St Thomas Stars Post Mortem

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Oglethorp
Posts: 218
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2014 8:51 am
Location: Syracuse NY

St Thomas Stars Post Mortem

Post by Oglethorp »

The Stars were the biggest disappointment of the 1st round. In the first half they rode Valentini and Henderson and cut through teams like a knife through butter. At times they were accused of being a one line team but since no one could stop the two London Knights players it didn't much matter. Then come Jan 10th both were traded to other OHL teams and nothing was coming back. Ethan Nother was added from Oakville Jr A but nothing else. The coach tried to fill the void with 2 AP players from JrC but never were able to get beyond relying on one line.

In playoffs they just didn't seem very well organized. They had the talent to give Chatham a good run but "Coach of the Year" Darren Kelly couldn't seem to motivate them. As a team that relies on Nationals releases they were very successful signing the best London cuts. But something didn't click. Leadership? Consistent Goaltending? Who knows. Bottom line they under achieved when it counted most.

The Stars lose 1 goaltender, 1 defenceman and 1 forward to graduation. Another defenceman is likely heading to the USHL. Athough the Stars only need to find 3-4 replacements the will likely make room for AP players Dawson and McLean and AP goalie Josh Diamond of Strathroy could be in the mix as well. The team will again be the destination of choice for many graduates of the Elgin Middlesex Chiefs and the first stop for players leaving London. Ethan Nother, Adam Keyes and Andrew Chambers should see significant roles next season and Dan Black will be the go to guy between the pipes. I think in the end 6-8 new faces including players sent down by the Knights and this will be a team to be reckoned with. The key will be finding secondary scoring.
The Simon Cowell of the GOJHL.
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