Hounds seek a bounce back
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
By using the word “excellent” to describe the Guelph Storm, John Dean leaves little doubt as to the respect he has for his Western Conference rival.
The Soo Greyhounds head coach also spoke of how Guelph possesses “some high-end scoring forwards (and) good goaltending,” while noting how “structured and disciplined within their system” the Storm is.
Dean capped his Thursday comments by calling Guelph one of the Ontario Hockey League’s hottest teams and a club “which will present a really-big challenge.”
That sets the scene for what is expected to be a highly-entertaining weekend as the Hounds (8-4-0-0) are slated to play host to the Storm (6-4-1-0) both Friday and Saturday for identical 7:07 p.m. starts at GFL Memorial Gardens.
Obviously, Dean’s team is also no slouch.
The Greyhounds, fresh off of an 8-4 victory over Saginaw here on Wednesday, are starting to establish themselves as one of the league’s top teams.
Going into Thursday night’s action, a talented, veteran quartet has helped the Soo lead the league in scoring with 51 goals.
Overage winger Tye Kartye (11-8-19) is tied with Guelph’s Sasha Pastujov (10-9-19) for top spot in the OHL scoring race, while centre Rory Kerins (7-11-18) holds third place.
Overage winger Cole MacKay (6-11-17) is fourth in scoring while centre Tanner Dickinson (4-12-16) finds himself in a five-way tie for fifth.
But one of the best aspects of Guelph’s game lies in that team’s ability to frustrate opponents.
Last Saturday at the Sleeman Centre, the Storm slowed the Hounds speed through the neutral zone, en route to a 4-1 victory. The clubs also met in Guelph on Oct. 15 with the Soo prevailing 4-2.
Under head coach and general manager George Burnett, the Storm has a well-earned reputation for being difficult to play against. They’re focused on taking away the middle of the ice, play a disciplined style and are consistent in their ability to be above the puck.
So what do the Hounds have to do to have success this weekend?
Dean began by stressing the importance of good puck management.
“Any team that’s always above the puck, you have to make sure you’re not turning it over,” the coach added. “That’s where they’ll find their opportunities.”
Dean also noted the importance of the Hounds playing with speed – certainly a team strength – in order to keep their opponents from getting set in their structure.
“We also need to transition as fast as we can,” he added.
While acknowledging the things the Storm does well, Greyhounds defenceman Luc Brzustowski spoke of the importance of “focusing on ourselves and doing the right things. If we play our game, we don’t necessarily need to worry about their game.”
Asked about last week’s loss in Guelph, Hounds winger Tyler Savard said his team is confident of a better outcome this weekend.
“We were tired (last Saturday). It was our third game in four days,” Savard added. “I think we’ll come into this Friday-Saturday series ready to go, and hopefully walk away with four points.”
Savard scored the first two goals of his OHL career against Saginaw. Sault native Connor Toms and Owen Allard also notched their first career goals.
Asked about the development of his first-year skaters, Dean spoke of how encouraged he is. The Hounds roster features 12 first-year skaters and first-year netminders Samuel Ivanov and Charlie Schenkel.
“Every player to a man has shown flashes of really-good hockey,” the coach said. “They’re beginning to understand what it takes to play at the OHL level. But as it is with every young player, there’s always going to be a battle with consistency.”
It’s that aspect of their game, Dean added, “we’ll continue to work on.”
