missing 3 games, at the current pace Liam would hit 100pts, which I believe is possible as it’s not like he was really playing alongside Dionicio & Christopoulos much.

I was not anyway attacking Greentree's offensive potential this year or next. Johnston played a super defensive responsible game and great on draws. That is why he stuck with Dallas being so young and a good team at that

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Here we go again with swampland for sale. Returning goal scorers returning does not improve the absolute pathetic D. Our touted high end D and experienced Toms leads the team in minus and looks like it is a pain to even get dressed. No doubt Greentree will likely be a league leader in scoring but he needs to drastically improve his defensive play. He has super potential but is not a Wyatt Johnston yet. Even with a pile of 2nd round picks they are still inexperienced 16 year olds and limited to dress so many. Plus we better pray our 1st rounder signs. Forget any flyers thinking about coming here for a while. Plus we will need at least 1 likely 2 goalies even if Froggett is our starter. We loaded last year had Maggio and Wright and couldn't outscore our D though much better D than this year to get out of the 1st round. Need lots of Xmas presents dropped from the sky.

I don't have a problem looking for a silver lining I just think it's a couple steps far gone. We can pretty much all admit the 05s and 04s aren't good and those will be your 20 year olds and 19 year olds next year. We can agree on 06s, they are low on 07s due to trades and I am not going down the 08 rabbit hole. Maybe they hit it big or maybe they are like your 05 draft nobody knows. Yes they will have an extremely high import pick but Bowler hasn't done well in the import draft either.

The Soo hit it big with their import but he's also soon to be 19 and won't be back next year. They have 2 other nhl draft picks on D, Gibson who is extremely underrated and their other import now in his 3rd year.

 

[ohloutsider]

Do you think Bowler will spend assets bringing in different OAs next year?

Ya I think he will to acquire an OA defenseman but it won't be a top tier one. He will have to use picks but he won't spend big.

 

[OHL4Life]

I still think/guess that Abraham may not be here next year as well as Smith and Castle being easily replaced and not prime OA candidates.

Also there is a slight chance Michelone will be here instead of Costanzo. Maybe with the coaching change it may not go this way and Costanzo stays around?


Walton has a good chance to be a 3-4 guy with improved coaching. The other 3 not so much.

agree to disagree on him, all good.

 

[ohloutsider]

agree to disagree on him, all good.

Sorry which one?

 

[hockeylegend11]

I still think/guess that Abraham may not be here next year as well as Smith and Castle being easily replaced and not prime OA candidates.

Also there is a slight chance Michelone will be here instead of Costanzo. Maybe with the coaching change it may not go this way and Costanzo stays around?


Walton has a good chance to be a 3-4 guy with improved coaching. The other 3 not so much.

My view no chance Michelone will be here to finish the season let alone take an oa spot next season.
I would keep 18 year old Tre Altiman from LA Salle before even thinking of Michelone.

 

[ohloutsider]

My view no chance Michelone will be here to finish the season let alone take an oa spot next season.
I would keep 18 year old Tre Altiman from LA Salle before even thinking of Michelone.

Well I can agree but if they do lose/move Costanzo then somebody needs to be here with Frogget. Michelone is an insert name thing until another option shows themselves.

I'd prefer Costanzo stays and Frogget backs him up. That is my preferred scenario but who knows at this point?

 

[OHL4Life]

Sorry which one?

walton, i think hes a 5/6 at best.

 

[ktownfan]

Was a surprise fire in my eyes a bit. 5 OHL seasons, every one with a winning record in regulation.

Don't think you would want that

 

[OHL4Life]

Well I can agree but if they do lose/move Costanzo then somebody needs to be here with Frogget. Michelone is an insert name thing until another option shows themselves.

I'd prefer Costanzo stays and Frogget backs him up. That is my preferred scenario but who knows at this point?

you can get a pretty cheap 04 that is better then michelone.

lalonde
votary
malboeuf
vandenburg

i doubt any of them cost more then a 8th or 9th round pick. maybe even one of those extra d we have lying around.

next year for me. some good pieces. im not sure if zhugin will stay as he may be able to play pro back home.

spellacy
abraham (oa)
zhugin (oa / import)
greentree
martin
davis
nesbitt
davis
outwater

woodall
walton
cristoforo
manzo
lavegine

costanzo
froggett

 

[hockeylegend11]

This might be the biggest test yet.

You have 3 x 2003s and 8 x 2004s on this roster. Only 3 can occupy spots next year. That is 8 graduations. Who takes their spot to fill out the roster? At first glance, I would say the following 8 would most likely take those spots:

IMPORT
Manzo D (06)
Lavigne D (07)
Hjelholt D (07)
2024 1st (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 2nd (08)
2024 4th (08)

Also looking at this combined with the returning roster it would mean that you already have 8 defensemen between the 3 affiliates and 5 returnees (Wingard, Eichler, Cristoforo, Walton, Woodall, Manzo, Lavigne, Hjelholt). Makes me think that all of the following 8 picks need to be forwards; 3xOA, IMPORT, first 4 picks of 2024.

2024-2025 roster would then be something like the following:
Greentree - Abraham? (OA) - Davis
Smith? (OA) - IMPORT - Outwater
Castle? (OA) - Nesbitt - Spellacy
Martin - 2024 1st - Greenwell
2024 2nd - Stewart - 2024 2nd
2024 4th

Walton - Cristoforo
Woodall - Eichler
Lavigne - Winegard
Hjelholt - Manzo

Froggett - Costanzo

How does it look for next year?

My list would read a little different.
For now I would have Zhugin,Abraham and Morneau as OA's not a chance on Castle or Colton Smith imo.
Forwards would be
Abraham-Greentree-Davis
Nesbitt-Zhugin-Spellacy
Morneau-1st Rd-Outwater
Pitters-Martin-Gaymes
Greenwell-Gignac-2nd rd selection
Morin-Tonin-2ndRd
Chartrand-Morgan-Dean

Defense would be
EIichler-Woodall
Christoforo-Walton
Manzo-OA
Winegard-2ndRd selection
Lavigne- Evans
Hjelholt

Goal
Froggett
Costanzo
Altiman
Donahue.

I am willing to wait on 1st rd Euro till following season a forward unless NHl team sends him here otherwise keep Zhugin and the OA dman and see what happens.
There will some unfamiliar names upfront I will explain and update later.

 

[Cherrydon]

Press conference regarding Smith today. Any other surprises to be announced??

 

[windsor7]

Press conference regarding Smith today. Any other surprises to be announced??

Probably just status quo..

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Press conference regarding Smith today. Any other surprises to be announced??

Get someone else other than Bowler to speak. That's not his strong suit.