Q&A
Q. Will the team be “going for it” next year?
They’d better be. Even without adding any other players, the Storm will start next season with 10 players 19 or 20 years old. There’s probably going to be another two or three at least added to that.
Q. What are the team’s biggest needs?
A playmaking centre for Taylor Beck, a big tough winger, two defenceman – one of them a top three guy-and better chemistry.
Q. Will the coaching staff be back?
Some, but not all.
Q. Who will be the team’s overagers in 2010-11?
Sam Lofquist is a lock. Ideally the other two should be Adam Comrie and Matt Sisca.
But Comrie could sign with the Florida Panthers, which would likely mean a spot goes to Chris Van Laren. Then there are those in the organization who would prefer Tyler Carroll over Sisca..
A trio of Comrie, Sisca and Lofquist would give the team its most talented trio of overagers in years.
Q. Who will be the team’s backup goaltender?
The best bet is Garrett Sparks, a 2009 draft pick from Chicago who the team is hot to trot after. They need a youngster to back up Brandon Foote, who has two seasons of eligibility remaining. Foote will obviously get the majority of playing time next year, but having a talented youngster waiting in the wings would allow the team to trade Foote in 2011-2012 as the team rebuilds.
Q. Where do the young players like Sandlak, McNaughton, Tresham, Menard and Mitchell fit in?
The team is very high on all five, which means other teams are also likely high on all five. As the team takes a run at the title, it will have to add older, experienced players. They come at a price and teams are going to want some young players in return. Not all of those players will last the year with the Storm.
Q. Who will captain the team next year?
The safe bet? Peter Holland. Perhaps Michael Latta.
Q.Will Kyle Palmieri be with the team next year?
Palmieri might be the most discussed player never to play for the Storm. The team will try and get him to leave Notre Dame University, something that will be made easier to do if Palmieri signs with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks and they ask him to play in the OHL next year. If Palmieri comes, and the rumours of the team getting Kyle Clifford from the Barrie Colts comes to fruition, it would give the team two excellent offensive lines.
Q. Who will be the Storm imports next year?
Molotilov and hopefully an NHL drafted, or soon to be drafted, player. If not, I see them going with just the one import to start the season at least.
