IceDogs open camp with renewed optimism
Niagara IceDogs head coach Ben Boudreau has high hopes the team can qualify for the playoffs this season. Photo: OHL IMAGES.
It is the playoffs or bust for the Niagara IceDogs this season.
IceDogs head coach Ben Boudreau left no doubt a trip to the post season is a must in 2024/25 after the team finished in the Ontario Hockey League basement three straight seasons and hasn’t made the playoffs since the 2018-19 campaign.
“I think our mandate right now is to make sure we make the playoffs and I think we have the ability to with the talent we have on our roster,” Boudreau said Tuesday at Meridian Centre where the IceDogs opened training camp.
The IceDogs have managed only a combined 29 wins over the last two seasons since Darren DeDobbelaer purchased the team and Boudreau said he could not overstate the importance of reversing that trend this year.
“I think it’s huge, it’s monumental,” he said. “Starting with the ownership, I know Darren and Michelle (DeDobbelaer) really want to see this team in the playoffs and for the fans it’s been six years since they’ve had a taste of the playoffs.
“As an organization you don’t want to be labelled something. You want to make sure Niagara is the destination everyone intends it to be. It’s a great spot to play and lots of support and if you can get the right guys inside that dressing room, it’s going to be something people want to jump on board rather than jump off board. I think changing that mentality a little bit is going to be a goal and the best way to do that is by stockpiling a few wins.”
The IceDogs will attempt to do that with a good deal of fresh faces, particularly on the back end where Welland native Callum Cheynowski is the lone regular back from last season.
“That’s something management went out and did. They addressed our defensive concerns — worst defensive team in the league last year — so when management goes to work in the summer and gives you guys such as (Noah) Van Vliet and (Matthew) Vigilio, you can understand where the tools are and where you want to go and the next logical step going forward is making the playoffs,” Boudreau said.
Other newcomers expected to make an impact on the defence are Jack Brauti and Blair Scott, picked up from Barrie in a three-way deal, and 2024 draft pick Nicholas Frasca. Injured rearguard Andrew Wycisk is rehabbing and hoping to be back at some point this season.
Up front, the offence will be built around Winnipeg Jets draft pick Kevin He and rookie sensation Ryan Roobroeck while 2024 draft picks Braidy Wassilyn and Max Crete should get a good deal of playing time. Ivan Galiyanov and Ethan Czata showed promise as rookies last season. The team also recently signed 2024 draft pick Charlie Hortles while veterans Mathieu Paris, Alex Assadourian and Mike Levin provide depth and experience.
Overage captain Gavin Bryant is back but will start the season on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on both shoulders in the off season.
“The one thing our management did is put us in a position where we have depth and support where we’re just not waiting on them to come back,” Boudreau said. “We’ve got enough players to get the job done.”
Overage netminder Owen Flores and veteran Charlie Robertson form a solid duo between the pipes while 2024 draft pick Matthew Humphries could also see some action.
The IceDogs split the roster into two teams Tuesday and held a pair of one-hour practices before playing an inter-squad game. The team will play two more inter-squad games Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m and from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. after which Boudreau indicated several cuts would be made.
“What you really want to see is players you know are going to be future IceDogs,” Boudreau said . “They may not play this season but they will down the line. You want to see what type of players you have in your lineup and the really exciting part is seeing some of the bubble guys who can make some tough decisions for you. There are some spots open and it’s going to be a lot of juggling around.”
The trimmed down roster will then practise together Thursday, Friday, Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s exhibition game in Peterborough.
Boudreau is eager to turn the page on last season and begin his first full campaign as head coach.
“The one thing I can control is work ethic and preparation and I know I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. The pain we went through is to put us in a position to have success this year. That’s going to be my job to make sure we’re prepared.”
EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Sunday Sept, 1 at Peterborough, 2 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 6 at Brantford, 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 8 Branford at Niagara, 2 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 21 at Windsor, 7:05 p.m.
Ice cubes: The IceDogs open the regular season Friday, Sept. 27 at Ottawa . . . Former NHL winger and Welland native Dan Paille was on the ice in his new role as assistant coach . . . Overage defenceman Ryan VanNatten has cleared OHL waivers . . . Forward Micheal Podolioukh is no longer with the team.
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