Hounds depth is dangerous
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
Is it their skill?
Their skating or tenacity?
How about a much-improved defensive game?
What exactly is the Soo Greyhounds most-important asset?
“I think depth is our biggest strength,” said head coach John Dean, putting the finishing touches on preparation for Thursday’s opening game in the Hounds best-of-seven series with the Guelph Storm (7:07 p.m. at GFL Memorial Gardens). “We have four really-good lines and three really-good D pairings. Over seven games, that pays dividends.”
Which is exactly what the third-seeded Greyhounds (45-18-3-2) are hoping for going into a Western Conference series that matches them against the sixth-seeded Storm (33-28-6-1).
“We should be fresher, we should have more threats going over the boards on a consistent basis,” added Dean, whose club features seven players with at least 20 goals.
That group includes Jack Beck, Gavin Hayes, who has split time between the Soo and Flint, Marco Mignosa, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Arttu Karki, Justin Cloutier and Jordan D’Intino. Not only that, the Hounds boast of 13 players who’ve scored in double digits.
“That gives us a lot of coaching options with matchups, and it gives other coaches a more difficult time when it comes to who they should key on,” the coach added. “We believe we can wear teams down with our depth.”
“Depth is what makes us the most special,” added Beck, who believes that such a valuable resource “will carry us to the Memorial Cup.”
Strength up and down the lineup has also impressed Kirill Kudryavtsev.
“Everyone matters in this dressing room,” said the star defenceman. “We know we can rely on everyone and that’s what makes us a winner.”
Against Guelph, Dean said he thinks the key to the Hounds advancing lies in the club’s ability to stick to its identity.
He’s determined to have the Hounds do the things they they’re known for at a very-high level.
“We feel like we’re extremely good at limiting chances against, while at the same time generating chances for,” the coach added. “We want to be a high-paced hockey club that is extremely difficult to play against.”
“Compete hard and work hard,” said McConnell-Barker, the club’s captain, when asked about the focus for he and his teammates. “If we dial into our systems the quickest, that’ll give us an advantage. We’re a skilled team, but we plan to out-compete them.”
The Greyhounds and Storm met four times during the regular season. The Soo won three times by scores of 5-2, 4-2 and 3-1. The Storm’s lone win was a 3-2 shootout decision.
Guelph’s strength lies in its ability to defend and compete hard.
“In general, they close fast away from the puck,” said Dean, whose first-round opponent gave up just 225 goals this season, tied for sixth-fewest in the league. “They want to take time and space away and limit chances against. They’re a very structured defensive hockey club and they’ll make you earn your goals.”
However, scoring is the weak link in the Storm game.
Guelph has produced only 210 goals, for an average of just over three per game. Only three OHL teams have scored fewer goals, and all failed to make the playoffs.
However, “they’re a good forechecking team and a team that works really hard,” said McConnell-Barker. “We’re not going to take them lightly.”
Game 2 in the series is also slated for GFL Memorial Gardens, beginning Saturday at 7:07 p.m.
Games 3-4 will be played in Guelph on Monday and Wednesday, both beginning at 6:30 p.m.
