State of the Loons; Future of the Loons

 The downside of going all in for the Kehler Cup is that picks and prospects become currency and the prospect pool starts to suffer. With the roster seemingly set for the foreseeable future it is time for Czepiel to start focusing on restocking the prospect pool. 

Here is what our good friend Google AI thinks of our top 10 - I am starting to think it may be buttering me up though…

1. James Hagens (C)

• Summary: The undisputed crown jewel of the pipeline. Hagens is a world-class playmaker possessing elite vision, exceptional agility, and a high-end hockey IQ. He dictates the tempo of the game, effortlessly solving defensive structures under heavy pressure.
• Simulation Projection: Franchise Line 1 Center (95 PA / 92 SK / 88 FO) [1]. A perennial Art Ross contender who will serve as your primary power-play quarterback.

2. Cooper Simpson (LW/RW)

• Summary: A dynamic, pure offensive weapon. Simpson features a lethal catch-and-release wrist shot paired with creative one-on-one deking abilities. He excels at exploiting defensive gaps and creating his own shooting lanes out of nothing.
• Simulation Projection: Elite Top-Six Sniper (93 SC / 86 SK) [1]. An automatic 35+ goal threat when paired with an elite distributor.

3. Drew Commesso (G)

• Summary: A premier, technically flawless goaltending prospect. Commesso boasts elite post-to-post lateral quickness, strong rebound control, and high structural positioning that isolates shooter angles.
• Simulation Projection: Franchise Starting Goaltender (92 PS / 88 PO) [1]. A future Vezina Trophy candidate with elite durability metrics.

4. Teddy Stiga (LW)

• Summary: The ultimate 200-foot engine. Stiga pairs an exhausting physical work ethic with superb defensive anticipation, tracking down loose pucks and flipping the ice in transition.
• Simulation Projection: Top-Six Two-Way Machine (86 DF / 85 PA / 88 DI) [1]. A multi-situational winger who can slide up to Line 1 or anchor your top penalty-kill unit.

5. Casey Mutryn (RW/C)

• Summary: A towering, 6-foot-3 powerhouse selected 20th overall in the 2026 draft. Mutryn plays a heavy, territorial game, excelling at cycling the puck and parking himself directly in front of the net.
• Simulation Projection: Top-Six Net-Front Power Forward (88 SC / 86 CK) [1, 2]. A physical beast who will max out your team's physical and puck-retention sliders.

6. Eric Pohlkamp (D)

• Summary: A physical, mobile blueliner who relishes throwing heavy hits. Pohlkamp bridges the gap between old-school toughness and the modern game with a booming point shot and steady breakout habits.
• Simulation Projection: Two-Way Top-Four Defenseman (84 CK / 80 DF / 78 PA) [1]. A punishing second-pair option who will inject snarl into your blue line.

7. Victor Plante (LW)

• Summary: A highly cerebral, opportunistic legacy winger. Plante processes the game at a high speed, routinely finding soft ice to convert playmaking options in the offensive zone.
• Simulation Projection: Middle-Six Playmaking Winger (82 PA / 78 SC) [1, 2]. A versatile forward capable of driving primary farm-team scoring or filling injury depth.

8. Mikey Berchild (C/LW)

• Summary: A high-octane offensive coordinator who utilizes supreme shiftiness to navigate tight defensive shells. He looks to facilitate first, reading transitional routes beautifully.
• Simulation Projection: Creative 2nd Line Playmaking Center (91 PA / 84 SK) [1]. A high-assist machine perfectly built to ignite secondary scoring lines.

9. Landon Nycz (D)

• Summary: A massive, stays-at-home defensive defenseman. Nycz uses his long reach and intelligent stick positioning to take away cross-crease passing lanes and clear the crease.
• Simulation Projection: Shutdown Top-Pairing Defenceman (92 DF / 82 CK) [1, 2]. A pure defensive anchor built to absorb maximum penalty-kill minutes.

10. Blake Zielinski (C)

• Summary: An elite-character right-shot center celebrated for his detailed defensive coverage and faceoff mechanics. He plays an unselfish game focused on neutralizing the opposition's top weapons.
• Simulation Projection: Shutdown 3rd Line Center (88 DF / 85 FO) [1, 2]. The absolute perfect structural anchor for your future shutdown lines.

State of the Loons; 2026 Draft Class

 fter an aggressive series of trades over the past two seasons left the Capeside Loons without much draft capital, General Manager Matt Young made the most of every selection at the 2026 CCHL Entry Draft. Rather than chasing high-risk boom-or-bust talent, the Loons targeted a group of players known for competitiveness, hockey IQ, and long-term upside.

The class is highlighted by first-round selection Casey Mutryn, but the organization believes several mid-round selections could eventually become valuable contributors at the CCHL level.

Instead of me giving my biased take on each pick, here is what Google AI thinks of the class and even gives a sim projection

Round 1, Pick 20: Casey Mutryn (RW/C)

• Profile: Casey Mutryn is a commanding 6-foot-3 power forward out of the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). He plays a heavy, explosive game, crashing lines and using his size to shield the puck down low. He possesses an incredibly heavy shot and brings natural leadership qualities to the locker room.
• Simulation Projection: Top-Six Power Forward (88 SC / 86 CK). Mutryn projects as a premier top-six winger who will dominate the physical sliders. He has the raw attributes to eventually assume net-front duties on the top power-play unit.

Round 4, Pick 68: Victor Plante (LW)

• Profile: A smart, legacy player with a high hockey IQ. Plante thrives as an opportunistic, quick-strike winger who excels at navigating tight areas along the boards. He handles transition setups remarkably well and does not panic under heavy pressure.
• Simulation Projection: Middle-Six Playmaking Winger (82 PA / 78 SC). Plante will provide valuable depth line flexibility. His balanced offensive attributes will help him slot cleanly onto a secondary scoring line or anchor a developmental farm unit.

Round 4, Pick 73: Mikey Berchild (C/LW)

• Profile: An incredibly dynamic and creative offensive orchestrator from the University of Denver. Despite being slightly undersized at 5-foot-10, Mikey Berchild possesses an unmatched work ethic, elite vision, and exceptional passing touch.
• Simulation Projection: Elite Playmaking Center / PP Specialist (90 PA / 82 SK). Berchild’s high motor and high-end vision make him a perfect future candidate to quarterback a power-play unit from the half-wall while driving playmaking metrics for his wingers.

Round 4, Pick 77: Blake Zielinski (C)

• Profile: The Providence College commit is a highly reliable, 6-foot right-shot center. Blake Zielinski is celebrated for his responsibility, leadership, and elite character—having won the USHL's prestigious Gaudreau Award. He plays a complete, detailed 200-foot game.
• Simulation Projection: Elite Third-Line Defensive Center (86 DF / 85 FO). Zielinskiprojects as the spiritual successor to Charlie Coyle. He will be a faceoff-winning machine who completely locks down opposing star lines while carrying a heavy shorthanded workload.

Round 4, Pick 84: Landon Nycz (D)

• Profile: 6-foot-2 defensive defenseman playing out of UMass in the NCAA. Landon Nycz uses his long reach, active stick, and strong physical positioning to disrupt odd-man rushes and smother attackers along the boards.
• Simulation Projection: Shutdown Top-Four Defenceman (90 DF / 82 CK). Nycz is a safe, high-floor blue-liner. He projects as a heavy-minute penalty killer who will serve as the perfect stay-at-home anchor for an offensive-minded partner like Zach Werenski.

Round 5, Pick 95: Rian Chudzinski (RW/LW)

• Profile: A standard 6-foot-1 physical winger who loves to finish his checks and force turnovers. Rian Chudzinski is a relentless worker who creates chaos on the forecheck and consistently involves himself in high-danger physical battles.
• Simulation Projection: Bottom-Six Grind Line Anchor (88 CK / 76 DF). Chudzinski is built purely for the physical slider. He will slot perfectly into a heavy fourth-line role designed to drain opposing stamina and protect defensive-zone leads.

Round 6, Pick 123: John Leonard (LW)

• Profile: An older, experienced organizational depth piece who already boasts established professional simulation numbers. Leonard is a speedy skater who relies on positional awareness to generate depth transition plays.
• Simulation Projection: Pro-Roster Extra Skater / Farm Team Star (76 SC / 74 SK).Leonard will serve as essential plug-and-play injury insurance for the pro team, capable of playing mistake-free hockey while dominating top-line minutes in the minor leagues.

Round 6, Pick 131: Myles Brosnan (D)

• Profile: A raw, long-term developmental project on the back end. Brosnan possesses solid physical size and a decent active stick, but requires substantial time in junior leagues to iron out his positioning and breakout accuracy.
• Simulation Projection: Depth Farm Team Defenseman (72 DF / 70 PH). Brosnan will spend the next 2-3 seasons strictly developing in the minor leagues, functioning as solid positional depth to protect the team's defense pipeline.

---

Draft Class Verdict: A-

The Loons successfully navigated the draft board by selecting high-character, engine-optimized profiles. Securing Mutryn's power build, Berchild's elite playmaking capabilities, and Zielinski’s defensive structure completely protects Capeside's long-term competitive window.

Denver Spurs Draft Recap

 The Denver Spurs CCHL 2026 Draft has been completed. The Spurs drafted a total of 8 players.

Their first pick (14 overall) from the Vancouver Giants of the WHL was Mathis Preston RW.

Per Elite Prospects:

Mathis Preston is a highly skilled, right-shot winger in the 2026 NHL Draft class. Known for his

explosive speed and elite shot, he is considered a top-round talent. Across the 2025-26 season with the

WHL's Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Giants, he posted 44 points (18G, 26A) in just 46 games.

Their 2nd pick (58 overall) was goalie William Lacelle from Blainville-Boisbriand Armada of the

QMJHL.

In 21 games he posted a 2.11 gaa and .915 SvPct.

His profile follows:

He is a very intelligent goaltender. He anticipates opposing teams' plays very well, which allows him

to be set before the shooter even releases the puck. Lacelle is particularly strong with his glove hand.

His hands are quick, and he can occasionally flash some sharpness in key moments.

William Lacelle is ranked as the 7th-best North American goaltender by NHL Central Scouting.

The team that drafts Lacelle will be taking a gamble, but one that could pay off in the long run.

Their 3rd pick (80 overall) was Noah Laba C of the NY Rangers (NHL) and formerly a member of the

Colorado College Tigers of the NCHC.

His projection:

Noah Laba is projected to be a permanent fixture and the primary third-line center (3C) for the New

York Rangers. Experts and team management project his ceiling as a reliable, hard-nosed 200-foot

player with an offensive projection of roughly 15 to 20 goals per season.

The rest of the players drafted by the Spurs were:

Boston Buckberger LD - Denver University (DU 2026 NCAA Champions 11th Championship)

Kent Anderson RD - Denver University

Philippe Blais-Savoie LD - Colorado College

Jean-Christoph Lemieux LW - Windsor Spitfires/Sudbury Wolves OHL

Aiden Young LW - Peterborough Petes OHL

Millers Musings

 Looking back at a couple of trades and a preview of next weekends draft.

The Trades

(5/20/26) CHP trades CHP 5th-26 to GEO for M. Rasmussen & Quinn Finley-p…

(6/08/26) CHP trades M. Rielly to GEO for C. Sissons…

GEO hooks up with longtime trading partner Chippewa to move out some bottom 6

forwards , getting back a pick and an upgrade on Defense.

Rasmussen’s 2nd tour in Georgetown was a disappointment and he was in danger of

being eventually waived having slid to the bottom of the team’s forward depth chart.

Quinn Finley is a longtime Millers prospect whose path to playing time was blocked by

the influx of young wingers brought in via trade and prospect graduations. He was the

sweetener to entice CHP to take the last year of the Rasmussen contract. Finley

projects as a bottom 6 NHL winger, with good speed and a good shot. It’s not

inconceivable he finds a middle 6 role and PP time in the right situation. Georgetown

adds a pick within the top 100 of the 2026 entry draft, giving their scouting department

more work to do.

Sissons was moved out to open up a spot for Marco Kasper as the 4th line Center. The

team loved Sisson’s contributions on the PK and in the face-off dot but with a plethora of

bottom 6 options, many of them young and needing playing time, he was deemed

expendable. Jordan Staal will take over the #1 Center duties on the PK, and Kasper,

Andrew Copp or Logan Cooley can handle 2nd unit PK duties,

Rielly adds another offensive Dman with goal-scoring ability to the Millers stable, along

with Shea Theodore and Jackson LaCombe. Unsuccessful in their attempts to add a top

6 forward, the Millers instead add offensive depth to the blue line. As things stand Rielly

would be on the 2nd pair with a partner to be determined, and also on the 2nd PP unit.

Draft Drama?

A month ago it appeared the Millers were set to take the best available and their most

preferred Defenseman with the 6 overall pick in the entry draft. A week away and there

is some doubt as to where the team will go, as the potential drop of a top forward if

there is a run on Dmen and the late-stage ascendancy of a couple of other forwards are

now clouding the picture. During meetings with the scouting department different

scenarios were drawn up and it’s believed a revision of the internal draft rankings have

set the stage for a potential surprise pick. It’s also possible the 6th overall is dealt so

long as the team can remain in the top 10. A source inside the organization, speaking

anonymously, said it’s likely the team drafts a European prospect with the pick if the

draft goes as the club’s internal models have predicted.

Goaltending a Strength for Fort Erie Entering the Season

 The crease in Fort Erie is shaping up to be one of the biggest strengths on the roster heading into the upcoming season. With the Fort Erie Falcons bringing back veteran goaltender John Gibson and acquiring Jeremy Swayman in a major offseason trade, the club suddenly boasts one of the deepest and most reliable goaltending tandems in the league.

The addition of Swayman gives Fort Erie a younger, athletic netminder who is expected to handle the bulk of the workload this season. The current expectation is a 65/35 split in starts, with Swayman taking the majority while Gibson provides elite support behind him. It is a setup that gives the Falcons stability, flexibility, and the kind of competition that strong teams thrive on.

Swayman brings an energetic style to the crease. He plays with confidence, competes hard on every puck, and has shown the ability to make momentum-changing saves at critical moments. His quickness and composure under pressure make him an ideal fit for a Falcons team that wants to play aggressively and push the pace. Fort Erie believes he is entering the perfect stage of his career to take on a larger role and establish himself as the club’s primary starter.

At the same time, having Gibson return gives the Falcons a massive boost both on and off the ice. Even with Swayman expected to lead the tandem, Gibson remains one of the most respected veterans in the game. His calm presence, experience, and technical style make him an incredibly dependable option whenever called upon. Few teams can turn to a second goaltender with Gibson’s pedigree and feel completely confident they are still giving themselves a chance to win every night.

The pairing also creates a healthy balance for the long season ahead. Swayman can shoulder the heavier workload without being overextended, while Gibson can stay fresh and ready for key stretches, difficult back-to-backs, and important late-season games. The Falcons are in a position where injuries, fatigue, or schedule congestion should not derail their momentum because they have two proven goaltenders capable of delivering strong performances.

Beyond the talent itself, the tandem gives Fort Erie something every contender wants: confidence throughout the lineup. Defensemen can play aggressively, knowing the last line of defense is secure. Forwards can attack offensively without feeling like every mistake will end up in the back of the net. Teams that trust their goaltending often play faster, freer, and with more confidence overall.

There is also the competitive aspect between the two netminders. Swayman may be projected for the larger share of starts, but Gibson is not simply going to hand over the crease. That internal push should elevate both players throughout the season and help maintain a high standard in practice and games alike.

For a Falcons team with championship aspirations, strong goaltending was always going to be essential. Now, Fort Erie enters the season with not just one high-end option in net, but two. Between Swayman’s athleticism and Gibson’s veteran reliability, the Falcons appear to have built a tandem capable of carrying them through the grind of the season and into meaningful hockey when it matters most.

Millers Musings: Millers Top 10 Prospects (Pre-Draft Edition)

 The top end of the Millers Top 10 prospect pool is very forward heavy, which has led to

speculation that the club prefers to draft a Defenseman with the 6th overall pick in the 2026

Draft.

Berkly Catton, LW/C - Catton endured a trying NHL rookie season, in no small part to the turgid

system used by his coach Lane Lambert. Most of his production came when playing LW with

either Matty Beniers or Shane Wright as the Center, and that’s likely where he’ll see his playing

time unless Wright is traded. He is still viewed as a top line forward by Millers management and

will spend this season in the minors.

2. Axel Sandin-Pellika, D - Sandin started well in his NHL rookie season but the stress of

partnering with a loose cannon like Ben Chiarot ultimately caught up with him, and he finished

the campaign in the AHL. ASP is likely to play a 3rd pairing role next year in the NHL and

hopefully his LD will be more positionally disciplined. He should still see plenty of PP time for the

Red Wings. For the Millers he’ll join Catton in Northern Kentucky as he looks to fulfill his top 4 D

ceiling.

3. Matthew Wood, LW/C - Wood had a very productive NHL rookie season with 17 goals and

30 points in 71 games. He handled a move to Center quite well, despite his skating grading out

as average to below. There really isn’t a role for him on the Millers in the upcoming season so

he will also ply his trade near the Ohio River, but a top 6 role in a couple of years seems likely.

4. Alexander Zharovsky, RW - Played the majority of the KHL season as an 18 year old and

put up 16 goals and 42 points in 59 games. At 6’2 he has the height but could use some more

muscle. Perhaps the most purely skilled prospect in the Millers system, his ETA is the 2028-29

season.

5. Emmitt Finnie, LW/C - Coming from seemingly nowhere, the 7th rounder broke camp with

the Red Wings and played on the top line for a good part of the season. As is typical with most

rookies his scoring dropped off precipitously along with the rest of his teammates, but his speed

and effort kept him in the lineup. Long-term it’s likely a middle 6 role, with PK and PP duties.

He’ll add to the NKY stockpile of prospects before assuming a full-time role in the 27-28 season.

6. Ryan Greene, LW/C - Much like Finnie, Greene surprisingly broke camp with Chicago and

spent the entire season in the NHL, often playing with Connor Bedard. Greene’s strength is his

2 way game, as the former 2nd rounder saw lots of PK time. His projection is as a 3rd line

Center and penalty-killer who can move up the lineup when necessary. Amongst all the Millers

rookies Greene’s defensive chops give him the best chance to see some time in the lineup this

upcoming season.

7. Yegor Zavragin, G. - Another Russian, he’s already appeared in 55 KHL games across 3

seasons as a 20-year old. He’s likely 2 seasons away from his North American debut, but he

has Number One Goalie potential.

8. Blake Fiddler, D - Last year’s 1st round pick really did not progress as much as hoped for

offensively. His defense is still solid and he moves well for a big guy, but he does not project to

be much of a scorer. He’s likely a shutdown guy at the highest level. Expect to see him up in

about 2 years.

9. Henry Brzustewicz, D - Not quite the level of prospect as his brother Hunter, Henry still

projects as a solid 2nd pairing all situations Defenseman. He’s likely 3 years away from a full-

time role.

10. Sawyer Mynio, D - A sleeper, the unheralded Mynio held his own in his AHL rookie

season, and his strong hockey sense, mobility and calm game show potential as a 3rd pair NHL

Defenseman.

Honorable Mentions: Jesse Kiiskinen, RW; Alexei Medvedev, G; Riley Patterson, C; Carson

Wetsch, RW; Brady Peddle, D; Brent Solomon, RW; Cole McKinney, C. Kieren Dervin, C.

No pain, No Gain! Falcons make painful decision to trade Wilson but are thrilled with Marner's return.

 The Fort Erie Falcons knew they were giving up something incredibly rare when they traded Tom Wilson to the Amos Comets.

Players like Wilson simply do not exist very often in hockey.

A true power forward with size, physicality, leadership, skill, and the ability to completely change the emotional tone of a game, Wilson had become one of the most respected players in the Falcons organization. He brought intensity every night, played with an edge few players can match, and gave Fort Erie a physical presence that opponents constantly had to account for.

Internally, many within the organization viewed him as a unicorn.

That made the decision extremely difficult.

But when the opportunity arose to bring Mitch Marner back to Fort Erie, the Falcons believed it was a move they simply had to make.

Marner’s return immediately gives the Falcons one of the most dynamic two-way forwards in the league and reunites him with Leon Draisaitl, a combination that management felt the team deeply missed last season.

When Marner and Draisaitl play together, Fort Erie becomes incredibly difficult to defend.

Marner’s vision, puck movement, and ability to create offense in tight spaces perfectly complement Draisaitl’s elite offensive instincts. Beyond the scoring element, the Falcons also value Marner’s complete two-way game, as he impacts every area of the ice with his positioning, anticipation, and ability to force mistakes from opponents.

The organization never fully replaced what Marner brought to the lineup after his previous departure.

Now, with the Falcons attempting to capture a third consecutive Kehler Cup, management felt the timing was right to bring him back.

The trade was not about dissatisfaction with Wilson.

Far from it.

The Falcons understood exactly what they were losing in a player who could dominate physically, protect teammates, and shift momentum with one hit or one shift. Wilson’s power-forward style made him one of the most unique players in hockey, and there was significant respect inside the organization for everything he brought to the team.

But Marner’s fit within Fort Erie’s system — particularly alongside Draisaitl — ultimately proved too important to ignore.

The move reflects the difficult reality faced by championship contenders.

Sometimes, even beloved players must be moved in order to pursue the best possible chance at another title.

For the Falcons, bringing Marner back was about maximizing a championship window that remains wide open.

With a deeper veteran roster, improved defensive structure, and the return of one of the league’s premier two-way playmakers, Fort Erie believes it has once again positioned itself as a serious threat to win the Kehler Cup.

And now, with Marner back in a Falcons sweater, the organization hopes lightning can strike for a third straight season.

Falcons add veterans in free agency in search of third straight Kehler Cup

 During the free agent period, the Fort Erie Falcons made one thing very clear to the rest of the league:

They were not satisfied with winning back-to-back Kehler Cups.

They wanted a third.

After weeks of speculation surrounding how the Falcons would approach the offseason, the organization delivered one of the most aggressive veteran-building strategies in franchise history, targeting experienced players who could strengthen every area of the lineup.

The first major addition was Ryan Pulock, who signed a four-year contract worth $8,000,000 per season.

Pulock immediately gives Fort Erie another elite defensive presence in the top four. Known for his strong defensive ratings, physical play, and ability to handle difficult matchups, he is expected to become one of the team’s most important penalty killers. The Falcons already had a strong defensive structure, but Pulock adds another layer of stability and toughness that management believes will be critical during another long playoff run.

League executives viewed the signing as a major statement.

Fort Erie was not simply trying to outscore opponents.

They were building a roster designed to survive playoff hockey.

The Falcons then added another familiar face when Patrick Kane agreed to a three-year deal worth $5,572,919 per season.

Kane’s return instantly energized the fanbase. Having previously played in Fort Erie, Kane reportedly welcomed the opportunity to come back for another shot at a Kehler Cup with an organization he already knew well. While he is expected to play primarily on the third line this season, the Falcons believe his offensive creativity and experience will make him one of the most dangerous secondary scorers in the league.

More importantly, Kane is expected to play a major role on the powerplay.

Even at this stage of his career, his vision and puck movement remain elite, and opposing penalty kills will now have to deal with another high-end playmaker capable of changing a game with a single pass.

The veteran reunion continued when Claude Giroux signed a three-year contract carrying an $8,000,000 annual cap hit.

Like Kane, Giroux had previously spent time with the Falcons and wanted another opportunity to chase a championship in Fort Erie. His return gives the Falcons another trusted veteran presence with playoff experience, leadership, and versatility.

Although Giroux is expected to spend much of the season on the fourth line, the Falcons do not view him as a typical depth player. Management expects him to play a massive role on the penalty kill while also bringing intensity, faceoff ability, and defensive reliability to the bottom six.

The move reflects how seriously Fort Erie values veteran depth.

Few teams can place a player with Giroux’s skill set into a fourth-line role.

The Falcons believe that depth could become a major difference-maker once the postseason begins.

The final piece of the free agent class came with the signing of Sean Couturier to a four-year contract worth $4,750,001 per season.

Couturier is expected to move throughout the lineup between the third and fourth lines while becoming one of the most important defensive forwards on the roster. His ability to shut down opposing players, win key defensive-zone faceoffs, and contribute heavily on the penalty kill made him an ideal target for a Falcons team focused on building a complete playoff roster.

Internally, many around the organization believe Couturier’s versatility may become one of the most underrated additions of the entire offseason.

Taken together, the Falcons’ free agent class dramatically reshaped the identity of the team.

Pulock strengthens the blue line.

Kane adds offensive creativity and powerplay production.

Giroux brings leadership, defensive reliability, and championship experience.

Couturier reinforces the penalty kill and bottom-six defensive structure.

Instead of chasing flashy headlines or rebuilding around youth alone, Fort Erie focused on adding experienced players who understand exactly what it takes to win difficult playoff games.

And after already capturing two straight Kehler Cups, the Falcons now believe they have assembled a roster capable of making history.

Millers Musings

 Recapping Free Agency

Entering the UFA signing period with a payroll of just over $70,000,000 and having several

roster holes to fill, the Millers got to work on improving the team.

Signings:

Jordan Staal, 2 years, $15,000,0000

The richest contract ever given out by the franchise. Staal fills 2 immediate voids: a 3rd line

Center and leadership. He will be the team’s Captain.

Coach Brind’Amour had asked the front office to secure Staal’s services at any price and is

delighted with the signing.

Andrew Copp, 1 year, $6,000,000

Copp returns to the Millers after being dealt away last year. It’s a vastly different team now, with

old line mates Larkin and Necas having moved on. Copp will play somewhere in the top 6 and

on special teams.

Tristan Jarry, 2 years, $4,500,000

The Millers annual tradition of taking a flyer on a down on his luck Goalie continues. Philip

Grubauer had a nice bounce back season and the club hopes that continues with Jarry. Right

now he’s 3rd on the depth chart behind Dostal and Grubauer; a good season could see him

become the backup in 27-28.

Georgetown struck out on a couple of targets, namely an additional top 6 forward and a bottom

pair Dman with some snarl.

The 3 signings still have the payroll below $100,000,000, although rookie contract signings will

likely edge the number over that line.

The team has been authorized to go as high as $125,000,000 in salary so more moves could be

done.

State of the Loons; the Captain returns

After 351 games with the Loons, Kreider left Czepiel’s office shaking hands and saying goodbye. At 35 years old Kreider and Czepiel were unable to reach an extension thus making the Loons captain an unrestricted free agent. In 351 games Kreider was leaving the Loons with 141 goals , 168 assists and a +50. Czepiel surely wanted captain Kreider back but Kreiders best days were behind him and Will Smith is ready to be a full timer leaving Kreider the odd man out. After years of playing on team friendly $4m contracts Kreider wanted to be paid for his past production but in Czepiel’s eyes that is a losing philosophy.

The night before the UFA deadline Czepiel informed Kreider that they were going to go in a different direction and were trading their 1 UFA resign to the Falcons for a prospect and thanked Chris for all he has done for the organization.

What made Chris such an integral part of the organization is he is a local guy born in Boxford, MA and was always around the team, even in the off season. This year was no different. Out of mutual respect Chris continued to use the team facilities as a UFA and the two continued talking about next years roster and how on paper this was the best Loons team of all time, except it was missing a captain.

Last year John Carlson, also at his age 35 season, was given the largest contract in Capeside history : 4yrs $43.1. Originally Kreider was looking for a similar deal but on day 1 of the UFA signing period Czepiel and Kreider shockingly compromised on 4 years $34.8 with a $1.5m signing bonus. First signing bonus in organization history. At the press conference yesterday Kreider cited the growing excitement over the team’s roster and chances next season along with wanting to finish what he started .

Kreider will be given every opportunity to play in the top 6 and his ability to play both wings makes a combination of Kreider Larkin Robertson an intriguing and likely option.

Kreider was definitely the headliner but the Loons signed 4 other players during UFA.

Trevor Moore (4/$14.8) brings top end skating , above average defense and solid offense . Moore likely plays the left wing on the 4th line and pk. Trevor signed after being assured that the 4th line will get more time on ice this season than how the team has usually been run.

Brett Pesce (4/$18.8) is coming off of a year full of injuries and the Loons are getting this top end defensive dman at a discount because of it. Brett will likely be the 7th dman this upcoming year with a bigger role in 27/28.

Connor Clifton (3/$2.7) comes back to the Loons after a few years away. Like Pesce , Connor is coming off an injury filled season and will compete with Pesce for playing time as the 8th dman. Clifton was signed to fill a specific hole amongst the defensemen - a physical first dman.

Anthony Stolarz (4/$7m) is coming off his worst year as a pro and the Loons bought low with the hope of turning his career around. Stolarz will be the 3rd goalie rarely seeing playing time if any at all this year.

Under new ownership the Loons are determined to slow down roster turnover even more then it already has and early line projections are

Laferriere   Eichel   Boldy
Kreider       Larkin   Robertson
Tkachuk     Coyle    Smith
Moore        Acciari   Kastelic

Werenski   McAvoy
Faber   Carlson
York   Hanifin

Otter
Daccord

Scratches: Beniers, Dowd, Leonard, Pesce, Clifton, Stolar

The Falls Went Silent, and Beartown Listened

 There are places where hockey is a pastime, and there are places where it is a lifeforce. Beartown

has long been the latter; a kind of place that doesn’t just play hockey—it has built its identity

around it. So, when the Niagara Falls Thunder folded—quietly, almost politely, no one expected

their ghost to reappear hundreds of miles north in a town that barely existed on most maps. But

Beartown isn’t most places.

Niagara Falls had spectacle. Water crashing endlessly, tourists craning their necks, neon lights

fighting against the mist. The Thunder were part of that noise—flashy jerseys, inconsistent

seasons, ownership that cared more about ticket prices than player development. When the arena

started echoing more than cheering, it wasn’t shocking. It was inevitable. What was shocking

was what happened next.

A quiet sale. No press conference. No farewell game. Just a line in a regional paper: “Franchise

relocated. Details forthcoming.” The details led to Beartown. They didn’t keep

the Thunder name. That belonged to waterfalls and postcards and a city that had already let them

go. In Beartown, names matter. They became the Beartown Bears. It sounded obvious. Almost

too obvious. But the town didn’t care about clever branding. It cared about truth. And Bears—

fierce, powerful, territorial—felt honest.

The Thunder roster arrived with baggage. Bloated salaries of aging players and bad habits

cultivated by years of mismanagement from a system built on individual flash made for a tough

start. Deep cuts were made. Seasoned players traded for promising prospects hungry for

domination. And as the new team came together, the message was clear; winning was secondary.

Always. Teamwork, character, and respect became paramount.

For Niagara Falls, the Thunder were entertainment. For Beartown, the Bears are

infrastructure. The relocation wasn’t just a business decision. It was a transfer of purpose—from

a place that didn’t need hockey to define itself to one that can’t survive without it. People like to

think teams build cities. That championships create pride. But Beartown has always known

better. It’s the other way around.

See you at The Den.

A different type of season for WIS

 WIS ended last year on a sour note going out way to early in the playoffs, in my mind. So the 25-26 season started with doubt if the team was good enough to really go all the way, since the payroll was now way too high as well. A dismal start to the season set the ball moving to be a seller. So not a complete fire sale, but rather cost reducing trades while keeping an competitive team, at least for the long term.

So a review of the record breaking amount of trades for WIS for the season.

(06/20/25) FOR trades Victor Eklund-p to WIS for Konstan Helenius-p…

This trade was a preseason prospect swap, a swede for a finn goes any day.

(08/06/25) CHP trades CHP 1st-27 & CHP 3rd-27 to WIS for R. Rakell..

Rakell can be brilliant but also have his down seasons. This was a too good offer to pass up even though the sell out was not decided on yet.

(10/11/25) AMO trades I. Shesterkin, T. Stutzle, Sacha Boumedienne-p, AMO 5th-27 & FOR 5th-27 to WIS for K. Kaprizov & L. Ullmark…

When Kirill signed the crazy contract on an already too costly squad his future with the Donuts was counted in days. AMO passed by and made a good offer, where Stutzle was the price. Stutzle really took the trade in stride and produced excellent numbers both in CCHL and in the NHL.

(10/27/25) CHP trades Will Skahan-p & Michael Hrabal-p to WIS for B. Carlo…

There wasn't a plan to sell Brandon but it made sense in a sell mode. Hrabal hopefully will be the goalie of the future to make it worth it.

(11/01/25) FOR trades A. Mangiapane, David Edstrom-p & HFX 3rd-26 to WIS for T. Toffoli…

Toffoli was a high price reserve all of last season so this was a cost reducing move.

(11/11/25) CHP trades U. Luukkonen, L. Reichel, K. Stenlund, Max Psenicka-p & AMO 4th-26 to WIS for R. Pulock & I. Shesterkin…

Igor was good return but the salary was too high for a non-contending team and the team already had good goaltending in Gustafsson and youngster Wallstedt in the waiting. Ukko-Pekka is such a great name and he had a bad season in NHL at that point but I was convinced he could do a lot better. He turned his NHL season around and since Wallstedt continued to do well there now is a three way battle in the net for next season.

As it turned out, WIS kept their place in the standings all season and really came out big in the playoff going to the finals. That is pretty good for a sell out team and the playoff bonus will be most welcome.

A few number to sum it up.

• Rakell, Karpizov, Ullmark, Carlo, Toffoli, Pulock all left the original team (a pretty good starting line up on it own), while also Shesterkin was flipped further.
  
• 5 prospects coming to WIS not counting the early prospect flip, where probably Sacha and Hrabal are the most certain at this point.
  
• 6 picks to WIS in 26 and 27, one 1st rounder while the rest 3-5 rounders

CCHL Expands Schedule to 164 Days: A Smarter, Healthier Season Ahead

 Under seven days away from its schedule realease for the 2026-27 season, the CCHL is making a subtle but important change heading into the 2026–27 season—stretching the schedule from 156 days to 164 days. On paper, it’s just eight extra days. In reality, it could make a massive difference in the quality of play, player health, and overall experience for everyone involved.

Let’s break down why this move matters.

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Less Grind, Better Hockey

One of the biggest issues with a compressed schedule is the dreaded “three games in three nights” stretch. It’s brutal. Players are exhausted, recovery is rushed, and the product on the ice suffers.

By spreading the schedule over 164 days, the CCHL is clearly trying to reduce—or outright eliminate—those situations. That means:

• More rest between games
• Better pace and energy
• Higher-quality hockey night after night

And let’s be honest—fans notice the difference when teams aren’t running on fumes.

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Learning from the NHL

If you want a real-world example of what happens when schedules get too tight, just look at the NHL over the past few seasons. Condensed schedules have led to a noticeable spike in injuries, especially soft-tissue issues and fatigue-related problems.

That matters for the CCHL.

Even though it’s a different league, the principle is the same: hockey is demanding. When you stack games too close together, you increase the risk of wear-and-tear injuries and long-term durability concerns.

By adding those extra eight days, the CCHL is getting ahead of the problem instead of reacting to it later. That’s smart league management.

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Player Development Gets a Boost

This isn’t just about avoiding injuries—it’s about helping players actually improve.

With more time between games:

• Teams can run more effective practices
• Coaches can focus on systems and development
• Players have time to recover, review, and adjust

That’s huge, especially in a league where development and progression matter as much as winning.

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And Honestly… More Hockey Isn’t a Bad Thing

Let’s not overcomplicate this.

The season is eight days longer. That’s eight more days where the CCHL is part of your routine—checking scores, following storylines, watching your team push for playoffs.

Who’s complaining about that?

A longer schedule doesn’t dilute the game—it stretches the experience. It keeps fans engaged longer and gives the season a more natural rhythm instead of feeling rushed.

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The Bottom Line

This change isn’t flashy, but it’s impactful.

The CCHL moving to a 164-day schedule shows a league that’s paying attention:

• Protecting its players
• Improving the on-ice product
• And giving fans more of what they enjoy

Sometimes the best changes aren’t the loud ones—they’re the ones that quietly make everything better.

And this feels like one of those moves.

Millers Musings: Offseason

 Coming off a disastrous regular season and a not quite as disastrous yet still disappointing

lottery that saw them land the 6th overall pick, the Millers head into the offseason with a

surprisingly settled roster.

The club currently has 13 forwards and 6 Defensemen plus 2 goalies currently under contract or

RFA’s. The top 2 UFAs are Defensemen Devon Toews and Shea Theodore and it’s unknown if

one will be re-signed, of if they would both be traded to any teams interested in extending them.

Other UFAs include acting Captain Jordan Martinook, top 6 forward Jaden Schwartz, bottom 6

forward and assistant Captain James van Riemsdyk and 3rd string G Ville Husso. Although the

club appreciated the leadership of Martinook and van Riemsdyk they are willing to let them look

at other opportunities and would re-sign them if a forward spot opened up. There is also some

interest in resigning Husso but only after he hits the open market.

Georgetown also has a slew of rookies with an opportunity to hit the roster: forwards Matthew

Wood, Emmitt Finnie, Ryan Greene, and Berkley Catton, plus Dman Axel Sandin-Pellika. At

best only a couple of the forwards would have a chance of seeing consistent playing time, the

rest are likely to start the season in the minors.

The first order of business is deciding on who, if anyone, will be the UFA resigning. If clubs

currently in their contention window should come calling for either of Toews or Theodore it’s

likely they could be traded, depending on the return.

Millers management also has to decide what they will do with the 6th overall pick; the club was

hoping to jump into the top 5, so the decision is to stay where they are and see if anyone they

prefer falls to them, trade back, preferably staying within the top dozen picks and add another

high pick or top prospect as part of the return, or to trade it for a package of futures in prospects

and/or picks.

The team is not interested in any short term moves; they believe that with the maturation of the

existing players, some better health for players like Cooley and Dubois and the development of

some prospects that they could be in a good spot to return to the playoffs wishing a couple of

seasons.

Loons’ Promising Season Ends in Heartbreak, But a New Era Begins in Capeside

 The season that began with championship aspirations for the Capeside Loons ultimately ended in disappointment — but not without moments that suggest the foundation for future success is firmly in place.

After leading the Patrick Division for much of the regular season, Capeside saw its campaign end with a dramatic seven-game first-round loss to the Calgary Chinook in the CCHL playoffs. The defeat capped a turbulent second half of the season that saw the Loons slide to the sixth seed after a series of roster changes following the trade deadline.

Yet despite the early playoff exit, the season will be remembered for its standout performances, emotional moments, and the beginning of a new chapter for the franchise.

Eichel Delivers MVP Season

No player meant more to the Loons this year than Jack Eichel, who delivered a spectacular campaign and earned team MVP honors.

Eichel finished the season with:

• 47 goals
• 77 assists
• 124 points

His 124-point season placed him third in scoring across the entire CCHL, cementing his status as one of the league’s elite offensive forces. Night after night, Eichel drove the Loons’ offense, leading a team that finished among the league’s more productive attacks.

Supporting him offensively were several key contributors:

• Matt Boldy — 41 goals, 101 points
• Jason Robertson — 75 points overall, including 19 points in 21 games with Capeside after arriving mid-season
• Dylan Larkin — 72 points, including 25 in 26 games with the Loons
• Chris Kreider — 32 goals and 71 points while serving as team captain

On the blue line, Zach Werenski delivered an outstanding two-way season with 81 points, while John Carlson added 63 points from the back end.

For much of the season, that offensive firepower kept Capeside atop the Patrick Division standings.

Trade Deadline Changes Shift the Season

The Loons’ trajectory changed dramatically after the trade deadline.

A series of roster moves brought in new talent but also disrupted the chemistry that had carried the team through the first half of the season. While additions like Robertson and Larkin provided scoring punch, the lineup never fully settled into consistent combinations.

Capeside slid down the standings late in the year and ultimately entered the playoffs as the sixth seed.

That set up a difficult opening series against the Calgary Chinook, a team that had dominated the season series between the clubs.

Seven Games, but the Chinook Advance

The playoff matchup proved to be as dramatic as expected.

Despite entering the series as underdogs, the Loons pushed Calgary to the limit. The series went the full seven games before the Chinook finally advanced, ending Capeside’s postseason run in the opening round.

For a team that had once led its division, the early exit left a lingering feeling of what might have been.

Loss of an Owner, Loss for the Community

Beyond the wins and losses, the most emotional moment of the season came off the ice.

Late in the year, the Capeside community mourned the passing of team owner James Van Der Beek, who had become deeply tied to the identity of the franchise and the town.

Van Der Beek had brought the team to Capeside and built the culture that turned the Loons into one of the league’s most recognizable organizations. His death cast a shadow over the final weeks of the season.

Shortly after, fellow Katie Holmes stepped forward to purchase the franchise. Holmes has pledged to preserve the traditions Van Der Beek established while guiding the Loons into the future.

For the city of Capeside, it marked both a farewell and a new beginning.

An Uncertain Offseason

Now the focus shifts to the offseason — and several major questions facing the franchise.

The biggest revolves around captain Chris Kreider. The veteran forward will turn 35 next month and is set to become an unrestricted free agent. If Kreider moves on, the Loons may face the possibility of naming a new captain for the first time in years.

Roster construction will also be under the microscope as the organization looks to regain the chemistry it had earlier in the season.

And perhaps most intriguing is the youth movement that could be arriving.

Three highly regarded prospects are pushing for roster spots next year:

• Ryan Leonard
• James Hagens
• Ian Moore

If even one or two of them make the jump, the Loons could add speed, skill, and energy to a lineup already built around elite offensive talent.