Ham is indeed impressive, you’ll want to try to hang onto him.Very good season for the Steelheads. Yeah they got swept in the first round, but they played an entertaining type of game. It will hurt to lose the skill and touch of Alan L and Carter, but it will be interesting to see who steps into that void.
I'm also very interested to see who the overagers will be next year as well. I sure hope Ham is one of them. I also think Canade is a logical choice to replace Carter as captain.
I agree with you on Washkurak. He has become a real presence on the ice. Big strong and fast. Got to figure that Thomas Harley will be back bigger and stronger and making him captain might be a logical choice. Cartsy certainly played JR hockey and it helped with the culture that management hoped for. Ham would fill that bill as well-the blue collar gritty style is something that Ham excels at.My best guess is that they will start the year with Ham, McHugh, Isaacson and Wells. Then depending on how each of them are performing and the needs at F & D they will trim down to 3. I don't think Clarke has shown enough to warrant an OA spot. The prices they paid for McHugh and Ham will ensure that they will be back next year, or at the very least traded for a decent return.
I agree that Canade wouldn't be a bad choice for Captain but I would love to see Washkurak wear the C. I think he would be perfect as a two year captain for the squad. Great fighter, hard worker and always stands up for his teammates. Not to mention he's a great skater and a pretty skilled player as well
Both Schwinny and Washer took big steps this year. Harley has really gotten better puck handling in traffic and was getting more assertive on the rush and shooting the puck from the B line. I can see him taking a leap this year ahead as Hauge did 2 yrs ago, and Harley skates much faster and smoother.
Off the top of my head, I think the Steelheads have 4 players taken in the top 2 rounds of the 17 draft. Harley, Washer, Penman, Prueter(sp).
Most improved player had to be Ingham. He had a disappointing sophmore season but he looked like a new man this year. Getting some camp time with LA and his off season work out obviously was beneficial. He looked much sharper around the crease and seemed to be much more resilant after a goal against.
I agree with everything you said but Ingham was not most improved! That was easily Harley. Inghams season was packed with playing time but his performance was flat! He has yet to show his form from his rook campaign!
Looks like the team is already getting ready for next season as they announced the signing of Max Dodig. He had a pretty good season in Midget last year with 79 points in 61 games
Looks like the team is already getting ready for next season as they announced the signing of Max Dodig. He had a pretty good season in Midget last year with 79 points in 61 games
He isn't listed on hockey DB. JR's description of his play sounds like it fits the bill. Will have to wait until the fall to see how he looks.
Draft coming up, the Trout have done well with their first picks the last two years under JR, with the big exception of taking J Hughes with the comp pick two years ago. Hopefully they hit a few bullseyes as they don't have as many picks as some teams do. No second and while there are 3 picks in the third, 2 of them are rather late. Still think some teams may maneuver though.
Whitson is already signed as well, and I remember seeing somewhere that Stubbs was signed by Mississauga at the beginning of the year as well. If he wasn't, he makes a good case for it, as do many other 02' forwards (Lamanna, Perry, McKnight). Even Bowers may get consideration. I think Mississauga has to prioritize defense in the draft this year. There should be a good defenseman for Mississauga at 12, and there are a bunch of really nice defensive prospects in the 3rd round to choose from. With three 3rd round picks, you can easily pick up 2 or 3 good defensive prospects and still get a great forward to add to the group. Goalie may also be up there on the list, but that depends on who is available in the 3rd round and management's feelings about Ranger being Ingham's successor. Mississauga could potentially find a goalie through trade when they need one, but getting one or two prospects in the system wouldn't be the worst idea.
I think Dunsmoor is a Great kid but his time has passed unless in Missy unless Ingham gets injured. Dunsmoor looked Great in training camp but Ranger was still added to the roster.Yeah Whitson and Stubbs are both signed by the team. I agree that the team does need to prioritize defense as they do have greater depth up front and stronger prospects. Not sure if they will use a high pick on a goalie as they have Ingham for at least one more year, Ranger entering his second year and Dunsmoor signed as well. I assume they'll give Dunsmoor a chance if available as he had a good season in Jr. A.
I think Dunsmoor is a Great kid but his time has passed unless in Missy unless Ingham gets injured. Dunsmoor looked Great in training camp but Ranger was still added to the roster.