Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[windsor7]

Pond hockey isn't bad if it's offensive-minded; this is... not.

Still have to play defense..

 

[StingUpdates]

There's no way u guys should be struggling this much. I looked at u guys like slightly better versions of SAR/KIT. All 3 went for it, all 3 rebuilding but u guys had more established vets + Greentree/Spellacy/Christoforo as 3 really good 17s.

It's pretty clear the team has 0 structure. Either means the coach absolutely stinks or the team has quit/doesn't care which would be hard to believe 5 games in.

Last yr Guelph came out way worse than anyone anticipated so they dealt Pastujov rather early to shakeup the team. Maybe u guys do the same?

 

[spits]

There's no way u guys should be struggling this much. I looked at u guys like slightly better versions of SAR/KIT. All 3 went for it, all 3 rebuilding but u guys had more established vets + Greentree/Spellacy/Christoforo as 3 really good 17s.

It's pretty clear the team has 0 structure. Either means the coach absolutely stinks or the team has quit/doesn't care which would be hard to believe 5 games in.

Last yr Guelph came out way worse than anyone anticipated so they dealt Pastujov rather early to shakeup the team. Maybe u guys do the same?

Sarnia lost more players and looks great, the difference is Sarnia has real coaching. There is zero d zone coverage or structure, I've never seen the team look this bad.

 

[OHLTG]

It's pretty clear the team has 0 structure. Either means the coach absolutely stinks or the team has quit/doesn't care which would be hard to believe 5 games in.

From all I know, it's not the players quitting/not caring.

4-1 Rangers now; another defensive blunder. Mitchell draws the D over, drop passes to Sop, who is wide open to beat Costanzo.

 

[spits]

Changes I would make before the next game are:
- fire Smith
-get rid of Michelone
- release Jodoin

 

[OHLTG]

I like Michelone but he's not what Costanzo needs right now. Bring in a veteran G who knows the league and has experience. Also, find a veteran D who can help. If that means Jodoin is out...

 

[windsor7]

I like Michelone but he's not what Costanzo needs right now. Bring in a veteran G who knows the league and has experience. Also, find a veteran D who can help. If that means Jodoin is out...

Rinse n repeat often.

 

[OHLTG]

Rinse n repeat often.

What would you suggest?

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I like Michelone but he's not what Costanzo needs right now. Bring in a veteran G who knows the league and has experience. Also, find a veteran D who can help. If that means Jodoin is out...

That's just shifting deck chairs on the titanic. Jodoin and Michelone isn't moving the needle. There needs to be a larger message sent.

 

[OHLTG]

That's just shifting deck chairs on the titanic. Jodoin and Michelone isn't moving the needle. There needs to be a larger message sent.

Replacing Jodoin with someone with more games under them would help... and same with Michelone. I don't see them firing Smith this quickly, either.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

One of the worst teams was the 06-07 Spits won 18 of 68 games. Through 8 games on that year had 1 win and 4 points. 20gf 33ga. This year through 8 games 23gf 51ga. We are in uncharted territory.

 

[LeProspector]

So @GermanSpitfire who can we expect with the #1 pick?

 

[RayzorIsDull]

So @GermanSpitfire who can we expect with the #1 pick?

Let's hope for lottery luck.

 

[ohloutsider]

And now we will lose Nesbitt for a few games.

 

[KyGuy9]

Windsor has had way too little of a roster turnover to be this bad. Not to mention all the players being a year older and (should be) better, ex. Greentree. Before the additions last year, who did they have last season that they don't have this season? Maggio, Miedema, Ride, Renwick, O'Flaherty, Onuska and DeAngelis. Outside of Maggio, that core isn't impactful enough to be the reason they were in first place and the team stupidly decided to go for it and buy last season, and the difference to last place now.

 

[spits]

This is the worst start in franchise history. They have the WORST goal differential in the entire CHL, not just the OHL. Outscored 25-4 on the road this season and 50-22 on the season. That's an embarrassment. There is no way they can go enter the next game without major changes. Rebuilding is one thing, this is something else. Fire Jerrod Smith.

I would also look to trade Dionicio ASAP before his value dips.

 

[punch1943]

“ UNCLE”

 

[OHL 17]

Coaching is missing, whether that means systems or motivation, etc....all missing!
Coach states they will play a defensive system, which is 100% opposite.
51 GA which leads all teams in the CHL...incredible!!!!

Mr. Savage fire them all. Send a message that your not going to accept inept work.

 

[spits]

Coaching is missing, whether that means systems or motivation, etc....all missing!
Coach states they will play a defensive system, which is 100% opposite.
51 GA which leads all teams in the CHL...incredible!!!!

Mr. Savage fire them all. Send a message that your not going to accept inept work.

The entire staff needs to be fired. A message needs to be sent. I know season ticket holders asking for refunds. On paper the team isn't this bad.

 

[Knownothing]

I have been thinking almost identically. Need more from Maillet and Abraham. Honestly, I think Maillet holds more value than Peer in a trade, and from a lineup card perspective he’s my OA that goes.

I think Spellacy will get going but he’s off to a slow start. I think coaching and systems are playing a part but the on ice chemistry seems off. I think the lines could be shaken up better from an outsiders perspective.

Sure could the Spits surprise? Of course. Is this our year? Everything so far tells me no.

Let’s figure out this OA thing and build for next year.
Jodoin holds the least trade value, provides some protection on the backend, management thinks high of him. Assuming He stays. Unless we find a veteran OA D on the cheap that we know would be a better leader, just need to keep him from the bad penalties.
Peer, flashy, but noted not physical, great speed, I think there’s buyers - but his value is lower than Maillet.
Maillet - great well rounded player, off to a slow start, but we know he can produce. Great PK and Faceoff Guy, would be a big depth piece on a contender.
Christo - may be concerns with his injury, seems to get less attention than Maillet, but I think he’s more valuable here.

I say let’s get some picks, we got a solid young core. I like Walton, I like Woodall, I like Winegard. All are hopeful IMO. Add in Christoforo and that’s a good D group. Eichler - I love his physicality, but he’s hit first mentality, which is fine… when it doesn’t put you out of position.

Wish Sobo was still here as well. Does Niagara do trade backs? Lol. Gimme Peer, Christo and Sobo Lol.

Since this years rough start my mind goes forward.
04 OAs? Abraham, Dionicio, Castle - I think all return. Dionicio the one that may graduate.
Morneau and Smith get let loose.
That’s a good crop of guys. Castle pending. Has promise, I just need to see more to be sold on him

Sorry but Castle is a waste of ice. Too soft and doesn’t play without the puck. Morneau adds more as an OA

 

[windsor7]

That was something..
Defense hasn't been there a few years. No cover up now.
Will c what next steps ownership does.

 

[RangerNation]

If I know the OHL, Windsor will win 4-0.

I'm so sorry

 

[Cherrydon]

Greentree leading the team in scoring and the worst minus is concerning!@ -6 today. He'll never be drafted high in the NHL with a horrible personal goal differential. Coaching has already lost the room. Change coaches or 75% of the roster. One needs to happen now.

 

[rve24]

From all I know, it's not the players quitting/not caring.

4-1 Rangers now; another defensive blunder. Mitchell draws the D over, drop passes to Sop, who is wide open to beat Costanzo.

I've seen teams with poor coaching, yes it hurts but the players still control their GAF meters (give a F) Not saying they don't care but that care needs to translate into action even if the coaching is an issue.
Add in concerns of Sr Leadership spoken on here and others had heard of or seen in the front office.....it's a tri Fecta.
I'm.not watching the games admittedly but these kids know how to play to a certain extent ( and yes coaching is important but.... seems like another issue based on posts here. Just spit balling.
You mentioned they were using mostly the same systems from last year previously in a post. So the learning curve should not have been to much a reach if true.
I feel for the Spits faithful, knowledgeable fans but it's only a few weeks in and things can change. It'll take the management, coaches and players.
Just gotta somehow find a way to hit the reset button. What that is no idea, but I don't like seeing them struggle this much and hopefully it's just a blip.
Still early but from a culture POV you don't want to waste 2 years of building the teams identity and successes ( players moving on, a place to play, winning ect.... ) only to start over. That organizational culture is important, crucial in fact and isn't just about Ws/Ls. They need to protect but is there the will from owners n staff?

 

[ohloutsider]

I have no words, yikes.