An Inside look at the Sudbury Miners - 2017-18 CCHL Season Preview
CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):
Since their move at the conclusion of the 2016-17 season, the Sudbury Miners have done everything they to get this team ready for their inaugural season in the Nickel Belt of Northern Ontario. With training camp now complete, now comes the next step: seeing how their plans come together on the ice.
"Training camp will be unique from more than just from a historical standpoint, being our first in Sudbury", General Manager Terry James said. "This is a transitional year for us. We are evaluating players that we are getting to know as well as we can in such a short period of time. Our fans know there will be some growing pains, but in the end we are looking for players with that Miner Mentality that we can move forward with a build a winner"
The Miners are building a foundation as evidenced during this past summer’s entry draft. They are also armed with nine (9) first round picks in the next two entry drafts, so their future looks bright. But in the present, they are not a playoff team and are even farther away from being a true Kehler Cup contender. There is going to be pain and the need for patience from their fans. James knows this.
UP AND COMING PLAYER TO WATCH
Philip Danault is looking to build upon his first full season. Originally thought of a just a checker, he has the skills and versatility to play a little farther up in the line-up, even if it is just on a temporary basis. The 24 year-old needs to fully establish himself with another productive campaign. He will get the opportunity in Sudbury to do so.
WHAT A SUCCESSFUL 2017-18 SEASON WOULD LOOK LIKE
Given the roster turnover that the Miners have experienced since the end of last year, simply contending for the playoffs would be unexpected. From a purely hockey standpoint, giving some of their young minor league players some valuable CCHL experience will help with their development, and that is the goal. However, today’s hockey is more than just sticks and pucks. Financially, if this franchise can break even or even turn a profit, while remaining relatively competitive, the season would have to be considered a huge success.
BIGGEST REMAINING QUESTION
If the pre-season games were any indication, who is going to score goals for this team? A first line of Trocheck, Palat and the aging Vrbata while serviceable, doesn’t exactly strike fear into opponents. Lack of top notch forward depth is also an issue, as this team is littered with an abundance of 3rd and 4th liners. The hope is that a few of their highly touted prospects make the jump quickly and can contribute sooner, rather than later.
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