A Weekly Look at the 2019-20 Sudbury Miners: Volume 16 (Games 68-71)

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

Miners Weekly Record: 1 wins, 3 losses, 0 OT loss.

Miners League Standing: 37 wins, 24 losses, 10 OT Loss = 84 points total.
Currently sit in 4th place in the Canosa Conference, 7th overall in the CCHL.

Miners Special Teams: Power Play – 20.5% (7th); Penalty Kill – 81.8% (8th)

Miners Scoring Leader: Center Tyler Seguin (34G – 54A = 88 pts; 3rd Overall in the CCHL)

If only the Miners could play with more consistency…

That question is what has plagued both Miners fans and management all season. After reeling
off a season-high six (6) game win streak, the Miners have lost 5 of their past 6 contests and in doing so, now sit only 3 points ahead of 6th place Reykjavik in the Canosa Conference.

“Consistency is something we seemed to have struggled with all year…lots of peaks and
valleys”, stated Coach Derek Sutton. “But we need to realize in this room, that the best teams in the
league play the same every game, and that’s why we are looking up at them in the standings. This isn’t the time of year to be trying to find our game...now is the time to fine-tune it and get ready for
playoffs…if and when we qualify.”

The schedule for the remainder of the season is not an easy one for the Miners. They play 9 out
of their last 11 games versus teams in their divisions, including two each versus Victoria and Reykjavik.  Both teams have closed the gap on the Miners in the division and have now put the pressure squarely on this squad to hold onto 4th place in the division.

Winger Sebastian Aho was quoted as saying, “I know it is a cliché, but we need to approach
these last games with a playoff mentality. Because of our recent run of play, 3 rd place is all but out of
reach, so we need to hold onto that 4th spot and clinch a playoff spot. If we can break out of this funk, we might be golfing soon...and in Finland, we hate golf!”

MINERS PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK: Fredrik Andersen

Andersen is your typical goaltender in today’s game. He has tremendous size for the goaltending
position, as well as loads of natural puck-stopping ability. He is smart and well-positioned even when
fighting through traffic and has been one of the league’s most consistent goaltenders in nearly all areas of his game. He tracks pucks well and has great rebound instincts and is capable of making both the routine and the spectacular save. He does have times where he can slump and play less than his ability would dictate, but he is considered one of the top goalies in the game today.

MINERS PROSPECT NEED TO KNOW: Cole Caulfield

The comparison to Alex DeBrincat is obvious, but also pretty appropriate. Like DeBrincat,
Caufield is mite-sized and has put the puck in the net at every stage of his development, including an
awe-inspiring 72 times in 64 games for the USNTDP last year. He may be small, but he is built solid, with his leg strength serving as a springboard for the rest of his game. He can score from anywhere in the offensive zone, using a wide variety of shot types. He skates well, too, getting to a nice top speed and enabling him to sneak up on defenses. He has exceptionally soft hands for receiving passes and making them work. A true goal scorer with a very high ceiling. Expected CCHL arrival: 2022-23.

State of the Loons; Post Trade Deadline

As expected, there was a flurry of trades involving the Loons this year. Looking at it from afar - there seemed to be no strategy other then just to move players. Prospects were sent out to bring in elite players, but then elite players were sent out to bring in prospects. Confused? Well, earlier in the year a memo did go out that Capeside was targeting players that management "liked". From the look of the players that were brought in, it seems to be players that are either from New England and/or players from the US National Team.

Additions: John Carlson (Natick,MA), Zdeno Chara (lives in Boston), Andrew Peeke (US National), the return of Bode Wilde (US National), Bobby Brink (US National), Alex Vlasic (US National), Cam Atkinson (CT), Arthur Kaliyev (US National)

Departures: The two departures that go against the current roster building philosophy were Kevin Hayes and Alex Turcotte.

Looking ahead - we simply would not be able to afford Hayes. His contract expires after the 2020-21 season and his salary and he will be due a massive raise up to $9 million. As far as Turcotte goes - it was just simply a mistake. We made the decision to go all in with Trevor Zegras and as much as we wanted to keep both, moving Turcotte was necessary in order to land Carlson. The mistake came later once we were finally able to acquire Kaliyev - it sure would have been nice to pair future teammates together in Turcotte/Kaliyev (LAK).

Even after our successful inaugural year, Simon is still a mystery to me. Last year we added big name, high priced players like Giroux only to start losing. This year we splurged and brought in Kessel, JVR and Panarin only to see the same result. As long as we continue to have no idea what we are really doing - we are just going to continue to sink or swim with players that we like. So if you have a Bruin, a New Englander or a veteran of the US National Team, odds are that you will eventually have an email in your inbox from me. You have been warned.

CCHL POWER RANKINGS (Week ending 2/9/20)

Another week of games has come and gone and we see a few changes in the newest Power Rankings. Springfield and Hamilton have traded places with the Isotopes jumping up into the 3rd slot on the rankings. Other changes this week see the Calgary Chinook drop from 12th overall down to 14th, mostly due to a 2-4-0 record in their last six games. After riding a hot streak into the top ten last week, the Parry Sound Orrsmen drop out of the top 14 slots as they have posted a 3-5 record in their last 8 games. Fort Erie, even after a couple of losses, still sits in first place, just ahead of the Icecats.

POWER RANKINGS FOR 2/9/20:

1. FOR - 12
2. SIB - 14
3. SPR - 37
4. SUD - 38
5. HAM - 42
6. DAY - 44
7. REK - 53
8. GIL - 60
9. SEA - 66
10. GEO - 66
11. VIC - 73
12. CAP - 74
13. DRT - 76
14. CGY - 78

CORFIELD CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PICTURE:

*FOR is a lock for 1st overall in the conference but can't start resting guys with SIB just 3 points behind AND a game in hand in what will be an interesting battle for 1st overall and home ice in the playoffs.

*DAY looks to finish in 2nd in the conf. but no worse than 3rd barring a total collapse over the next couple weeks.

*GIL & SEA look to fight it out for the 3rd seed, with CAP  - with games in hand  - might dump CGY into the bottom seed before its all over.

*DRT is still within striking distance but needs help to qualify for the playoffs.

CANOSA CONFERENCE PLAYOFF PICTURE:

*SIB will be the #1 seed in the conference.

*As long as HAM continues to play well, it'll be hard for SPR or SUD to catch them. The Tigers, however, have gone just 4-4-0 in their last 8 games and .500 hockey may allow the others to catch up to them. Keep an eye on this playoff race...

*REK, VIC and GEO will fight it out for the last two playoff spots in the Conference. GEO has to catch one of the others and of the two the Puffin are the likely candidate. Good news for the Puffin is that they hold a game in hand over GEO and two games in hand over the Ronin. Another battle to watch closely...

See you next week!

A Weekly Look at the 2019-20 Sudbury Miners: Volume 15 (Games 64-67)

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

Miners Weekly Record: 2 wins, 1 loss, 1 OT loss.

Miners League Standing: 36 wins, 22 losses, 9 OT Loss = 81 points total. Currently, sitting in 4th place in the Canosa Conference, 7th overall in the CCHL.

Miners Special Teams: Power Play – 20.8% (8th); Penalty Kill – 82.2% (6th)
Miners Scoring Leader: Center Tyler Seguin (33G – 51A = 84 pts; 5th Overall in the CCHL)

It was another decent week for the Miners as they continue their push to lock up a playoff spot.

With another two wins this week, the Miners see themselves 9 points ahead of 7th place Georgetown, with 15 games to play. Still lots of time for things to go sideways, but if the Miners can keep up their recent run of good play, they should find themselves in a playoff spot sooner rather than later.

“We are playing some good hockey lately and it’s a good time to be rounding into form”, stated
Miners forward Sean Monahan. “We hope the injury troubles are behind us and we can go into the
playoffs healthy and with some experienced depth. We will need it if we are going to make some noise in the playoffs this year”.

Some of that depth that Monahan mentions, is currently plying their trade in the minor leagues
with the Miners minor league affiliate, the North Bay Trappers. Highly touted prospects such as Troy Terry, Rasmus Sandin, and Martin Necas have guided the Trappers to 2nd overall and have already clinched a playoff spot. General Manager Terry James is hoping the Trappers can also do a little damage in their playoffs.

“We are very happy with the development model we have built in North Bay, and are pleased with
how well the team itself is producing. Playing important games, even if they are minor league playoffs, will go a long way in the development of future Miners players. In today’s salary crunch era, you need that flow of young talent producing early to offset the cost of proven players”, stated James. “Ideally, I would love to sip champagne out of two Cups this year!”

MINERS PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK: Sebastian Aho

Strong character and high-end skill defines this undersized playmaker. He is a speedster with
quick hands and elite passing ability. He has a solid shot, powered by his compact and quick release. He attacks defenders with his speed and often forces them into favorable positions with his agility as well. He plays with energy and is usually noticeable when he is on the ice. He is a smart two-way hockey player, and appears calm and always in control. His versatility allows him to play both center and on the wing. He is a perennial 30-goal, 80 point player.

MINERS PROSPECT NEED TO KNOW: Alex Formenton

The foundation of Formenton’s game is his elite skating ability. He has an effortless, yet powerful
stride that allows him to be such an effective high-energy winger. Formenton is also a physical player
who is aggressive on the forecheck, making him a terrific penalty killer. From an offensive side, his best asset is a quick release, but his offensive potential may be limited due to only average puck skills and vision. Long term, he profiles as a middle-six, winger with some scoring ability and penalty-killing abilities.

Expected CCHL arrival: 2021-22.

Pacioretty moves on...

About a week or so ago it was learned that Max Pacioretty wanted to move on from the Fort Erie Falcons due to a lack of playing time on the first place Falcons. 

We learned at the time that GM Matt Young would be willing to accommodate such a request as long as the return made sense, and apparently Young found one that made sense. 

Pacioretty goes to the Springfield Isotopes in exchange for prospects Ryan Suzuki and Ryan McLeod, along with a 2020 second-round pick. 

In McLeod and Suzuki, Fort Erie replenishes the farm system at the center position after dealing top prospects Barret Hayton and Akil Thomas over the last month. 

Suzuki, in particular, seems to be the centrepiece of the transaction.

The former first overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection draft is having a solid season this year having moved to Saginaw at the OHL trade deadline. 

In Young's media conference following the trade, he seemed quite pleased to add the pair of centers to the organization. 

"I like what we got a lot.  Suzuki is having a great start on a team playing for a championship in Saginaw and I think McLeod has a real chance of playing given the wheels he has displayed in his career.  The kid can really skate." 

Young added that he was happy to get a second-round pick back but had hoped for a first. 

"I think it's a good return.  I was hoping for a first in the trade too but without Max playing, teams seemed worried about how long it might take him to get back into game shape.  To Aaron's credit (Springfield GM Aaron Stacey), he was willing to take a risk and bolster his team." 

The team also acquired Roman Polak before the trade deadline to ensure a solid group of eight defenders for the playoffs. 

My next story will be a feature of Polak's adjustment to Fort Erie and how he is working to rehab his injury.  Until then, keep your stick on the ice!

A Weekly Look at the 2019-20 Sudbury Miners: Volume 14 (Games 60-63)

CANADIAN PRESS (Sudbury, ON):

Miners Weekly Record: 4 wins, 0 losses, 0 OT loss.
Miners League Standing: 34 wins, 21 losses, 8 OT Loss = 76 points total.

Currently sitting in 4th place in the Canosa Conference, 7th overall in the CCHL.

Miners Special Teams: Power Play – 21.5% (6th); Penalty Kill – 81.9% (9th)
Miners Scoring Leader: Center Tyler Seguin (32G – 47A = 76 pts; 6th Overall in the CCHL)

What a difference a week makes...

Fresh off their worst stretch of the season in losing 5 games in a row, the Sudbury Miners reeled
off 4 straight wins this week, which saw them jump up to 4th place in the Canosa Conference. The Miners now sit just two points back of 3rd place Springfield, with a game in hand.

According to Coach Derek Sutton, the Miners have played some of their best hockey of the
season this past week. “I’m really happy how our room responded to a tough stretch. It shows that we are maturing as a team and I feel we are coming together at the right time. We are gaining more and more confidence and we feel that we have the potential to make a little bit of noise come playoff time.”

With the trade deadline having passed this week, the Miners did have some discussions but were
never really close in consummating a deal. But according to General Manager Terry James, may have
some movement once the season is done. “We did try to add a piece or two for the playoff push, but ultimately we just were not comfortable with the asking price and did not want to disrupt the chemistry in our room. I know there are lots of reports out there by you media guys, but I can neither confirm nor deny that we have agreed to a trade in principle once the season is complete.”

Sounds like the off-season could get interesting in the Nickel City…….

MINERS PLAYER PROFILE OF THE WEEK: Denis Malgin

A creative, versatile, two-way player with good wheels, Malgin is still only 21-years-old, and once
he becomes a more consistent scorer, he can be a valuable asset. He has a tendency to get his points in bunches and then go ice cold, but scouts agree that he could be poised to break out in the near future. Given the depth on the Miners, a player like Malgin may have to look at plying his trade in another market to truly get his shot. He is scheduled to be a restricted free agent this summer.

MINERS PROSPECT NEED TO KNOW: Ian Scott

Scott is a polarizing goalie as he has all the physical traits, and has met all of the statistical targets that you look for in a prospect goalie. He as height (6-3”), and his numbers in his final year of
junior (GAA -1.93 and SV% .932) were all fantastic. Yet, he often leaves you wanting just a bit more. He uses his body well and is effective at getting in front of the first shot however he can be challenged when he is forced to move across the crease. He does make some excellent saves off the rush and has good agility that enables him to make saves he shouldn’t get to. On the other hand, he does seem to let in a few that he probably shouldn’t. If he can avoid the soft goals, he could project as a CCHL backup.

Expected CCHL arrival: 2024-25.

CCHL POWER RANKINGS FOR 2/1/20...

Here are the newest CCHL Power Rankings! The top two teams stay unchanged that the Falcons widen their lead a bit over the Icecates from last week's margin of just 3 points to this week's 9 points. Hamilton has company now in the three slot as the Miners are now tied with the Tigers.  The Isotopes fall again in this week's rankings and now sit 5th overall, four points ahead of the Musicmen, who remain in 6th overall for the third straight week. Falling in behind Dayton is the Puffin, the Sharks, the Reign, and holy crap, it's The ORRSMEN jumping into the 10th spot! The other teams to earn mention this week are the Chinook, Millers, Ronin, Loons and Lakers.

Playoff wise, in the Corfield Conference, the race sees the Loons with a six-point lead over all other comers for the last playoff spot. If the Loons play .500 hockey or better the rest of the way, it will be hard for anyone of DRT, PAR, WIS, NIA or POR to overtake them. However, if the Loons fall and one of DRT, PAR or the Donuts put together a hot streak, it could be anyone's guess who grabs that last spot.

In the Canosa, only Georgetown looks able to be a factor for the last playoff spot as they sit 4 points behind VIC with a game in hand. Also of interest is the three-team battle between SPR, SUD, and REK who sit just four points behind SPR for 3rd place.

Should be interesting to see what the new week brings!

POWER RANKINGS FOR 2/1/20:

1. FOR-10
2. SIB-19
3. HAM-38
4. SUD-38
5. SPR-43
6. DAY-47
7. REK-51
8. GIL-59
9. SEA-65
10. PAR-66
11. CGY-75
12. GEO-75
13. VIC-78
14. CAP-79
15. DRT-79

'Til next week, CCHL-ers!