|
Post by mlh01 on May 1, 2014 18:01:14 GMT -5
Was talking to a former hockey scout. He said he has been to the last 10-11 Allan Cups.
He mentioned that it's his belief that the 2014 Dundas team is the strongest he had seen at this level.
All 20 players on the ice are former pros. 15-16 have played NHL and AHL (not semi pro) while the remaining have ECHL experience. Every player a former pro!
The only team that he said came close was St Georges in the early 2000's (who essentially were semi pro) but said even they didn't have the McCoys firepower.
Was great hearing that. They sure we're a talented team! And built to play hard in that arena....just ask the poor Bentley player that the monster 6'6" Matthew Smith rocked...will never forget that hit. He also commented on that and said he thought it turned the tournament around (as much as one hit can).
He said that Bentley usually plays that style. They hit hard, aren't usually the most talented, but take it to the other team. Dundas played their game and were just a better team.
Lastly, he mentioned that the last time the field was this strong was in 2008. Ontario teams play on an even playing field when at home because generally their ex pros don't travel well - ie the McCoys were short benched for at least a few games that I can remember.
Anyway, I've watched the last 6-7 Cups online and tend to agree. I haven't seen as strong a team as them.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 24, 2014 19:47:50 GMT -5
Here's what I know from various sources and from what I've read online -
Ontario:
Dundas Real McCoys - Allan Cup Champs!!! - will be back in 2014-15 for sure
Stoney Creek Generals - great first season. Read they are already gearing up for next season.
Norwood Vipers - read that they are seeking new executive members and are looking to increase interest to help with attendance. Back for 2014-15
Whitby Dunlops - read that they are disappointed with lack of attendance and will have meetings in July with executive. Similar to Norwood...looking for new executive members to help with operations. Not confirmed but the feeling is they should be back.
Brantford Blast - have heard from various sources, and have read, that the lease is up at the Civic Centre. Rumours of a Major Jr team for Hamilton that could call Brantford or Chatham (yes Chatham) home for the first two years before moving into Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Hopefully, if true, does not affect the Blast.
Welland Whalers - have heard from fans in Welland that there is talk of no team in 2014-15. And, have also heard that they are looking at submitting a bid to host the Allan Cup in future years...very drastic and opposite rumours.
New Teams for Ontario - Cambridge always comes up in rumours. But icetime is always the issue. Galt Arena is booked on weekends. By the way - for Senior fans across the country, the Cambridge Arena, which as mentioned is in Galt, ON is absolutely the coolest place to watch a hockey game...anywhere! 2000 old style seats, in a bowl configuration. Old wooden beams. And, it is the oldest operating hockey arena in North America....would love to have someone come on here and say the Cambridge Hornets are coming back!!!!
Hope someone has some insight (or inside info) on any of the above teams.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 24, 2014 19:31:26 GMT -5
Thought I'd start a new thread. I've been impressed with the long thread about the Newfoundland league. As Doug said, it brings back memories of the good old days that had so many posters talking Senior hockey.
Many of the threads over the last year dealt with the status of many teams across the country - ie would Orillia be back in the Ontario league in 2013? Would Powell River, in B.C. declare their club to be AAA or AA in 2013.
So let's use this thread, to keep it clean and to help keep the country informed with regards to Senior hockey. Hopefully each province will have more teams declare Senior AAA....and just as important new teams/leagues are added to any level.
Hopeful this turns into a very long thread that is updated from now until next season....
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 23, 2014 9:57:42 GMT -5
7 fore sure: Nick Smith (Florida) Ryan Christie (Dallas, Calgary) Jason Ward (Mtl, NYR) Jay McKee (Buffalo, Pitt) Jeff MacMillan (Dallas) Greg Stewart (Montreal) Matthew Barnaby (Buf, Pit, etc)
The rest pretty much all AHL with a few Europe
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 23, 2014 7:12:37 GMT -5
Dexter - no the McCoys were not only picked for the Allan Cup. Go onto the Allan Cup site and click "Archives". Dundas has been to the Allan Cup (winning Ontario) many times over the past decade. In fact, Dundas represented Ontario 4 years in a row from 2008 to 2011. As far back as the 2008 team, you will see our two best players, in my opinion, Nick Smith and Ryan Christie. They have been McCoys for 6-7 years each.
You will also find out, when looking at those teams, that our GM, Don Robertson, does a terrific job of filling out the roster with ex-NHLers. For example, the 2008-2011 teams had the aforementioned Christie (Dallas) and Smith (Florida) as well as Todd Harvey (Edmonton), Todd Hlushko (Calgary), Mike Kennedy (Toronto, Dallas), etc, etc.
My point is there are always ex-pros in Senior hockey, in particular Dundas....thus, they did not just "show up" this season.
On the other hand, yes of course, being in Southern Ontario, it was easier to build and add players for this season. Jason Ward and Greg Stewart were added mid-year to help with the Cup run.
Will some of these players retire...yes. But, as mentioned, the heart of this team (Smith and Christie) are long time McCoys...we will miss them if the rumours are true and they're hanging them up....
But, would not surprise me to pick up the "Dundas Star" next October to read that Donnie has signed a few more ex-pros to help win another ONT championship in 2015!
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 19:20:38 GMT -5
Am I missing something? The Allan Cup site and the McCoys site both say "McCoys win in double overtime". The TSN site also says this.
The boxscore is incorrect as well...again, unless I'm missing something....
Dundas won in the first overtime, did they not??
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 15:30:47 GMT -5
Heard there is interest from about 6 centres...a few in the Niagara region. Haven't heard anything official from any contacts in the OHA if any have filed applications.
Again would be great for Senior hockey, especially the age limit. Allows for 20-25 year olds to continue after junior. And is also great for the small centres.
Currently, we have an "outlaw" league in Southwestern Ontario - 16 teams I think. Many former AAA centres play in this loop - Petrolia, Aylmer to name a few who have been to the Allan Cup in the past. It is classified as AA but not recognized or governed by the OHA.
The hope is some of those teams may join the new "recognized" league. Would love to see the old Petrolia Squires back. Maybe they'd declare AAA again some day.
Is there anything like this in Alberta Wade? Intermediate?
I've been on your Senior AA website and as you mentioned it is open to all ages above Junior.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 13:55:29 GMT -5
SR AA doesn't have an age limit. Yes, sorry should have clarified. In Ontario, it will be classified as "Intermediate". Will be equivalent to Senior AA. These teams will affiliate with AAA teams, thus allowing more players to play Senior hockey. Ultimately will be awesome for teams in this area. We have 8 Major Jr A teams within a one hour driving distance of Dundas/Brantford/Stoney Creek. And about 30+ Tier 2 Jr A and Jr B teams. Will help with the Senior teams depth an development. Here is the link to the OHA page: www.oha.pointstreaksites.com/view/oha/members-only/intermediate-hockey
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 13:48:07 GMT -5
Actually not completely true. The cost of hosting an Allan Cup is approx $300k. The host team must provide this guarantee. Teams such as Nfld and Bentley were forwarded $35k each to help with travel expenses.
This is beyond many centres'/provinces ability. Ontario has hosted in 2001, 2003, 2008 and 2014. 4 times in 13 tournies + Kenora a few years back.
Hearing a few provinces may take a pass.
Hopefully someone from Hockey Canada can provide some insight. Heard Manitoba "may" host 2016. Any word after that?
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 13:02:11 GMT -5
Intermediate and Senior AA are the same thing. Senior AA has an age limit (you must be 20-25 with an allowance to play til 30...not sure who qualifies for this exemption).
In Ontario especially, with all the ex-pros who play Senior AAA, it is very hard for players to make the jump from Jr B or Tier 2 Jr A. Even can be intimidating for players who are only 19 coming from Major Jr.
The Senior AA loop will give these players a chance to continue playing at a high level. Many now quit playing altogether or join men's leagues.
Again, with this new loop, and added interest, hopefully Hockey Canada will see this and S. Ontario (ie Welland) can stage an Allan Cup sooner than 5 years from now.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 20, 2014 10:28:40 GMT -5
Posted in another thread but thought it best to start a new thread.
I read in a Niagara newspaper last summer that the Welland Whalers had applied to host a future Allan Cup - in 2016 or 2017.
Had a great time at this Cup. Senior hockey is growing in Ontaio (finally). With the hopeful addition of an Intermediate league, an Allan Cup, in the near future, in Southern Ontario would be great.
Hopeful someone from Welland or the OHA can comment.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 18, 2014 21:23:01 GMT -5
No its because of the setup of the Dundas arena. Teams are given permanent dressing rooms. Two are accessible off the ice at the centre line. Dundas and Clarenville had these rooms. And the other 4 rooms are at the West end.
The warmups are 17 minutes long. Usually a player can leave "early"...but with the permanent rooms, you cannot leave early as you would skate through the other teams warmup..its not if your foot crosses the red line....it has to be more blatant than that.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 18, 2014 16:16:05 GMT -5
I see clarenville is up 4 to 1. Is the game better then the scores shows Good game. But Clarenville is definitely the higher skilled team. Big D and fast forwards. South East would have given the Nfld team a much better game. They matched up better with quicker forwards.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 18, 2014 14:06:29 GMT -5
Wade. No need to be so rude because someone differs from your opinion.
|
|
|
Post by mlh01 on Apr 17, 2014 22:45:20 GMT -5
Wade - yes the fresh legs Kenora had definitely played a factor.
The jump that SEPT had last night against the Bentleys did not seem to be evident this evening.
As throughout the week, the SEPT tending was solid.
They controlled much of the play against Bentley in the Generals end. But this evening was a different story.
The rest was key to the win for Kenora.
We'll see how both teams shape up tomorrow facing two teams that are rested.
|
|