Conversation with Dayton Musicmen GM, Bill Corfield... (Part One)

"Around the CCHL" sat down with Musicmen General Manager Bill Corfield on a day off this week to get his thoughts on his team, the state of the organization and his goals for the 2018-19 CCHL regular season.

Corfield is the only GM the franchise has ever known, winning four championships since the team came into existence back in 2001. Making the playoffs in 11 of the league's 16 seasons, DAY has finished 1st over-all 7 times in the league's 16-year history.

Q: Before we look at the upcoming season, any final thoughts on last season's team? It was a difficult year for everyone. Coming off the Championship, to assess the terrain of the team, the finances, the league, etc. we had to make a hard decision to break it all down and look to the future. It had to be done and we're very excited about what the future holds.

Q: How were the off-season for the team and you personally? We said goodbye to a lot of players. Only 9 guys on this year's team were with us last season. That was kind of by design and we'll see a good bit of turnover next off-season as well. We know guys like Steen, Radulov, Oduya, Radulov or Dubnyck will be moving on as our younger kids step into the picture. Personally, it was great.. time with the family, traveled, relaxed...

Q: You had 40 draft picks in the last Entry Draft. Talk about the big names you selected and some of the not so big names you were pleased to get... Well, obviously Dahlin & Svechnikov were the big fish right off the top. After those two, we were very pleased to get two highly ranked netminders in Rodrguez & Skarek as well as NHL veteran Evgeny Dadonov, a guy who will step in and help right away. We had targeted Dadanov because he's going to likely play in the top line on vastly improved Florida team with Barkov and Mike Hoffman. The potential for a strong year offensively is high and can either benefit us directly or bring in another attractive asset before the trade deadline.

Other draftees that come to mind include Aaron Luchuk of OTT, Mac Hollowell - who almost made the Leafs in his first camp - CJ Smith of the Sabres, Skylar McKenzie a nice LW who almost made the Jets in his first try, Paul Cotter of Vegas is going to be a good one someday and Pavel Francouz, a netminder who projects to be a #1 guy for the Avs someday. Two other pros we drafted was a KHL all-star defenseman in Bogdan Kiselvich of the Panthers who's going to play in the NHL this season because he signed a 1-way contract. It's either the NHL or back to Russia for him. Finally, Joakim Ryan of the Sharks, who was voted their "Rookie of the Year" last season. He's also a dman who can eat minutes for us at a reasonable salary.

Miners win Home Opener, defeat Squirrels 4-3.

GAME STORY

Miners win Home Opener, defeat Squirrels 4-3.

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON)

After a lackluster performance versus the Long Island Express in the Season Opener, the Sudbury Miners were back at it again, seeking their first win of the 2018-19 CCHL season.

Being back in Sudbury for the Home Opener, the Miners would score late the third period and hold on for a 4-3 win over the visiting Fonthill Flying Squirrels, much to the delight of the sold-out crowd at the Vale Centre on Wednesday Night.

Aaron Ekblad led the way offensively for the Miners with a goal and two assists, while Vincent Trocheck and Sam Reinhart would each notch a couple of points. Fredrick Andersen, making his second consecutive start made 33 saves in the win.

Special teams were definitely a factor in this game. While the Squirrels were 1-for-2 on the power play, the Miners were a sizzling 3-for-8 with the man-advantage. "Not the prettiest win but we found a way," Ekblad said. "We stuck to our game, kept pushing and found a way. Special teams came up big for us and Freddie came up big for us to and kept us in it, especially the last two periods.

Alex Ovechkin and Richard Panik, each with a pair, scored for Fonthill. Defenceman Alex Edler would chip in a pair of assists and former Miner goaltender Ben Bishop would make 31 saves in the loss. Despite the win, Miners head coach Derek Sutton still knows there is work to be done to get his team to the upper levels of the CCHL.

“We got a little sloppy with the puck. That was not a Picasso by any means,” he said. “You’re never going to complain about a win, but we’re going to go over every game and continue to teach these guys.”

MINERS NUGGETS

- Gustav Forsling made his Miners debut versus the Flying Squirrels. While he did not record a point, he played solidly in his 15 minutes of ice time.

- Next game for the Miners is on Saturday night as they go on the road to Victoria to take on the Ronin.

Season Preview: Dayton Musicmen - The Defensemen....

The 2018-19 season preview continues with a look at the defensemen on our roster as we start the season:

Dayton Pro Roster:

1) Michael Del Zotto - The #1 blueliner on the team, Del Zotto will see the most minutes of all Dayton Dmen. An RFA after this season, Del Zotto will continue to play a major role until Butcher, Ryan, Sanheim, Nutivaara, Cholowski, Juolevi, Hague, etc. push him out of the way. "DZ" will also serve as the captain of this year's team.

2) Darnell Nurse - Taken 7th overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, the 23 yr. old Nurse showed signs of maturing last season in Edmonton and should again this year. He's already among DAY's top 4 dmen with a skill set that posses great skating ability, good physicality and the upside befitting the 2nd defenseman chosen in the '13 Entry Draft.

3) Dan Girardi - The 34-year-old NHL veteran will bring experience, shot blocking and leadership to the Musicmen this season. A UFA after this season is it virtually guaranteed that Girardi will play elsewhere in the CCHL's 2019-20 season.

4) Mike Stone - Recently acquired from the Express, the 28 yr. old Stone moves from Long Island's bench to Dayton's top four. Recently signed to a multi-yr. contract, Stone is a solid 2-way defender, who will serve the team in a variety of roles.

5) Johnny Oduya -The 37-year-old defenseman will likely finish his CCHL career with Dayton this season. He will be a capable 3rd pairing player and with no current NHL contract and his CCHL deal expiring after this season, Oduya will be someplace else this time next season.

6) Jamie Oleksiak - One of two alternate captains this season for the Musicmen, Oleksiak blossomed after being traded from Dallas to Pittsburgh last NHL season. Just 25, the 6'7, 255 lb. dman brings a lot of oomph to the party. Not just a defensive type, Oleksiak, with more ice time than ever before, the offense followed. Oleksiak was the 14th player taken in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft and seems to be fulfilling the promise scouts saw in him.

7) Erik Gustafsson - The 26-yr.-old dmen for the Blackhawks, Gustafsson is primarily an offensive defenseman. Counted on to be a top 4 guy for CHI this season, 30-35 points isn't out of the question. Gustafsson should see time this season for DAY as a power play specialist unless injuries dictate otherwise.

8) Michael Kempny - Time is running out for Kempny as he's hit the 28-year-old mark. At worst, he's a 3rd pairing guy who does everything pretty good, but not great at all. A bit of a bridge player, DAY expects him to cover some minutes over the next two season after which it remains to be seen what his role, if any, may be in Dayton given all the defensive young blood on the way.

9) Marcus Nutivaara - A top 4 dman for the Bluejackets, Nutivaara is another solid 2-way performer who will grow into a full-time spot next season for the 'Men. 30 points are well within reach for the 3rd year defender.


Dayton Farm Roster:

Will Butcher -  44 pts. in 81 games as a rookie with the surprising Devils, Butcher is locked in as a top 4 dman going forward. Running the Devils PP and his regular shifts should put the sophomore close to 19 minutes this NHL season. Currently, on the Farm team, Butcher projects to be a top six guy on Dayton's blueline next season.

Travis Sanheim - The 17th player taken overall in the 2017 NHL Draft, Sanheim cut his teeth last season splitting time between the NHL Flyers and the AHL Phantoms. Struggling out of the gate as a 21-year-old didn't surprise most and his play was noticeably improved after a stint in the AHL. Loads of talent in this young kid, Sanheim will continue to develop as a full-timer in Philly this season and we expect him to battle for top 4 minutes in Dayton in the 2019-20 season.

Joakim Ryan - The reigning "rookie of the year" in San Jose, Ryan will see bottom six minutes for the Sharks this season. A 12th round steal during the CCHL Draft this past Summer, Ryan should be a contributing member of the Musicmen blueline for the next several years. Should be a solid 3rd pairing type going forward.

Ian McCoshen - Expected to make the Panthers this season, McCoshen, despite being an early 2nd rounder in the 2013 Entry Draft, he has yet to claim a spot on the big league roster. Recently sent down to the AHL, McCoshen will still get an opportunity to claim an NHL job at some point, but there's stiff competition working against him.

MINERS CAN’T DE-RAIL THE EXPRESS

MINERS CAN’T DE-RAIL THE EXPRESS
CANADIAN PRESS (Long Island, NY)

A new season filled with controlled optimism and hope opened in Long Island on Tuesday night for the Sudbury Miners.

Unfortunately, though, the problems that the Miners had last year putting the puck in the back of the net, reared their ugly head again, as the Long Island Express handed the Sudbury Miners a season-opening 2-1 loss on Tuesday night.

Express forward Matt Barzal led the way with a goal and an assist, including the game-winner early in the third period. Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves in the Express net to take the win. Wayne Simmonds had the lone marker for the Miners, while goalie Fredrick Andersen, who was making his
Miners debut made 27 saves in the loss.

The Miners controlled most of the opening period, outshooting the Express 15-10, but the teams would go to the dressing room on goals by Simmonds and Express forward Jordan Eberle.
In the second, both teams would trade a number of top-notch scoring chances, but neither team could put one past Lundqvist or Andersen, who were both excellent on the night.

In the third, the Express would jump out to an early lead, as Barzal’s wrist shot would find the top corner just 1:25 into the final frame. Gabriel Landeskog and John Klingberg would draw the assists.
That would be all the scoring for the remainder of the contest.

“Not how we wanted to start the season, but it is not all bad”, stated Miners coach Derek Sutton. “They (Long Island) are a much-improved team. We did a better job at generating some chances but just couldn’t put one past Lundqvist. We have some things to work on but going forward, I feel that we are going to make some strides this year.”

The two teams would finish the third period tied with 8 shots on net each, but the Miners would end the contest with a 33-28 advantage overall.

MINERS NUGGETS

- Special Teams were solid last night. The penalty kill was perfect in six chances, while the power play was 1- for-4 on the night.
- Next game for the Miners is the Home Opener on Thursday night versus the Fonthill Flying Squirrels.

Millers season preview Part 3

Georgetown Millers Season Preview

(Goaltenders)

1. James Reimer - Starting his 3rd season in net, Reimer is expected to play around 50 games, barring any long-term injuries. A save percentage around .915 is a must if he wants to avoid losing time to Ryan Miller.

2. Ryan Miller - Signed in the off-season to a 2-year deal, Miller is expected to start 30 games, 40 at the most. He may be the best backup G in the league.

3. Steve Mason - Acquired recently for Scott Wilson, Mason is in the last year of his contract. Unless an unexpected trade or a long-term injury hits the top 2, Mason will be lucky to see the ice unless absolutely necessary. Rumor has it once Christopher Gibson was acquired Mason was being shopped.

4. Christopher Gibson - Recent waiver pickup will be the man in net for the Millers minor league affiliate, NKY Chinstraps. A longshot to see action this year, the club hopes Gibson can ascend to the big club next season.

5. Peter Budaj - Last season’s co-starter with Reimer has seen his stock plummet, going to the bottom of the depth chart. Medical concerns will prevent Budaj from seeing any game time this season barring an injury crisis.

Loons Prospect Review

IT WAS reported the night before the entry draft that GM Czepiel had last-minute meetings with Oliver Wahlstrom, Filip Zadina, and Quinn Hughes. Zadina went to Parry Sound at 3 leaving Czepiel to seemingly choose between Wahlstrom and Hughes. Czepiel went with Wahlstrom with the 4th pick and now 3 months later Czepiel was able to add Quinn Hughes as well. It appears that Czepiel is building a core around 20-year-old Dubois, 20-year-old Puljujarvi and 22-year-old Donato. Only on Capeside would the 25-year-old Nugent-Hopkins be considered as being older than the core. However, that must be what Czepiel believed when he dealt away former number 1 overall pick to Siberia for 18-year-old Hughes, a 2nd round pick and Johansson. This trade most likely kills any hopes of the Loons making the playoffs this year, but the hope must be that Hughes, Wahlstrom, and Lauko are better suited to Capeside's 5-year plan.

With Quinn Hughes now a future Loon, it seems a good time to take a look at Capeside's top prospects.

10.  Petrus Palmu - LW/RW  (acquired via trade with Portland)

Former 9th round pick of the Owls is only 5'7'' but high skill level more then makes up for it. Palmu destroyed the OHL 2 years ago with 98 points (40/58) in 62 games and last year put up fantastic numbers with TPS in the Finnish Elite League: 17/19 in 59 games. Palmu will play in the AHL this year and could join the Loons as early as 2020-21.  Projection - 3rd Line Wing 35-40 pts

9. Zach Senyshyn - RW   (acquired via trade with Fonthill)

Senyshyn was taken much higher than expected in 2015 and his poor production has backed those opinions. However, a strong finish last year in the AHL and a great training camp this year is giving the Loons optimism. Senyshyn is an extremely fast skater with high offensive upside if he can only find a way to put it together. If Zach can take the next step at the AHL level this year he could make the Loons in 2020-21. Projection - 3rd Line Wing 40 pts

8. Dan Vladar - G   (acquired via trade with Dayton)

Vladar is a monster in size at 6'5'' but moves well in net. Vladar was drafted as a project and is now showing that he is putting it together. Darth Vladar had a tremendous training camp and appears ready to be the number 1 goalie in the AHL this year. Projection - Loons starting goalie 2021-22

7. Roland McKeown - D   (acquired via trade with Ft. Erie)

McKeown is a solid two-way defenseman which put up outstanding +/- numbers ( +34 ) in the AHL last year. McKeown was not able to make the team out of training camp but figures to see time in the NHL this year. Should be a full-time contributor to the Loons in 2020-21   Projection - bottom pair defenseman with time on both PP & PK

6. Jonathan Tychonick - D   (Loons draft pick 2018)

Tychonick is puck moving defenseman. He will play for N. Dakota in the NCAA where he will need to prove he can play against tougher competition after his time in the Junior A level. Figures to see time with the Loons around the 2022-23 season. Projection - 2nd D pairing with time on the Power Play

5. Bode Wilde - D   (Loons draft pick 2018)

Wilde has all the tools and just needs to put them all together. Wilde slipped in the draft due to concerns about if decision making in his own zone. His offensive skills and rocket shot make him a potential steal as a second-round pick. Wilde passed up the NCAA route in order to play in juniors this year. Capeside would have much rather he played in college where he could have worked more on his defensive game. Looks to be a Loon as early as 2021-22   Projection - Top D pairing and first PP unit

4. Jay O'Brien - C/RW  (Loons draft pick 2018)

O'Brien dominated the lower level competition in MA prep school with an elite shot that has translated well for team USA. O'Brien was drafted higher than expected because of the prep school route but he proved that he can more the hold his own when he had success with team USA at the World Junior Showcase this past summer. O'Brien will continue his development at Providence College this year. Full-time Loon 2021-22 Projection - top 6 forward and PP 55-60 pts

3. Jakub Lauko - LW  (Loons draft pick 2018)

After a tremendous training camp where Lauko showed his amazing speed and compete level, he appears to be the steal of the 2018 draft for Capeside. There were rumblings that Lauko had a chance at making the NHL as an 18 year old until a friendly fire collision in practice derailed him. Lauko will work on getting stronger and maturing In Juniors this year and could possibly be a Loon is 2020-21  Projection - top 6 forward 50-55 pts

2. Quinn Hughes - D  (acquired via trade with Siberia)

Quinn was perhaps the best skater in the entire draft, and if it wasn't for Dahlin the top defenseman in the 2018 draft. Hughes is the exact type of player that hockey is built for now with elite skating, puck handling and a rocket shot from the point. Hughes was dominant at times as a freshman at Michigan last year and will look to add some muscle and work on the defensive part of his game as a sophomore. Hughes will likely make the jump to the NHL at the conclusion of the NCAA schedule and could see time as a Loon in 2019-2020. Projection - top pair D & leading the first unit PP 50+ points is realistic

1. Oliver Wahlstrom - RW  (Loons first ever draft pick 2018)

Wahlstrom has elite offensive skills. He has a lethal shot to go along with his creative puck handling that caught GM Czepiel's attention as a participant on Mini 1 on 1 during the intermission of a Bruins game a decade ago. Wahlstrom dominated while playing for the US developmental program. Last year putting up 94 pts in 62 games and then was a goal per game during the under 18s. After a slightly disappointing showing during the world junior showcase this past summer, Wahlstrom with most likely be a 1 and done at Boston College this year. Wahlstrom will likely join the NHL after the NCAA season and will be a part of the Loon's core as early as 2019-20. Projection -  First line RW and top PP unit 40 goals / 80 pts

Season Preview: Dayton Musicmen - The Prospects...

After a mammoth draft over the Summer, the 'Men added another 38 prospects to our list which took us over the 100 mark.

I won't discuss all of our prospects but instead, focus on the ten prospects most likely to see time in the NHL this season.


1) Dennis Cholowski - DET - D - Cholowski has made the team in Detroit and should see significant time in all situations. He's part of the core group of youngsters the Wings want to build around.

2) Daniel Sprong - PIT - RW - There's a spot for Sprong on the Pens, despite an underwhelming training camp. He may be sent to Wilkes-Barre in the AHL to start the year, but the plan is for him to see significant minutes this year in the 'Burgh.

3) Filip Chytil - NYR - C/W - The Rangers are rebuilding a bit and Chytil is one of their biggest guns in the system. He didn't look out of place late last season and will be given every chance to be given a major slot in the Rangers lineup as the season starts.

4) Andrei Svechnikov - CAR - RW - This may be the kind of guy who never plays a minute in the minors. Yes, he's that good...

5) Ville Husso - STL - G - Jake Allen and Chad Johnson, the Blues current goalies, can hear Husso getting closer and closer for the starting job in St. Louis. Talented, decent size and had a monster year in the AHL last year in San Antonio. He's coming...

6) Joe Hicketts - DET - D - Similar to Cholowski, Hicketts will remain with the big club until some of the veteran dmen in Detroit heal up from a variety of injuries.

7) Maxime Comtois - ANA - LW - Another young player who stands to benefit from veteran injuries with the Ducks in the early going. If after ten games are played Comtois looks like he belongs, look for him to stay with the big club all season.

8) Nick Hague - VEG - D - A strong offensive blueliner with reasonably good defensive skills, Hague will wait for the call-up at some point this season. The call will come, trust me.

9) Olle Juolevi - VAN - D - Starting the season in Utica in the AHL won't be the worst thing that could happen to the 5th player taken overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.

10 ) Juho Lammikko - FLA - C/LW - Think of Lammikko as a Jeri Lehtinen without the scoring touch. A solid 3rd liner with above average pk skills...

11) Bogdan Kisselvich - FLA - D - The 28 yr. old vet of the KHL signed a one year, one-way contract with the Panthers and is expected to make an impact immediately. The KHL All-Star plays an effective, well-rounded game.  Look for him in Dayton next season.

Keep an eye on these guys too:

Pavel Francouz (COL-G), Danick Martel (TB-C), Gabe Villardi (LAK-C), Dominik Kahun (CHI-C/RW), Drake Batherson (OTT-C) and Micheal McLeod (NJ-C)...