SSM Greyhounds 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[nelli27]

Continued from... SSM Greyhounds 2022-23 Off-Season Thread (Part 2)

Click to read more...

 

[HF92]

Dean calls Hounds a ‘contender’ - Soo Greyhounds

"You can see a bit of identity in our game. We’re a new group with a different philosophy" - John Dean

chl.ca

 

[HockeyPops]

PROSPECTS TRACKER - this post

2023-2024 Season stats
I am going to try to keep this updated with our prospects and links to any current season stats that we can find on each. I would like to crowd source this information, so if you find a link to someone's stats please post below and I will update this post with it accordingly.

2007 Prospects
2023, 1st - Martin, Brady R (C)
2023, 2nd - Hayes, Travis R (RW)
2023, 4th - Solomon, Hunter R (RD) - Kitchener Waterloo Siskins (GOJHL)
2023, 5th - Smith, Brady L (C) - Listowel Cyclones (GOJHL)
2023, 6th - Dell'Elce, Sebastian L (LD) - St. Andrews College (PHC)
2023, 6th - Charron, Jordan R (LW) - Ayr Centennials (GOJHL)
2023, 7th - Reid, Chase R (RD) - Victory Honda 16U
2023, 9th - Collins-Williams, John R (RW) - Cullver Military Academy 16U
2023, 10th - Irvin, Zack L (G) - Elgin Middlesex Canucks U18
2023, 11th - Zuyev, Michael R (D) - JRC U18
2023, 12th - Mainville, Callum R (C) - Toronto Titans U18
2023, 12th - Scriven, Ryan L (LW) - Ridley College (CPSHA)
2023, 14th - Gillen, Keegan R (LD) - Little Caesars 16U (MAHA)
2023 15th - Thomas, Reid L (G) - Ajax Pickering Raiders U18

2006 Prospects
2022, 1st - Brown, Christopher L (C)
2022, 2nd - Miller, Landon L (G)
2022, 3rd - McConnell-Barker, Broden L (LD)
2022, 3rd - Kostov, Alex R (RW)
2022, 4th - Virgilio, Matthew R (RD)
2022, 5th - Vader, Tate L (C)
2022, 5th - Brentnell, Nate R (C) - Lindsay Muskies (OJHL)
2022, 6th - Evans, Spencer L (LD)
2022, 7th - Tavares, Justin L (LW)
2022, 8th - Shannon, Logan L (LD)
2022, 9th - Russell, Brayden R (RW) - Caledonia Corvairs (GOJHL)
2022, 11th - Nicholson, Aiden R (RW?) - Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
2022, 12th - Lilja, Elijah R (C) - Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)
2022, 13th - Hunka, Troy R (RW) - Little Caesars 18U
2022, 14th - Hopley, Andrew R (C)
2022, 15th - Roach, Evan L (D) - Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL)
2023U, 1st - Venturo, Jesse L (C) - St. Michaels Buzzers (OJHL)
2023U, 2nd - Tegelaar, Noah L (G) - Blind River Beavers (NOJHL)
2023U, 3rd - Loreto, Sydney L (C) - Kemptville 73's (CCHL)

2005 Prospects
2021, 1st - Cloutier, Justin R (RW)
2021, 2nd - Mignosa, Marco R (RW)
2021, 3rd - Montroy, Ethan L (LW) waived
2021, 4th - Gibson, Andrew R (RD)
2021, 5th - Scott, Blair L (LD) - traded
2021, 7th - Lewinski, Charlie L (C) - Compuware AAA 16U, Connecticut commit ('24-'25)
2021, 8th - Campbell, Stephen R (C)
2021, 9th - Ciaramitaro, Anthony L (LD)
2021, 10th - Campbell, Ty L (LD) - Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Clarkson commit ('24-'25)
2021, 10th - Ziskie, Noah R (RD)
2021, 10th - Clattenburg, Connor L (LW)
2021, 11th - Fellinger, Austin R (RD)
2021, 13th - Corte, Zack L (LW/RW) - Stouffville Spirit (OJHL)
2021, 14th - Shore, Owen L (LW)
2021, 15th - Paddington, EJ L (LW)
2022I, 1st - Nordh, Noel L (RW)
2022U, 1st - Good, Dustin R (RW) - released
2022U, 2nd - Labelle, Caleb L (LD) - Kam River Fighting Walleye (SIJHL)
FA - Moses, Daylen R (C) - traded to Sarnia

2004 Prospects
2020, 1st - McConnell-Barker, Bryce L (C)
2020, 3rd - Toms, Connor L (D) - traded to Windsor
2020, 4th - McGroarty, Rutger L (C) - USNTDP, Michigan commit ('22-'23)
2020, 5th - Carlisle, Caeden L (D)
2020, 5th - Schenkel, Charlie R (G)
2020, 6th - Bellwood, Jax L (LW) - Stouffville Spirit (OJHL)
2020, 7th - Allard, Owen L (C)
2020, 8th - Varner, Justin R (LW) - Lincoln Stars (USHL), MSU commit ('23-'24)
2020, 8th - Davis, Nathaniel R (RD) - Burlington Cougars (OJHL)
2020, 8th - Ballard, Harrison R (C) *trade* *waived?*
2020, 9th - Hookey, Landen R (RW)
2020, 10th - Spurrell, Justin R (RW) - Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL)
2020, 11th - Dunn, Nolan L (G) - Central Ontario Wolves U18 AAA (ETA)
2020, 12th - Ryan, Jackson (Jack) L (C) - Peterborough Petes U18 AAA (ETA)
2020, 13th - Van De Ven, Caleb R (RD) - released
2020, 14th - West, Owen L (LD) - Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL), MSU Commit ('23-'24'24-'25)
2020, 15th - Muszelik, Tyler L (G) - USNTDP, UNH commit ('22-'23)
2021I, 1st - Kudryavtsev, Kirill L (RD)
2021I, 2nd - Lutz, Julian L (LW) - USHL
2021U, 1st - Johnson, James R (RW)
2021U, 2nd - Donaldson, Colton L (G)
2021U, 3rd - Brandes, David L (RD)

Note on junior leagues:
BCHL, CCHL, NOJHL, OJHL, SIJHL are Junior A leagues.
PJHL, GOJHL are Junior B leagues.
Tier 1 in the US is called USHL. HPHL is not junior - it's midget.

Here is our approximate depth Chart by position.

LW	C	RW		LD	RD		G
Beck L (03)	McConnell-Barker Sr. L (04)	Sirizzotti R (03)		Kudryavtsev L (04)	Gibson R (05)		Schenkel R (04)
D'Intino L (03)	Allard L (04)	Cloutier R (05)		Karki L (04)	Virgilio R (06)		Miller L (06)
Fantino R (04)	Brown L (06)	Mignosa R (05)		Carlisle L (04)
Clattenburg L (05)	Martin R (07)	Kostov R (06)		Evans L (06)
	Vader L (06)	Hayes R (07)		McConnell-Barker Jr. L (06)
Charron R (07)	Brentnell R (06)	Corte L (05)		Labelle L (05)	Solomon R (07)		Irvin L (07)
	Hopley R (06)			Roach L (06)			Tegelaar L (06)
	Loreto L (06)			Gillen R (07)
	Smith L (07)

Previous 2022-2023 Season stats - See Old Prospects Thread
2023 Development Camp Post
2023 Fall Camp: To view the 52 person rosters CLICK HERE while to view the detailed roster CLICK HERE. 38 person Red&White roster CLICK HERE & detailed Red&White roster CLICK HERE.

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

Dean calls Hounds a ‘contender’ - Soo Greyhounds

"You can see a bit of identity in our game. We’re a new group with a different philosophy" - John Dean

chl.ca

All starts Friday night..

 

[HF92]

Who will be our leadership group?

Ill say...

C - Bryce McConnell-Barker ( obviously )
A- Kirill Kudryavtsev
A - Brendan Sirrizotti
A - Justin Cloutier
A - Jack Beck

 

[HockeyPops]

I don't think I have a better guess than this. Maybe Gibson in there but I can't think who I would replace.

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

Who will be our leadership group?

Ill say...

C - Bryce McConnell-Barker ( obviously )
A- Kirill Kudryavtsev
A - Brendan Sirrizotti
A - Justin Cloutier
A - Jack Beck

I'll say the only question mark is Cloutier if it goes to someone else, maybe D'Intino as our other OA

 

[HockeyPops]

I don't think D'Intino was wearing a letter through the preseason, even with all the big guns away. Maybe he's not letter material?

Regular season roster is posted, but it's still got 27 players on it. It's the same as the preseason roster except no Hunter Solomon.

 

[Houndzfan20]

as much as i'd like to see him here, developing one year with the Siskins will be great. lots of ice time and responsibility is much better than playing your year old year watching.

 

[HF92]

OHL Media Poll is out. Soo Greyhounds get an honorable mention to win the west (5%). 95% of votes are on Saginaw.

OHL Media Poll: Picks and predictions for the coming season - Ontario Hockey League

Accredited media from across the OHL have provided their picks and predictions ahead of the 2023-24 OHL season.

chl.ca

Which team will win the West Division?

Saginaw Spirit (95%)

“The 2024 Memorial Cup hosts started building last year and will be all-in this season. Having two of the best rookies in the league last year, this team will only get stronger as the season goes on.”

Honourable Mention: Soo Greyhounds (5%)

Who will be the League’s top rookie?

Matthew Schaefer, Erie Otters (45%)

“The Erie Otters should take a big step forward and a big reason for that will be this young stud defenceman who should be ready to log important minutes despite being 16-years-old. Schaefer plays a complete game and it won’t take Otters fans long to grow to love their new star on the blueline.”

Honourable Mention: Brady Martin, Soo Greyhounds (25%)

I consider the OHL media poll the equivalent of the UFC cover curse or the Drake bet curse.

2022/23 Media Poll selected Guelph Storm.
2021/2022 Media Poll selected Barrie Colts.

The 2022/23 winners were Peterborough
The 2021/22 winners were Hamilton.

Both weren't mentioned once in the media poll that led to those seasons. Barrie actually finished 5th, Guelph 6th

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

OHL Media Poll is out. Soo Greyhounds get an honorable mention to win the west (5%). 95% of votes are on Saginaw.

OHL Media Poll: Picks and predictions for the coming season - Ontario Hockey League

Accredited media from across the OHL have provided their picks and predictions ahead of the 2023-24 OHL season.

chl.ca

I consider the OHL media poll the equivalent of the UFC cover curse or the Drake bet curse.

2022/23 Media Poll selected Guelph Storm.
2021/2022 Media Poll selected Barrie Colts.

The 2022/23 winners were Peterborough
The 2021/22 winners were Hamilton.

Both weren't mentioned once in the media poll that led to those seasons. Barrie actually finished 5th, Guelph 6th

That's fine, put all the pressure on Saginaw

 

[HF92]

Greyhounds’ Allard healthy and ready to contribute to start new season - Ontario Hockey League

Owen Allard has shown signs of blossoming into a regular contributor for the Soo Greyhounds. The 19-year-old forward is healthy and ready to go to begin the new season.

chl.ca

 

[HockeyPops]

Love to see it. I am big on Allard this season.

 

[HF92]

No Arttu Karki dressed in last night's Vegas game.

 

[HF92]

Raftis expects return to past form - Soo Greyhounds

A season ago, the rebuilding Hounds battled through a spate of injuries and finished out of the playoffs with a 20-33-9-6 record. Between overtime and shootouts, they lost 15 times.

chl.ca

“Offensively, Arttu is super gifted. He’s got a great shot and you can see the size and the skating. I think with Kirill, Karki and Gibson, it gives us a great starting three,” Raftis said. “Two on the left side and one on the right. I’d put all three of those guys up against anybody in this league.”
Share This Article

Top 3? Isn't it normal to say top 4? lol A lot of people think Virgilio is in our top 4, and I just don't think so. This is enough proof for me to believe that the management doesn't believe so either. I find it odd he didn't even include Carlisle. Something happening?

edit: could also be an overthink and he could just be speaking of the high praise they have for those 3 who are clearly more developed than the rest of the D-men on the roster.

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

Raftis expects return to past form - Soo Greyhounds

A season ago, the rebuilding Hounds battled through a spate of injuries and finished out of the playoffs with a 20-33-9-6 record. Between overtime and shootouts, they lost 15 times.

chl.ca

Top 3? Isn't it normal to say top 4? lol A lot of people think Virgilio is in our top 4, and I just don't think so. This is enough proof for me to believe that the management doesn't believe so either. I find it odd he didn't even include Carlisle. Something happening?

edit: could also be an overthink and he could just be speaking of the high praise they have for those 3 who are clearly more developed than the rest of the D-men on the roster.

Probably overthinking it as there could be a couple players who slot into that 4th spot

 

[HF92]

Probably overthinking it as there could be a couple players who slot into that 4th spot

There is? at the same calibre as the 3 mentioned? I think you need another d-man in the mix to complete the top 4 that isn't here yet. You can play someone in that 4th spot, but he won't be a top 4 calibre player. The only person I can think of is Carlisle who will likely slot in that 4th spot, but we arent going to kid ourselves and say he's up to the level of Kirill, Gibson or Karki.

Don't get me wrong, Virgilio very well could be a top 4 guy in the future, just not now.

 

[DWI Dale]

There is? at the same calibre as the 3 mentioned? I think you need another d-man in the mix to complete the top 4 that isn't here yet. You can play someone in that 4th spot, but he won't be a top 4 calibre player. The only person I can think of is Carlisle who will likely slot in that 4th spot, but we arent going to kid ourselves and say he's up to the level of Kirill, Gibson or Karki.

Don't get me wrong, Virgilio very well could be a top 4 guy in the future, just not now.

i don't necessarily agree or disagree that we need another top 4 defenseman but if we do, at what point does our "needs" list become greater than what we have the tradeable assets to make happen? what do you see as a realistic cost for a top 4 defenseman? this kind of "building a team through trade" could make adding an elite player at the trade deadline impossible.

 

[Houndzfan20]

There is? at the same calibre as the 3 mentioned? I think you need another d-man in the mix to complete the top 4 that isn't here yet. You can play someone in that 4th spot, but he won't be a top 4 calibre player. The only person I can think of is Carlisle who will likely slot in that 4th spot, but we arent going to kid ourselves and say he's up to the level of Kirill, Gibson or Karki.

Don't get me wrong, Virgilio very well could be a top 4 guy in the future, just not now.

i think that Virgilio could potentially be that top 4 d. he did a much better than average job as a 16 year old defenceman last year. yeah he got caught out of position a bit and maybe made a bad pass but as a 16 year old d in this league, adjusting to the speed and strength, to walk in and play a regular shift every night and actually improve? that's hard to do. hoping he develops more this year and we can depend on him to be that top 4. if not, he will be a sought after commodity at the deadline for someone looking to compete in a year or two. i honestly think if we keep him, BMB and Evans, add solomon and gillen and we will have a blue line thats top notch for a couple of years.

 

[HockeyPops]

I am actually pretty good with where the team sits right now. I don't necessarily think it's automatic that this team needs to go all in this season. Bringing in Beck was a great move. We still have 3x2nds and 2x3rds with a bunch of 4ths. I can see this season playing out a couple of different ways:

1) Move a couple of 04 defensemen. Might recoup a 3rd in one of those trades. It will give more icetime to our younger D like Virgilio and Evans. Next year move Gibby and maybe Clattenburg to complete the restock and get ready for another year of contention as soon as 2025-2026 with our crop of '06-'07s. Who knows, with the opportunity given to Players like Cloutier, Mignosa, Clattenburg and Virgilio, maybe we find legit top 2 line players in there this year that allows the team to contend this season.

2) Throw it all in this season. Send out Virgilio and maybe Brown at the deadline for a player like Owen Beck and a top 4 D. The rebuild would happen the following 2 years to get ready to contend again with our crop of '07-'08s.

I kinda like option 1 better than option 2. We don't really get a down year over the next 3 years and possibly make noise in 2 of those seasons.

 

[HF92]

I wonder if they'll announce the leadership group or we find out at the game?

 

[SSMHoundsFan]

Game Day, let's go!

 

[HF92]

Hounds believe ‘sky is the limit’ - Soo Greyhounds

“This is the most excited I’ve ever been in my life for a season to start,” said Soo Greyhounds defenceman Andrew Gibson

chl.ca

 

[HockeyPops]

From that article:

"The coach also spoke of how Martin, a centre taken No. 3 overall in this year’s OHL draft, and Hayes, a winger and second-round choice (No. 25 overall) this year, have earned the right to begin the season playing top-nine minutes.

“They’re two very tenacious young forwards who also have a lot of skill,” Dean said. “They’re elite. Watching those two together, fans are in for a real fun ride.”

Not sure if Evans is back from injury, assuming the following are unavailable:
Clattenburg: suspension
Karki: NHL
Evans: injury

available forwards (15)
McConnell-Barker
Beck
Sirizzotti
Allard
D'Intino
Cloutier
Martin
Hayes
Fantino
Brown
Mignosa
Kostov
Montroy
Vader
Good

available defense (7)
Kudryavtsev
Gibson
Carlisle
Van De Ven
Toms
Virgilio
McConnell-Barker

goalies (2)
Schenkel
Miller

 

[DWI Dale]

well here we go!

we the fans have mixed opinions on where the team stands, the accredited media has opinions on where we stand, and the organization certainly hasn't been shy about their opinions on where we stand.

none of that matters starting today. now it's on the players to show us where they stand.

drop the puck!