Leamington
Players gone due to age: (10) Forwards- M.Amante, L.Sanko, S.Emerson, M.Opblinger, A.Langlois & C.Moore. Defense-
J.P. Grineau, J.McGhee & D.Story. Goalie- M.Barrett.
Notable returns: Forwards- M.Manchurek, L.Hogan, C.Phibbs, M.Gangnon, D.Elliott, S.Florence, J.Urbanic, Z.Guilbeault, and possibly promising rookie E.Ferguson. Defense- T.Virban, M.Crevatin & Z.Parlette. Goalie T.Wall is also eligible to return.
Outlook: Manchurek & Hogan will be huge for their top unit next season. I doubt goalie T.Wall will be back, he's likely off to the OHL or OJHL. Crevatin will have a big year if he returns, Parlette should be a good anchor for them on the blueline. The Flyers will likely find a few great Jr.C players that are ready to make the jump. They'll also find a few solid imports. With the best head-coach in the West, the Flyers will surely be battling for 1st place again next season, using their depth.
London
Players gone due to age: (9) Forwards- K.Madden, S.Goodman, R.DiLoreto, S.Dorion, K.Robinson, & J.Adams. Defense- T.Sehovic, C.Ruddock, & S.Harris.
Notable returns: Forwards- B.Trottier, J.Warren, T.Ferreira, M.Vinogradov, T.Dulong, M.Bean, & C.Wilson. Defense- J.DiCicco, M.Doty, D.Dilorio, & A.Cimino. Goalies C.Hughes & Z.Weir are both eligible to return.
Outlook: After finishing 2nd, and winning the West this season, London doesn't lose that many key players to age. With a healthy Warren, and a few additions this team will be a legit 1st place contender next season.
LaSalle
Players gone due to age: (4) Forwards- B.Jones & N.Sablone. Defense- N.Veres. Goalie- P.Battisti.
Notable returns: Forwards- L.MacDougall, M.Silverio, D.Beaudoin, B.Primeau, N.Savage, T.Russell, E.Kirby, C.Allen, C.Rosaasen, N.Gardiner, & M.Rychel. Defense- C.Matton, M.Doucette, Z.Hoffman, B.Banwell, C.Kraynack, & R.Sarris. Goalie- E.Billing.
Outlook: What a group of forwards coming back! Their defense looks to be in great shape as well. LaSalle is a team known for finding great young players from Jr.C. These kids always seem to make a big impact right away. I see LaSalle being in a battle for 1st place next season. I'd say as of right now, they appear to be a lock to finish first.
Chatham
Players gone due to age: (9) Forwards- G.Ford, I.Faubert, D.Conway, M.Fratarcangelli, M.Levesque, & C.Corgan. Defense- C.McKinnon & R.Fraser. Goalie- P.Butler
Notable returns: Forwards- R.Krieger, C.Koviak, S.Beenackers, A.Thompson, T.McGeen, D.Panzeca, B.Derynck, N.VandenBoorn, & J.Barraclough. Defense- D.Cato, M.Douglas, C.Bussing, & A.Jacobs. Goalie- B.Jonston.
Outlook: The Maroons will need Beenackers to have a big season. McGeen should have a huge year, while 4 others will be capable of playing on the top two lines. With a few additions, Chatham will once again feature a powerful offense. Their defense is in good shape with Cato being their anchor.(if he returns) Chatham should be in a good position to battle for 2nd place next season.
St.Thomas
Players gone due to age: (3) Forward S.Hutchinson, defensemen N.Ferris & goalie N.Dampier are the only players the Stars lose to age.
Notable returns: Forwards- C.Brookshaw, M.McJannet, E.Nother, A.Keyes, A.Chambers, C.Horvat, A.Truax, G.Stephney, A.Turko, & C.Ferreira. Defense- S.Lapointe, C.Moniz, J.Reed, C.McCormick, J.Newland, & M.MacPherson. Goalie- D.Black.
Outlook: The top three forwards mentioned above will likely be their top line. Secondary scoring will likely once again be a concern. They look to be in great shape on defense though. But can D.Black handle the starting job? I see them finishing 4th-6th next season.
Sarnia
Players gone due to age: (6) Forwards- R.Vendrarnin, B.Layman, J.Fogarty, & R.Trottier. Defense- K.Roskovich & PJ.Vandervaart.
Notable returns: Forwards- H.Tyczynski, B.Perry, A.DeKoning, J.Marks, J.Stos, E.Dupont, B.Shagena, Z,Vanderwal, & J.Zappa. Defense- B.Yowart, S.McCormack, E.Marsh, B.Storr, & D.Johnson. Goalie- A.Hughes & S.Battler.
Outlook: They have a decent group of returning forwards, and a good group of defensemen. Both goalies should be much improved pending their returns to the team. Unless Sarnia goes out and adds several key imports, I can't see them being any better than 5th-7th next season. But with the Davis factor, you can't write them off.
Strathroy
Players gone due to age: (2) Forward M.Milne & defensemen M.Laberge are the only two Rockets that are too old to return.
Notable returns: Forwards- S.Bulitka, M.Ewart, L.Latina, W.Kelly, N.Griffin, T.J.Harris, S.Griggs, L.Fordy, & D.Saunders. Defense- N.Tooke, D.Copps, D.Good, & E.Hogg. Both goalies, D.Gubbels & D.Davies are both eligible to return.
Outlook: Strathroy has a good group of forwards that can come back. The defense doesn't look bad either. If they want to turn things around they'll need to find an anchor defensemen & a couple of solid forwards. These can be found in Jr.C if you have the contacts. A goalie will also likely be brought in. I see another long season ahead. I figure they'll be around 7th-9th next season.
St.Marys
Players gone due to age: (0) They don't lose anyone, everyone can come back and fight for a roster spot.
Notable returns: Forwards- B.House, N.King, G.Brulotte, N.Smith, J.Schrattner, & B,Glover. Defense- R.Martin, N.Whitworth, & J.Winter. Goalie- P.Town & E.Vella.
Outlook: If House, King, Brulotte, Martin, Winter & Town comes back, this team has a decent core to work with. I really hope they come back and that they can find a few solid young players out there. This team can have a bright futue if the kids will commit. I see St.Marys being between 6th-9th, depending on who comes back.
Lambton Shores
Players gone due to age: (0) They don't lose anyone.
Notable returns: Forwards- Scoring champion E.Sarfati, A.Kim, C.Burns, M.Philip, M.Berube, C.Merritt, CJ.Kusch, & B.Corrigan. Defense- F.Sproviero, G.Mini, C.Hughson, V.Treppa, & M.Zottl. Goalie- A.Hurtubise & K.Paulette are both eligible to return.
Outlook: This team simply can't hold onto their players. Something is wrong with the way that organization is run. Marlott dropping to Jr.C this season, and several others bolting is the norm for that organization over the last several years. If Sarfati & Sproviero are held onto, this team might be decent... But I see them fighting for 8th next season.
Hope everyone enjoyed.
