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Windsor Spitfires 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

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OHLTG

OHLTG

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Nov 18, 2008
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A few thoughts...

The good:

- Whenever you get down 3-1 and find a way back, that's character. It's not an ideal start and they'll admit it, but at least the "we're not out of this" mentality is there.
- Abraham, Castle, Greentree, Maillet, Peer... huge games. You need your vets to be your best players and they all showed up.
- Costanzo is a battler. Not every game will be perfect, or even good, but his mental fortitude is there.
- Dionicio wasn't having any gruff tonight and I appreciate that. He found no takers but...
- You can't tell me they aren't hitting. They laid a few really solid hits out, plus finished their checks when they were able. Even Cole Davis was getting in on the act.
- PK goes 6/6 and made it look easy. That can't be ignored.

The bad:

- Too many turnovers, still.
- Coming back from 3-1 is fantastic but you shouldn't get down two goals on a regular basis.
- Let me say this... I appreciate what Smith brings to the table. He's a power forward who, in theory, could put up 40-50 points this season. However, something feels disconnected or disinterested. He scored tonight, had a great celebration, and was loving it. The rest of the game, though? Where was he? I just want to see that he's engaged.
- The more I watch, the more I'm leaning Peer, Christo, and Maillet for OAs. I like Jodoin's game, when it's on. Right now, it's off. He's not producing, he's not physical, and you don't notice him. Maybe it's a mental thing, maybe he's just having a slow start to the season, I don't know. I wish we had some answers, though.

Take the two points and get ready for a rather big game on Saturday. Sarnia's the team you want to face after this win; they've done a number on the Spitfires in their three contests so far and this is a perfect chance to put up.
 
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windsor7

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Nov 29, 2015
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Windsor grinded out their 1st win.
Most of the forwards played better.
2nd and 3rd period more chances for sure.
Defense still horrible. Just lost.
Lack of physical play
No boxing out players. Too much stick checking.
 
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hockeylegend11

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spits said:
A needed win. A very entertaining game, especially in the 2nd and 3rd period. The veterans were much better. Jodoin continues to struggle. Walton seems to play a simple game and make a good first outlet pass, liking that acquisition.

Greentree up to 6 points already, almost scored quite a few times in this one. Dionicio gambles every time he is on the ice but I like it, dude is exciting to watch and he has that great shot. Can't help but think what they could get for him in a deal later in the season. Anyways a solid win.
Click to expand...
Agree with everything stated especially re Jodoin,myself I would sit him out Saturday dress Winegard instead,would probably insert Martin in for Greenwell,although he didn't play much,or wait till Monday vs the Sault for that move.
Nice to see the veterans play well and contribute which most hadn't done the 1st 2 games,excellent special teams,6-6 on the PK,2-5 on the PP,140% combined special teams,really lose with those numbers,3 points each for Greentree and Dionicio, speaking of Greentree now has 2G,4A in 1st 3 games,last year at this time he had 0 points,in fact had 0 points his 1st 7 games,3 points all goals in his 1st 20 games,then had 43 points in his last 43 games with 22 goals,off to a great start this season.
Costanzo better overall, especially last half of game,puck handling still scares the fck out of me,didn't feel that way last year or certainly notice deficiencies in that area.
Christoforo seems to coming along after missing all of exhibition, he along with Eichler were -4 in game 1,since then both a 0 in that department.
Only one win but impressive never the less,hopefully will do wonders for the confidence for the team as a group.
 
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OHLTG

OHLTG

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hockeylegend11 said:
Agree with everything stated especially re Jodoin,myself I would sit him out Saturday dress Winegard instead,would probably insert Martin in for Greenwell,although he didn't play much,or wait till Monday vs the Sault for that move.
Click to expand...

I'd keep the roster the same for Saturday just because you might need Jodoin if things go stupid. Otherwise, yeah, Martin and Winegard in on Monday.

Worth noting that Greentree almost had another point last night; he had a similar breakaway to the one in the opener but was stopped by Robertson's pad. Put him with the right linemates and he could have a dominant season.
 
I Loveallsports

I Loveallsports

I'm a optimist not a optometrist
Apr 13, 2010
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hockeylegend11 said:
In my view Walton in his 2 games as a Spitfire has fit in nicely, has played a solid no panic game so far,good outlet passes,for a 17 year old rookie like his future moving ahead,nice size, mobile,looking forward to his development.
Click to expand...
How would you compare him to the player he was traded for (who just signed). O'Dell
 
OHLTG

OHLTG

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I Loveallsports said:
How did Walton look last night?
Click to expand...

He looked fine; keeps things simple, uses his size well, and likes to play a physical game. Nothing rah-rah but that stay-at-home type that we need. I will add that I really enjoyed his post-game interview last weekend. He said everyone likes scoring, including him, but he also likes playing a physical game and, if he gets involved, so be it. Had a giant smile on his face the whole time, too.
 
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hockeylegend11

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I Loveallsports said:
How would you compare him to the player he was traded for (who just signed). O'Dell
Click to expand...
While I liked O'Dell, I like Walton even more,despite the same age just think Walton has a higher ceiling then O'Dell, expect Walton to be a fixture on the back end for next 3 or 4 years.
Getting Walton,plus 2-2nds,1-3rd,1-6th for DeAngilis and O'Dell was a nice haul imo.
 
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hockeylegend11

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Interesting Flint just fired their head coach Ted Dent after only 2 games,replaced by assistant coach .
Seems like a patient GM,hope it's not another dumpster fire over there.
 
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I Loveallsports

I Loveallsports

I'm a optimist not a optometrist
Apr 13, 2010
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hockeylegend11 said:
While I liked O'Dell, I like Walton even more,despite the same just think Walton has a higher ceiling then O'Dell, expect Walton to be a fixture on the back end for next 3 or 4 years.
Getting Walton,plus 2-2nds,1-3rd,1-6th for DeAngilis and O'Dell was a nice haul imo.
Click to expand...
Good deal for both teams. I guess that's pay back Holmes last season lol. Absolutely satisfied what DeAngelis has brought to the wolves Blueline. Well rounded defenceman. Very pleased
 
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DetSpitsFan

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tomschman said:
The biggest miss in the OHL IMO was Debrincat. 20 teams passed on him in the draft.
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I see why Debrincat was passed tho. His OHL draft was about 10 years ago? Even today, teams would be hesitant about skill for a guy that’s 5’7” and a buck 75.

The guy I’m more recently surprised on is Arber Xhekaj. You’d think based on his size alone he wouldn’t have slipped through the draft. Sure he’s not the stud DeBrincat is, but going back a couple years, he made a BIG difference in the OHL Finals.
 

DetSpitsFan

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hockeylegend11 said:
Interesting Flint just fired their head coach Ted Dent after only 2 games,replaced by assistant coach .
Seems like a patient GM,hope it's not another dumpster fire over there.
Click to expand...
From what I’m hearing, it is - but I really don’t have any of the details.

Sounds like Dent had some disconnect/dislike from the players and a really rough start was kind of the excuse needed to let him go.

He didn’t really excel as a GM over there, but not being in the room, I thought he was a great coach for the Firebirds.
 
SpitfireHabs1

SpitfireHabs1

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Rare Saturday Afternoon Game. Excited to watch. Hoping Sarnia takes us easy after trouncing us on Opening night and the Spitfires come out looking to build off the First Win and have a better Showing against Sarnia then the last time.

Most Pleasantly Surprising player for my Self so far is Castle. Looks alot better then last year and just more engaged and its showing in his play, it's a player we definetly needed to step up and he has so far!

Biggest disappointment would be Smith. One of those kids that you can see the potential and has the tools but he just doesnt have the will to put in 100% every shift or every game. Was hoping the summer changed something but so far it's been a copy and paste from last year in terms of effort and engagement.

Greentree In my opinion continues to lead this team. Every game so far, he has been the straw stirring the drink for this Windsor squad. Not the most skilled guy in this league but he just wants it, you can see the passion and the other players on this team should take note of his drive out there. His hardwork is definetly not going unnoticed, I believe he will continue to climb the draft Rankings.

Hope Costanzo gets the Nod today. Let's hope we score the first goal like the Spits have every game BUT then they continue to keep the foot on the gas. Need to see a 200 foot teamgame and less "Me's" out there. Got to stop sacrificing Defense for Offense. Hopefully no stupid penalties either.

Lets Get Back to Back wins!!
Go Spits Go!
 
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