Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[DraftEligibleOHL]

3rd period thoughts..

Yeesh, that was gross. Heading into the 3rd the Spits are only down a goal, it's anybody's game..

The Spitfires respond with 2 TOTAL shots the entire period (they even had a PP). It took them 19 minutes and 40 seconds of the 3rd period to achieve their 2nd shot on net which was a weak point shot. They looked rudderless. I would've liked to see Spellacy out there at the end, I thought he was the most effective forechecker all night. 42% in the faceoff circle tonight as a team.

Greentree needs to step into his shots. He gave up a good spot in the slot to skate to the perimeter and feather one towards the net. He needs to use his strength more both while skating and while shooting. The one that he rang off the post was better.

Spellacy had a great shift where he got in on the forecheck, reversed the puck down the sideboards and it squeaked out to a WSR player for a decent scoring chance, AJ finished the shift off with a hit at the blueline.

Dionicio looks like a NFL RB coming down hill sometimes. I liked his overall game, had a zone exit pass to his winger that led to a rush. 5 shots tonight for him + the nifty spin-a-rama attempt + the individual effort on the dump and chase retrieval.

OTT ENG w/ 1 second left in the game

 

[Cherrydon]

Well Saturday last week was short lived. Back to undisciplined penalties, cough ups etc etc. The biggest problem offensively is our center position. None of our centers would be better than #3 on most teams. Maillet 5 pts in 10 games don't cut it in this league especially as a OA. Abraham I've given up all hope. Spellacy another big disappointment so far. ZERO points. The problems with D is not going to change with the current roster. Back to requiring a stellar Goaltending performance to be in a game.
Is Casey Torres a stick boy? He seems to be not engaged with the players during the game at all and not interested in anything other than passing the playboard occasionally. Just observations. This team is lost without a captain on the ship player wise and coach wise. We may not hit 30 points this year at the current pace.

 

[three dog night]

Do not sleep on Niagara Saturday night the Dogs are a better team this season.

 

[Cherrydon]

We face Kitchener 3 times, 2 each with Saginaw and the Soo add singles with London and Owen Sound in the next 11 games. Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[windsor7]

Well Saturday last week was short lived. Back to undisciplined penalties, cough ups etc etc. The biggest problem offensively is our center position. None of our centers would be better than #3 on most teams. Maillet 5 pts in 10 games don't cut it in this league especially as a OA. Abraham I've given up all hope. Spellacy another big disappointment so far. ZERO points. The problems with D is not going to change with the current roster. Back to requiring a stellar Goaltending performance to be in a game.
Is Casey Torres a stick boy? He seems to be not engaged with the players during the game at all and not interested in anything other than passing the playboard occasionally. Just observations. This team is lost without a captain on the ship player wise and coach wise. We may not hit 30 points this year at the current pace.

Coaching is just lost

 

[ohloutsider]

Well Saturday last week was short lived. Back to undisciplined penalties, cough ups etc etc. The biggest problem offensively is our center position. None of our centers would be better than #3 on most teams. Maillet 5 pts in 10 games don't cut it in this league especially as a OA. Abraham I've given up all hope. Spellacy another big disappointment so far. ZERO points. The problems with D is not going to change with the current roster. Back to requiring a stellar Goaltending performance to be in a game.
Is Casey Torres a stick boy? He seems to be not engaged with the players during the game at all and not interested in anything other than passing the playboard occasionally. Just observations. This team is lost without a captain on the ship player wise and coach wise. We may not hit 30 points this year at the current pace.

Funny thing I was thinking the same thing about Torres. Everytime they showed the bench he was just starring into space?

This team can't win an important faceoff. Pull your goalie and lose every faceoff. The problem is there is no fix insight for this.

They had some chances, just no finish. Yes they scored 4 but once play tightened up they struggled.

Penalties, just too many to give them a chance. Hooking penalties are the definition of lazy hockey.

Off to Sarnia tomorrow. Maybe they can pull one out but teams already look at them as easy points. When you start getting a dose of back-up goalies you know where you stand.

 

[Cherrydon]

No Spits is a plus player but give credit to Ethan Martin who is a zero. Not bad considering this team in thier curent state. May not be flashy but obviously playing with some responsibility.

 

[Cherrydon]

Funny thing I was thinking the same thing about Torres. Everytime they showed the bench he was just starring into space?

This team can't win an important faceoff. Pull your goalie and lose every faceoff. The problem is there is no fix insight for this.

They had some chances, just no finish. Yes they scored 4 but once play tightened up they struggled.

Penalties, just too many to give them a chance. Hooking penalties are the definition of lazy hockey.

Off to Sarnia tomorrow. Maybe they can pull one out but teams already look at them as easy points. When you start getting a dose of back-up goalies you know where you stand.

We have the crew of lost in space. Dr Smith leading the way with bloop and the robot as sidekicks lol. Harsh but expecting better than this considering how many players returned from last year.

 

[windsor7]

No Spits is a plus player but give credit to Ethan Martin who is a zero. Not bad considering this team in thier curent state. May not be flashy but obviously playing with some responsibility.

Scored a goal tonight

 

[spits]

The Spits did not play a bad game. I mean, of course, they gave up too many grade A scoring chances but they can't get any big saves from the goaltending, ever. They held Ottawa to just 21 shots but can't get any saves. Also, scoring 4 goals against the best defensive team in the OHL is a bright spot. If they play a similar game these next two games, they can end up with two wins.

Dioncio has giveaways but he does more good than bad, and it easily the most entertaining player to watch. Gonna be rough when he's likely traded for a return similar or better than Flint got for Hay. If they lose these next two games they could be 6-8 points out of a playoff spot, and that will be it. The goal should be to rebuild and continue to trade pieces for assets, while also striving to make the playoffs.

 

[OHLTG]

Some thoughts...

- First goal against was a clearing attempt that hit a Spitfires' skates, bounces right to Ottawa and they put it glove side.
- Second goal was the D focusing on the blocker side wing... guy snuck in glove side, takes the rebound, and is all alone.
- Third goal was, again, the D focusing all on the blocker side while a guy sneaks behind them glove side and is all alone.
- Fourth goal was a snap shot from the slot through some traffic. Costanzo probably wants that one back.
- Fifth goal was a nice passing play that was snapped high blocker. Again, Costanzo probably wants this one back.
- Sixth was into the EN.

- On the plus side, this wasn't from a lack of effort. Windsor was on them, at least in the offensive zone, and was constantly looking to create. Ottawa's a good defensive team and some props have to be given to them.
- That said, three shots for Windsor in the third period simply can't be accepted. They know they're better than that.
- The defensive zone went from very respectable last weekend to "wtf?" tonight. Sure, there was some ugly puck luck at times but you can't allow multiple goals where the guys are that wide open. Costanzo is only human.
- I've asked this before and I'll ask it again - where are Abraham and Smith? I know I'm not the only one who's a combination of concerned and frustrated. I don't want to say that they look like they've checked out but the motors aren't consistently going and that's an issue.
- On a similar note - Spellacy has to get a point eventually, right? The kid is all over the ice, throwing some weight, creating, but...
- I can't speak to Torres' approach on the bench as my angle doesn't give me a good constant view of that. However, I've heard nothing but good about his resume working with younger players so I'm going to give him the benefit on this.
- I wish the players would finish off checks if the opportunity is there, but I liked how there were physically involved, overall, tonight.
- I feel for Costanzo. He's going to allow a goal or two every night that he probably wants back but his numbers are taking a crazy, rather undeserved hit.

Tomorrow, get ready for Sarnia, and then finish the weekend on Saturday against Niagara. Sarnia's going to be nothing short of a mountain, like in the 6-2 fashion, but I'll take a point if it's there. Niagara should be better... I hope.

 

[DraftEligibleOHL]

Some thoughts...

- First goal against was a clearing attempt that hit a Spitfires' skates, bounces right to Ottawa and they put it glove side.
- Second goal was the D focusing on the blocker side wing... guy snuck in glove side, takes the rebound, and is all alone.
- Third goal was, again, the D focusing all on the blocker side while a guy sneaks behind them glove side and is all alone.
- Fourth goal was a snap shot from the slot through some traffic. Costanzo probably wants that one back.
- Fifth goal was a nice passing play that was snapped high blocker. Again, Costanzo probably wants this one back.
- Sixth was into the EN.

- On the plus side, this wasn't from a lack of effort. Windsor was on them, at least in the offensive zone, and was constantly looking to create. Ottawa's a good defensive team and some props have to be given to them.
- That said, three shots for Windsor in the third period simply can't be accepted. They know they're better than that.
- The defensive zone went from very respectable last weekend to "wtf?" tonight. Sure, there was some ugly puck luck at times but you can't allow multiple goals where the guys are that wide open. Costanzo is only human.
- I've asked this before and I'll ask it again - where are Abraham and Smith? I know I'm not the only one who's a combination of concerned and frustrated. I don't want to say that they look like they've checked out but the motors aren't consistently going and that's an issue.
- On a similar note - Spellacy has to get a point eventually, right? The kid is all over the ice, throwing some weight, creating, but...
- I can't speak to Torres' approach on the bench as my angle doesn't give me a good constant view of that. However, I've heard nothing but good about his resume working with younger players so I'm going to give him the benefit on this.
- I wish the players would finish off checks if the opportunity is there, but I liked how there were physically involved, overall, tonight.
- I feel for Costanzo. He's going to allow a goal or two every night that he probably wants back but his numbers are taking a crazy, rather undeserved hit.

Tomorrow, get ready for Sarnia, and then finish the weekend on Saturday against Niagara. Sarnia's going to be nothing short of a mountain, like in the 6-2 fashion, but I'll take a point if it's there. Niagara should be better... I hope.

Great writeup.

Agree with most of your points. Specifically Spellacy finding the scoresheet soon. Enjoy the games this weekend.

 

[Teflon]

Ill start the chant. We want a coach!!!

This team is disinterested and it shows!

 

[windsor7]

Ill start the chant. We want a coach!!!

This team is disinterested and it shows!

An actual coaching staff

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

I think its Very clear what happened in that game aside from the unnecessary stick infractions and stupid penalties the spitfires were taking, Jarred Smith got outcoached by an experienced good Coach in Dave Cameron. Run and Gun First period, after that the 67's settled down and played systems scored a few more goals and shut it down. Sad to see but that's m y Viewpoint from last night.

Struthers, Castle, Jodoin, Abraham, Smith can all be moved as far as I am concerned. For there age there not contributing like we need them to for this team. Let the 06', 07's take the reigns, some of them are already better leaders on the ice then the older players.

The Sting will be a tough game to win. I would be Pleasantly surprised if we Snuck the two points out of Sarnia. Going to take a better effort from all involved, at this point our coaching staff should be preaching team defense and Structure. We have seen this season the Spits can score goals Still but damn we do not seem to know how to hustle back and clog up passing/shooting lanes. Players Out of Position and a lot of odd Man rushes because of it, Costanzo has by no means been Great but his numbers are definitely hindered by the lack of team defense and Work ethic the players in front of him have put forth.

Fingers Crossed for a Better Team tonight on the Ice. Need to see some fight back after the half a game effort against the 67'S.

Go Spitfires Go!

 

[Knownothing]

It was plainly clear who the better coaches team was. Also lost way too many small area puck battles last night. Perhaps 90% of them.

 

[ohloutsider]

I think its Very clear what happened in that game aside from the unnecessary stick infractions and stupid penalties the spitfires were taking, Jarred Smith got outcoached by an experienced good Coach in Dave Cameron. Run and Gun First period, after that the 67's settled down and played systems scored a few more goals and shut it down. Sad to see but that's m y Viewpoint from last night.

Struthers, Castle, Jodoin, Abraham, Smith can all be moved as far as I am concerned. For there age there not contributing like we need them to for this team. Let the 06', 07's take the reigns, some of them are already better leaders on the ice then the older players.

The Sting will be a tough game to win. I would be Pleasantly surprised if we Snuck the two points out of Sarnia. Going to take a better effort from all involved, at this point our coaching staff should be preaching team defense and Structure. We have seen this season the Spits can score goals Still but damn we do not seem to know how to hustle back and clog up passing/shooting lanes. Players Out of Position and a lot of odd Man rushes because of it, Costanzo has by no means been Great but his numbers are definitely hindered by the lack of team defense and Work ethic the players in front of him have put forth.

Fingers Crossed for a Better Team tonight on the Ice. Need to see some fight back after the half a game effort against the 67'S.

Go Spitfires Go!

Spits at the 10 game mark. What you see is what you get for this year. They come up a dollar short most games. Going to be a short year.

As they sit right now it is not looking too bright for next year. They will have lost their 3 OA's either by trade or aging out. The group of potential OA's for next year is very concerning. A lot happens in 1 year in junior and the development of this team is clearly in Bowlers hands. How he manages the team this year in preparation for next year will likely be the most interesting part of this season.

For tonight my assumption is they go with Michelone in net. I know lots here are big on Frogget but his numbers don't look too good in jrb. Am I looking in the right place for stats?

Hopefully they can find the effort to pull one out tonight.

Play like the scouts are watching!

 

[OHL 17]

Lack of effort is very obvious......a change is required quickly!

 

[LeProspector]

Who can even realistically take Dionicio, and give up what he is worth? Oshawa? Mississauga?

Market is small for him.

 

[windsor7]

Windsor with loss.
Congratulations to Martin on 1st goal.
48 had nice goal too on pp.
Decent crowd.
Defense horrible.
Coaches r lost.
Stick checking never wins or should.
Very little shots. Need to shoot more.
Team needs change.
Bowler phone broken or he forgot how to use it??

 

[punch1943]

Spits at the 10 game mark. What you see is what you get for this year. They come up a dollar short most games. Going to be a short year.

As they sit right now it is not looking too bright for next year. They will have lost their 3 OA's either by trade or aging out. The group of potential OA's for next year is very concerning. A lot happens in 1 year in junior and the development of this team is clearly in Bowlers hands. How he manages the team this year in preparation for next year will likely be the most interesting part of this season.

For tonight my assumption is they go with Michelone in net. I know lots here are big on Frogget but his numbers don't look too good in jrb. Am I looking in the right place for stats?

Hopefully they can find the effort to pull one out tonight.

Play like the scouts are watching!

The scouts are watching. They are watching for bargains. If we give up certain players I’d hope our return includes a few top prospects along with 2nd round picks. I doubt if we see any coaching changes at this point.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

I thought they played ok but man certainly not good enough to win. 8 shots over the last 40 minutes. Nice to play fastbreak hockey but if you only get 8 shots over 40 minutes and you don't have a response??? Look to your coaches and players because this "system" can't work with this roster.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

With all the hype over the team, ranked #9 in the country, and attendance in excess of 6000, would you be able to get me tickets to the next home game? I have not seen the Univ. of Windsor football team live, but the Lancers are generating quite the buzz.

Sideline passes on Saturday. Haven't been to a game in probably 7-8 years.

 

[Teflon]

Im tired of preaching the obvious! BB has made some critical mistakes, not sure if some were ownership driven but things in the front office need to change quickly or this may hurt your fan base and in turn your revenue stream. This isn’t sustainable by any means. The coaching turnovers by other teams should make ownership take note! This cant be tolerated!!!! Like ive said if my info is factual and Smith is family to savage this isnt going to end well. At this point Smith should step down, its clear hes in over his head!!

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Im tired of preaching the obvious! BB has made some critical mistakes, not sure if some were ownership driven but things in the front office need to change quickly or this may hurt your fan base and in turn your revenue stream. This isn’t sustainable by any means. The coaching turnovers by other teams should make ownership take note! This cant be tolerated!!!! Like ive said if my info is factual and Smith is family to savage this isnt going to end well. At this point Smith should step down, its clear hes in over his head!!

I want to give BB a chance but when he said there were numerous resumes of coaches applying for the job but he always came back to JS? Tell me you're not doing your job properly by telling me how you're not doing your job properly. Smith probably isn't a good coach but he didn't hire himself. Maybe Bowler finally realizes that Johnston Cuylle and Maggio carried this group for 2 years. Luckily Bowler probably has one guy like that in Greentree. Unfortunately he needs to find 2 more. Tick tock Billy