More offence key for Greyhounds
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
When it comes to generating shots-on-goal, especially quality scoring chances, the Soo Greyhounds would rather forget about last weekend.
They managed only 15 shots in Saturday’s 3-1 loss in Barrie, and 19 shots in regulation on Sunday in what would eventually be a 3-2 shootout win over Sudbury.
Those numbers marked the Soo’s lowest and second-lowest regulation shot totals all season.
Fortunately for the Hounds, Samuel Ivanov shone, surrendered just two goals in 29 shots against the Colts (there was also an empty-net tally), and two goals on 42 shots against the Wolves.
So the goal on Wednesday (7:07 p.m. against visiting Saginaw), when the Soo begins a stretch of five straight at home, is to make the life of opposition netminders a lot busier.
That task, said John Dean, begins “on the other side of the puck.”
The Hounds head coach went on to note how “if we’re hard on the defensive side of the puck, we’ll get cleaner exits, cleaner looks and we’ll look more connected as a group.”
The hoped for result?
“Ultimately, that’ll turn into more offence for us,” added Dean, whose team sports a 13-16-7-4 record heading into the clash with the Spirit (24-14-2-0).
Going into Tuesday’s OHL action, Guelph (17-19-4-1) is seventh in the Western Conference with 39 points, the Soo stands eighth with 38 and Kitchener (16-18-2-0), with 34 points, is ninth.
The Storm has played 41 times, the Hounds 40 and Kitchener, which is slated to entertain London on Tuesday night, enters that clash having played 36 games.
While the Greyhounds are anxious to get their offence going again, they’ll need to do so despite some injury problems.
Centre Mark Duarte, who suffered an upper-body injury early in Sunday’s game, is listed as day-to-day. Dean said the overage “potentially” could play against the Spirit.
Winger Ethan Montroy (upper body), also injured on Sunday, won’t play. He’s listed as week-to-week.
Defenceman Andrew Gibson will not play this week. He suffered an upper-body injury last Thursday in North Bay.
Meantime, goalie Charlie Schenkel (upper body) and rearguard Connor Toms (lower body) remain out, both listed week-to-week.
“It’s next man up. Welcome to life in the OHL,” said Dean, when asked about the injuries.
Needing additional bodies, the Soo has recalled forward Dustin Good, who had been skating for the Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Good was sent to Elmira in early December in order to get additional ice time.
On a club needing offence, winger Brenden Sirizzotti has had some impressive recent performances. Over his last seven games as a Greyhound, Sirizzotti, acquired from Niagara for two draft choices on Dec. 15, has four goals and three assists.
Against Sudbury, the Whitby, Ont., native scored a beautiful goal, displaying impressive hands and skill.
“With the puck, he’s exceptional,” said Dean. “When he really asserts himself, he’s probably our best entry forward with the puck. He’s very good at making reads offensively and he has very good offensive instincts.”
Asked about Sirizzotti’s play away from the puck, Dean said there’s room for improvement.
“But there’s a process and he’s getting there,” the coach added.
As for Ivanov, who has played 17 straight in Schenkel’s absence, Dean used the word ‘fantastic” to describe the Richmond Hill, Ont., native’s recent games.
“He gave us an opportunity in Barrie. I think it’s obvious that without him, we’re not even in that game,” the coach added. “And it’s pretty clear he stole the game in Sudbury. We’re excited about the direction he’s headed in. We knew he could play like this.”
Following Wednesday’s contest, the Hounds are set to entertain Flint on Friday (7:07 p.m.) and Hamilton on Saturday (7:07 p.m.).
