Crunch Time

It may seem that we are well into this year's hockey season.  And yet the reality is that it is still early days.  Despite this, the season has already arrived at a critical juncture for a number of players selected last June in the NHL Draft.  NHL Teams can keep their picks in the lineup for nine games before their salaries kick in against the cap.  Hard as it might seem to believe it is "crunch time" already for these young men.

 

At the time of writing, Sarnia's Steven Stamkos, Peterborough's Zach Bogosian and Guelph's Drew Doughty all have seven games under their belts with Tampa, Atlanta and L.A. respectively.  WHL graduate Luke Schenn has put in eight games with Toronto already and Alex Pietrangelo has logged only three games due to being placed on the Injured Reserve List by St.Louis.

 

None of these players show any signs that they are about to return to their Junior alma matre.  In fact, the Leafs have announced that they plan to keep Schenn in Toronto.  Of the remaining four, it is probably a pretty safe bet their careers in the NHL are now secure.  Thus, the NHL's gain is Junior Hockey's loss.  A loss for Canada that is, come this December, when it is time to select this year's edition of Team Canada.  How great would this fearsome five look with a red maple leaf on their chests?

 

One might also say "Crunch Time" has arrived for the Ice Dogs as October draws to a close.  Niagara has just come off a huge victory against the Spirit this past Saturday.  They got a solid effort from everyone, despite being out shot 38 to 28.  The defence needs to tighten up and allow fewer Shots on Goal.  The good news was that Mark Visentin came up with some tremendous saves when called upon and that was a very welcome sign that perhaps the fortunes of the Ice Dogs are about to turn in their favor.  But to win consistently, the team collectively must play better in support of their young netminders.

 

Niagara can score.  No doubt about that.  They currently sit with the second highest total "goals for" in the East with 52.  Only Oshawa with 57 has more.  But, they have allowed the highest "goals against" in the East with 64.  If the Dogs are to win more  frequently they need to continue to be the creative offensive team they have demonstrated themselves to be this year, while at the same time cutting down on the goals against.

 

This young Niagara Team can still easily move up in the standings and compete with virtually any team in the League.  But to do so, they must start now before losing any more ground on the leaders in the standings.

 

Crunch Time is here indeed!

 

IceDogs Goals v Saginaw

TV Cogeco would like to apologize for the technical difficulties experienced in the 

St. Catharines/Thorold area during the game on October 25th. We will be working to correct these issues shortly. 

Hockey = Respect

Many people have different views of the game of hockey. Hockey to me is synonymous with good values and respect. We as hockey players were always taught the team come first over the individual. Great life lesson to learn. Hockey is the best sport in the world. 20 guys working together for a common goal. Hockey is about extra effort. Hockey is about war and leaving everything to have to offer on the ice. You always can see someone's true character when things are going wrong or your team is on a losing streak. The complainers and the  people that are first to throw someone under the bus. It is easy being a good team-mate or coach or parent or fan when things are going well. Good people, good players are there for each other when things go bad. Hockey is a game of mistakes. I have never seen anyone play a perfect game. It is when a mistake is made that a true team-mate picks that player up and says "forget about it"." You have done 100 things right to your one thing wrong". Hockey is about brothers for life in good and bad. 20 players hearts beating as one. That is a true team and that is pure hockey.

 

Ok...there is my mission statement for the day. Let's talk Ice Dogs. The most important ingredient for a successful team is attitude and strong effort.The good news is the Ice Dogs have plenty of that. They come out to play every shift. I have yet to see them quit. I firmly believe that hard work never goes unrewarded. If the Ice Dogs continue to play hard the wins will come their way.

SHUFFLING DECK CHAIRS ON THE TITANIC, STAYING THE COURSE AND OTHER POORLY CONSTRUCTED BOAT RELATED ANALOGIES

Disclaimer:  There will be no mention of the return, impending return or speculative return of Alex Pietrangelo.

I am guessing it was somewhat of a bedraggled and disconsolate Ice Dog team that returned from their sojourn through the U.S last week.   It was the first significant road trip of the year for the young team, it was a time for some team bonding and a time to pick themselves off the mat and build some  momentum after a stirring 4-2 victory over Peterborough on Thanksgiving.  However, three tough losses, two of which featured late game winning goals made for a lost week's worth of games.  Now the Ice Dogs are also 0-6 on the road, though one of those was through a shootout. 
 
If you were looking at the glass being half-empty , you point to the hard fact of the matter that the Ice Dogs have won one of their last nine games.  If you were looking at it being half-full, you see the margin of error between winning and losing being awfully slim as three games have gone to a shootout, as well as the aforementioned late goals.   Fans tend to have a hair-trigger when they look for solutions.  Such is life with the ardent fan.  The Ice Dogs cannot doctor the birth certificate of Michael Swift, nor kidnap Luca Caputi or programme Reggie Jackson to kill the queen (oops classsic Naked Gun reference slipped in there).  What solutions exist for the Ice Dogs?
 
DOES THE COACH WALK THE PLANK?
Aaah yes, the old adage of deep-sixing the coach.  No, not the solution here.  Coach Cichillo and his staff will accept their fair share of responsibility for the recent woes.  However, if you look at the games, Cichillo has shuffled the lines, put the right personnel on at the end of games and even changed up the shootout rotation.  I may cringe a little when he rolls out his four and five forward power play, but the coach is fine.   In fact, I think his approach likely has been a stabilizing force for the young Ice Dogs.   
 
TRADER DAVE?
A big trade usually shakes the foundation to the core.   That being said the Ice Dogs do not have the right marketable assets in making trades.  This is not to say that the players are not enticing to other teams.  However, do you really want Andrew Aggozino, Chris DeSousa, Alex Friesen, or Mathew Sisca traded at the peak of their development?  Guys like Scott Fletcher and Josh Day are proven commodities, but as overagers their return in a trade is somewhat minimal.   It leaves a guy like Drew Schiestel, but you really need his two-way play and steadying influence back there.   
 
STAY THE COURSE
While the returns have not been good for the Ice Dogs in the early going, there is no need for a full scale panic.  Last years Ice Dogs endured a six-game losing streak in which they were miserable, being outscored 31-16 and suffering two 7-2 losses.  Most teams go through a rough patch at some point in the season.   If there is anything that is slightly alarming it is the inability to win on the road. Elite teams hold serve on the road, meaning they will be at .500 if not above and rule the roost at home.  The team is not that far away from being back in the upper echelon of the conference, surprising as it may sound considering their recent woes. 
 
Maybe the balance of power would be tipped by the repatriation of a certain #10 whose name is constantly mis-pronounced.  (sorry, I tried but one reference had to sneak in there.  Hey, at least I did not come out and say his name!)
 
 
Steve Clark
TV Cogeco Play-by-Play

Conventional Wisdom

I have good news and I have bad news.  The bad news is the Ice Dogs are 8TH in their Conference.  The good news is that if the season were to end today they would have a spot in the post season.

 

To be sure, this stretch of 10 games has been hard to take.  Even seasoned broadcast veterans such as me would rather cover a Team that is successful and exciting to watch.  But let's not get too wrapped up in doom and gloom here.  Of their 10 losses, 1 was in overtime and 3 came via shootout.  Just 3 more points during that stretch and the Dogs would be tied with Barrie and Oshawa (as I sit down to write this on Sunday October 19TH) for 2ND in the Conference.

 

Faithful Ice Dog fans are itching for changes.  And not just tinkering, but significant changes that turn around a team's fortunes immediately.  Most immediately, the Fans are demanding trades.  Go get an experienced goalie some say.  Others say, trade your O/A's for help.  When is Pietrangelo coming back?  All valid thoughts and questions to be sure.  But the truth of the matter is that there aren't likely to be any easy answers.  If Dave Brown could make these moves, he probably would.  His career and that of his coaching staff depend on success on the ice.  Trust me, I have known Dave and Mario professionally for 4 years and they hate to lose.  Actions such as trades can only happen when someone else out there needs to help themselves as well.  And often as not, teams will only look to solidify their lineups as they get closer to the trade deadline.  Until then, Conventional Wisdom in the Major Junior Hockey World suggests all teams will continue to monitor their rosters and have conversations with other teams in an attempt to sniff out potential trade deadline opportunities.  At the same time, keeping their own statagey close to the vest.

 

Sounds painful to be sure.  But most OHL teams are currently locked into this courtship ritual.  And while it goes on, the fans have to endure it.

 

As for Alex Pietrangelo, Conventional Hockey Wisdom suggests, that unless an 18 year old prospect is the 2ND coming of Bobby Orr, it is always best to return him to Junior.  Better that than to scar him for life with a bitter NHL experience.  But when it comes to such traditional wisdom, the times may be changing.  In the world of the salary cap, NHL Teams may opt keep an entry level contract rather than a higher priced veteran who may have lost a step.  Alex has played 3 games with St.Louis so far and by all reports has done nothing to hurt his chances of staying with the Team.  In fact, reports are his play has been solid.  He may very well come back and for the sake of the suffering fans in Niagara, I hope he does.  But I would suggest that his return won't be automatic.

 

For all you suffering Niagara Ice Dog Fans out there, the ride this year may be bumpy.  But it certainly won't be dull!

IceDogs v Peterborough fights

Niagara v Peterborough

Growing Pains

Several weeks ago, just prior to the opening game of the Ice Dogs Season, I wrote an article entitled "What's In a Prediction?"  In it I speculated on reports that the Ice Dogs were picked by some to finish dead last.  Some to finish first.  And I suggested a fourth place finish was not out of the question.

 

To their credit, the faithful fans who shell out hard earned dollars to watch and cheer this team, have continued to fill the Gatorade Garden City Complex each and every night.  And if the Fan Forums are any indication they continue to live and die with every game.  There has been no waning interest in Niagara.

 

To be certain, there is definitely frustration with this last stretch of five losses.  The Shootouts have been the hardest to take.  The Team plays well in stretches during each and every game.  And if they lose, it is not by much.  But close only counts (they say) in horseshoes and hand grenades.  The fans grew used to winning last season.  And nothing less (it seems) is acceptable this year.

 

There are to be sure, bright spots.  Agozzino and Piva have started strong.  Schiestel has been hot offensively and his old buddy Josh Day has returned. And so too has Scott Fletcher.  The defence it seems has depth and experience enough to anchor this year's Team.  Hamilton, Insam and Rover have all shown indications that their future with this team is bright and secure.

 

The goaltending is young and inexperienced.  But this was to be expected.  If the Ice Dogs learned anything in the last few years, it is that goaltenders have to be groomed by exposure to the harsh realities of OHL Hockey.  Loverock and Lobsinger are prime examples.  I wouldn't expect to see a Sebastian Dahm ride in to save this Team.  Other than Trevor Cann, there does not appear to be many potential goalies with experience available.  And, if the rumours are to be believed, the London Knights (who else?) would seem to be the ultimate destination for him.

 

No!  Patience appears to be a commodity that Ice Dog Fans are going to require in spades this year.  Like the Leafs this year in Toronto, Junior Hockey Teams must be redeveloped from scratch every three or four years.  Players come and players go.  Nothing is as constant as change.  And the Ice Dogs are no exception.  Fans have to hope that these youngsters gain experience and can along with a draft pick or two next season, grow into a competitive team that can take another run at a championship.

 

Early indications are that this group will be (at times) entertaining and heart breaking.  This is not a year for the "faint of heart"!  All I can offer you is a request to"Keep the faith, baby!"

Insight From The Perspective of the Broadcast

Forgive me Ice Dog fans, for I have sinned.  You see I cheated on all of you on Sunday by , gasp, broadcasting a game for another team. Not only I did I broadcast for another team that team was the Oshawa Generals, much maligned by fans of this region after their elimination of their beloved Ice Dogs last year.  Few people know, but I got my OHL start in Oshawa two years ago as I filled in for Roger Lajoie on several occasions.  Plus, I lived and worked in the area for seven years, so I actually enjoy going back to the Durham Region.  
 
While I enjoy going back to Oshawa, and broadcasting at the General Motors Centre, there is one thing I could do without.  The first of which is one perilous work across the catwalk at the top of the arena to get to the gondola.  I am petrified of heights and much prefer the short climb up the stairs at the Gatorade Garden City Complex to this terrifying walk.  I usually ask someone to walk with me and invariably that person will shout out encouragingly "Just don't look down".  Of course the natural inclination is to do that , thus reinforcing the fact that its way up in the air.  Once I get to the gondola,  I'm done and I don't move until the  end of the game.  I have not pondered what would happen if I had to go to the bathroom during intermission.   The second thing I dread is the walk back, for the same reasons.  I have a feeling that if I were ever selected to go on the Amazing Race, I would be lousy at anything involving heights, though it would be compelling TV to see a guy turn deathly while while cursing a blue streak.  
 
As for the broadcast, while the game is the game, you are working with new directors, producers, camera people colour commentators and the like.  You must develop on-air chemistry with someone whom you have never met.  Fortunately, Mike Vonella, the guy I worked with was easy-going and that part worked out well. Still, having worked over 40 games with my colleagues Ed Burholder and Al Galloway, the comfort level there is instantaneous and natural but  it does take a while to gain an on-air rapport.  It was a good game to call, with lots of chances, three fights and some guy named Tavares who I hear has a shot to make an impact.  
 
Confession, I hear, is good for the soul and it feels good to get this indiscretion about broadcasting with another team out of my system. 
 
A Quick Note About Saturday's Game:
 
The game was great for the fans and for a broadcaster.  You had comebacks, fights, a late equalizer by the home team and a number of dandy goals.  If you are a coach you're not as much of a fan and if you are Coach Cichillo, you must be wondering about the points that got away. In three Ice Dogs losses this year either in OT or a shootout, the Ice Dogs have given up a marginal OT goal,(vs. Oshawa) a late tying goal (vs. Belleville), two real bad goals in the third period and two blown two goal leads (vs.. Plymouth). That is three points out the window, and that is not counting a two goal lead coughed up in Oshawa in the third period.  Though early in the season, those are points lost that could come back and haunt the Dogs as the season progresses.  
 
It might be too early to push the panic button and start jettisoning draft picks and players for a quick fix, but it would not surprise me to see Dave Brown begin exploring a little tinkering with the current line-up sooner rather than later.
 
Steve Clark- TV Cogeco Play by Play

Scheduling Follies and the Goaltending Rotation

 

One wonders who the Ice Dogs ticked off in the schedule department.  In a five week span the Ice Dogs play four, count 'em four three games in three nights and two back to backs.  Now I know that back to backs and  a weekend heavy schedule are a part of life in the OHL, but that it is a heavy schedule.  Plus, it must be tough to set your goaltending rotation with such a schedule, especially considering that Mario Cichillo is giving both John Cullen and Mark Visentin equal opportunity to grab the brass ring, that is the number one spot.  Or perhaps the coach will not declare a number one and split the work evenly.  Heck, for a time in the 1980's the Montreal Canadians employed three goalies evenly!  Who could forget the three-headed monster that was Denis Herron, Bunny Larocque and Richard Sevigny?  My guess is that both goalies will get work until the scheduling normalizes.
 
Right Back on the Horse
 
Last Thursday Mark Visentin let in a bit of a softy in OT to Kory Nagy in a 3-2 defeat.  The very next night Visentin was between the pipes.  That was a good move by the coaching staff as they let the young goaltender know that they had faith in him.  Last night against Belleville John Cullen allowed a late goal and then got beat three out of four times in the shootout.  THe guessing here is that Coach Cichillo and his staff will employ a similar thought process and put Cullen back in net against the Majors.
 
Juggling the Defense
 
It would not surprise me if GM Dave Brown was keeping a vigil on Geneva Street looking to see if Scott Fletcher Josh Day or Alex Pietrangelo were exiting off of the 406 in Ice Dog uniforms.  Last night the young defense acquitted themselves well for the most part, save from some miscues that can only be attributed to youth.  David McMullen dove on a puck with about 3 minutes to go with no one around him, garnering a delay of game penalty.  Then the defensive zone coverage broke down in the last 30 seconds of regulation allowing Belleville to tie the game.   Plus, poor Reggie Traccito dropped to block a shot and caught one right in the cashews, which I'm sure every red-blooded male in the arena felt.  If you are wondering, there really is no proper way to broadcast that other than to let the visuals tell the story.  
 
Steve Clark