CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):
With a young, growing core leading the charge, and plenty of off-season turnover and draft picks,
Sudbury appears to be on the way up. But, the Miners aren’t there quite yet, though.
Kehler Cup odds: 75-1
Key Additions: Fredrik Andersen, G; Zack Hyman, W; Sam Reinhart, W; Wayne Simmonds, W; Chris Tierney, C; Charlie Coyle, C/W; Andy Greene, D
Key Departures: Philip Danault, C/W; Jake Allen, G; Ben Bishop, G; Radim Vrbata, W; Damon Severson, D; Matt Calvert, W; Joonas Donskoi, W; Darnell Nurse, D
The Sudbury Miners ended the 2017-18 season with an 18-57-7 record, finishing just eight points
shy of the worst record in the league. Their top-six group of forwards was not strong, and to make
matters worse, their depth failed to match up against the powerhouses of the CCHL.
But there is optimism going forward. Thanks to an extra year of seasoning in the minors for
some of their young players and a few key off-season acquisitions, the Miners seem poised to make a
jump in the standings and may even contend for a playoff spot for the 2018-19 CCHL season.
UP AND COMING PLAYER TO WATCH
Chris Tierney is looking to build upon his first full season in the CCHL. Originally thought of a just
a checker, he finished last year in Halifax with 17 points (9 goals). He has the skills and versatility to play a little farther up in the line-up if needed, while still being responsible in his own end. It appears that he will slot in as the Miners 3 rd line centre to start the year. The 24-year-old former London Knight, will get the opportunity in Sudbury to build upon his offensive totals from last year.
WHAT A SUCCESSFUL 2018-19 SEASON WOULD LOOK LIKE
Given their results from last year and the roster turnover that the Miners have experienced
since the end of last year, simply contending for the playoffs would be a success. From a pure hockey
standpoint, giving some more of their young minor league players some valuable CCHL experience will help with their development. You can expect to see highly touted prospects Colin White and Mikael Sergachev get a taste of CCHL action this year. Sudbury should be much more competitive this season.
BIGGEST REMAINING QUESTION
Ideally, the hope in Sudbury is that a few of their highly touted prospects who are expected to be on the opening night roster can contribute sooner, rather than later. If that happens, Sudbury will greatly
improve. But what if they can’t or worse, they regress? There is a reason to believe it could happen and if that is the case, then the fans can expect another long, cold winter in the Nickel City.
PREDICTION: 6th in Canosa Conference.
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