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Post by MidlandSpiritFan on Aug 22, 2024 12:20:52 GMT -5
Have read conflicting reports about how long he is projected to be out. Some saying 4-6 months. Others saying 1-2 months. Hopefully it’s the latter. |
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Post by kingpin794 on Aug 22, 2024 12:38:25 GMT -5
Have read conflicting reports about how long he is projected to be out. Some saying 4-6 months. Others saying 1-2 months. Hopefully it’s the latter. Where did you see 1-2? Not saying it isn't possible, just initial searches say 4-6 is the typical. As far as other roster options go, Kingston just signed one of their past imports on D. Word is Jakob Chromiak might be available. Wouldn't hate that for the second pair. One way or another, would like to see something done before they head off for the first set of pre season games. |
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 22, 2024 13:55:50 GMT -5
An experienced warm body on D and fills the import spot...I'll take it especially if we can get him for a mid-round pick.
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 26, 2024 15:29:33 GMT -5
Training camp is underway...the OHL site has the signed players listed on the preseason roster here: chl.ca/ohl/roster/34/78/Wonder if there's anyone camping this week that we will sign. We'll need to sign a 3rd goalie...there are only 5 total goalies in camp...we know Oke is #1 and Papienau is #2. I looked back and two of the other three are returning from last year Xavier Bussiere and hometown kid Sammy DiBlasi. The other goalie in camp is Gannon Hunter. Personally, I'd love to see DiBlasi get it...I thought he looked fundamentally sound last year but I know other have had the opposite impression. Regardless, Oke will likely be at a NHL camp so we'll need someone for the preseason to back up Papineau. One player I'll be looking at is Adam Varga (D). He's a big defenseman that we got in the 2023 U18 draft and we've had pretty darn good luck in that draft with Mangone and Moore so maybe he can make the team and provide some depth to the blueline. |
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 28, 2024 11:34:09 GMT -5
Few notes from the bits and pieces that I watched of training camp:
1) Misa looks bigger...not sure if that's accurate but it's just so strange that he started at 15. It's completely normal to still be growing/developing but it's wild that we'll have 3 seasons before his draft year.
2) DiBlasi looked REALLY solid in goal...he's big and should easily be our 3rd goalie. I have no idea if Papineau is any good but DiBlasi looks like he could potentially compete for a backup spot.
3) Defense...yikes...we're going to need to figure something out there or it's going to be a struggle bus this year. Some thoughts:
Parekh, Guo, Bishop are solid and I don't worry about them. I think Glavin is our current #4 defenseman and I like the way he plays a physical game. After that, it's sketchy at best. Forgione looked like his normal self, gets beat and takes guys down. Sienko and Jones could be good eventually but they are raw for sure. I was watching Varga and wasn't all that impressed. The one random that stood out to me was Tyler McGuire who is a 2006 and had a handful of really physical checks. At 6'1 and 200lbs, if he can move the puck he could be an asset for us. I'm sure Forgione is a good kid but we have to upgrade his OA spot even if it's on offense.
4) Epperson and Zhilkin both stood out on the ice and will be big assets to the team.
5) Look out for Clouthier...I thought he did well in the few games he played last year and he is going to be a thorn in people's sides like his brother in the Soo. He's got a lot of skill and plays with an edge that will be great to have out there if he can draw some penalties.
6) I didn't notice Hay much...if it was up to me, I'd be looking to trade him to a contender for his faceoff skills and grit because that's a really valuable things to have.
7) There weren't any unsigned players on offense who stood out to me so I doubt we sign anyone from camp up front.
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Post by aj0512 on Aug 28, 2024 11:56:05 GMT -5
Wasn't able to make last night's scrimmage, but I went this morning. In a way, it was kind of weird being back at the Dow. The last game of the Memorial Cup feels like it was just yesterday to me, and I'm not ready stop watching Josh Bloom's goal several times a day yet.
Willis and Epperson were the big standouts for me up front. Epperson seemed to have instant chemistry with a lot of guys out there and he will certainly replace some of the scoring we lost from last year's team. Willis has fully embraced being one of the veterans of the team now, and I think he's primed for a big year.
Still bummed we won't have Chernyshov for a while. That's a big hole in the top six.
Not much else I can add regarding the defense. If we're going to contend for a division title and anything more, it definitely needs to be upgraded. Let's see what happens.
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Post by kingpin794 on Aug 28, 2024 13:36:45 GMT -5
Good to hear Epperson is fitting in from the get go. Everything about the scouting report indicated he would love playing for Lazary and that the NTDP was asking him to be something he wasn’t. Going to be interesting where you have DiBlasi play this year if they sign him. I know we have an affiliation with a GOJHL team but I don’t think you can send American prospects there?
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Post by thepuckman on Aug 29, 2024 7:11:23 GMT -5
Good to hear Epperson is fitting in from the get go. Everything about the scouting report indicated he would love playing for Lazary and that the NTDP was asking him to be something he wasn’t. Going to be interesting where you have DiBlasi play this year if they sign him. I know we have an affiliation with a GOJHL team but I don’t think you can send American prospects there? DiBlasi recently signed with the Chatham Maroons, the GOJHL affiliate of the Spirit. In fact, Gannon Hunter, who was in camp, is signed with Chatham. There are other Spirit prospects playing in Chatham as well (Ferguson, Lachance, Campbell). |
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Post by farmgirl62 on Aug 29, 2024 7:12:10 GMT -5
I am very surprised there is no mention of Lincoln Moore by anyone. He was on the same line as Epperson, scored two goals and assisted on many of Epperson's goals in yesterday's scrimmage. Moore moves the puck well and is quick. He is also a big kid and not afraid to check.
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Post by eric8199 on Aug 29, 2024 8:46:48 GMT -5
I disagree with regard to Hay. I thought he was noticeable and I think he plays a big part, especially on the faceoff this year. I think he looks bigger and more mature. I think he's been underrated since he came here.
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 29, 2024 8:48:37 GMT -5
I am very surprised there is no mention of Lincoln Moore by anyone. He was on the same line as Epperson, scored two goals and assisted on many of Epperson's goals in yesterday's scrimmage. Moore moves the puck well and is quick. He is also a big kid and not afraid to check. Moore is going to have a good year...I didn't mention him because he played a pretty big role in the playoffs last year and I think he's just one of the guys this year. For the same reason I didn't mention guys like Willis and Mangone just because they're going to be a big factor this season. I have always loved the way Moore plays and I'm glad he got to show his skill last year. Probably more important was his smarts...he didn't just throw the puck into the center, he knew when to keep it on the boards or make the smart play and I'm sure that's what got noticed (along with his physical play) and got him some regular shifts. |
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 29, 2024 8:54:23 GMT -5
I disagree with regard to Hay. I thought he was noticeable and I think he plays a big part, especially on the faceoff this year. I think he looks bigger and more mature. I think he's been underrated since he came here. I don't disagree with you Eric, I just think as the season goes along he may have more value for another team because of the reasons you mentioned and at some point, we have to get some draft picks (or young players) back or we're going to be in a world of hurt. |
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Post by kingpin794 on Aug 29, 2024 9:25:55 GMT -5
Preseason roster has 13F 7D 2G. That’s pretty bare bones even before NHL camps open. Someone is getting signed soon.
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Post by MidlandSpiritFan on Aug 29, 2024 10:25:00 GMT -5
Preseason roster has 13F 7D 2G. That’s pretty bare bones even before NHL camps open. Someone is getting signed soon. Heard from a very reliable source at Friday night’s Blue-White game that Papineau is nursing an ankle injury. My guess is that DiBlasi will be making the trip to Kitchener this weekend. |
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Post by donjohnson on Aug 29, 2024 10:46:36 GMT -5
Preseason roster has 13F 7D 2G. That’s pretty bare bones even before NHL camps open. Someone is getting signed soon. Heard from a very reliable source at Friday night’s Blue-White game that Papineau is nursing an ankle injury. My guess is that DiBlasi will be making the trip to Kitchener this weekend. I saw him in the corner riding the stationary bike during the game so he's definitely rehabbing something. I figured it might be a hamstring or something but ankle would also make sense although that's a strange injury for a goalie so maybe he hurt it in an off-ice activity. Regardless, hope he's back soon so he can get some preseason action since he has very little experience at this level. |
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