Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 4)

[2023]

I just heard that he has left the team,according to a source, trying to confirm.

He did leave. BB promised a bunch of stuff and didn’t follow through. That’s the reason he left the first time and nothing changed. He had teams who were almost a lock for playoffs but decided to go to Windsor. Got into an argument with the coach after the game and decide to go back home.

 

[OHLTG]

He did leave. BB promised a bunch of stuff and didn’t follow through. That’s the reason he left the first time and nothing changed. He had teams who were almost a lock for playoffs but decided to go to Windsor. Got into an argument with the coach after the game and decide to go back home.

Promised things such as what? Like ice time? A letter?

 

[RayzorIsDull]

He quit. True. This team is a DUMPSTER fire. You know the gm and coach sucks when you come back to play hockey and quit again cause the coach is so bad.

We can't blame Bowler for that though. This is the cycle of junior hockey.......

 

[2023]

Promised things such as what? Like ice time? A letter?

Yes. Zito knew the team sucked but was happy to come back. Kid should not be in tge second PP or not play the last 3 min of a game if you’re trying score. And, yes in my opinion he should have had an A. When he asked for a trade 2 years ago he had an A. I don’t blame the kid.

 

[Cherrydon]

Well sounds like Zito 2.0. I gave him the benefit of the doubt when he returned. This is based on the 1st go around where the "fam" dictated ho and when he should be played. Some things don't change obviously. Very disappointed in him.

 

[2023]

Well sounds like Zito 2.0. I gave him the benefit of the doubt when he returned. This is based on the 1st go around where the "fam" dictated ho and when he should be played. Some things don't change obviously. Very disappointed in him.

I’m sure you know the kid and the family.
What’s the saying? you need to walk in someone’s shoes!!!

 

[windsor7]

Team got a bit weaker and softer..

 

[punch1943]

I just heard that he has left the team,according to a source, trying to confirm.

If a guy comes back to play in a place he loves after staying away for most of the season it says something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

 

[Cherrydon]

I’m sure you know the kid and the family.
What’s the saying? you need to walk in someone’s shoes!!!

I don't know anything other than what has been told to me first hand from more than a few who do know. I don't care at what level, how bad the coach maybe, you don't walk out on your team and be a quitter. Thats left to egotiscal immature children. Not 20 year olds. Obviously Savard had similar issues and now Torres. One common denominator in this equation. I'm not praising either coach can't ignore similar results. The younger players who haven't quit do not need a mentor like that. Tell me it's all lies and I'll apologize for my comments

 

[OHLTG]

I'm going to sit back and let this one unfold how it will. No judgement on Zito, on the coaches/management, etc. Hopefully we'll find out more tomorrow; thankfully, there's a game and that should shed some light.

 

[windsor7]

I'm going to sit back and let this one unfold how it will. No judgement on Zito, on the coaches/management, etc. Hopefully we'll find out more tomorrow; thankfully, there's a game and that should shed some light.

Doubt it.
Probably swept under the rug like most things..

 

[punch1943]

Doubt it.
Probably swept under the rug like most things..

Can’t wait to see how they’ll spin it myself.

 

[windsor7]

Can’t wait to see how they’ll spin it myself.

Sunshine n pom-poms

 

[RayzorIsDull]

If a guy comes back to play in a place he loves after staying away for most of the season it says something is rotten in the state of Denmark.

He didn't play any games this year. Bowler knows him well he needed to vet this situation. Bowler put out a bad product, made a poor coaching hire, wasted a few cards, playing 5-6 guys that aren't real OHL quality. Now we are still talking to give him more chances because he restocked the cupboards and that's fine? That's bare minimum work and shouldn't be applauded.

 

[Teflon]

You wont hear the truth unless you directly know Zito and hes willing to share. My info isnt great. Kid walked away, that disappoints me. That said, he knows when he sees a mess. Promises, lies, disarray…would all be boxes checked off.

 

[OHLTG]

IF Zito is gone, and with Outwater likely out for the season, up front they have...

(In NO particular order)

Spellacy - Greenwell - Morneau
Abraham - Zhugin - Struthers
Smith - Greentree - Nesbitt
Martin - Davis - Stewart (sort of)

You can't roll with 11 guys for the rest of the season. We've seen this situation before and it's not good. So, who do they bring up? Graniero? Gaymes? Tonin? I'd prefer a younger guy who can get some development time.

 

[hockeylegend11]

IF Zito is gone, and with Outwater likely out for the season, up front they have...

(In NO particular order)

Spellacy - Greenwell - Morneau
Abraham - Zhugin - Struthers
Smith - Greentree - Nesbitt
Martin - Davis - Stewart (sort of)

You can't roll with 11 guys for the rest of the season. We've seen this situation before and it's not good. So, who do they bring up? Graniero? Gaymes? Tonin? I'd prefer a younger guy who can get some development time.

I think you will see an assortment of players mostly forwards to take the 12th spot upfront,hopefully signing Gaymes,also using Tonin,Graniero, Kyler Morgan, because if card situation Stewart may have only a game or 2 left,Morgan has 8 games left,while Gaymes,Tonin and Greniero can be played in 9 games each,use 1 a game till the end of the season with 25 games left,shouldn't be a problem unless multiple injuries and or suspensions occur.
Also I could see Windsor signing a free agent which you are allowed but he can't play more then 9 till his Jr B team no longer is playing.
Could also see Windsor signing forwards Julian Gignac and Jackson Ward to contracts and utilizing both, Gignac great year for 16 year old in Jr C with Lakeshore, 40 points in 32 games including 25 goals,Ward 3rd round pick in U17 draft,has 6 points last 6 games with LaSalle,making nice progress, plus there are a couple of others such as Kyle Butt and Maxime Morin whom Windsor will look at.
Interesting for sure what lies ahead.

 

[ohloutsider]

I think you will see an assortment of players mostly forwards to take the 12th spot upfront,hopefully signing Gaymes,also using Tonin,Graniero, Kyler Morgan, because if card situation Stewart may have only a game or 2 left,Morgan has 8 games left,while Gaymes,Tonin and Greniero can be played in 9 games each,use 1 a game till the end of the season with 25 games left,shouldn't be a problem unless multiple injuries and or suspensions occur.
Also I could see Windsor signing a free agent which you are allowed but he can't play more then 9 till his Jr B team no longer is playing.
Could also see Windsor signing forwards Julian Gignac and Jackson Ward to contracts and utilizing both, Gignac great year for 16 year old in Jr C with Lakeshore, 40 points in 32 games including 25 goals,Ward 3rd round pick in U17 draft,has 6 points last 6 games with LaSalle,making nice progress, plus there are a couple of others such as Kyle Butt and Maxime Morin whom Windsor will look at.
Interesting for sure what lies ahead.

As far as I can tell they are maxed on cards so it will have to be a mix of JrB players until they get their 9 games in. Also it would be a huge leap from JrC to the O so if Gignac makes a move it should be a stint in JrB first.

Petes tonight coming in pumped on adrenaline after their big win last knight. Spits with another emotional twist in their season. Not sure what level of compete we will see from either team. I'm hoping Petes are out of gas and Spits get a win.

Wassilyn watch continues.

 

[windsor7]

Zito signing was terrible decision by Bowler..

 

[HockeyPops]

Guys, can I request that posters please use the full word Spitfires when referring to the team. It gets too confusing using short forms; I keep think Parekh plays for you.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

As far as I can tell they are maxed on cards so it will have to be a mix of JrB players until they get their 9 games in. Also it would be a huge leap from JrC to the O so if Gignac makes a move it should be a stint in JrB first.

Petes tonight coming in pumped on adrenaline after their big win last knight. Spits with another emotional twist in their season. Not sure what level of compete we will see from either team. I'm hoping Petes are out of gas and Spits get a win.

Wassilyn watch continues.

Right there's a huge jump from Jr C to the OHL. Of course they can't start playing a short staffed team consistently for the next 25 games. This is how players become extremely fatigued, develop bad habits and possibly get injured. Also if I was a very good Jr B player property of the Spitfires and saw a Jr C player jump me I would be livid.

 

[ohloutsider]

Zito signing was terrible decision by Bowler..

Don't agree at all . We weren't in the room so we have no idea what was said. But taking a stab at it Zito had to have ensured that he was coming to play ( and he did) and there would be no indication that he was not going to finish the year or Bowler like any GM would have balked. Also Bowler gave up nothing to get him as they swapped 15 round picks and because he played the Spits gave a 3rd and a 5th to NB who in turn had to give a 3rd and a 5th to the ice puppies, who in turn had to give a 3rd and a 5th to the Spits. Hence Zito cost the Spits nothing. .
So can you please explain your theory on a bad decision?

 

[Teflon]

Dumpster fire comes to mind. Having to fill roster spots with sub par players, no HC, management not fulfilling commitments, numerous people with the team disenfranchised. Those included, players, parents, billets…. Rumor of a certain GC returning are over as it seems he wants no part of it either. How do some continue to defend BB???

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Don't agree at all . We weren't in the room so we have no idea what was said. But taking a stab at it Zito had to have ensured that he was coming to play ( and he did) and there would be no indication that he was not going to finish the year or Bowler like any GM would have balked. Also Bowler gave up nothing to get him as they swapped 15 round picks and because he played the Spits gave a 3rd and a 5th to NB who in turn had to give a 3rd and a 5th to the ice puppies, who in turn had to give a 3rd and a 5th to the Spits. Hence Zito cost the Spits nothing. .
So can you please explain your theory on a bad decision?

I don't think the intention of acquiring Zito was strictly to get picks back. They probably wanted to get more games out of Zito (duh) but the idea wasn't well thought out. The only guy Zito would be familiar with from a playing experience is Abraham. Savard is gone, Smith is gone etc.. This was not the same situation he was coming into as he was leaving in the summer of 22. Let's not forget Zito also experienced a sideshow for his 20 or so games in Niagara. I hope Bowler is happy with the picks he got because he didn't bring anything tangible on the ice and has left his roster zero wiggle room the rest of the way. That alone could be perceived as a bad decision. If we are being honest the idea of moving all 3 OAs out Peer/Maillet/Mancini is fine but just to replace all 3 with other OAs wasn't and isn't going to move the needle either. They're going to have to replace a lot of the roster in the offseason and it just created more question marks moving forward.

 

[ohloutsider]

Dumpster fire comes to mind. Having to fill roster spots with sub par players, no HC, management not fulfilling commitments, numerous people with the team disenfranchised. Those included, players, parents, billets…. Rumor of a certain GC returning are over as it seems he wants no part of it either. How do some continue to defend BB???

I used to work there. Had lots of direct working contacts with Mr BB. He is not well liked and has a nickname that is justified. He has made lots of bad decisions but in the case of Mr. Zito he can't be blamed for that. I will continue to call him out or defend him on a case by case basis. Not going to blanket like or dislike someone . I would at least like to hear the justification why in this case he made a bad decision.

I know as well as many others on this board that he is not well liked and won't be disappointed if at some point he moves on but for now he is it. So I will look at his body of work as it happens and pass my opinion from there. Be safe.

I don't think the intention of acquiring Zito was strictly to get picks back. They probably wanted to get more games out of Zito (duh) but the idea wasn't well thought out. The only guy Zito would be familiar with from a playing experience is Abraham. Savard is gone, Smith is gone etc.. This was not the same situation he was coming into as he was leaving in the summer of 22. Let's not forget Zito also experienced a sideshow for his 20 or so games in Niagara. I hope Bowler is happy with the picks he got because he didn't bring anything tangible on the ice and has left his roster zero wiggle room the rest of the way. That alone could be perceived as a bad decision. If we are being honest the idea of moving all 3 OAs out Peer/Maillet/Mancini is fine but just to replace all 3 with other OAs wasn't and isn't going to move the needle either. They're going to have to replace a lot of the roster in the offseason and it just created more question marks moving forward.

Hindsight is 20-20. Nobody posted this was a bad move until Zito pulled the pin. Who is really at fault here?