WHL & More Statistics
I was pleasantly surprised that the whl is now publicly keeping track of more statistics. Shots on goal are now tracked. Also faceoff wins/losses are now tracked on the game box-scores.
Through the first 2 games the Tigers dominated the faceoff circle. Canes Giorgio Estephan took almost half of the Lethbridge faceoffs, but the Canes other centremen Jadon Joseph and Dylan Cozens were a combined 6/29 Saturday night.
Scratches
Tigers were without Jordan Hollett, Zach Fischer, Mason Shaw, Kristians Rubins. David Quenneville returned in time for the 2nd game in Medicine Hat. The Tigers only dressed 2 OA's for the opening games due to their injury situation.
Thoughts
I felt like the Tigers were pretty rusty in their first game in Lethbridge. They played ok, but ran into some penalty troubles which really hurt them. They looked a bit uncoordinated at times, but that is to be expected with so many new faces in the lineup.
New Faces Playing Their First WHL Games
Linus Nassen, Daniel Baker,Trevor Longo, Mick Kohler, Henry Rybinksi all played their first WHL Games.
Newcomers Cole Clayton, Baxter Anderson, Dawson Heathcote, Josh Williams all saw some action last season filling in for injuries.
Roster Players Who didn't Dress
Joel Craven(17), Nick McCary(16), Jaxon Steele(17)
The Tigers dressed 7 Defenceman for the 2nd game.
Linus Nassen
What a boost getting him into the lineup. He logged a ton of ice-time through both games. The scouting report says he needs to improve his defensive game but he looks to have a pretty active stick and skates pretty well. Reminds me of former Tiger Import Tomas Kundratek. He was used as their #1 Dman through the first couple games
Josh Williams
We are going to love this guy. He looks like an 18 year vet ready for a breakout season. Extremely quick for a 16 yr old. 16 yr olds don't usually contribute a whole lot in their first season, but Williams took a place on the top line for both weekend games and did not look out of place scoring his first WHL regular season goal
Cameron MacPhee
He was very physical throughout the opening games. He will probably become a fan favorite.
James Hamblin
Continued his strong play from last season. He only had 1 assist, but looked dangerous and was a catalyst for a lot of chances.
Dalton Gally
I think he knows coming into the season with a lot of new faces that he has to push his game to another level. Their is a lot of good young talent on the back-end that want his ice-time and Gally played well and needs to keep pushing his game.
Import Debate
I really liked what I saw from both Imports. Kohler is a big body that protects the puck. Nassen was the #1 dman on the ice.
The Tigers have 2 different options here:
1) Release Rubins and either keep Bullion or get another overage player.
2) Release or trade Kohler and keep Rubins & Nassen.
Kohler is the type of forward the Tigers need as a bigger body on the ice, but the Tigers won't be able to replace the minutes that Rubins and Nassen will eat on the back-end.
I think in this case it makes more sense to keep both Rubins & Nassen because of the reason above as well as they give up assets to gain an overage, and they will gain assets to trade Kohler.
Tricky Situation
That leads to a tricky temporary situation when Rubins&Fischer return, and Hollett isn't quite ready to go. It means either McGovern may be relied on for a weekend or two, or they will want Rubins+Fischer to take their time recovering until Hollett is ready to go.
Players in Danger
Tyler Prezusio - I feel like he is in danger of falling behind the new talent on the roster. I didn't really like his opening games. If his production dips between now and November his ice-time may fall. He will have to take his game to another level to ensure the rookies don't take his ice-time away.
Michael Bullion - It's because of his OA status. Unless something unexpected happens his stay may only be for a few more weeks.
Baker(16), Longo(17), Craven(17) - these 3 are fighting for the 8th defensive spot. I could easily see the Tigers keeping 8dmen this year due to the talent in the lineup. Also Nassen might play for Sweden at the world juniors.
Overage Deadline
I'm not sure when this is, but it is usually the 2nd week in October, which means it is a couple weeks away.
By this deadline the Tigers need to decide on their Overagers, Imports and be under the 25 player limit. IF a player is injured past this date the Tigers then have just over a week to release a player.
Once the Injured players returns the dominoes should fall as expected, unless of course something unexpected happens like a blockbuster trade or injury.
46 comments:
Saw the game in Lethbridge. Very close, but the disallowed goal with no penalty on pushing the net off and the 3 in a row powerplays that the Canes got seemed to take the wind out of the sails. The most noticeable thing for me was the thundering checks by MacPhee! Even the Lethbridge fans ooohed and aaahed when he pasted someone to the boards. He will be fun to watch!
Realistically I don't think the Tigers will be in the conversation for a conference or league title so for that reason I would move Rubins and make room for a younger body. There is a glut of overage players this year so adding another to the forward group shouldn't be a problem.
Haha. MacPhee looks a lot taller than 6 feet. The broadcasters are picking Lethbridge to win the central.
Both teams were missing players
The canes were missing 2 OA defenceman in Riddle, and Menell, their captain Vandervlis who was injured in game 1, and Ryan Bowen.
While decisions haven't been made yet, I really like the defensive potential of this group.
Rubins Nassen
Quenneville MacPherson
MacPhee Gally
Clayton
extra
It is a bit too early too judge Nassen. I'm a believer that your defenceman need to be the smartest players IQ wise to combat the skill and speed of opposing forwards. Both Nassen & Rubins have active sticks that make life tough for forwards.
Quenneville+MacPherson should be playing 2nd line minutes for line matching purposes against the opposition. I feel they will be much more effective on a 2nd line role. MacPherson needs more experience, and putting Quenneville on the 2nd line will help him keep confidence with his defensive game and allow him to make use of his shot.
Gally +Macphee are a very tough combo to play against. Their size and toughness will matchup well against opposing teams 2nd and 3rd lines.
I really like the Tigers defense this season. Once everything settles down, It will be the most underrated defensive groups in the league. They have size, they have mobility, they have toughness, they have a deadly powerplay quarterback. They have a lot more defensive smarts than they have ever had. I feel like their chemistry sets up really well.
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Nice defensive group except for the fact Rubins most likely won't be here. Possible trading partner Prince Albert, only one import and not a strong overage group.
PA has 2 solid OA in Miske, Stallard and traded for Skoleski in the off-season. It doesn't make sense for them to change things and acquire Rubins when this year will be a developing year for them.
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I still think they are hopefull to have Hollett as the starter. It doesn't make sense to keep an NHL drafted goaltender as the backup.
Menell now has signed an ELC, thats a huge loss IMO if he doesn't return.
It could be a big blow. He was expected to be their #1 pairing guy.
The Wild are pretty stacked with defence. They have 7 guys in the NHL, 7 in the AHL, as well as 2 20's(including Mennell) that could play AHl or Junior. Having said that they have a bunch on 1 year remaining contracts and some won't be re-signed.
The only reason the wild sent him to the AHL instead of junoirs, is because they will give him a shot to make their AHL team, however he does have an uphill battle to climb with their depth.
Whatever happens it sounds like the Hurricanes will be in Limbo, and this is bad timing as the cames just recently got rid of Alec Baer.
Lethbridge just made a trade with Prince George for an overage dman, 20 year old that will solve the issue of losing Menell.
I was looking at the some of the stats, + / - in particular. Now that Kirichenko and Henderson are gone Rubins by far has the best + / - of the D core. I got to be honest I'm not a big fan of Quenneville's predictable one timer on the power play or his horrible defensive play in his own end. Last year David was only a +5 with all that offense while Rubins was +29. I think all Tiger fans can agree that Nassen's play in his own end is lacking defensively speaking. It will be a huge mistake having Nassen playing with Quenneville when Rubins is back. It makes way more sense having a guy like Rubins playing with a guy that struggles more on his defensive game which brings us to Clouston...he better not screw up on potentially releasing Rubins come Thanksgiving, HE MUST BE KEPT! It will be the difference from going far in the playoffs or an early exit.
Hed sidelined until the beginning of November after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery. Questionable move IMO.
Interesting that lethbridge made that move so early. But with the division up for grabs this really helps them solidify their defence for a relatively cheap cost.
If Mennell comes back they look to have a pretty impressive defence once their injured guys all return(they would drop Riddle). If Mennell doesn't come back, they don't have to do anything and they still have a good back-end.
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Bleed Orange - I like your line of thinking, I like that combo better. I would be very curious on the Quenneville, Nassen || Rubins,Macpherson setup. It could work when a goal is really needed like early game/late game/powerplay. The Tigers usually match their lineup on mobility though so I would expect them to go with the later matchup, rather than the ones you and I like....if they keep rubins.
Former Tiger Matt Bradley currently has 6 points in 3 games with the Regina Pats, in my opinion this will be Matt's best season in his WHL career. He has battled numerous nagging injuries throughout his career and is finally 100% healthy. He will be a huge piece of the puzzle for the Pats going forward with the memorial cup.
I watched him last night. He looked like a man among boys and was Regina's only real source of dangerous offence.
The Tigers used him as a winger, but Regina has slotted him into the centre role, which could be temporary until Leschyshyn, and possibly sam steel return.
With the Tigers Bradley was a "streaky" player. Where he went through "up" spurts of high activity as well as lazy periods of normal activity.
He doesn't have an NHL contract, and being an Overage on Regina who are primed to go on to the Memorial Cup with a lot of scouting exposure, he will be looked at a lot, and that should be motivation enough to have more "up" games.
I expect him to be plenty motivated when the Tigers and Pats play next week.
Bradley is a centre man and was brought in as that to begin with. He has always had soft hands, but with the style of play that Clouston expected him to play he could never show it. Paddock knows players well enough to know that he's a power forward with a touch and he will use him in the right situations with more of an emphasis on his scoring rather than his unit of 5 that's always played in Med Hat.
Sometimes you're better off to let guys excel in what has made them the player they are rather than the player YOU want them to be.
Anon 11:00 am you seem a little bitter about Matt being traded. Fact is it was a good trade for both teams, Tigers had a dirth of overage bodies and needed a starting goaltender. Bradley was probably the most appealing guy to bring back what the Tigers needed. And as far as the way he was handled here not sure there's any room to complain. He played 5on 5, pp and Pk and played in the top 6 forwards.
Anon 6:04, I'm not bitter at all, I'm extremely happy for Matt and I know what he's capable of accomplishing if he's allowed to be a creative goal scoring forward. I agree with you 100% on his ice time, I just don't agree with some systems they play that do not allow guys to bring a creative side of their games in play. I would like to see some creativity come back in the game instead of players being like robots. In regards to them needing a starting goaltending, don't you find it odd that the past so many seasons they've always been looking for a starting goaltender? Instead of developing guys in the system or giving up on them so early, it just seems easy to bring 20 year olds in every year and band aid the position. Hopefully Hollett will be that guy they can rely on for a at least a couple years now.
New addition to the Tigers roster. Familiar name too! #36
I see Jaegar White is now listed on the Tigers roster.
I don't see NICK MCCARRY's name on the roster anymore.
Hope Jaeger does well. Looking for a chance to prove himself. Hopefully he can stick with the Tigers or at least get some exposure and land a full-time spot in the league.
Anon 8:39 still don't agree with you on the Bradley issue but let's just say in certain systems some players will flourish and others won't. I will agree with you on the goaltending though. Far to many trades trying to find a starting tender. Since Marek Langhammer left its been a carousel of bodies in and out. Hopefully adding Hollett and last years drafting a young netminder that will change.
Re: Jaeger White, would rather have Nick McCarry. White has had his time and he blew it.
So tired of Clouston!
Jaeger White? Seriously?? Did Clouston add his step kid to the roster because no other team wanted him? There should be a nepotism rule. He would be at strike 2!
There is a reason he hasn't "landed" a full time spot on any team. He isn't up to the calibre of other players.
Thats not a shocker IMO White ended up with the Tigers. Clouston is his stepfather.
Good to see Fischer back in ths lineup tonight.
I've heard White walked away from hockey last fall because his head wasn't in it. Sorry but what a stupid move as someeone like McCarry would be better suited to be around to develop.
Sick and tired of Clouston adding his kids for s*its and giggles.
I don't get it, four games in and Duncan McGovern hasn't seen the ice yet. They're either showcasing Bullion or he's going to be the third overage which would be a big mistake in my opinion.
Why is Fischer not playing tonight?
From what I heard Fischer is just day to day. I heard that he had a neck strain and got pushed into the net last night, so perhaps it is pretty sore and they kept him out.
No medical expert but is the neck strain related to the apparent concussion he suffered while in Calgary? Kid is one tough SOB thats for sure.
Really we shouldn't be surprised with White getting a Tiger jersey, there's nowhere else for him to play anymore, so let's take a spot away from a 16 year old (McCarry) that he (Clouston) raved was going to be such a good player for the team when he signed him after training camp was done.
White has had 3 chances in the league already and was unable to crack a team long term, so if the Tigers are so deep in talent, this just doesn't make sense at all.
anon 11:14, I was just guessing it was related, but he is a tough kid.
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Lets see what white can do first I guess. They put him on the first PP unit in PA
I think kohler got released. He is no longer on the roster. Good decision in my opinion.
Good catch. I can't find any news articles, but he isn't listed anymore. Maybe they couldn't find a suitor for him.
I found this on the WHL site.
confirming the release of Kohler
Interesting this notes Hollet and Rubins are returning from injury.
Could see the new Tendy in action soon!
http://chl-wordpress-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/whl/app/uploads/2013/10/08003200/WeeklyReport_October032017.pdf
Under Hockey Ops, and then WHL Weekly Reports.
T,
Great To Hear! I want to see what the Tigers defence can do fully healthy.
Can't believe the owners let Clouston bring on his step son. Think they would consider how the fans and other players feel about it.
Clouston is terrible when it comes to developing younger players. Rather than giving them the experience he brings on White. Think about how much Hayden sat out last year. Need to be able to run 4 lines if you want to make it to the Memorial cup. The Tigers won't make it there as long as Clouston is on the bench.
I wonder what other players think of White (Cloustons step son) showing up and making starting roster, and on PP. Coach has to be careful not to lose team so early in season.
Carter Sears has been hired as the mew Director Of Player Personnel.
WHL release today
2018-2019 regular season will be reduced to 68 games, to match the Q and O as they currently also play 68 games.
This is okay with me, This might help remove a couple of the games on a long road trip, these will generally be a 4 games in 5 nights type of thing. The Tigers have this 4 times this season (Nov21-25, Dec5-9, Jan 10-14, Jan 30-Feb 3). I know a road trip in hockey is just another part of the game, but this might help guys from burning out and help prevent injuries.
http://whl.ca/article/whl-board-of-governors-adopts-68-game-schedule-for-2018-19-regular-season
In the end I think its a good move.. The other greedy side of me dislikes this as it is 2 less home games per year.
T,
Good to see Carter Sears has a lot of experience scouting in the league.
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I'm a fan of the reduced schedule. The whl will now match what the OHL and QMJH play.
The stretch run in January/February/march can be quite brutal.
I'm curious if season ticket prices will decrease because of this, of if they will keep them the same.
Goodbye Bullion. Sounds like Hollett is ready to go and will be starting tommorow
So a 68-game schedule will mean fewer situations in which teams have to play four games in five nights or three in fewer than 48 hours on weekend? Less weekday games as well? I think that's very important if its true as it helps kids still in high school.
For those complaining about the addition of White and the deletion of McCarry, the latter wasn't staying regardless of the White add because he's not near ready to play in this league anyway. Roster still sits at 28 with 10 defenceman among that number. With Quennville, Nassen, Rubins and Macpherson as the top 4 that leaves 6 guys fighting for probably 3 spots. Would appear that McPhee, galley and Clayton have the inside track but personally I wouldn't mind them moving Galley and keeping one of the younger guys around. Going to be some tough decisions in the next week or so.
How bout that Zach Fischer!! Man does he bring a lot to this team! Hopefully Clouston will surround him with more skilled players (Chyzowski and Williams)!! Hollett looked great. Poised, made saves and controlled his rebounds. Rubins was great as well. Showed some dangles!!! Great game to be at. GO Tigers GO
Anyone recall seeing prezuiso out in the 3rd period?
S
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