An unexpected player has stepped up for the Sarnia Sting in the absence of Nail Yakupov. Dominic Alberga had 2 goals and 2 assist in a 6-4 win over the Sault Set Marie Greyhounds. Alberga now has 5 goals and 2 assists in his last 3 games. Alberga/Hottot/Latta seem to be finding a good chemistry and were easily Sarnia's best line on the ice last night for the Sting. The chemistry the "agitator" line seems to be finding could be attributed to Alberga's success. Alberga now in his 3rd season in the OHL has officially surpassed his career high points and goals total and is only 1 assist away from his career high in that department. Dominic Ablerga now has 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 42 games played.
The "agitator" line attributed to 4 out of Sarnia's 6 goals vs the Sault Set Marie Greyhounds. Nicholas Latta and Craig Hottot each had 1 goal and 2 assists, Latta's goal would turn out to be the game winner. Latta's goal would be his first in 26 games and it would also be the first game that Latta would record a point in 13 games. Latta a hard working checking forward now has 4 goals and 3 assists for 7 points. Hottot also surpassed his previous career high in goals assist and points with his goal and 2 assists last night. Hottot now has 15 goals and 13 assist for 28 points in 40 games this year.
The game would see very little in terms of penalties. SSM would take 3 straight penalties midway through the 2nd period and each team would take 1 penalty in the 3rd period. Special teams were not a factor at all in this game as all 10 games came even strength. The Greyhounds had a couple of short handed opportunities only to be stopped by JP Anderson. While Anderson was not really busy through the course of the whole night facing only 27 shots, he made some big saves to keep the Sting in the game when they were needed. On the other end of the ice Jack Campbell was in net for the Greyhounds and faced 40 shots by the Sting.
The third period would see a flurry of goals being exchanged in what looked to be like a shoot out last goal scores type game. There would be 5 goals in 9:10 minutes which saw very back and forth play until Craig Hottot put in Sarnia's 6 goal.
Scoring Summary
1. SAR D. Alberga (9) from Hottot, Robertson 1:21
1. SSM C. Dubchak (10) from Mintz, Schwindt 4:56
1. SSM N. Counsins (23)
2. SAR L. Rensfeldt (11) from Sarault, Basso 0:51
2. SAR B. Thompson (24) from Murphy, Rensfeldt 18:00
3. SSM B.Findlay (14) from Fuller, Cucuruto 1:22
3. SAR D. Alberga (10) from Murphy, Latta 4:58
3. SSM D. Staples (8) from Miller, Findlay 5:42
3. SAR N. Latta (4) from Hottot, Alberga 6:54
3. SAR C. Hottot (15) from Latta, Alberga 10:32
My 3 Stars OHL 3 Stars
3. Craig Hottot 3. Ludvig Rensfeldt
2. Nick Latta 2. Criag Hottot
1. Dominic Alberga 1. Dominic Alberga
Friday, 20 January 2012
Dougie Hamilton Suspended 10 Games
The Ontario Hockey League announced yesterday that Niagara Ice Dogs star,WJC bronze medalist, and Boston Bruins prospect Dougie Hamilton has been suspended 10 games for a head check. The hit occurred on Jan 13th, 2012 vs the Sudbury Wolves.
OHL Press Release
I never saw the hit until the OHL discipline video but my take on it is that there as been much worse hits around the OHL this year that have received much lighter or no suspension at all. I believe that there was no intent on Dougie Hamilton's part to target the Wolves player's head. Dougie cuts across the ice in I guess what can be considered a "blindside angle" and his shoulder makes contact with Michael MacDonald's head.
Dougie Hamilton Discipline Video
MacDonald lost the puck just briefly before Hamilton made the hit but that wasn't even in the justification by the OHL. My issue with this suspension is when will players be held accountable for their own safety? And when will the OHL/NHL realize that it was possibly a mistake to increase the speed of the game like they did (but that will be another post probably tomorrow)?
MacDonald had his head down watching the puck. I don't know what it is but every time I used to get hit with my head down, my coaches used to tell me "Keep your head up kid". Now if you skate around with your head down its ok, you might get hurt, but that player that hit you is going to receive 10 games for a hit to the head. Players need to be held accountable for their own safety. MacDonald shouldn't have had his head down like that, he needs to be awards of his surroundings. If MacDonald doesn't have his head down like that and turn in the way he did Hamilton's shoulder would have make contact with the shoulder or chest. We see this more and more lately where a player turns at the last second or has their head down and the player making the hit doesn't have time to react.
Hockey is a fast paced game. It is about time the OHL/NHL need to realize that maybe some changes to some rules would be better then stiffer suspensions for checking to the head; not to mention, players need to be held accountable for their own actions and the positions they put themselves in.
Was Hamilton's hit illegal? Yes no question about it. Was it worth 5 min + GM? From an official stand point yet, because officials are not able to review a video and look at the details of the hit exactly. Was it worth a 10 game suspension? In my mind not at all, maybe 2-5 games tops. I just don't like the position that MacDonald put himself in, in that situation.
OHL Press Release
I never saw the hit until the OHL discipline video but my take on it is that there as been much worse hits around the OHL this year that have received much lighter or no suspension at all. I believe that there was no intent on Dougie Hamilton's part to target the Wolves player's head. Dougie cuts across the ice in I guess what can be considered a "blindside angle" and his shoulder makes contact with Michael MacDonald's head.
Dougie Hamilton Discipline Video
MacDonald lost the puck just briefly before Hamilton made the hit but that wasn't even in the justification by the OHL. My issue with this suspension is when will players be held accountable for their own safety? And when will the OHL/NHL realize that it was possibly a mistake to increase the speed of the game like they did (but that will be another post probably tomorrow)?
MacDonald had his head down watching the puck. I don't know what it is but every time I used to get hit with my head down, my coaches used to tell me "Keep your head up kid". Now if you skate around with your head down its ok, you might get hurt, but that player that hit you is going to receive 10 games for a hit to the head. Players need to be held accountable for their own safety. MacDonald shouldn't have had his head down like that, he needs to be awards of his surroundings. If MacDonald doesn't have his head down like that and turn in the way he did Hamilton's shoulder would have make contact with the shoulder or chest. We see this more and more lately where a player turns at the last second or has their head down and the player making the hit doesn't have time to react.
Hockey is a fast paced game. It is about time the OHL/NHL need to realize that maybe some changes to some rules would be better then stiffer suspensions for checking to the head; not to mention, players need to be held accountable for their own actions and the positions they put themselves in.
Was Hamilton's hit illegal? Yes no question about it. Was it worth 5 min + GM? From an official stand point yet, because officials are not able to review a video and look at the details of the hit exactly. Was it worth a 10 game suspension? In my mind not at all, maybe 2-5 games tops. I just don't like the position that MacDonald put himself in, in that situation.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Trade Deadline Review
Trade Deadline Comes with 30 Deals
It is now Jan 10th and all teams have finally set their rosters, no players will be moved now and can rest comfortably and know that they are there to stay.
While there was only 5 moves on actual trade deadline day we are going to say the trade deadline started Jan 2nd with the big move between Barrie and Saginaw kicking off this years events.
Who Made the Most Moves?
Kingston Frontenacs- 6 Trades, Out: 4 Players 4 Picks, In: 6 Players 5 Picks
Sarnia Sting- 5 Trades, Out: 5 Players 9 Picks, In: 5 Players 4 Picks
Erie Otters- 5 Trades, Out: 5 Players 5 Picks, In: 3 Players 7 Picks
Windsor Spitfires- 5 Trades, Out: 4 Players 1 Pick, In: 2 Players 7 Picks
Oshawa Generals- 5 Trades, Out: 3 Players 5 Picks, In: 3 Players 6 Picks
Saginaw Spirit- 4 Trades, Out: 4 Players 3 Picks (1 Pick Cond.), In: 7 Players 9 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Mississauga Majors- 4 Trades, Out: 4 Players 2 Picks (2 Picks Cond.), In: 2 Players 8 Picks
Niagara Ice Dogs- 3 Trades, Out: 4 Players 10 Picks, In: 2 Players 4 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds- 3 Trades, Out: 1 Player 4 Picks (1 Pick Cond.), In: 3 Players 3 Picks
Sudbury Wolves- 3 Trades, Out: 3 Players 2 Picks, In: 3 Players 3 Picks (3 Picks Cond.)
Owen Sound Attack- 3 Trades, Out: 2 Players 2 Picks, In: 1 Player 4 Picks
London Knights- 2 Trades, Out: 3 Players 5 Picks, In: 4 Players 1 Picks
Ottawa 67's- 2 Trades, Out: 1 Player 4 Picks, In: 2 Players 1 Pick
Brampton Battalion- 2 Trades, Out: 2 Players, In: 2 Players
Belleville Bulls- 2 Trades, Out: 3 Picks, In: 2 Players
Barrie Colts- 1 Trade, Out: 2 Players 3 Picks (1 Cond.), In: 2 players
Peterborough Petes- 1 Trade, Out: 1 Player 1 Pick, In: 1 Player 3 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Kitchener Rangers- 1 Trade, Out: 1 Player, In: 2 Picks
Guelph Storm- 0 Trades
Plymouth Whalers- 0 Trades
As you can see as outlined above Kingston, Sarnia, Erie, Windsor and Oshawa were the busiest teams after January 1st; while, Guelph and Plymouth didn't make a move as they were content at where they were. The biggest team to surprise me was the Saginaw Spirit (tied for 8th in the Western Conference but Guelph has 2 games in hand), Saginaw has had a very disappointing season thus far and given the assets they had I expected them to move more. Brandon Saad could have fetched a very decent return for the Spirit and with only 1 year of eligibility left in the OHL it is unlikely that Saad will even return to the Spirit next season, maybe the price just wasn't right for Saginaw? Saginaw did however acquire the most at the trade deadline by getting 7 players and 9 picks back for the assets they were able to trade away.
London probably came away the big winner from the deadline. The Knights made some trades that just made everyone shake their heads. GM Mark Hunter belongs in jail because he completely stole players from Erie and Peterbrough in acquiring highly sought after players Austin Watson and Greg McKegg. Rumblings around a lot of teams is that there were a lot better players on the table but Mark Hunter and the Knights some how managed to steal the players away for a lot less then most people believed they would go for.
Sarnia Sting General Manager Jacques Beaulieu was incredibly busy making some big moves but old buddy Mark Hunter him look like he over paid for everything he acquired by getting other high profile players for much cheaper. Going into the deadline Beaulieu had 6 cards available and made it known that he would probably use up all 6. Just after the deadline closed the Sarnia Sting announced how the 6th card would be used, that was announcing that Justice Dundas (best name in the OHL) would be remaining with the Sting for the rest of the year and would be signed to a Jr A card after maxing out the 10 games available on his AP card.
Teams that are most improved after the trade deadline were the teams that were probably the most dangerous going into the trade deadline. Sarnia, London and Niagara all improved their teams. Niagara is easily the beast in the east having almost an entire starting line up from the Team Canada WJC bronze medal team. London and Sarnia will most likely battle with Plymouth for the top team in the west for the rest of the year. The question with Sarnia is are they able to shake the injury cloud and get healthy in order to compete with London and Plymouth. Sarnia easily has a team that can contend but they need to get healthy and get star players Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk back on the ice to help with that.
Trades
It is now Jan 10th and all teams have finally set their rosters, no players will be moved now and can rest comfortably and know that they are there to stay.
While there was only 5 moves on actual trade deadline day we are going to say the trade deadline started Jan 2nd with the big move between Barrie and Saginaw kicking off this years events.
Who Made the Most Moves?
Kingston Frontenacs- 6 Trades, Out: 4 Players 4 Picks, In: 6 Players 5 Picks
Sarnia Sting- 5 Trades, Out: 5 Players 9 Picks, In: 5 Players 4 Picks
Erie Otters- 5 Trades, Out: 5 Players 5 Picks, In: 3 Players 7 Picks
Windsor Spitfires- 5 Trades, Out: 4 Players 1 Pick, In: 2 Players 7 Picks
Oshawa Generals- 5 Trades, Out: 3 Players 5 Picks, In: 3 Players 6 Picks
Saginaw Spirit- 4 Trades, Out: 4 Players 3 Picks (1 Pick Cond.), In: 7 Players 9 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Mississauga Majors- 4 Trades, Out: 4 Players 2 Picks (2 Picks Cond.), In: 2 Players 8 Picks
Niagara Ice Dogs- 3 Trades, Out: 4 Players 10 Picks, In: 2 Players 4 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds- 3 Trades, Out: 1 Player 4 Picks (1 Pick Cond.), In: 3 Players 3 Picks
Sudbury Wolves- 3 Trades, Out: 3 Players 2 Picks, In: 3 Players 3 Picks (3 Picks Cond.)
Owen Sound Attack- 3 Trades, Out: 2 Players 2 Picks, In: 1 Player 4 Picks
London Knights- 2 Trades, Out: 3 Players 5 Picks, In: 4 Players 1 Picks
Ottawa 67's- 2 Trades, Out: 1 Player 4 Picks, In: 2 Players 1 Pick
Brampton Battalion- 2 Trades, Out: 2 Players, In: 2 Players
Belleville Bulls- 2 Trades, Out: 3 Picks, In: 2 Players
Barrie Colts- 1 Trade, Out: 2 Players 3 Picks (1 Cond.), In: 2 players
Peterborough Petes- 1 Trade, Out: 1 Player 1 Pick, In: 1 Player 3 Picks (1 Pick Cond.)
Kitchener Rangers- 1 Trade, Out: 1 Player, In: 2 Picks
Guelph Storm- 0 Trades
Plymouth Whalers- 0 Trades
As you can see as outlined above Kingston, Sarnia, Erie, Windsor and Oshawa were the busiest teams after January 1st; while, Guelph and Plymouth didn't make a move as they were content at where they were. The biggest team to surprise me was the Saginaw Spirit (tied for 8th in the Western Conference but Guelph has 2 games in hand), Saginaw has had a very disappointing season thus far and given the assets they had I expected them to move more. Brandon Saad could have fetched a very decent return for the Spirit and with only 1 year of eligibility left in the OHL it is unlikely that Saad will even return to the Spirit next season, maybe the price just wasn't right for Saginaw? Saginaw did however acquire the most at the trade deadline by getting 7 players and 9 picks back for the assets they were able to trade away.
London probably came away the big winner from the deadline. The Knights made some trades that just made everyone shake their heads. GM Mark Hunter belongs in jail because he completely stole players from Erie and Peterbrough in acquiring highly sought after players Austin Watson and Greg McKegg. Rumblings around a lot of teams is that there were a lot better players on the table but Mark Hunter and the Knights some how managed to steal the players away for a lot less then most people believed they would go for.
Sarnia Sting General Manager Jacques Beaulieu was incredibly busy making some big moves but old buddy Mark Hunter him look like he over paid for everything he acquired by getting other high profile players for much cheaper. Going into the deadline Beaulieu had 6 cards available and made it known that he would probably use up all 6. Just after the deadline closed the Sarnia Sting announced how the 6th card would be used, that was announcing that Justice Dundas (best name in the OHL) would be remaining with the Sting for the rest of the year and would be signed to a Jr A card after maxing out the 10 games available on his AP card.
Teams that are most improved after the trade deadline were the teams that were probably the most dangerous going into the trade deadline. Sarnia, London and Niagara all improved their teams. Niagara is easily the beast in the east having almost an entire starting line up from the Team Canada WJC bronze medal team. London and Sarnia will most likely battle with Plymouth for the top team in the west for the rest of the year. The question with Sarnia is are they able to shake the injury cloud and get healthy in order to compete with London and Plymouth. Sarnia easily has a team that can contend but they need to get healthy and get star players Nail Yakupov and Alex Galchenyuk back on the ice to help with that.
Trades
| Date | Team | Transfers | To | Team | Transfers |
| Jan. 10 | WSR | Grant Webermin | SAG | Ldn's 3rd Rnd '13 Ott's 4th Rnd '14 | |
| Jan. 10 | OSH | Jimmy McDowell | ER | 4th Rnd '13 8th Rnd '15 | |
| Jan. 10 | OS | 6th Rnd '14 | ER | 6th Rnd '13 | |
| Jan. 10 | SBY | Cody Mintz Gregory Jambrosich 4th Rnd '14 | SSM | Michael Kantor 15th Rnd '13 (cond.) | |
| Jan. 10 | OS | Jacob Riley | KGN | Wsr's 5th Rnd '13 | |
| Jan. 9 | NIAG | Frank Schumacher Alex Sakerapoulos Cristoval Nieves 3rd Rnd '12 Osh's 3rd Rnd '12 Bar's 2nd Rnd '13 Wsr's 8th Rnd '13 Sar's 2nd Rnd '15 | SAG | Jamie Oleksiak 6th Rnd '14 (cond.) | |
| Jan. 9 | BRAM | Adam Lloyd | KGN | Derek Froats | |
| Jan. 9 | BRAM | Jordan McNaughton | WSR | Brennan Feasey | |
| Jan. 9 | WSR | Mackenzie Braid | SBY | 13th Rnd '13 | |
| Jan. 9 | LDN | Chase Hatcher 2nd Rnd '14 Miss's 2nd Rnd '16 4th Rnd '18 (cond.) | PBO | Austin Watson 4th Rnd '16 | |
| Jan. 9 | MISS | Jordan Mayer | BELV | 3rd Rnd '13 | |
| Jan. 8 | KIT | Julian Melchiori | OSH | 4th Rnd '15 4th Rnd '16 | |
| Jan. 8 | ER | Mike Cazzola 12th Rnd '12 | OTT | 5th Rnd '13 2nd Rnd '14 7th Rnd '15 | |
| Jan. 7 | OSH | Mark Petaccio | SSM | 2nd Rnd '13 3rd Rnd '14 | |
| Jan. 7 | OSH | Ply's 2nd Rnd '12 Ply's 3rd Rnd '12 | SSM | 2nd Rnd '12 | |
| Jan. 7 | KGN | Jeff Braithwaite | WS | 5th Rnd '13 15th Rnd '13 3rd Rnd '14 | |
| Jan. 7 | OS | Geoffrey Schemitsch Matt Petgrave 4th Rnd '15 | OSH | Kyle Hope SSM's 2nd Rnd '12 2nd Rnd '15 | |
| Jan. 6 | SAR | Brandon Maxwell Gue's 2nd Rnd '12 Niag's 2nd Rnd '13 Pbo's 2nd Rnd '14 5th Rnd '14 5th Rnd '15 | MISS | J.P. Anderson | |
| Jan. 6 | OTT | David Perklin 4th Rnd '14 | SAG | John McFarland | |
| Jan. 5 | WSR | 5th Rnd '15 | ER | Derek Holden Ott's 15th Rnd '12 | |
| Jan. 5 | ER | Greg McKegg Brett Cook Tyson Teichmann | LDN | Dane Fox Troy Donnay Sby's 2nd Rnd '12 2nd Rnd '16 | |
| Jan. 5 | MISS | Derek Schoenmakers 1st Rnd Import '13 (cond.) 4th Rnd '14 (cond.) | SBY | Kristoff Kontos | |
| Jan. 5 | SAR | Jack Nevins Taylor Carnevale 3rd Rnd '16 | KGN | Tyler Brown | |
| Jan. 5 | MISS | Joseph Cramarossa | BELV | Kit's 2nd Rnd '12 Ply's 2nd Rnd '13 | |
| Jan. 5 | SAR | Brett Ritchie | NIAG | Gue's 2nd Rnd '12 2nd Rnd '13 5th Rnd '13 Pbo's 2nd Rnd '14 | |
| Jan. 5 | SAR | Ryan Kujawinski | KGN | Ryan Spooner | |
| Jan. 5 | NIAG | Bill Jenkins 10th Rnd '16 | KGN | Gue's 2nd Rnd '12 Wsr's 8th Rnd '13 3rd Rnd '14 | |
| Jan. 4 | WSR | Adrian Robertson | SAR | SSM's 3rd Rnd '12 2nd Rnd '16 2nd Rnd '17 | |
| Jan. 2 | BAR | Eric Locke Clint Windsor 2nd Rnd '12 Sag's 2nd Rnd '13 Wsr's 2nd Rnd '13 (cond.) | SAG | Ryan O'Connor Anthony Camara |
Friday, 6 January 2012
Sarnia Sting vs Erie Otters
Sarnia Sting @ Erie Otters January 6th, 2012
The Sarnia Sting made 4 big trades before their game with the Erie Otters and I wouldn't expect anymore unless something comes up and Beaulieu cannot say no. New additions Adrian Robertson, Tyler J Brown, Ryan Spooner and JP Anderson where all in the line up for the Sting as they took on the Otters Friday night in Erie. The Sting also got another boost to the line up as Craig Hottot and Alex Basso both returned to Sarnia's line up in time for the weekend.
It wouldn't take long for the new Sting players to make their presence known to Sarnia fans as all had points in the first period with Ryan Spooner leading the way (1 goal 1 assist in the 1st period). Connor Murphy would open the goal scoring with his 1st OHL career goal at 17:48 of the 1st period on the powerplay. On Murphy's goal Spooner and Brown would both also record their 1st point in a Sting uniform picking up an assist each. Ryan Spooner would then score his 1st goal in a Sting jersey at 19:25 with assists going to newcomer Adrian Robertson and reactivated off IR Craig Hottot. JP Anderson would make 11/11 saves in the first period as the Sting went to the room with the 2-0 lead.
The second period was rather uneventful with just one goal from Craig Hottot (his second point of the night) at 11:12 with assists going to Brett Thompson and Anthony DeAngelo. Hottot's goal was a beautiful backhander that went off the Erie post and a sprawling Sadikov just couldn't keep it from crossing the goal line. The Sting were leading the Erie Otters 3-0 after 2 and out shooting them 22-19. JP Anderson again stood tall in the 2nd period stopping all 8 shots he faced. Alex Basso would also get on the score sheet in his first game back from a broken finger but on the wrong side as he took a checking to the head penalty in the 2nd period.
Ryan Spooner started off the 3rd period putting the Sting up 4-0 on a beautiful breakaway goal sliding the puck just underneath Erie goaltender Ramis Sadikov. Spooner's 2nd goal of the night (and 100th of his career) would be unassisted. Just prior to the Spooner goal Justice Dundas had a breakaway chance but couldn't beat Sadikov. Dundas had a very solid game for the Sting with multiple chances and is proving his worth for next season. JP Anderson would go on to finish the period stopping all of the shots he faced. Anderson faced 30 shots for his 1st shutout in a Sting uniform.
My 3 Stars:
3. Craig Hottot 1 goal 1 assist in his return
2. Ryan Spooner 2 goals 1 assist in his debut
1. JP Anderson 30 saves on 30 shots in his debut
OHL 3 Stars were 1. Spooner 2. Hottot 3. Anderson
Next up the Sarnia Sting face the Niagara Ice Dogs tomorrow night.
Game Notes:
* Connor Murphy's 1st Career OHL goal on PP
* Ryan Spooner leads newcomers with 3 points (2 goals 1 assist)
* Brown, Robertson both with 1 point
* JP Anderson with shutout
**Former Sarnia Sting defenseman Daniel Brousard has been suspended 8 games by the OHL for being found in violation of league rules for stimulant use
** Ludvig Reinsfeldt is in Niagara resting and awaiting the arrival of the team and will play tomorrow night for the Sarnia Sting
**Nail Yakupov is to undergo a MRI this weekend and results of that MRI will determine injury and we should get the update early next week
Scoring Summary:
1st Connor Murphy (1) from Tyler Brown, Ryan Spooner (17:48) PP
1st Ryan Spooner (15) from Adrian Robertson, Craig Hottot (19:25)
2nd Craig Hottot (14) from Brett Thompson, Anthony DeAngelo (11:12)
3rd Ryan Spooner (16) unassisted (4:37) *Ryan Spooners 100th career OHL goal (201 OHL game)
SOG: Sarnia 30 Erie 30
Sarnia 1/3 PP 3/3 PK
The Sarnia Sting made 4 big trades before their game with the Erie Otters and I wouldn't expect anymore unless something comes up and Beaulieu cannot say no. New additions Adrian Robertson, Tyler J Brown, Ryan Spooner and JP Anderson where all in the line up for the Sting as they took on the Otters Friday night in Erie. The Sting also got another boost to the line up as Craig Hottot and Alex Basso both returned to Sarnia's line up in time for the weekend.
It wouldn't take long for the new Sting players to make their presence known to Sarnia fans as all had points in the first period with Ryan Spooner leading the way (1 goal 1 assist in the 1st period). Connor Murphy would open the goal scoring with his 1st OHL career goal at 17:48 of the 1st period on the powerplay. On Murphy's goal Spooner and Brown would both also record their 1st point in a Sting uniform picking up an assist each. Ryan Spooner would then score his 1st goal in a Sting jersey at 19:25 with assists going to newcomer Adrian Robertson and reactivated off IR Craig Hottot. JP Anderson would make 11/11 saves in the first period as the Sting went to the room with the 2-0 lead.
The second period was rather uneventful with just one goal from Craig Hottot (his second point of the night) at 11:12 with assists going to Brett Thompson and Anthony DeAngelo. Hottot's goal was a beautiful backhander that went off the Erie post and a sprawling Sadikov just couldn't keep it from crossing the goal line. The Sting were leading the Erie Otters 3-0 after 2 and out shooting them 22-19. JP Anderson again stood tall in the 2nd period stopping all 8 shots he faced. Alex Basso would also get on the score sheet in his first game back from a broken finger but on the wrong side as he took a checking to the head penalty in the 2nd period.
Ryan Spooner started off the 3rd period putting the Sting up 4-0 on a beautiful breakaway goal sliding the puck just underneath Erie goaltender Ramis Sadikov. Spooner's 2nd goal of the night (and 100th of his career) would be unassisted. Just prior to the Spooner goal Justice Dundas had a breakaway chance but couldn't beat Sadikov. Dundas had a very solid game for the Sting with multiple chances and is proving his worth for next season. JP Anderson would go on to finish the period stopping all of the shots he faced. Anderson faced 30 shots for his 1st shutout in a Sting uniform.
My 3 Stars:
3. Craig Hottot 1 goal 1 assist in his return
2. Ryan Spooner 2 goals 1 assist in his debut
1. JP Anderson 30 saves on 30 shots in his debut
OHL 3 Stars were 1. Spooner 2. Hottot 3. Anderson
Next up the Sarnia Sting face the Niagara Ice Dogs tomorrow night.
Game Notes:
* Connor Murphy's 1st Career OHL goal on PP
* Ryan Spooner leads newcomers with 3 points (2 goals 1 assist)
* Brown, Robertson both with 1 point
* JP Anderson with shutout
**Former Sarnia Sting defenseman Daniel Brousard has been suspended 8 games by the OHL for being found in violation of league rules for stimulant use
** Ludvig Reinsfeldt is in Niagara resting and awaiting the arrival of the team and will play tomorrow night for the Sarnia Sting
**Nail Yakupov is to undergo a MRI this weekend and results of that MRI will determine injury and we should get the update early next week
Scoring Summary:
1st Connor Murphy (1) from Tyler Brown, Ryan Spooner (17:48) PP
1st Ryan Spooner (15) from Adrian Robertson, Craig Hottot (19:25)
2nd Craig Hottot (14) from Brett Thompson, Anthony DeAngelo (11:12)
3rd Ryan Spooner (16) unassisted (4:37) *Ryan Spooners 100th career OHL goal (201 OHL game)
SOG: Sarnia 30 Erie 30
Sarnia 1/3 PP 3/3 PK
JP Anderson To Sarnia Finally Done
Missassagua and Sting Strike a Deal
The Majors and the Sarnia Sting have completed a deal that sees 19 year old goaltender JP Anderson go to Sarnia. In exchange the Sarnia Sting sent 3 2nd round picks, 2 5th round picks and Brandon Maxwell back to Missassagua.
This deal has been imminent in recent days and everyone has just been waiting for it to be announced. JP Anderson is in no doubt an upgrade from Brandon Maxwell. Anderson brings a pedigree and a winning history to Sarnia as he took the Majors to Memorial Cup finals last year and won the OHL Championship.
The Sting gave a lot in return and while Anderson is a big upgrade in net are the moves that they have made going to put them over the top and carry them to the Memorial Cup? In my opinion it is about 50/50 that the Sting are able to get there. With the amount of moves that have been made for this summer it is hard to predict what the team chemistry will be not to mention Yakupov and Galchenyuk out with injuries. Do the Sting now have what it takes? We better hope so because Beaulieu just emptied the cupboard at the deadline.
To Sarnia: JP Anderson
To Mississagua: Brandon Maxwell, GUE 2nd '12, NIA 2nd '13, PBO 2nd '14, SAR 5th '14, SAR 5th '15
The Majors and the Sarnia Sting have completed a deal that sees 19 year old goaltender JP Anderson go to Sarnia. In exchange the Sarnia Sting sent 3 2nd round picks, 2 5th round picks and Brandon Maxwell back to Missassagua.
This deal has been imminent in recent days and everyone has just been waiting for it to be announced. JP Anderson is in no doubt an upgrade from Brandon Maxwell. Anderson brings a pedigree and a winning history to Sarnia as he took the Majors to Memorial Cup finals last year and won the OHL Championship.
The Sting gave a lot in return and while Anderson is a big upgrade in net are the moves that they have made going to put them over the top and carry them to the Memorial Cup? In my opinion it is about 50/50 that the Sting are able to get there. With the amount of moves that have been made for this summer it is hard to predict what the team chemistry will be not to mention Yakupov and Galchenyuk out with injuries. Do the Sting now have what it takes? We better hope so because Beaulieu just emptied the cupboard at the deadline.
To Sarnia: JP Anderson
To Mississagua: Brandon Maxwell, GUE 2nd '12, NIA 2nd '13, PBO 2nd '14, SAR 5th '14, SAR 5th '15
Catching up on Sarnia trades
My Internet has been down the past couple of days so I haven't been able to do trade by trade analysis until now so I guess this will be my catch up for Sarnia. After the trade deadline I will do one for the entire OHL.
Sarnia Sting/Windsor Spitfires
The Sarnia Sting started their flurry of trades on Jan 4th trading with the Windsor Spitfires for overage defenseman Adrian Robertson. In return Sarnia sent 3 picks to the Windsor Spitfires (3rd round '12 SSM, 2nd Round '16, 2nd Round '17).
There are multiple things that I don't like about this deal. The first is that Sarnia essentially traded away an 11 and 12 year old. The bonus to trading picks so far away is it does give the Sting time to recoup them during a rebuild which should happen after next year. The 2nd part I don't like is that the Sting have now sent the Windsor Spitfires 3 2nd Round picks this year for defensemen and it seems like a relatively high price to pay for an over after defenseman. (The other was a 2nd round '14 in the Craig Dunnick deal).
The upside to this trade is that Sarnia acquires a defenseman that should help to create a more solid blue line which post Christmas break was obvious that it needed to be addressed. Robertson is a solid 2 way defenseman that has 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points is a +8 and has 62 PIM.
To Sarnia: Adrian Robertson
To Windsor: SSM 3rd Round Draft Pick in 2012, SAR 2nd Round Draft Pick 2016, SAR 2nd Round Draft Pick 2017
Sarnia/Kingston Take 1
Sarnia's 2nd trade was one of the worst kept secretes since before Christmas. Sarnia traded underage forward Ryan Kujawinski for 19 year old Ryan Spooner. The only reason it waited so long was Ryan Kujawinski wasn't able to be traded until after Jan 1st and then on top of that was playing at the under 17 tournament in Windsor for Team Ontario and wasn't allowed to be traded until he was returned to the Sting.
It is always hard to part with a 16 year old prospect that hasn't really been given the chance to show what he can do but even harder to trade away a 16 year old 4th overall draft pick. Kujawinski has the potential to be a star in the OHL but hasn't really been given ice time consistently all year to adapt to the league. When he was given ice time he never really flourished but you can't expect every 16 year old to come in and be an immediate impact player as some need a year to develop and get used to junior hockey. Kujawinski also suffered an injury at an unfortunate time when he would have been able to soak up some more ice time with the Sting while the Sting have been covered by the black injury cloud all year so far.
Ryan Spooner brings a player with a pedigree of being a sniper in the OHL. In 27 games so far this season with the not so impressive rebuilding Kingston Frontenacs Spooner has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points he is an even player and has only 8 PIM. Spooner suffered from Mononucleosiss but should be ready to go for the Sting this weekend.
Kujawinski did not play last night for the Kingston Frontenacs.
To Sarnia: Ryan Spooner
To Kingston: Ryan Kujawinski
Sarnia/Naigara
It has been rumoured around Sarnia for most of the year this year that Brett Ritchie's days were numbered in Sarnia. Ritchie has been very injury prone. Ritchie has been bitten by the injury bug for most of the year and fans were starting to give Ritchie a hard time saying that he isn't "dedicated" to the team. Ritchie needed a fresh start after a slow start to the year and Niagara was somewhere he could get that but still be on a team that is competitive and making a run. Ritchie should help Niagara go for it or go deep in the playoffs, Sarnia recouped a bunch of picks that they had traded away but expect a couple of those to be involved in other deals.
To Sarnia: Guelph 2nd Round Pick '12, Niagara 2nd Round Pick '13, Niagara 5th Round Pick '13, Peterborough 2nd Round Pick '14
To Niagara: Brett Ritchie
Sarnia/Kingston Take 2
Sarnia acquired overage forward Tyler J Brown from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Jack Nevins, a 3rd round pick and Taylor Carnevale.
Carnevale's season is essentially over so him being included in the deal is kind of ahead scratcher instead of him being released. Jack Nevins is a huge loss for Sarnia, he came in and took over the tough guy role for Flemington and has done everything the coaching staff has asked. Nevins is a heart on the sleeve type player with good work ethic and Sarnia fans are going to miss him while Kingston fans are going to love him. Nevins had 1 goal and 2 assists in his debut for Kingston last night.
Tyler J Brown has been a point per game player for Kingston so far this year with 19 goals and 19 assists in 37 games for 38 points, he is a -4 with 42 PIM. I haven't seen a lot of TJ Brown since he was traded from Plymouth so I don't really know but a point per game player is only going to help fill the injury void for Sarnia hopefully.
To Sarnia: Tyler Brown
To Kingston: Taylor Carnevale, Jack Nevins, Sarnia's 3rd Round Pick '16
Look for more trades to happen in the next day or so... A big one is in the works but has clearly hit a snag.
Sarnia Sting/Windsor Spitfires
The Sarnia Sting started their flurry of trades on Jan 4th trading with the Windsor Spitfires for overage defenseman Adrian Robertson. In return Sarnia sent 3 picks to the Windsor Spitfires (3rd round '12 SSM, 2nd Round '16, 2nd Round '17).
There are multiple things that I don't like about this deal. The first is that Sarnia essentially traded away an 11 and 12 year old. The bonus to trading picks so far away is it does give the Sting time to recoup them during a rebuild which should happen after next year. The 2nd part I don't like is that the Sting have now sent the Windsor Spitfires 3 2nd Round picks this year for defensemen and it seems like a relatively high price to pay for an over after defenseman. (The other was a 2nd round '14 in the Craig Dunnick deal).
The upside to this trade is that Sarnia acquires a defenseman that should help to create a more solid blue line which post Christmas break was obvious that it needed to be addressed. Robertson is a solid 2 way defenseman that has 9 goals and 24 assists for 33 points is a +8 and has 62 PIM.
To Sarnia: Adrian Robertson
To Windsor: SSM 3rd Round Draft Pick in 2012, SAR 2nd Round Draft Pick 2016, SAR 2nd Round Draft Pick 2017
Sarnia/Kingston Take 1
Sarnia's 2nd trade was one of the worst kept secretes since before Christmas. Sarnia traded underage forward Ryan Kujawinski for 19 year old Ryan Spooner. The only reason it waited so long was Ryan Kujawinski wasn't able to be traded until after Jan 1st and then on top of that was playing at the under 17 tournament in Windsor for Team Ontario and wasn't allowed to be traded until he was returned to the Sting.
It is always hard to part with a 16 year old prospect that hasn't really been given the chance to show what he can do but even harder to trade away a 16 year old 4th overall draft pick. Kujawinski has the potential to be a star in the OHL but hasn't really been given ice time consistently all year to adapt to the league. When he was given ice time he never really flourished but you can't expect every 16 year old to come in and be an immediate impact player as some need a year to develop and get used to junior hockey. Kujawinski also suffered an injury at an unfortunate time when he would have been able to soak up some more ice time with the Sting while the Sting have been covered by the black injury cloud all year so far.
Ryan Spooner brings a player with a pedigree of being a sniper in the OHL. In 27 games so far this season with the not so impressive rebuilding Kingston Frontenacs Spooner has 14 goals and 18 assists for 32 points he is an even player and has only 8 PIM. Spooner suffered from Mononucleosiss but should be ready to go for the Sting this weekend.
Kujawinski did not play last night for the Kingston Frontenacs.
To Sarnia: Ryan Spooner
To Kingston: Ryan Kujawinski
Sarnia/Naigara
It has been rumoured around Sarnia for most of the year this year that Brett Ritchie's days were numbered in Sarnia. Ritchie has been very injury prone. Ritchie has been bitten by the injury bug for most of the year and fans were starting to give Ritchie a hard time saying that he isn't "dedicated" to the team. Ritchie needed a fresh start after a slow start to the year and Niagara was somewhere he could get that but still be on a team that is competitive and making a run. Ritchie should help Niagara go for it or go deep in the playoffs, Sarnia recouped a bunch of picks that they had traded away but expect a couple of those to be involved in other deals.
To Sarnia: Guelph 2nd Round Pick '12, Niagara 2nd Round Pick '13, Niagara 5th Round Pick '13, Peterborough 2nd Round Pick '14
To Niagara: Brett Ritchie
Sarnia/Kingston Take 2
Sarnia acquired overage forward Tyler J Brown from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for Jack Nevins, a 3rd round pick and Taylor Carnevale.
Carnevale's season is essentially over so him being included in the deal is kind of ahead scratcher instead of him being released. Jack Nevins is a huge loss for Sarnia, he came in and took over the tough guy role for Flemington and has done everything the coaching staff has asked. Nevins is a heart on the sleeve type player with good work ethic and Sarnia fans are going to miss him while Kingston fans are going to love him. Nevins had 1 goal and 2 assists in his debut for Kingston last night.
Tyler J Brown has been a point per game player for Kingston so far this year with 19 goals and 19 assists in 37 games for 38 points, he is a -4 with 42 PIM. I haven't seen a lot of TJ Brown since he was traded from Plymouth so I don't really know but a point per game player is only going to help fill the injury void for Sarnia hopefully.
To Sarnia: Tyler Brown
To Kingston: Taylor Carnevale, Jack Nevins, Sarnia's 3rd Round Pick '16
Look for more trades to happen in the next day or so... A big one is in the works but has clearly hit a snag.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Sarnia Sting Mid Season Report Card
We are just past the mid way mark of the Sarnia Sting season. Dave Brody used to do a piece for the Sarnia Observer that involved a mid season Sarnia Sting report card, which has inspired me to put together this blog. Coming up to the trade deadline I am sure that some of these players will not be with the Sting come Jan 10th.
Forwards
#8 Dominic Alberga (B): (5g, 10a, 15pts, -11,30 PIM, 1 SHG) While Alberga may not be the most offensive player on the team and his stats may not wow you (especially his -11), Alberga plays a very prominent and important role for the Sarnia Sting. Alberga has been excellent on the penalty kill this season and has even seen some brief appearances on the 2nd PP line. Alberga is a grinding, hard nosed, pesky forward and has filled an important role for the Sting.
#10 Nail Yakupov (A+): (21g, 32a, 53pts, +21, 24 PIM, 11 PPG) It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone the numbers that Yakupov has put up. Battling through a back injury this season Yakupov is averaging 2.04 its per game this season having only appeared in 26 games so far. Yakupov also leads the team with 11 power play goals and is second on the team in plus/minus. Hopefully the fans in Sarnia are getting out to see this phenom now because much like when Steven Stamkos was around Yakupov will not be back next year.
#12 Charles Sarault (A+): (14G, 46A, 60pts, +5, 16 PIM, 5 PPG, 2 SHG) Charlie Sarault has been easily the best acquisition by Sting general manager Jacques Beaulieu. Sarault has been phenomenal for the Sting leading the team in points, second in the league in points and leading the league in assists. Sarault also has the most SHG on the Sting with 2. I think it is easy to say that Sarault as flourished playing with Yakupov but has been the most pleasant surprise on this Sting team by far. Sarault is averaging 1.58 points per game and his last career high was 38 points last year with the Kingston Frontenacs. If Sarault does not garnish NHL attention I would be very surprised.
#13 Justice Dundas (No Rating): (-8, 45 PIM) Dundas is clearly a work in progress and has spent the year bouncing between the Jr.B team in Sarnia and the Sting. Dundas has been playing a 4th line role with the Sting and while it is hard to rate him he has played a role and hasn't looked really out of place. Dundas has 45 PIM which is good for 3rd on the team behind only Nevins and Hottot. Dundas will be a good depth role player in the OHL next year playing a prominent 3rd/4th line role.
#14 Ried Boucher (B): (21G, 13A, 34 PTS, -20, 6PIM, 9PPG) While Reid Boucher's defensive game clearly needs some work as he is worst on the team at -20 he has showed what a sniper he can be. In his 1st season in the OHL Boucher has 21 goals and is forth on the team in points. Boucher was heavily recruited by JB and was an excellent addition. Boucher however needs to work on his consistency as he has definitely been a hot/cold goal scorer so far this season and needs to work on his defensive game as well.
#15 Davis Brown (No Rating): (-6, 4PIM) Brown much like Dundas hasn't appeared in enough games and has seen a limited role with the Sting this year. Brown a 3rd round pick of the Sting in 2011 has spent most of the year with the Strathroy Rockets has 48 points in 33 games in Junior B and was the Rockets leading goal scorer in early December. Brown has been limited to 4th line minutes and hasn't seen a ton of ice but expect him to be a pick part of the future of the Sting when he can put up those points as a 16 year old in Jr B.
#16 Craig Hottot (A): (13G, 7A, 20PTS, -11, 82PIM, 5PPG, 1SHG) The feisty winger is in his 3rd season with the Sting. The 19 year old is possibly the most complete player that the Sting have on their team. He may not put up huge numbers but the Sting need a player like Hottot on the team to be successful. Unfortunately recently Hottot was injured and he may now be out for the rest of the year, the Sting organization have been very tight lipped about the injury though. In 34 games this year Hottot was only 5 points off his 25 points he put up last year
#17 Ryan Kujawinski (C-): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -7,2 PIM) While Kujawinski has been battling injuries this year and is just coming into this league as a 16 year old rookie that has seen very limited ice time his performance when on the ice has been less then memorable. Kujawinski has shown flashes of why the Sting drafted him but unfortunately has not really been able to break out yet. All that aside it may not matter as Sarnia fans won't be seeing him very often if he is truly included in the deal for Ryan Spooner from the Kingston Frontenacs.
#20 Brett Ritchie (C): (8G, 7A, 15PTS, Even, 30 PIM, 1 PPG) Ritchie started off the season somewhat on a slow disappointing note that got Sting fans on edge about his performance on the ice starting rumours that he did not want to be in Sarnia. Ritchie however has struggled through injuries for the first half of the season and due to that only appeared in 23 games so far. Since returning from injury after the break Ritchie has 2 goals in 3 games and is a -3. I think it is safe to say that if Ritchie can put up a point per game pace the 2nd half of the season he will have had a decent year but right now he is underachieving.
#23 Jack Nevins (C+): (4G, 1A, 5PTS, -6, 60PIM, 1PPG) Nevins came in to Sarnia as a free agent looking for a spot on the Sting. He took Kyle Felmmingtons job as the tough guy and has done a very good job at it. Nevins is 2nd on the Sting in PIM with 60 only behind Craig Hottot with 82. Nevins is going to be a legit heavy weight in the league and has the potential to be a Matt Martin for the Sting, if he doesn't reach that potential the Sting at least have a legit though guy. Nevins would probably have more PIM but has had 2 broken hands in the last couple months.
#27 Taylor Carnevale (C): (7G, 23A, 30PTS, -5, 4PIM, 3PPG) Carnevale has been some what of a disappointment in Sarnia this year but has almost produced at a point per game pace. The problem is Carnevale was brought to Sarnia for goal production as the overeager had 36 goals and 35 assists last year between Barrie and Windsor. At this pace Carnevale likely won't have that production or even close to it. Now it is understanding that Carnevale has a shoulder injury that is going to require off season surgery, his shoulder has been reset a couple of times on the bench. Realistically if an injury is effecting your play that much is it not just in the players best interest to have surgery now? As I finished typing this blog it was announced Taylor Carnevale will be out the remainder of the season due to shoulder injury.
#47 Nathan Mater (D): (1A, -6, 6PIM) Mater has played 19 games with the Sarnia Sting and again due to limited ice time it is hard to judge Nathan Mater. However it is evident that Mater is not ready for the OHL just yet.
#78 Nicholas Latta (D): (3G, 1A, 4PTS, -5, 24PIM) Latta was released by the Sarnia Sting earlier in the off season so they could draft Ludvig Rensfeldt in the import draft. Latta was then let out of his import status as he is a Canadian citizen and resigned with the Sting. Latta hasn't really preformed well this year receiving primarily 4th line duty he also hasn't really been given a chance.
#79 Ludvig Rensfeldt (B-): (10G, 12A, 22PTS, +4, 8PIM, 3PPG) Rensfeldt came to the Sting in the Import Draft last summer has produced but not been a huge part of the Sting offence. Rensfeldt likely getting used to North Americian hockey is currently playing in the WJC and has been fairly impressive for Team Sweden. When Rensfelt returns from the WJC hopefully he will start producing a little bit more putting up just a 0.76 point per game average right now.
#93 Brett Thompson (A): (16G, 16A, 32PTS, -2, 26PIM, 6PPG) Thompson has appeared in 22 games for the Sarnia Sting so far this season after being acquired from the Erie Otters. Thompson was brought to fill the void the Sting would be missing with Alex Galchenyuk Jr out of the line up and he has done just that with a 1.45 points per game average.
#94 Alex Galchenyuk (no rating): The 2012 draft eligible forward has been out all season recovering and nursing a knee injury. Galchenyuk expected back before the end of the season should have enough time to warm up before the playoffs.
Forward Overall Grade: B-
Defence
#4 Craig Dunnick (C+): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -7, 14PIM) Dunnick came to the Sting earlier in the year via the Windsor Spitfires at a rather hefty price in my opinion Dunnick has not lived up to the price that Sarnia but then again I never really expected him to. Dunnick had a solid premier for the Sting and has since died off. Most needed work in his game is consistency from night to night.
#5 Nathan Chiarlitti (A-): (3G, 10A, 13PTS, +5, 38PIM) Chiarlitti has been one of the best defensemen on the Sarnia Sting so far this season. He has filled his leadership role sticking up for time mates and mixing things up when the Sting needed a boost.
#7 Jack Kuzmyk (C): (3A, -6, 18PIM) Kuzmyk hasn't been the Sting's best defensemen but he hasn't been the worst either. Jack is a valuable asset but would be a 6/7 defensemen on probably another team in the OHL. Kuzmyk is a quiet player and goes about his job well as a stay at home type guy.
#9 Mike DiPaolo (Not Rating): DiPaolo has spent most of the season with Sarnia's Jr B team but has appeared in 9 games for the Sting. DiPaolo just isn't ready for the OHL just yet.
#44 Julian Luciani (D-): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -19, 21PIM) The plus/minus rating speaks wonders. Luciani just isn't a stelar blue liner. As a guy who isn't going to put up a whole lot of points he needs to be able to play more of a stay at home role and just isn't a shut down defensemen in my opinion. If the Sting can get a hold of 1/2 blue liners at the deadline luck for Luciani to be one of the guys on the outside looking in.
#52 Alex Basso (A-): (4G, 16A, 20PTS, +3, 20PIM, 2PPG) Basso has been a pleasant surprise on the back end this season. Unfortunately breaking his had has been out for a few weeks but should be returning in the next week. Basso has been a great PP guy and is excellent 4 on 4 as well. Basso is a piece that the Sting cannot afford to lose.
#55 Connor Murphy (no rating): (1A, -6)Spending the first 1/2 of the season on the IR recovering from knee surgery Murphy has been solid so far for the Sting and will be a pick offensive threat in the 2nd half.
#77 Anthony DeAngelo (B): (3G, 6A, 9PTS, -6, 29PIM, 1PPG) DeAngelo is a PP specialist and an offensive threat every time he steps on the ice. DeAngelo is dangerous on the blue line and while he still needs work on his defensive game he is a blue chip prospect for Sarnia for sure.
Overall Defense Grade: C
Goaltending
#1 Brandon Hope (D): (3.76 GAA, 0.880 Sv%, 2-2-0-2 10GP) Hope came into the season hoping to steal the starters role from Brandon Maxwell but hasn't been given much opportunity to do that. Hope only getting 10 games in mid way through the season it is hard to stay in game form. When Hope has been in the net it has been average or below average performance so far this season.
#45 Brandon Maxwell (C+): (3.23 GAA, 0.899 Sv%, 17-12-1-2 32GP) Maxwell preformed very well at the start of the season for about the first 20 game making sure he secured him the starting role. Since about the 20 game mark Maxwell has appeared tired and has preformed rather poorly
Goaltending Overall Grade: C-
Forwards
#8 Dominic Alberga (B): (5g, 10a, 15pts, -11,30 PIM, 1 SHG) While Alberga may not be the most offensive player on the team and his stats may not wow you (especially his -11), Alberga plays a very prominent and important role for the Sarnia Sting. Alberga has been excellent on the penalty kill this season and has even seen some brief appearances on the 2nd PP line. Alberga is a grinding, hard nosed, pesky forward and has filled an important role for the Sting.
#10 Nail Yakupov (A+): (21g, 32a, 53pts, +21, 24 PIM, 11 PPG) It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone the numbers that Yakupov has put up. Battling through a back injury this season Yakupov is averaging 2.04 its per game this season having only appeared in 26 games so far. Yakupov also leads the team with 11 power play goals and is second on the team in plus/minus. Hopefully the fans in Sarnia are getting out to see this phenom now because much like when Steven Stamkos was around Yakupov will not be back next year.
#12 Charles Sarault (A+): (14G, 46A, 60pts, +5, 16 PIM, 5 PPG, 2 SHG) Charlie Sarault has been easily the best acquisition by Sting general manager Jacques Beaulieu. Sarault has been phenomenal for the Sting leading the team in points, second in the league in points and leading the league in assists. Sarault also has the most SHG on the Sting with 2. I think it is easy to say that Sarault as flourished playing with Yakupov but has been the most pleasant surprise on this Sting team by far. Sarault is averaging 1.58 points per game and his last career high was 38 points last year with the Kingston Frontenacs. If Sarault does not garnish NHL attention I would be very surprised.
#13 Justice Dundas (No Rating): (-8, 45 PIM) Dundas is clearly a work in progress and has spent the year bouncing between the Jr.B team in Sarnia and the Sting. Dundas has been playing a 4th line role with the Sting and while it is hard to rate him he has played a role and hasn't looked really out of place. Dundas has 45 PIM which is good for 3rd on the team behind only Nevins and Hottot. Dundas will be a good depth role player in the OHL next year playing a prominent 3rd/4th line role.
#14 Ried Boucher (B): (21G, 13A, 34 PTS, -20, 6PIM, 9PPG) While Reid Boucher's defensive game clearly needs some work as he is worst on the team at -20 he has showed what a sniper he can be. In his 1st season in the OHL Boucher has 21 goals and is forth on the team in points. Boucher was heavily recruited by JB and was an excellent addition. Boucher however needs to work on his consistency as he has definitely been a hot/cold goal scorer so far this season and needs to work on his defensive game as well.
#15 Davis Brown (No Rating): (-6, 4PIM) Brown much like Dundas hasn't appeared in enough games and has seen a limited role with the Sting this year. Brown a 3rd round pick of the Sting in 2011 has spent most of the year with the Strathroy Rockets has 48 points in 33 games in Junior B and was the Rockets leading goal scorer in early December. Brown has been limited to 4th line minutes and hasn't seen a ton of ice but expect him to be a pick part of the future of the Sting when he can put up those points as a 16 year old in Jr B.
#16 Craig Hottot (A): (13G, 7A, 20PTS, -11, 82PIM, 5PPG, 1SHG) The feisty winger is in his 3rd season with the Sting. The 19 year old is possibly the most complete player that the Sting have on their team. He may not put up huge numbers but the Sting need a player like Hottot on the team to be successful. Unfortunately recently Hottot was injured and he may now be out for the rest of the year, the Sting organization have been very tight lipped about the injury though. In 34 games this year Hottot was only 5 points off his 25 points he put up last year
#17 Ryan Kujawinski (C-): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -7,2 PIM) While Kujawinski has been battling injuries this year and is just coming into this league as a 16 year old rookie that has seen very limited ice time his performance when on the ice has been less then memorable. Kujawinski has shown flashes of why the Sting drafted him but unfortunately has not really been able to break out yet. All that aside it may not matter as Sarnia fans won't be seeing him very often if he is truly included in the deal for Ryan Spooner from the Kingston Frontenacs.
#20 Brett Ritchie (C): (8G, 7A, 15PTS, Even, 30 PIM, 1 PPG) Ritchie started off the season somewhat on a slow disappointing note that got Sting fans on edge about his performance on the ice starting rumours that he did not want to be in Sarnia. Ritchie however has struggled through injuries for the first half of the season and due to that only appeared in 23 games so far. Since returning from injury after the break Ritchie has 2 goals in 3 games and is a -3. I think it is safe to say that if Ritchie can put up a point per game pace the 2nd half of the season he will have had a decent year but right now he is underachieving.
#23 Jack Nevins (C+): (4G, 1A, 5PTS, -6, 60PIM, 1PPG) Nevins came in to Sarnia as a free agent looking for a spot on the Sting. He took Kyle Felmmingtons job as the tough guy and has done a very good job at it. Nevins is 2nd on the Sting in PIM with 60 only behind Craig Hottot with 82. Nevins is going to be a legit heavy weight in the league and has the potential to be a Matt Martin for the Sting, if he doesn't reach that potential the Sting at least have a legit though guy. Nevins would probably have more PIM but has had 2 broken hands in the last couple months.
#27 Taylor Carnevale (C): (7G, 23A, 30PTS, -5, 4PIM, 3PPG) Carnevale has been some what of a disappointment in Sarnia this year but has almost produced at a point per game pace. The problem is Carnevale was brought to Sarnia for goal production as the overeager had 36 goals and 35 assists last year between Barrie and Windsor. At this pace Carnevale likely won't have that production or even close to it. Now it is understanding that Carnevale has a shoulder injury that is going to require off season surgery, his shoulder has been reset a couple of times on the bench. Realistically if an injury is effecting your play that much is it not just in the players best interest to have surgery now? As I finished typing this blog it was announced Taylor Carnevale will be out the remainder of the season due to shoulder injury.
#47 Nathan Mater (D): (1A, -6, 6PIM) Mater has played 19 games with the Sarnia Sting and again due to limited ice time it is hard to judge Nathan Mater. However it is evident that Mater is not ready for the OHL just yet.
#78 Nicholas Latta (D): (3G, 1A, 4PTS, -5, 24PIM) Latta was released by the Sarnia Sting earlier in the off season so they could draft Ludvig Rensfeldt in the import draft. Latta was then let out of his import status as he is a Canadian citizen and resigned with the Sting. Latta hasn't really preformed well this year receiving primarily 4th line duty he also hasn't really been given a chance.
#79 Ludvig Rensfeldt (B-): (10G, 12A, 22PTS, +4, 8PIM, 3PPG) Rensfeldt came to the Sting in the Import Draft last summer has produced but not been a huge part of the Sting offence. Rensfeldt likely getting used to North Americian hockey is currently playing in the WJC and has been fairly impressive for Team Sweden. When Rensfelt returns from the WJC hopefully he will start producing a little bit more putting up just a 0.76 point per game average right now.
#93 Brett Thompson (A): (16G, 16A, 32PTS, -2, 26PIM, 6PPG) Thompson has appeared in 22 games for the Sarnia Sting so far this season after being acquired from the Erie Otters. Thompson was brought to fill the void the Sting would be missing with Alex Galchenyuk Jr out of the line up and he has done just that with a 1.45 points per game average.
#94 Alex Galchenyuk (no rating): The 2012 draft eligible forward has been out all season recovering and nursing a knee injury. Galchenyuk expected back before the end of the season should have enough time to warm up before the playoffs.
Forward Overall Grade: B-
Defence
#4 Craig Dunnick (C+): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -7, 14PIM) Dunnick came to the Sting earlier in the year via the Windsor Spitfires at a rather hefty price in my opinion Dunnick has not lived up to the price that Sarnia but then again I never really expected him to. Dunnick had a solid premier for the Sting and has since died off. Most needed work in his game is consistency from night to night.
#5 Nathan Chiarlitti (A-): (3G, 10A, 13PTS, +5, 38PIM) Chiarlitti has been one of the best defensemen on the Sarnia Sting so far this season. He has filled his leadership role sticking up for time mates and mixing things up when the Sting needed a boost.
#7 Jack Kuzmyk (C): (3A, -6, 18PIM) Kuzmyk hasn't been the Sting's best defensemen but he hasn't been the worst either. Jack is a valuable asset but would be a 6/7 defensemen on probably another team in the OHL. Kuzmyk is a quiet player and goes about his job well as a stay at home type guy.
#9 Mike DiPaolo (Not Rating): DiPaolo has spent most of the season with Sarnia's Jr B team but has appeared in 9 games for the Sting. DiPaolo just isn't ready for the OHL just yet.
#44 Julian Luciani (D-): (1G, 5A, 6PTS, -19, 21PIM) The plus/minus rating speaks wonders. Luciani just isn't a stelar blue liner. As a guy who isn't going to put up a whole lot of points he needs to be able to play more of a stay at home role and just isn't a shut down defensemen in my opinion. If the Sting can get a hold of 1/2 blue liners at the deadline luck for Luciani to be one of the guys on the outside looking in.
#52 Alex Basso (A-): (4G, 16A, 20PTS, +3, 20PIM, 2PPG) Basso has been a pleasant surprise on the back end this season. Unfortunately breaking his had has been out for a few weeks but should be returning in the next week. Basso has been a great PP guy and is excellent 4 on 4 as well. Basso is a piece that the Sting cannot afford to lose.
#55 Connor Murphy (no rating): (1A, -6)Spending the first 1/2 of the season on the IR recovering from knee surgery Murphy has been solid so far for the Sting and will be a pick offensive threat in the 2nd half.
#77 Anthony DeAngelo (B): (3G, 6A, 9PTS, -6, 29PIM, 1PPG) DeAngelo is a PP specialist and an offensive threat every time he steps on the ice. DeAngelo is dangerous on the blue line and while he still needs work on his defensive game he is a blue chip prospect for Sarnia for sure.
Overall Defense Grade: C
Goaltending
#1 Brandon Hope (D): (3.76 GAA, 0.880 Sv%, 2-2-0-2 10GP) Hope came into the season hoping to steal the starters role from Brandon Maxwell but hasn't been given much opportunity to do that. Hope only getting 10 games in mid way through the season it is hard to stay in game form. When Hope has been in the net it has been average or below average performance so far this season.
#45 Brandon Maxwell (C+): (3.23 GAA, 0.899 Sv%, 17-12-1-2 32GP) Maxwell preformed very well at the start of the season for about the first 20 game making sure he secured him the starting role. Since about the 20 game mark Maxwell has appeared tired and has preformed rather poorly
Goaltending Overall Grade: C-
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