J.R.
9-24-05, 2:12 PM
Last night in Kitchener, the Rangers began their drive to their third Memorial Cup championship with a 9-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. I went to the game and was very disappointed with the number of penalties that were called for very minor things. At two points in the games, the Rangers had four consecutive penalties called against them. I'd say the majority of those wouldn't have been called without the new rules system. I expect the NHL to be the same way. Anyways, elsewhere in the OHL on Friday night, the defending champion London Knights lost 7-10 to the Saginaw Spirit, likely in front of about a dozen people at the JLC. :laughing:
Here's Sportsnet.ca (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050921_102149_4428)'s look at the 2005-2006 OHL season.
The best, brightest and worst in this year's CHL
By Patrick King, Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet.ca -- Will the London Knights still be a powerhouse after losing their top scorer Corey Perry and team captain Danny Syvret? How will the loss of Sidney Crosby affect the Rimouski Oceanic? Are the Kelowna Rockets still the team to beat from the WHL? Sportsnet.ca takes a look at who could be the top team from each league, the darkhorses and who will be out by Christmas.
Ontario Hockey League
Team to watch: Kitchener Rangers
Last season: Lost in Western Conference Finals to OHL and Memorial Cup champion London.
The Kitchener Rangers are arguably the best managed team in the CHL. They're only two seasons removed from their Memorial Cup triumph in Quebec City, and have yet to start the almost inevitable rebuilding phase. Instead of rebuilding, this team's geared for another shot at the OHL title. Despite losing team captain Mike Richards and overage player of the year Andre Benoit, the Rangers still have a strong core including Evan McGrath, Justin Azevedo, Mark Fraser, Jakub Kindl, Matt Lashoff, Boris Valabik, Matt Pepe and Dan Turple. If the Rangers can add another scorer to their lineup to complement McGrath, this team has a legitimate shot at winning the OHL and heading back to another Memorial Cup tournament.
The darkhorse: Oshawa Generals
Last season: Finished last in the OHL
The Oshawa Generals will improve by leaps and bounds this season. After last season, they can't get any lower. But truth be told, last season's record is not a fair representation of this team's ability. This young team is ready to make amends for a disastrous season and leading the way could be their coveted first overall pick John Tavares. Tavares recently turned 15-years-old and is seen as the next big star to bring attention back to the league after Sidney Crosby turned pro. Adam Berti, Cal Clutterbuck and Peter Tsimikalis could each have strong seasons offensively and defenceman James DeLory could be a candidate for defenceman of the year. If this team can play to their potential, they shouldn't have any problems heading back into the post-season.
Team to tank: Saginaw Spirit
Last season: Missed the playoffs
As bad as last season went for the Saginaw Spirit, this season could be worse. The Spirit added Ryan McDonough from Sudbury and used the third overall pick to draft Zack Torquato during the offseason. However, the problems in Saginaw go farther than McDonough and Torquato can compensate for. This team is a few good players away from having a decent core, but it will be a frustrating and uneventful season for them nevertheless.
Here's Sportsnet.ca (http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20050921_102149_4428)'s look at the 2005-2006 OHL season.
The best, brightest and worst in this year's CHL
By Patrick King, Sportsnet.ca
Sportsnet.ca -- Will the London Knights still be a powerhouse after losing their top scorer Corey Perry and team captain Danny Syvret? How will the loss of Sidney Crosby affect the Rimouski Oceanic? Are the Kelowna Rockets still the team to beat from the WHL? Sportsnet.ca takes a look at who could be the top team from each league, the darkhorses and who will be out by Christmas.
Ontario Hockey League
Team to watch: Kitchener Rangers
Last season: Lost in Western Conference Finals to OHL and Memorial Cup champion London.
The Kitchener Rangers are arguably the best managed team in the CHL. They're only two seasons removed from their Memorial Cup triumph in Quebec City, and have yet to start the almost inevitable rebuilding phase. Instead of rebuilding, this team's geared for another shot at the OHL title. Despite losing team captain Mike Richards and overage player of the year Andre Benoit, the Rangers still have a strong core including Evan McGrath, Justin Azevedo, Mark Fraser, Jakub Kindl, Matt Lashoff, Boris Valabik, Matt Pepe and Dan Turple. If the Rangers can add another scorer to their lineup to complement McGrath, this team has a legitimate shot at winning the OHL and heading back to another Memorial Cup tournament.
The darkhorse: Oshawa Generals
Last season: Finished last in the OHL
The Oshawa Generals will improve by leaps and bounds this season. After last season, they can't get any lower. But truth be told, last season's record is not a fair representation of this team's ability. This young team is ready to make amends for a disastrous season and leading the way could be their coveted first overall pick John Tavares. Tavares recently turned 15-years-old and is seen as the next big star to bring attention back to the league after Sidney Crosby turned pro. Adam Berti, Cal Clutterbuck and Peter Tsimikalis could each have strong seasons offensively and defenceman James DeLory could be a candidate for defenceman of the year. If this team can play to their potential, they shouldn't have any problems heading back into the post-season.
Team to tank: Saginaw Spirit
Last season: Missed the playoffs
As bad as last season went for the Saginaw Spirit, this season could be worse. The Spirit added Ryan McDonough from Sudbury and used the third overall pick to draft Zack Torquato during the offseason. However, the problems in Saginaw go farther than McDonough and Torquato can compensate for. This team is a few good players away from having a decent core, but it will be a frustrating and uneventful season for them nevertheless.