Fort Erie has a new coach

After a difficult loss to Wisborg in the Corfield Conference finals, Fort Erie will have a different look behind the bench next season.  

Following the loss, Fort Erie GM Young and Joel Quenneville met to discuss the coach's future and it was decided that the team would move forward without the veteran coach.  

"After consulting with Joel, he seemed to be worn out by the grind of the CCHL season and the pressure that follows a job like this.  He wants to spend more time at home given his age, so we just felt it was time to part ways.  We can't thank Joel enough for the contribution he's made to the organization and the success we've had together," said GM Young.  

It didn't take long for a successor to be announced, as Young quickly noted that Quenneville would be succeeded by Kris Knoblauch behind the bench.  

"Kris just wins everywhere he goes.  He did great things in Erie in the OHL with four 50 win seasons in a row - that's almost impossible in junior hockey.  He's been a good head coach in the AHL and we feel he's the voice we need behind our bench for the upcoming season," said Young.  

Dylan Strome, who played for Knoblauch in Erie said that he was excited by the move and knows that the new coach will make the most of the opportunity.  

"Coach is a great communicator and he'll get the best out of this team.  We have a skilled group here and I think he'll get us the next level - one that he got us to in Erie.  He will achieve buy-in and I'm excited to play for him again," said the center.  

The team is said to be announcing trades in the upcoming days as well so it should be an exciting time in the early part of the off-season in Fort Erie.  

Stay tuned - it'll be a busy week for the regular season record setters!  

Falcons flying from the nests of Fort Erie?

With a conference finals loss this year, it was inevitable changes would be made for the Fort Erie Falcons.  

As with every playoff disappointment, teams around the CCHL make moves to change their fortunes the following season and this offseason was to be no different in Fort Erie.  

We've heard players like Gavrikov, Zuccarello and maybe even mainstay Debrincat or Marner may not be back as Falcons but what we didn't anticipate is that potentially nobody will return as a member of the Falcons.  

How's that possible you ask?  

Well, rumor started circulating this week that the team would be changing names for the 24-25 season as a result of a dispute with a local elementary school.  

It turns out a local school has also been using the moniker of "Falcons" and has taken action to ensure that they are the only Falcons in town.  

It turns out that may not necessarily be something that has upset the team, as they had already been looking at a name change having realized that the name was not unique to the border city.  

The possible new names range from Border Cats to 24's to the Riverhawks, with a blue and gold themed uniform to follow from the light blue and navy the team has worn for years.  

Let's examine the potential names and their meanings:

The Border Cats name represents the fact that Fort Erie is located right on the US border of NY state and they'd be able to leap across like a cat would with relative ease.  While it's a creative name, I think it likely finishes third in the grand scheme of things.  

The Riverhawks name is a name that carries tradition around the Fort Erie and Niagara region, while still maintaining the "bird" theme the organization has had for years.  It also looks awesome in the new colour scheme so this possibility is great!  

Now for the one that has most people scratching their heads.  The Fort Erie 24's????  It's a lot like the Ottawa 67's of the OHL where the name took place because they were created in 1967.  While that's true, there's also a lot of deeper potential meaning to the 24's name. 

Yes, it would be 2024 that the team would adopt the name so that does follow consistent with the Ottawa 67's rationale.  The 24 name is also one to celebrate the fact there are indeed 24 bottles of beer inside a case of beer - most notably known as the two-four.  

One other fact is that there is history to the 24 number in Fort Erie as well.  It was on the 24th day of the month that the Americans left Fort Erie; ending the War of 1812.  A lot of significance in the number 24 in Fort Erie.  

In any event, nothing has been finalized yet but with name changes due to the league very soon - you can bet we'll be hearing about an announcement in the coming two weeks.  

CCHL Survey Results and Thoughts

 Another offseason is upon us and with that, comes another off-season survey to see that we are resolving the hot-button issues in the league that may need to be changed.  

One thing to be said about it.  For us to look at making a change, I've always been a big believer of the majority (70% or more) would want to be in favour of it; meaning we had the rule wrong for our league members.  Without it, it's hard to make a change when a lot of the league is happy with the status quo, or doesn't see the need to make a change.  

With that said, another survey was issued where 20 out of 23 GMs (New England still vacant) voiced their thoughts on the CCHL questions and issues at hand.  

The first question was about the goaltending usage rule required for the playoffs.  Of the 20 responses, 10 wanted the rule to stay the same.  Seven of you wanted the minimum number of games required for playoff action changed and three wanted the fatigue raised.  Without the majority of people interested in a change, we will leave things as is since half the league does not see the need for change.  

The next question was about a return to the minor leagues where 19 people took part in the vote.  11 of those votes said to not bring back the minor league, so we'll be avoiding doing that once again.  I'm always curious as to the hate for the minor league system since there isn't a requirement to manage the lineups for it, but it seems to be something people generally hate the idea of so we'll be shelving that idea again.  

Our third question of the survey was to ask for feedback on the website for submitting lines with almost everyone saying it made it easier, and those using drop box still said that it did not make a difference.  Fair point but I am glad the majority are liking the use of the website as it shows the investment of time to make that happen has been well worth it for the league.  

Question four dealt with the waiver draft with ten of you saying keep it the way it is.  Eight people said to scrap it while two said to allow the players to get signed as free agents.  As I said at the outset of this blog, the reality is we won't look at making a change if most of you don't want it, so there won't be a change concerning the annual waiver draft.  

Next up was the CCHL draft website.  The purpose for this question was to see if it added value with 14 people saying they really liked it and six saying that they are easy either way.  We'll be keeping the CCHL draft website and it's again nice to see the feedback that it's worthwhile for us as a league.  

Question six was regarding the draft black book.  For those who voted yes, please send me an email so I can compile a list and figure out the cost when the time is appropriate.  

Question seven was asked to see if there was any interest in some CCHL-like action in the summer time to which the majority said there wasn't any interest at all (12 votes).  Two people wanted a full-on World Cup while six liked the idea of the U23 World Cup.  I asked this question because in talking to quite a few people they said they missed the league in the summer so I thought it would be a good opportunity to fill that gap with something unique but there doesn't appear to be the interest so I'll forego the idea.  

Question eight was the one I was personally more curious about - would GMs like to have the divisions and conferences realigned again.  The purpose for this question was simple.  If I have to re-do the schedule this summer anyway, there would not be a better time to realign if that is what people wanted.  

11 of those who voted said they wanted it to be kept the same, so no further changes would be necessary.  This would have never been a question had the schedule not had to be re-done but since it has to be, I figured it was worthwhile to ask in order to see how people liked the current alignment.  

That's it - another year-end survey is in the books.  Lots of big things happening as our offseason gets underway this week.  Use the time to build your team up.  I'm hoping to see a little more parity next year in the league and the offseason should be really interesting.  

Enjoy the offseason and the summer as our season will be here again before we know it.  

-The Commish

Amos GM’s statement following the 23-24 season.

 Amos GM’s statement following the 23-24 season.

It has been a roller coaster season again. Lots of trades, lots of tough decisions but overall, we

are satisfied with the season we had. We made a real hard push at the end of the season to

secure our playoffs spot. Samsonov been absolutely incredible between the pipes. Our group

made a solid effort collectively to achieve the level of competitivity we had. Coach St-Louis have

done a solid job too to regroup the players around one goal: The playoffs.

The off-season might be again loaded of tough decisions. With the number of defensemen we

have under contracts, we will have to make some adjustments. Some names like Hague,

Schmidt, Karlsson, Kovacevic have been meet up to let them know they will be on the block.

In front, Josh Anderson and Jakub Vrana both RFA won’t be re-sign by the team. We have made

a couple of first approach to extend Boeser, Bunting, Joseph and Werenski who could be

important pieces in our future. Next season camp will be interesting. Rookies like Rossi,

Neighbours, Barron, Struble, Kochetkov and even maybe Roy might make the main roster. While

Snuggerud, Guschchin, Dobes, Bourgault & Farrell will be the leaders in our Farm team.

Our main seeking in the off-season will be to find a center. Here’s a sneak peek of what our 24-

25 lineup might look like even though we all know half of them will be traded before the

beginning of the season (LOL):

Forwards

Bunting – Danault – Boeser

Farabee – Newhook – Necas

Neighbours – Pageau – Evangelista

Frederic – Rossi – Atkinson

Extra: F. Gaudreau, Iafallo, Noesen

Defense

Karlsson – Brodin

Werenski – Guhle

Walker – Durzi

Extra: Kovacevic, Hague, Bahl, Barron, Struble

Goalies

Samsonov – Kochetkov -Andersen

Millers Musings - Trade Deadline Edition

 After only making 2 trades the first 2/3 of the season the Millers have been involved in 3 deals in the past week. Below is a write-up of each trade, examining the expected effect on the rest of the this season and a preview of the 24-25 season. 

GEO trades S. Varlamov & J. Martinook to FOR for J. Allen & Y. Gourde…

This season: Varlamov had been an expensive bust as the backup keeper and Martinook fell out of the lineup after the first month. In return the Millers downgraded ratings wise with Allen as the new back-up but gained more flexibility by bringing in Gourde, who can play all 3 positions and contribute on both special teams. With Reilly Smith not clicking on the Larkin line it’s expected Gourde will play RW to relieve some of Larkin’s defensive responsibilities. He’ll also see PK time and could make an appearance on the 2nd PP unit. 

Next season: Gourde’s scoring has dropped off so far this NHL season and it’s likely he’ll be on the 3rd line and on the PK. Allen will battle Lukas Dostal for the right to backup Stuart Skinner in net. 

CAP trades D. Fabbro to GEO for N. Jensen

This season: Jensen has been a mainstay in the lineup recently, but his PK performance had dropped off and he had fallen back into his early season penalty-drawing rut. With Shea Theodore having returned from injury Jensen was likely the odd man out if the Millers went 12-6, as they liked the performance of Jake Bean on the PP and on the 3rd pairing. Fabbro won’t ever live up to his prospect potential but he’s a solid 4 to 6 D and is unusually mobile for a stay at home Dman. He’ll take over a 3rd pairing and PK role.  

Next season: Fabbro is pencilled in for the 3rd pairing and 2nd PK unit for the 24-25 edition of the Millers. 

FOR trades S. Gostisbehere to GEO for I. Barbashev…

This season: Barbashev started out as the top line LW but struggled before finding a home on the 3rd line. He was not playing on any special teams unit though, only getting about 14 minutes a night at even strength. His lineup spot is likely to be taken by either Michael Rasmussen or Blake Coleman on the 4th line, with Andreas Athanasieau dropping to the 3rd line. Gostisbehere was brought in to help the PP and replace offense if Shea Theodore suffers another injury; he’s considered an upgrade over the aforementioned Bean as Theodore cover. He’ll likely to be on the 3rd pairing and 1st or 2nd PP. 

Next season: Ghost will likely be on the 2nd pairing and 1st PP unit. With Theodore’s injury issues this NHL season his presence will be needed to drive offense from the back-end if Theodore is unavailable. 

Projected Lines for rest of 23-24 season:

Compher-Laughton-Giroux

Larkin-McCann-Gourde

Copp-Athanasieu-Smith

Bjugstad-Goodrow-Coleman

Reserves: Rasmussen, O’Connor, Bastian

Miller-Theodore

Skjei-Ferraro

Ghostisbehere-Fabbro

Reserves: OEL, Bean, Walman, Kulak

Skinner

Allen

Projected 24-25 lines:

Larkin-Coleman-Giroux

Compher-McCann-Smith

Copp-Rasmussen-Gourde

Laughton-Goodrow-O’Connor

Reserves: Athanasieu, Guenther, Bastian

Miller-Theodore

Skjei-Ferraro

Fabbro-Gostisbehere

Reserves: Walman, Bean, Jiracek (M)

Skinner

Dostal/Allen

Denver IceChips

 Recently the Spurs have seen themselves slide down to 4th in the Canosa Conference with the Ronin and Ice Caps nipping at their heels one point back.

This prompted a trade for more scoring with Nichushkin on the shelf.
The Spurs brought in Evander Kane from Fort Erie sending back a 1st rounder in 2025.
A steep price for sure but with Kane on the right side 1st line with Nelson & Guentzel, it is hoped more scoring will be stimulated.
The only concern is Kane's endurance.
The Spurs also received several late round picks in 2025 with Kane.

In other news, Guentzel has risen to #1 in scoring for the Spurs with 49 pts (25g, 24a).
#2 is blueliner Petry with 42 (6-36). Coming up in 3rd is rookie dman J.J Moser with 41 (12-29).
Hence the reason for bringing in a forward with scoring potential.

Between the pipes Tristan Jarry has been a disappointment of late.
Hopefully he can return to his early season form.

Reported by I.P. Daley

Millers Musings

 After analyzing the Forwards last week, the spotlight will shine on the Defensemen and Goaltenders today…

Defensemen

Brady Skjei (23.00)

This season:  Skjei has been the workhorse, skating on the 1st or 2nd pair and playing both special teams units. He’s been solid with 32 points, including 9 on the PP, and a plus 17. 

Next year: More of the same. 

K’Andre Miller (22.99)

This season: Miller’s development as a top pair Dman continues. The first half he paired with Skjei, and the 2nd half has seen him next to Theodore. No matter who he ha been with he has produced, with 31 pts ( PP) and a plus 21. 

Next year: Further growth is expected, although his NHL numbers are down so far this season. 

Nick Jensen (20.90)

This season: It’s been an interesting year for the veteran, as he was a healthy scratch and on the trade block after several games with costly penalties and poor PK performance when he wasn’t in the sin bin. Since rejoining the lineup he’s teamed with Skjei on a solid 2nd pairing and has contributed 21 points and has been more disciplined. 

Next year: Age is catching up and it’s likely a 3rd pairing role awaits Jensen in the 24-25 season. 

Shea Theodore (19.76)

This season: He’s been an offensive force with 45 points in 48 games, including 17 with the main advantage. He’s had injury issues, missing a week’s worth of games on 2 occasions. 

Next year: Should continue his elite production, but injury concerns are high given he’s only appeared in 20 of his NHL club’s 42 games thus far. 

Oliver Ekman-Larsson (17.28)

This season: The vet acquired in the off-season rotated through the 3rd pairing with several others in the early part of the season before finding great chemistry with Mario Ferraro and claiming a full time job just before the Millers started their 11 game win streak. 13 points in 37 games and a plus 15 are solid numbers considering his ice-time, although he has not been particularly productive on either special team unit. 

Next year He is UFA, but is having a renaissance season in the NHL. If he returns it will likely be in the same role he  is currently in. 

Jake Walman (16.86)

This season: Expected to be on the 3rd pairing he struggled in preseason and has been in and out of the lineup all year. Through 18 games he has a solid 8 points but his minus 7 in worst on the team and he’s not found chemistry with any D-Man he’s been paired with. 

Next year: If OEL leaves as a UFA he’s first up to replace him. If OEL stays he’ll be the 7th Man, or could be traded. 

Mario Ferraro (16.50)

This season: Opened the season on the 3rd pair but like Jensen, had penalty issues and was a disappointment on the PK which lead to some healthy scratches. Rejoined the lineup next to OEL and has been a rock since, with surprising offense (17 pts in 48 games) and solid defense at ES and on the PK. 

Next year: He likely replaces Jensen in the top 4, and should stay there for a few more seasons as he is only 25. 

Jake Bean (16.42)

This season: Among the 9 Dmen on the Millers roster,  Bean began the year at the bottom of the depth chart. He’s looked good when called upon, with 6 points (2 PP) in 12 games. He’s currently in the lineup with Theodore out and has produced, to the point where the Millers may consider an 11-7 lineup to keep him active. 

Next year: Bean is the midst of a terrible NHL season, and is likely to find himself as a reserve if things don’t pick-up. 

Brett Kulak (14.60)

This season: Acquired as depth, Kulak has only seen the ice 11 times, with 2 points and a minus 5. He’s replaced Bean as at the bottom of the depth chart and is unlikely to see any more games this season. 

Next year: UFA and won’t be back, with David Jiricek on the way up as his probable roster replacement. 

Jake Christiansen (0 GP)

This season: Signed as a free agent he’s currently in the minors. 

Next year: The hope was that he would grab a regular role in the NHL in 23-24 but Columbus acquired several vets after GEO signed him and he’s only played 2 NHL games.  An RFA it seems unlikely he’ll play enough to be eligible next season. 

Goaltenders

Stuart Skinner (51 GP)

This season: The rookie net minder is among CCHL leaders in games played and save percentage. He’s exceeded all expectations. 

Next year: A rocky NHL start caused some concern, but he’s shown his quality of late and is solidifying himself as Georgetown’s starting goalie for the foreseeable future. 

Semyon Varlamov (9 GP)

This season: Brought in as a veteran backup and potential 1B if Skinner struggled, Varlamov has barely seen the ice and has  struggled when called upon with a .863 save %. 

Next year: Could return as a high priced backup, but  a solid NHL season and the emergence of prospect Lukas Dostal may see him traded. 

Lukas Dostal (0 GP)

This season: 3rd Goalie has not been called upon yet and is in the minor leagues.

Next year: Has seen regular play in the NHL in 23-24 and has held his own, with a .903 save % on a defensively challenged Anaheim team. Could take over backup duties if Varlamov is traded. 

D Depth Chart 2023-2024

Theodore-Miller

Skjei-Jensen

OEL-Ferraro

Reserves: Bean, Walman, Kulak

Minors: Jake Christiansen

G Depth Chart 2023-24:

Skinner

Backup: Varlamov

Minors: Lukas Dostal

D Depth Chart Projection for 2024-2025

Skjei-Miller

Theodore-Ferraro

Jensen-Walman

Reserve: Bean

Rookie/Minors: David Jiricek

UFAs: OEL, Kulak

G Depth Chart Projection for 2024-25

Skinner

Backup: Varlamov

Rookie Dostal