IceDogs well stocked in goal
IceDogs goalie Jake McGrath. Photo by: VIVID EYE PHOTOGRAPHY
The Niagara IceDogs have made several major acquisitions this season in an attempt to win an Ontario Hockey League championship.
Jason Robertson, Jacob Paquette, Jack Studnicka and Matt Brassard were all brought in to much hype and fan fare but the IceDogs also made another pickup which may also turn out to be key.
Goalie Jake McGrath was added from the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for a fourth-round selection (Windsor, 2022) and a conditional fifth-round selection (2023).
The move gives the IceDogs a veteran, reliable backup to starter Stephen Dhillon and insurance should Dhillon get injured. The IceDogs had been using promising rookie Christian Sbaraglia as a backup.
“It wasn’t something we planned on. We’re so invested in this team and season it wouldn’t be fair to put that pressure on Sprags (Sbaraglia) who is just getting his feet wet in the league,” IceDogs coach Billy Burke said. “We just feel more comfortable with a guy like Jake. He’s been around and he’s been older.
“At this stage of our team, we feel he’s a safer backup for us.”
General manager Joey Burke agreed.
“Jake has been a starter for over two years in this league. He is used to pressure situations, and has the pedigree to provide us with a veteran stabilizing force to our goalie group. This move provides us with the depth we need with our goaltending to accomplish what we hope to this season,” he said.
McGrath, in his third full season with the Wolves, had posted a goals against average of 3.83 and a save percentage of .890.
McGrath, who was stuck behind Buffalo Sabres prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen in Sudbury, welcomed the deal.
“I was excited. This is a good team and cool to be part of,” said McGrath, a 20-year-old Mississauga native. “I think we have a good shot at going really far. I think it’s a good spot for me to be in.”
Having said that, McGrath is well aware of the pecking order. Dhillon is entrenched as the starter and will get the bulk of the playing time.
“I want to play as many games as possible, but this is how things worked out,” McGrath said. “It’s different. You have to adjust. When you are a starter, you are playing every game and you get consistent and into a groove whereas a backup you have to be prepared whenever they need you. I have to be ready to go.”
Toss in that the IceDogs chose to keep Sbaraglia on the roster and the goaltending situation becomes even more crowded.
“It’s something we’re always talking about with the staff,” Billy Burke said. “It’s a balance and it’s certainly a little more challenging with three, but whatever gives the team the best situation and best chance to win is really how we’re going to go.
“We do have our eye on the big picture and if we have a quick turnaround on the road with a lot of travel or a three-in-three, we do have the luxury where we can give Stevie the occasional night off with Jake. He’s a veteran and a real solid guy to have behind Stevie.”
McGrath is committed to being ready when he gets the call. He made his Niagara debut in a 6-3 win over Kingston the day after he was picked up.
“You have to work hard but we’re here to support Stevie and give the team as much help as we can and when we’re called upon we’re ready to go,” he said. “That just means working hard in practice and not taking any days off and being ready whenever they need you.”
Billy Burke said the team has confidence in all three netminders.
“There are no games the rest of the season we aren’t going in thinking we can win,” he said. “We’re going into every game, regardless of injuries or who is in goal, thinking we can win it.”
The IceDogs are home to Erie Thursday before travelling to Sarnia Saturday and Windsor Sunday.
Injury update: Paquette is expected back next week while Andrew Bruder should return within a month. Ivan Lodnia is still listed week to week.
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