*OFFICIAL* Guelph Storm 2011-12 Season Thread

[KnightRanger]

Originally Posted by majorleaguebrian88

Normally I don't criticize refs, but tonight was the worst officiated game I have ever seen.

Multiple non calls and two goals that clearly should have counted, I think everyone but the refs and the guys upstairs knew that was in. The boys played well enough to win but totally got screwed over tonight.

5 on 5 so far in this series the Storm have been the better team, but everytime they get up a goal they take a stupid penalty. I'd love to see the Storm win, but I can't blame the refs for last night. You can't put the puck in the net with your hand either! I missed the other goal that got called back, but the second one was unfortunately, the right call.

I hope they play smarter in game 5.

[stormtracker]

KnightRanger, is it your position that the refs were justified in allowing the Whalers to maul Richard in front of their net in the third period without a penalty call and then go down the ice and score the fourth goal? Just wondering.

[majorleaguebrian88]

As well as the tripping call on Finn was pretty weak leading to the third goal. Richard's video review goal clearly should have counted. Just a bad game all around.

It will be a big one tonight in Plymouth, Go Storm Go! #nailthewhale

[majorleaguebrian88]

Well it wasn't the Cinderella story us Storm fans were looking for. Even though I didn't think we would get past the first round, i couldn't help but get a little emotional after seeing Sparks take that skate back to the net after the handshake line, or when the 3 OA's skated to center ice before the rest of the team.

I wish all the best to Foote, Gaskin and Periera.

[majorleaguebrian88]

An early look at next seasons roster:

Departing: The only 3 players that are likely to need to be replaced are the three OA's from this season. Brandon Foote, Stephen Gaskin, Kyle Periera.

Newcomers: The Storm will have the 6th overall selection (And as much as I would like a dman, the sound of getting one of the top forwards isn't so bad). Also three guys have not played but have been practicing near the end of the season + playoffs, Brody Milne, Chad Bauman, Jason Da Silva.

Returnees: Other then the OA's, every player is eligible to return as it looks like no one will be leaving for the AHL/Pro leagues.

Richard - Menard - Kosmachuk
McGinn - Garlent - Mitchell
Dickinson - McNaughton - Bertuzzi
Horvat - Watling - Auger

Turcotte, Calder

Finn - Pedan
Leslie - Harpur
Poliziani - Nichol

Sparks

I could see guys like Turcotte and Calder not making this team next season. Watling, Auger and/or Horvat could become part-time players. Maybe we can swing a deal with a team for an OA defenceman to add a vetran presense to the back end. Maybe our import pick + one of the three? As for our 6th overall pick I would love if McCann was brought in.

Our defence lacks depth severley, Leslie, Harpur and Nichol didn't even play to many meaningful minutes. Look for an injection of an Older dman to be brought in, Bauman and/or an early round pick.

Sparks is the unquestioned starter, and it is likely that rooke Jason Da Silva will be ready to take the backup role next season.

Our roster could look like:

Richard - Menard - Kosmachuk
McGinn - Garlent - Mitchell
Dickinson - McCann - McNaughton
Bertuzzi - Milne - Auger/Watling/Horvat

Finn - Pedan
Leslie - Bauman
Harpur - Older Dman/Poliziani/Nichol/Early draft choice

Sparks - Da Silva

When looking at a lineup like this it's hard not to get excited about another season in Storm City!