Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[rve24]

Leave that for Martin, Eichler, Gaymes, or maybe Greentree (captain defending his team). I appreciate that Belchetz can fight but it should be one of those "break glass for emergency only" things lol

Seriously? Let one of them step in when a guy half your size n isn't a fighter steps in a challenges ya cause the player that started it wont or couldnt?
Perfect time for Belch to show up IMO. Close game, top. 2 teams, your teammate took a shot at a LK ppayer to get em going......perfect time for him step in. Injuries happen but I get him wanting to fire up a mostly listless squad that evening.
None of those players u mentioned wanted to go any1, n in fact one of them took a late run at a LK that led to the fight, instead of the player standing up for himself.
But ya iI do agree he shouldn't be an enforcer with his talent but he will eventually need to fight someone with pedigree to earn league respect as not soneone to mess with. VB wasnt that kid lol.
I for one am a fan of the player ( Belch ) from what I'm seen.

 

[Cherrydon]

Belchetz needs to show at this level and eventually the NHL level that he is not to be pestered with. Parking in the crease like he does and should be will bring challengers. His overhand rights like a jack hammer last night made me think glad it was not my mug he hurt his hand on. No thanks if I'm the competition lol.

 

[rve24]

Belchetz needs to show at this level and eventually the NHL level that he is not to be pestered with. Parking in the crease like he does and should be will bring challengers. His overhand rights like a jack hammer last night made me think glad it was not my mug he hurt his hand on. No thanks if I'm the competition lol.

He will.need to pick someone else to get that respect. But I do applaud his taking the challenge and winning it easily n handily
Just don't think it sends a message league wide. Not yet but good start.

 

[tomschman]

Leave that for Martin, Eichler, Gaymes, or maybe Greentree (captain defending his team). I appreciate that Belchetz can fight but it should be one of those "break glass for emergency only" things lol

Actually, the fight last night will help Belchez's reputation. A player of his potental and size with a tough reputation gets left alone. Gordie Howe had a reputation as a fighter, but the league didn't challange him.

 

[Cherrydon]

He will.need to pick someone else to get that respect. But I do applaud his taking the challenge and winning it easily n handily
Just don't think it sends a message league wide. Not yet but good start.

For sure. Not crowning him heavyweight champion but most may think twice for awhile.

 

[windsor7]

Leave that for Martin, Eichler, Gaymes, or maybe Greentree (captain defending his team). I appreciate that Belchetz can fight but it should be one of those "break glass for emergency only" things lol

Martin's used to taking dumb penalties

Actually, the fight last night will help Belchez's reputation. A player of his potental and size with a tough reputation gets left alone. Gordie Howe had a reputation as a fighter, but the league didn't challange him.

Howe was knew how to "break some rules" too. That helped his rep a lot
Completely different decades now..

 

[Cherrydon]

How about that! 60 minute effort. It can be done. Much better effort. Game only close because of tremendous goaltending. JC made some critical saves when tested after spotting a couple he wish he had back. Great to see him bare down. How about that Hicks! Has a nice pass. Go get em

 

[spits]

Great game, best atmosphere in a while. Place went crazy when Nesbitt scored. Shout out to the Knights fans in 118, they were loud and their go Knights chants, prompting go Spits chants, made for a great environment. Felt like a playoff game.

On the scoreboard, it might appear to have been a close game but it was not. Spits dominated almost the entire game. Out shot them 42-15 and Medvedev stood on his head. What a goalie he is going to be next season.

To me, the biggest positive out of the win was the play of the rookies. Lemieux... played top six minutes and was great. Got an assist. Dude plays with an edge. He is going to be a good one.

Hicks... played 20 minutes and was solid, collecting two points. You would not know he is a rookie d man. He is going to be a #1 or #2 d man in this league. Belchetz didn't play but obviously he is going to be a beast. These guys are going to be pretty high NHL picks. Also, Garden is solid. This rookie core is the best they've since, 2006?

This is the Knights year, no one is beating them, but for next year they could be losing 10 or 11 players. Spitfires should be the #1 contender next season.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Seriously? Let one of them step in when a guy half your size n isn't a fighter steps in a challenges ya cause the player that started it wont or couldnt?
Perfect time for Belch to show up IMO. Close game, top. 2 teams, your teammate took a shot at a LK ppayer to get em going......perfect time for him step in. Injuries happen but I get him wanting to fire up a mostly listless squad that evening.
None of those players u mentioned wanted to go any1, n in fact one of them took a late run at a LK that led to the fight, instead of the player standing up for himself.
But ya iI do agree he shouldn't be an enforcer with his talent but he will eventually need to fight someone with pedigree to earn league respect as not soneone to mess with. VB wasnt that kid lol.
I for one am a fan of the player ( Belch ) from what I'm seen.

I’d take a Belchetz injury (defending yourself in a mutual fight) over an Outwater injury (getting hurt unnoticeably kinda behind the play) any day.

My guess is Belchetz sits thru Christmas as a precautionary.

Big W needed, and they got 4/6 points on the weekend. Gave London their second loss in what, 20 games?

It’s tough with a one game week, I imagine they turn around and give Joey Thursday. Any word on Froggett? Hope he returns soon, but I personally wouldn’t mind seeing Windbiel in action soon.

 

[tomschman]

I’d take a Belchetz injury (defending yourself in a mutual fight) over an Outwater injury (getting hurt unnoticeably kinda behind the play) any day.

My guess is Belchetz sits thru Christmas as a precautionary.

Big W needed, and they got 4/6 points on the weekend. Gave London their second loss in what, 20 games?

It’s tough with a one game week, I imagine they turn around and give Joey Thursday. Any word on Froggett? Hope he returns soon, but I personally wouldn’t mind seeing Windbiel in action soon.

The game on Thursday is against Guelph, which is currently in last place in the Conference. While
l haven't forgotten that they recently beat the Spits, I would like to see either Windbiel or Newlove start. My preference would be Newlove, since he is a year older. One of them needs to be traded next season, since there isn't room for both. I feel we have 4 goalies that should be in the O next year. Costanzo as an OA is a given and Winbiel as a 17yo makes sense as backup.
I would also stand pat at the deadline unless you move an OA for an 06 or 07, which I don't see happening. The only 05 with value is Costanzo and trading him makes no sense.

I really don't see the Spits losing the division since I believe Saginaw will haveytt to sell and I don't see Soo buying. Flint and Sarnia will be happy to make the playoffs.

That means Windsor will be second. Even if they bought I don't see Windsor beating London for the first seed.

I actually don't see any buyers other than London in the West.

 

[OHLTG]

A few thoughts...

- What a fantastic atmosphere. That was a fun night, even before the puck dropped. London had two fan buses and they were right into it.
- The first goal wasn't pretty, looked like missed coverage, but they didn't let that bother them too much. The second goal was a player falling, the Knights going 2-on-1, and beating Costanzo. I'll call that a whoops.
- Keeping London to 5 shots in each period is pretty surreal. Even with the guys gone to camp, that's a dynamic offensive team.
- Windsor with 42 shots; again, that's surreal given the Knights' defence.
- Medvedev was a rock for the Knights. Without him, it's probably 5 or 6-2.
- A rougher game including Greentree dropping the gloves. I appreciate that. He's been feisty lately and trying to get involved. I don't know whether that's a team building thing or his own doing but...
- Hicks is so smooth and unassuming. He goes about his business and finds the scoresheet twice. He's going to be a good one in time.
- Lemieux was hitting consistently, getting involved, and another point.
- Would have been nice to see Protas get on the scoresheet but, when others can pick him up, it's acceptable.
- Costanzo didn't have to be big but he did his job.
- Yes, the Knights were without a few big names but Windsor played the game we know they're capable of. The game they had to play and that's without Belchetz and Outwater. There are no excuses now; if you can do that against a tough Knights' team, in the third of three, you should be able to do that against most teams.
- I'm trying to think of something to go "that wasn't good" about... maybe the officiating? Haha I know Greentree and Morneau both barked at the officials. When they're yelling at you, something isn't right. Even Davis mentioned it post-game.
- In all seriousness, there wasn't much to complain about tonight. That was the game we were all waiting for and hoping for (I'd imagine). Let's hope for updates on Belchetz, Outwater, and Froggett this week and that they're back soon. Onto Guelph on Thursday before Santa shows up.
- Oh, oh... forgot this. I mentioned to a buddy at 2nd intermission "London's only lost once in regulation if they're leading after two periods." He goes "I didn't want to know that!" Make that twice...

 

[hockeylegend11]

Nice bounce back from Friday's game at London,had a feeling that would happen,didn't disappoint the huge and loud crowd,solid game from pretty much everyone,dug deep with going 3 games in 3 nights,pretty dominant performance by this team,Nesbitt with his 4th game winner of the season leads the team in that category, Morneau and Greentree have 3 btw,will note Nesbitt had 0 game winners last year in his rookie season,showing much and continued improvement so far.
With 1 game left prior to the break,would ride Joey in goal don't start Windbiel there will be time for that..
Spits are now 8-2-11 in their last 14 games.
Windsor now are 13-2-0-1 at home best in the league in that category, and 9-5-2 on the road.

 

[Teflon]

Ok so imho both london goals were terrible goals to let in. Those can kill you. Yes they played 60 minutes! Finally! London goalie was outstanding!! Refs were brutal!! Ill take those points all day long, pretty good effort. Im still concerned about physical toughness in our zone, we need some more.
Now the bad news, from my source, Belch has a broken thumb, he’ll be 5-6 weeks….

 

[windsor7]

Windsor squeeked out a win against the partial Knights.
Windsor played more of a complete game. Windsor was the better team. Though game was silly very close in score.
Good crowd.
Great shot by Spellacy. Wasn't much there but he found a way to score.
Joey played great.
Pp sucked.
Way too many passes in the slot for Windsor. Shoot the puck.
Joey needs to not skate around. His puck skills r bad. Defense needs to help out a lot more.
Still need to be a lot more physical.

 

[OHL 17]

Soooooooo much better coaching!

 

[ohloutsider]

Fun game to attend. Medvedev was crazy good. His save in the second where he dove and punched the puck up to miss the net was outstanding. I thought for sure it would be the save of the night in the OHL but apparently not. He was the only reason it was close.
Not going to be hard on Costanzo. He had to play a 3 in 3 except 8 minutes against 2 good teams. Not any easy task for a goalie.
London has some real strong depth so Bowler must not go crazy thinking he can trade his way to the top. I remember London doing a soft sell in 2010 because they new it was not the time. Stay the course.
Refs for the most part let them play. Lots of calls both way ignored. Can't get too upset with that but I'm not sure how both refs missed the hit on Davis?
Now 1 game to go before the Christmas break. Trade talks heating up I'm sure. Be safe.

 

[OHLTG]

Now 1 game to go before the Christmas break. Trade talks heating up I'm sure. Be safe.

It's one year where I'm not sold on what Bowler will do. I've heard talk about the conference in general, but nothing that makes me go "okay, yeah, that's likely..."

 

[ohloutsider]

It's one year where I'm not sold on what Bowler will do. I've heard talk about the conference in general, but nothing that makes me go "okay, yeah, that's likely..."

Ya tough to guess. I heard some stuff last night but I always take some of that with a grain of salt because Bowler doesn't let too much out. I'm sure he will do something and it will likely be something that was not on most fans radar. Be safe.

 

[Cherrydon]

As many have mentioned, I think Bowler needs to address defensive woes this year with players that will return next year. It will help this year's playoffs as well as next year with having the remainder of this year working under Walters and his systems. Which D in our roster do you keep with next year in mind? Hicks off limits. The rest are available in my book. Woodall is closing the gap with Cristoforo recently. Both have 5 points last 10 with Woodall +2 Cristoforo +1. Woodall has the tougher assignments being paired with Manzo or Hicks and Cristoforo has Mathurin to back him up. I think Hicks will bring more offense than you think as he gains experience. We need a hard shot D big time. Last ones were Corcoran and Dionicio.

 

[ohloutsider]

As many have mentioned, I think Bowler needs to address defensive woes this year with players that will return next year. It will help this year's playoffs as well as next year with having the remainder of this year working under Walters and his systems. Which D in our roster do you keep with next year in mind? Hicks off limits. The rest are available in my book. Woodall is closing the gap with Cristoforo recently. Both have 5 points last 10 with Woodall +2 Cristoforo +1. Woodall has the tougher assignments being paired with Manzo or Hicks and Cristoforo has Mathurin to back him up. I think Hicks will bring more offense than you think as he gains experience. We need a hard shot D big time. Last ones were Corcoran and Dionicio.

Hicks can't be traded this year being a second round pick.

 

[Cherrydon]

Hicks can't be traded this year being a second round pick.

Yes. I know he is off limits this year I'm not trading him period. Too much great potential.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

As many have mentioned, I think Bowler needs to address defensive woes this year with players that will return next year. It will help this year's playoffs as well as next year with having the remainder of this year working under Walters and his systems. Which D in our roster do you keep with next year in mind? Hicks off limits. The rest are available in my book. Woodall is closing the gap with Cristoforo recently. Both have 5 points last 10 with Woodall +2 Cristoforo +1. Woodall has the tougher assignments being paired with Manzo or Hicks and Cristoforo has Mathurin to back him up. I think Hicks will bring more offense than you think as he gains experience. We need a hard shot D big time. Last ones were Corcoran and Dionicio.

They might want to look at getting depth at F as well. Outwater can't stay healthy. Martin Lemieux Garden Gaymes are fine but if you could get someone like Alriksson or Paquette from Guelph either would be an upgrade.

 

[ohloutsider]

Yes. I know he is off limits this year I'm not trading him period. Too much great potential.

Yes I agree. One of my favorites. He may be one of the best defenseman in the league in a couple of years. Not even going to consider moving him. The entire 08 group are worth the price of admission.
Also wondering out loud if Brocklehurst gets in for a few games if Beltchz is out for a bit. Games now don't count until after the WJT is over.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Spits last 5 were against the other 4 Contending teams in the Western Conference. 7 out of 10 points going 3-1-1.

From the “overperforming” start, To some November struggles.. Spits are in a good spot heading to Christmas.

Division.
We’re up 14 points on Saginaw, or in baseball terms 6.5 Games for the division. I’m impressed for the most part. Through the new year, our schedule cools off a bit which is good with the injuries. Guelph x2, Soo x2, Flint. The next largest difference between 1 & 2 in the division right now is Colts and Ice Dogs separated by a single game.

Injuries
If I heard last nights broadcast correctly…
Belchetz Out - Thumb, No timeline
Outwater Out - Shoulder, about A Week
Froggett Out - Knee, A few Weeks

Deadline
If we stay, and don’t change a thing, I still think we win the division. If we conservatively sell, we still have a good shot at the division. If we buy in any regard, we win the division.

Outwater, Winegard and Abraham are my guys I’m looking to move if it’s there. We have depth at forward, as long as Belchetz isn’t out long past the deadline. Next year, would you rather have Lemieux or Outwater? I feel that’s obvious. But tomorrow? I have the same answer which is the issue. I think Martin has the second best OA potential on the team right now. Not that we should keep him, but if you’re an 04’ or 05’ not named Joey Costanzo or Tnais Mathurin, I have to image the phones are open.
Pretty sure an 05’ Defensemen is on all of our Christmas lists? If the price is right we do it, but not worth everything we have in the cupboard. If we bring in a DMan, Winegard becomes the 9th defensemen which is worth being released.

If we move out a forward, do we have any 07’s that may be worthy of a call up to fill 4th line minutes with Gaymes. Serviceable, mid sized, grinder that brings energy and some clean checking can’t be too expensive. 4th lines see what, 2-3 minutes of ice time in playoff games? May be a good year to give someone in the system a shot and see if they can do something.

Davis and Spellacy are starting to take form. The last week they’re starting to play how I expected them to, to start the season.

I want the Spits to win the division. Get some playoff experience. Keep their biggest and strongest guys, and try and beat down London in the conference finals. And if we can’t derail them, take them deep into the series and hopefully tire em out for the Eastern Conference.

I think we can beat any of the bottom 4 playoff teams. I like our lineup and results vs Kitchener and Erie. I wouldn’t expect us to beat this London team in 7 games, but anything can happen in the playoffs

 

[Cherrydon]

Love Alriksson but price would be liklely steep and woukd need to move Eichler first or for him, plus just believe he is AHL eligible next year he'll be 20 in February.