Windsor Spitfires 2024-25 Season Thread, Part II

[Cherrydon]

They're fine. Both are 06s and can still slide with signed ELCs. It's OAs that don't slide if they have an ELC contract.

Thank you. Yes, I just read a different source that ELC rule exceptions that if the 19 yr old turns 20 between Sept 16 and Dec 31 of that season, they are ineligible to slide. So Bonk and Allen won't be slide eligible next season with January b-days.

 

[windsor7]

That's the biggest issue I've heard for about a month now, outside of here. Be patient because this is London's year and good luck in knocking them off.

More than a month..

 

[Fischhaber]

This year feels like 21/22 with next year set up for 22/23.

21/22: The, “Oh this is going better than we thought”. Early season pickups of Maillet and Christopoulos that didn’t really feel much different than picking up Thomas Johnston.
We moved Ladd & McDonald at the deadline mainly for picks and Currie, while grabbing that tough D Man in Perrott and goalie depth with Onuska for a 6th and conditional 4th.

22/23: We were the team to beat and went all in, acquiring Holmes, Harrison, Wright, and Dionicio. (And Aiden Castle but let’s forget about it). Sending out any valued 05’s, O Flaherty, Ride, Meidema…

I still think if we bought in Xhekaj in 21/22 it would’ve made the difference. Would’ve cost an extra second, fourth and a player than Perrott, but. Hindsight’s 20/20.

I just wonder if Bowlers looking at this year the same way as that less stretch and going, well rather than a slight buy, while we’re here… we should go for it.

The problem is, I don’t even know if there’s enough top D men in the league we could acquire that match up against London’s Dickinson/Bonk/Allen/Wooley.
I like our D group, but even wearing Spits colored glasses, it’s clear Mathurin/Christoforo/Woodall/Walton aren’t a match. And NHL teams view that the same.

We’re looking at 12 NHL Drafted players vs 3.

Tough to go all in when that’s your competition above you. And going out and grabbing a 1-2 D man, and another 2 elite forwards (which would cost everything we have), doesn’t put you in that much better of a spot you’re in right now.

Either way, it’ll be a fun deadline. The Eastern is wide open, the Western is the London show, with Kitchener/Windsor/Erie on the outside with a chance of “let’s pull off an upset”.

Merry Christmas! Let’s get this trade freeze over with lol

Gibson would be considered by some to be better than any of London's defensemen. That includes team Canada's management. He would cost more than Allen though.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

Greentree just as likely to move on then for your same reasoning as he already signed this year and ELC slid 1 year Spellacy hasn't signed yet but both will be 19 as of Sept 15/25 so neither will be slide eligible next year regarding their NHL ELC's

I mean, I don’t want to say it, but Dickinson/Bonk/Allen all stand out at their position more than Greentree/Spellacy, unfortunately.

But it’s often A lot easier to replace the forwards, but that’s typically junior hockey.

I could see Dickinson back, but Bonk and Allen returning for OA years, chances are slim. If anyone in Guelph or London thought that Cam Allen would return, there would have been some conditionals in that deal.

Sure, we’re lacking a tough D now and in the future, but we’ve got a lot of intimidation up front. Maybe they’re not always standing around the crease, but they’re on the ice if something needs to happen.

Also with that forever sought after “big, strong, tough, d man” You’re almost always going to want him to be 18/19/20. They’re often moved around. You either have him when you’re not going for it, or you’re buying him when you are. Seems like the case every year with the 2/3 guys that often fit that bill.

 

[OHLTG]

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals! May your stockings be full, your coffee hot, your beer cold, and your stuffing plentiful!

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Former Spitfire coach Bob Boughner is out of a job. He was fired along with Lalonde today.

 

[Cherrydon]

Former Spitfire coach Bob Boughner is out of a job. He was fired along with Lalonde today.

Feel bad for Boogie that he was fired but they had to do something quick.

If I remember correctly neither Soo games are on Cogeco this weekend. Just heads up

 

[TheGremlin]

Maybe Boogie needs to look for management position as this coaching thing doesn’t seem to be his thing.

 

[robp1219]

Maybe Boogie needs to look for management position as this coaching thing doesn’t seem to be his thing.

We would gladly take him on as head coach in sarnia over Letang.

 

[OHLTG]

If I remember correctly neither Soo games are on Cogeco this weekend. Just heads up

Correct, but CHL TV lists them, so maybe a basic camera with radio feed?

 

[Cherrydon]

Correct, but CHL TV lists them, so maybe a basic camera with radio feed?

Yes, CHL tv should hsvd it. I just wanted to let people knowcso they can to be prepared and set up CHL TV if they need to do so.

 

[ohloutsider]

Correct, but CHL TV lists them, so maybe a basic camera with radio feed?

Ya that's what they had the last time. Be forewarned the radio guys in the Soo are major homers. They continually point out missed penalties by the opposition.
And fyi that is why I don't listen to the Windsor radio broadcast as well.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

Maybe Boogie needs to look for management position as this coaching thing doesn’t seem to be his thing.

I always find things like this interesting. Boughner has gone Columbus-Windsor-SJ-Fla-SJ-Det. Hasn't made the playoffs in the NHL the last gig was a dead end job with SJ. He really hasn't found a good landing spot. Still think he would fit better as a junior coach. Still young at 53 but I can see why the NHL is more appealing.

 

[OHLTG]

Ya that's what they had the last time. Be forewarned the radio guys in the Soo are major homers. They continually point out missed penalties by the opposition.
And fyi that is why I don't listen to the Windsor radio broadcast as well.

I'll be listening to the AM800 feed.

 

[Cherrydon]

I'll be listening to the AM800 feed

Beller is legendary around here imo.

 

[RayzorIsDull]

This year feels like 21/22 with next year set up for 22/23.

21/22: The, “Oh this is going better than we thought”. Early season pickups of Maillet and Christopoulos that didn’t really feel much different than picking up Thomas Johnston.
We moved Ladd & McDonald at the deadline mainly for picks and Currie, while grabbing that tough D Man in Perrott and goalie depth with Onuska for a 6th and conditional 4th.

22/23: We were the team to beat and went all in, acquiring Holmes, Harrison, Wright, and Dionicio. (And Aiden Castle but let’s forget about it). Sending out any valued 05’s, O Flaherty, Ride, Meidema…

I still think if we bought in Xhekaj in 21/22 it would’ve made the difference. Would’ve cost an extra second, fourth and a player than Perrott, but. Hindsight’s 20/20.

I just wonder if Bowlers looking at this year the same way as that less stretch and going, well rather than a slight buy, while we’re here… we should go for it.

The problem is, I don’t even know if there’s enough top D men in the league we could acquire that match up against London’s Dickinson/Bonk/Allen/Wooley.
I like our D group, but even wearing Spits colored glasses, it’s clear Mathurin/Christoforo/Woodall/Walton aren’t a match. And NHL teams view that the same.

We’re looking at 12 NHL Drafted players vs 3.

Tough to go all in when that’s your competition above you. And going out and grabbing a 1-2 D man, and another 2 elite forwards (which would cost everything we have), doesn’t put you in that much better of a spot you’re in right now.

Either way, it’ll be a fun deadline. The Eastern is wide open, the Western is the London show, with Kitchener/Windsor/Erie on the outside with a chance of “let’s pull off an upset”.

Merry Christmas! Let’s get this trade freeze over with lol

I find discussions like this interesting. They were much better in 2021-2022 than 22-23. The idea of moving Ladd and McDonald is fine but the team never properly replaced McDonald. After that trade he scored 52g in 71 games and had 20g in 33 playoff games.

The ironic part in 22-23 aren't necessarily the players they moved Miedema is productive and Ride is a 4 to 6 D it's the picks they moved. To the point where they still can't move out picks to acquire players.

Next year to have 1 player drafted Nesbitt. Mathurin will be gone and you hope Protas returns. Is your run year predicated on 4 NHL picks and the 08s developing? Where are these 4-5 other NHL picks coming from? Doing the same thing as 23 acquiring Wright/Harrison/Holmes? I am more about trying to see a path to being 100+ point team and the class of the league. Belchetz will and should get a big jump. I just get the idea people here value guys like Eichler/Abraham/Davis/Walton and a host of others to get this team through either this year or both. Still got to win 16 playoff games and perform for 68 games.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

I find discussions like this interesting. They were much better in 2021-2022 than 22-23. The idea of moving Ladd and McDonald is fine but the team never properly replaced McDonald. After that trade he scored 52g in 71 games and had 20g in 33 playoff games.

The ironic part in 22-23 aren't necessarily the players they moved Miedema is productive and Ride is a 4 to 6 D it's the picks they moved. To the point where they still can't move out picks to acquire players.

Next year to have 1 player drafted Nesbitt. Mathurin will be gone and you hope Protas returns. Is your run year predicated on 4 NHL picks and the 08s developing? Where are these 4-5 other NHL picks coming from? Doing the same thing as 23 acquiring Wright/Harrison/Holmes? I am more about trying to see a path to being 100+ point team and the class of the league. Belchetz will and should get a big jump. I just get the idea people here value guys like Eichler/Abraham/Davis/Walton and a host of others to get this team through either this year or both. Still got to win 16 playoff games and perform for 68 games.

Agree 21/22 was better than 22/23. Throughout the season there were times it felt like it, and looking back at the end result, it tells the tale. However, 22/23 was a much better team on paper.

But on 21/22 we had what, 4 NHL drafted players? Cuylle, Johnston, Zito, Sobolev?
Maggio was a late draft. Renwick/Henault/Ribau/DeAngelis/Perrott; all undrafted.

That team was much closer to a Memorial Cup appearance than the team that went all in the next year acquiring NHL Picks, Holmes, Harrison, and Wright.

I’d like that long term competitive club, and I think building around next year allows us to do that. Decent run this year, a good shot the next, and then a sell of some 05s/06s, to build around the 08 group for the following.

Everyone thinks Londons going to win this year and I’d love to be the team to upset them.

My positions changed a bit, I’m in for a conservative buy or a conservative sell. I’m more nervous for a buy, because I think our 08’s can progress a good chunk before playoffs, and I don’t want to cut their ice time. Also trying to compete with London’s roster on paper with what we have is impossible. But can we beat them out there? Sure, hope to see it

 

[Teflon]

I still think this team resembles that team Kitchener abused in the first round shocker. I firmly believe we need 2 D men of substance to balance the forwards out. You got some guys that can go but you dont want them too. You have to many guys that are decent players but dont have the size to make successful playoff runs. You need a proper balance of skill and size, we simply are lacking that this year, again. Add 2 good sized D men and hope walton gets a bit more aggressive, pray everyone we need returns. A nice deep playoff run makes a huge difference as well. Do i think with the proper additions we could give london fits? I do, still not a believer of hunters coaching late in the year!! Dont do anything to aggressive with moves because i do believe we have a better chance next year. As i said before with London seemingly rock solid i think that really messes up the trade deadline moves. Time to get creative!

 

[rve24]

Agree 21/22 was better than 22/23. Throughout the season there were times it felt like it, and looking back at the end result, it tells the tale. However, 22/23 was a much better team on paper.

But on 21/22 we had what, 4 NHL drafted players? Cuylle, Johnston, Zito, Sobolev?
Maggio was a late draft. Renwick/Henault/Ribau/DeAngelis/Perrott; all undrafted.

That team was much closer to a Memorial Cup appearance than the team that went all in the next year acquiring NHL Picks, Holmes, Harrison, and Wright.

I’d like that long term competitive club, and I think building around next year allows us to do that. Decent run this year, a good shot the next, and then a sell of some 05s/06s, to build around the 08 group for the following.

Everyone thinks Londons going to win this year and I’d love to be the team to upset them.

My positions changed a bit, I’m in for a conservative buy or a conservative sell. I’m more nervous for a buy, because I think our 08’s can progress a good chunk before playoffs, and I don’t want to cut their ice time. Also trying to compete with London’s roster on paper with what we have is impossible. But can we beat them out there? Sure, hope to see it

Conservative buy or sell is what BB sold to media and fans when he took the helm. A consistently good team without the dips. ( granted its what they all say)
He did stick with it for 1 year and after that sold the farm n got burnt big time having a team bow out rd 1 with big additions.
BB has to decide which lane he wants the team to be in. Buy/sell cycle, or consistently good with minor adds/deletes or whatever. But flip flopping strategies is often a terrible idea cause your always chasing n fans get pissed at a lack of clear direction.
Pick a lane n stay true too it.

 

[spits]

I think a soft buy is the way to go. The squad has the potential to be even better next season.

 

[SpitfireHabs1]

Back to back up in the Soo. Nice road trip, Good way to bond to start the second half. Hope for a good effort against a greyhound team missing a few regulars. Might see some holiday legs out there. Any word on Froggett?, if he's still injured will be interested to see if Joey gets back to back starts or start Windbiel a game.

Could be a rough 2 games up in the soo depending on how these games play out but know it's always a battle up there playing one way or another. The boys are going to have to earn the 4 points.


Happy Holiday's!
Go Spits Go!!

 

[ohloutsider]

Back to back up in the Soo. Nice road trip, Good way to bond to start the second half. Hope for a good effort against a greyhound team missing a few regulars. Might see some holiday legs out there. Any word on Froggett?, if he's still injured will be interested to see if Joey gets back to back starts or start Windbiel a game.

Could be a rough 2 games up in the soo depending on how these games play out but know it's always a battle up there playing one way or another. The boys are going to have to earn the 4 points.


Happy Holiday's!
Go Spits Go!!

Yes the Soo always plays them tough. If need be Joey can play all the games until the Erie/Niagara trip next weekend.
You never know what you get after the holiday break? Goalies are rusty, players are sluggish? Who knows and it can effect both teams. By the end of the game whichever team comes back to life should prevail.

Wondering out loud if the Spits will see a new D in the lineup before next weekend's trip? Be safe.

 

[hockeylegend11]

Game Day,Spits at the Soo
Start of a weird schedule next 12 games look like this,2 at the Soo,2 at home and then 7 of 8 on the road.
After that it's 7 in a row at home then a road game,then a home game.
I broke down the 1st 33 games played in 11 game segments, 1st 11 Spits went 9-1-1,4 at home,4-0,7 on the road 5-1-1, next 11 Spits went 6-4-1,4-2 at home,2-1-1 on the road,and the final 11 before the break Spits went 8-2-0-1,6-0-0-1 at home and 2-2 on the road.
Will be interesting to see who returns to the lineup for the games in the Sault,I am expecting Walton,Mathurin, Spellacy and perhaps Belchetz back in the lineup, not so sure about Froggett and Outwater.
If the 1st 4 I mentioned are in I expect Stewart,Lavigne, Manzo and Winegard not to be dressed tonight.
Costanzo definitely starts tonight and depending on workload,he starts tomorrow too whether Froggett dresses or not.
Take 1 game at a time,nothing for granted against the Hounds.
Go Spits Go.

 

[DetSpitsFan]

6 games in 8 days will be a tough start, hopefully everyone’s rested up and ready to go.
2 Games, Day Off, Game, Day Off, Game, Day Off, 2 Games.

I’d imagine the backup starts tomorrow In the Soo and Thursday vs Guelph. Hopefully Froggett’s okay, but I’m looking forward to seeing another prospect in net.

Erie and Niagara are the strongest two opponents, if froggetts not ready, I imagine you rock Joey for both of those and I’d want Costanzo for NYE vs Flint.

 

[ohloutsider]

Costanzo starts, Newlove his back up.
Beltchz back in. Mathurin still out as well as Outwater.