Just to be clear, Coyotes et al, I agree that there were nights when I thought that Foote was the next coming of Steve Mason, Thomas McCollum, or whomever your favourite phenom goaltender is with his phenomenal saves that kept Guelph in games that they had no business being in. Then in a tight game especially in the playoffs he would let in a goal that brought up memories of Vesa Toskala of recent Leafs infamy. If an opposing team thinks it can get the hot goaltender version then I am all for holding onto him. As you said, Foote did not do it consistently which has hurt his career and the Storm the last three years.
Both Zach Mitchell and Tyler Carroll have been named to the Carolina Hurricanes roster for the upcoming annual prospect tournament held in Traverse City, Michigan. Both will be there on a try out contract.
It's good to see Carroll getting a shot somewhere, every team needs some heart and soul kind of guys, and that's exactly what Carroll brings every game.
As for Mitchell, who knows, maybe this tournament could be a spark and could give him some confidence headed into this season. It has never been a question as to weather or not he has the talent, he's just never been able to put it together.
Tony Saxon's blog in the Guelph Mercury revealed yesterday that Tim Campbell has been effectively made a free agent. He can go to wherever he wishes.
This seems to be in keeping with Kelly's stated views that he will not hesitate to go with younger players. Maybe one of the defensemen or Foote will be sent in a trade and not replaced with another overager.
Well the preseason is over and I have to revise my thinking about maybe wanting the team to tank. Granted it is only preseason but the team played well in almost all of the games.
The goaltending and defense is deep and talented. Sparks at the Leafs Prospects camp, Leslie, Pedan, Finn, and the two overagers on defense delivered solid performances and should be counted on for the year. Up front is where the questions are. There is a potential firecracker top line of Richard, McGinn and Kosmacuk. Garlent, Auger, and Bertuzzi all look to be contributors as rookies. I think the big question mark are how Menard, McNaughton, and Mitchell will evolve. If they can contribute as their status and tenure in the league merit, this could be a team that surprises.
The Storm should be in competition for a lower rung playoff spot if the above pieces come together. Hey. They might even equal or surpass last year's underachieving squad's seventh place finish.
It was a strong preseason, but at the same time the teams we played aren't really contenders either (most of them anyway)
And also, only Mitchell and Sparks were away at prospect camps, while other teams had many of there top guys out.
I will say that I am VERY excited about both our imports. I think they will both be impact players this season. I quite enjoy the play of Leslie as well, I can see why Mike Kelly was very high on him.
It's totally fresh into the season but as long as it doesn't become a trend the team should improve over last year which is the best news for long time Guelph fans.
Didn't get to see the game but the OHL website says he only registered an assist yesterday?
I just checked the website and you are correct it was an assist that was registered. Guess I better not go by 3rd party information in the future...lol.
Could we potentially see a Daniel Erlich return? According to this article he has asked for his contract to be terminated by his team in Austria and they have agreed.
