cvandenberg22
Registered User
- Dec 25, 2012
- 104
- 52
Niagara is still in a rebuilding mode after going for it all a few seasons ago, and then getting hit with the COVID Pandemic. They have assembled a promising group, but they are at least a season away from challenging for the Eastern Conference Crown.
Forwards
Pano Fimis (2004, C) is the real deal and will be a high pick in this year’s draft. He is joined by new addition Aidan Castle (2004, LW), who refused to report to Oshawa after being taken in the OHL’s first round in 2020. They are joined by talented Cameron Butler (2002, LW) and Daniil Gushchin (2002), a San Jose selection. Jake Uberti (2002, C) is eager to build on his 17 goal season in 2019-20. Cameron Peters (2002, LW) also returns and provides some versatility with his ability to play all forward spots. After that, there are a lot of question marks. Declan Waddick (2005, C), Juan Copeland (2005, LW) and Brice Cooke (2004, LW) have a tremendous amount of potential, but no experience. Alex Graham (2003, LW) is an import signing, who could make a huge impact if he lives up to the billing. The rest of the forward corps will be made up a mix of veterans such as Jonah DeSimone (2002, RW), Cameron Snow (2002, LW), Anthony Agostinelli (2003, C), and Ethan Sims (2002, LW), as well as rookies Ryan Roorbroeck (2004, LW) and Ryan Struthers (2004, C).
Defense
This group again is inexperienced in terms of OHL games, but has a tremendous amount of potential. Landon Cato (2003, RD) and Isaac Enright (2003, RD) are expected to be rocks on the backend. Import Rodwin Dionicio (2004, LD) is an import pick who could be a top 3 round pick in this year’s NHL draft. Overagers Dakota Betts (2001, LD) and Mason Howard (2001, LD) will solidify this group and will hold down the fort until the rookies are ready. Those rookies are the future on the Ice Dogs’ blueline and include Alec Leonard (2004, RD) and Andrew Wysick (2005, RD) who were top selctions in past OHL drafts, but lack any OHL ice time.
Goalies
Tucker Tynan (2002) was on his way to be an OHL star and 2020 NHL draft pick before a horrific injury that he suffered on the ice in 2019-20. How he bounces back will determine the future of the position for the club. If he returns to form, they may decide to move him at the deadline for a bounty of future picks and/or players that fit with their contending timeline. They have a couple of strong backup options in Josh Rosenzweig (2003) and 2021 2nd rounder Joseph Costanzo (2005).
Future Watch
With the exception of the Barrie Colts, no team in the OHL has more future 2nd round picks than the Ice Dogs. They have 2 in 2022, 3 in 2023 and another in 2024. They also have a 3rd rounder in 2022, but none in 2023 and 2024. With their contending timeline still a year away, they may look to move some of their 2001 and 2002 talent (Tynan, Howard, Butler) to accumulate more picks that they can cash in next season, or in another deal for a defected player like they did with Castle.
Final Thoughts
The IceDogs are a team in transition and they are about one year from their 2003s and 2004s leading the way. They are positioned with future assets to add players who fit with this timeline and as long as they stay the course, the future is bright for the Ice Dogs in 2022-23 and beyond.
Forwards
Pano Fimis (2004, C) is the real deal and will be a high pick in this year’s draft. He is joined by new addition Aidan Castle (2004, LW), who refused to report to Oshawa after being taken in the OHL’s first round in 2020. They are joined by talented Cameron Butler (2002, LW) and Daniil Gushchin (2002), a San Jose selection. Jake Uberti (2002, C) is eager to build on his 17 goal season in 2019-20. Cameron Peters (2002, LW) also returns and provides some versatility with his ability to play all forward spots. After that, there are a lot of question marks. Declan Waddick (2005, C), Juan Copeland (2005, LW) and Brice Cooke (2004, LW) have a tremendous amount of potential, but no experience. Alex Graham (2003, LW) is an import signing, who could make a huge impact if he lives up to the billing. The rest of the forward corps will be made up a mix of veterans such as Jonah DeSimone (2002, RW), Cameron Snow (2002, LW), Anthony Agostinelli (2003, C), and Ethan Sims (2002, LW), as well as rookies Ryan Roorbroeck (2004, LW) and Ryan Struthers (2004, C).
Defense
This group again is inexperienced in terms of OHL games, but has a tremendous amount of potential. Landon Cato (2003, RD) and Isaac Enright (2003, RD) are expected to be rocks on the backend. Import Rodwin Dionicio (2004, LD) is an import pick who could be a top 3 round pick in this year’s NHL draft. Overagers Dakota Betts (2001, LD) and Mason Howard (2001, LD) will solidify this group and will hold down the fort until the rookies are ready. Those rookies are the future on the Ice Dogs’ blueline and include Alec Leonard (2004, RD) and Andrew Wysick (2005, RD) who were top selctions in past OHL drafts, but lack any OHL ice time.
Goalies
Tucker Tynan (2002) was on his way to be an OHL star and 2020 NHL draft pick before a horrific injury that he suffered on the ice in 2019-20. How he bounces back will determine the future of the position for the club. If he returns to form, they may decide to move him at the deadline for a bounty of future picks and/or players that fit with their contending timeline. They have a couple of strong backup options in Josh Rosenzweig (2003) and 2021 2nd rounder Joseph Costanzo (2005).
Future Watch
With the exception of the Barrie Colts, no team in the OHL has more future 2nd round picks than the Ice Dogs. They have 2 in 2022, 3 in 2023 and another in 2024. They also have a 3rd rounder in 2022, but none in 2023 and 2024. With their contending timeline still a year away, they may look to move some of their 2001 and 2002 talent (Tynan, Howard, Butler) to accumulate more picks that they can cash in next season, or in another deal for a defected player like they did with Castle.
Final Thoughts
The IceDogs are a team in transition and they are about one year from their 2003s and 2004s leading the way. They are positioned with future assets to add players who fit with this timeline and as long as they stay the course, the future is bright for the Ice Dogs in 2022-23 and beyond.
