Crunch the numbers
Cochrane Crunch of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League already has commitments from 19 players for the 2015-2016 season ahead of its main camp, which is slated for August 20-21.
With so many players poised to suit up for the Crunch, coach-general manager Ryan Leonard told HockeyNewsNorth.com that he will limit the number of skaters who attend the main camp to 13 on top of the 19 who have already signed.
Leonard said the cost to attend the August 20-21 camp will be $90 and include three games and a practice. He added that unsigned players wishing to attend the tryout camp can fill out a form via the Crunch website beginning on July 21.
Of the 19 players who have committed to the Crunch for the 2015-2016 season, they include 11 forwards, six defencemen and two goalies.
“We are still looking for three forwards and two defencemen,” said Leonard. “We still have three import cards available. We are looking for offensive-minded forwards and a top four defenceman. If any player — American or Canadian — feels as though they have what it takes to help us, we want to hear from them.”
Leonard noted that the Crunch may bring in another goalie as even though 1995 birth-year starter Brett Young has committed to returning to Cochrane, he has been invited to the main camp of two teams in the North American Hockey League.
Of the returning players, Leonard is expecting another impact campaign from 1995 birth-year forward Dustin Cordeiro, who scored 60 goals in 61 games in 2014-2015, regular season and playoffs included.
Leonard is hoping that Cordeiro gets serious consideration from National Collegiate Athletic Association schools as the skilled forward plays his final season of junior.
“Dustin is the type of player that will do what ever he has to do to help the team,” Leonard said of his leading goal scorer. “He can score, he can play physical and we are hoping with all his hard work and dedication that he gets a real look from a Division 1 school or a very high-end Division 3 program, of which he already is getting a lot of attention from.”
PHOTO: Dustin Cordeiro, scoring one of his 60 goals for the Cochrane Crunch during the 2014-2015 season.
Cordero is by far the most talent of any player that I seen last season.
All any D-1 scout has to do is watch him play a couple a times to see that this kid is a D-1 player. I am a Gold Miners Fan and I am bias to my team but evan I can see that Cordero is a d-1 player no doubt in my mind.
This is how I see them finishing in the East Div:
1st – Kirkland Lake
2nd – Cochrane
3rd – Powassan
4th – Timmins
5th – French River
6th – Iroqouis Falls
This is how I see them finishing in the East Div:
1st – Kirkland Lake
2nd – Cochrane
3rd – Iroquois Falls
4th – Powassan
5th– Timmins
6th – French River
Hockey Adviser,
I edited your post to read East Division instead of West.
Regards,
RR
LOL thanks RR!
Any word on signings by the Espanola Express? I have not seen any information about them signing any players.
How can HockEye and Hockey Advisor come to a prediction when no one
knows what the Team Rosters will be. Are they making their choices base
on the people running the teams.
Keep making Cochrane proud Lenny. Another good job well done. Big Show is still a pin-head !!!!!
Dan, just basing things on what I have seen so far in recruiting efforts, signings, and a bit on past history. You have to think KL will be strong out of the gate or at least transition into a league leader during the season leading up the the Dud. Cochrane has had the boots on the ground and is putting together a pretty solid roster (that is almost at capacity). I have to like the effort being put in with the Eskis and the people involved should ensure a very competitive club. Powassan will have some of the Batallion pics and there’s typically a young solid guy between the pipes. Timmin seems to be bringing in some low end, unknowns but only time will tell and they still have a very lean roster going into camp. French River may have some issues attracting players. Let’s hope it’s a competitive season! And as always this is based on my humble opinion. Thanks to Randy for giving us this forum to rant and rave…..
Interesting predictions in the east. Anyone dare to predict the west? How will the Eagles and Espanola integrate into the NOJ, is there upside in Rayside with a maturing group, anyone watching out for Elliot Lake (they’re talented and will their strong core of Baxter/MacLean/Hepler/Campbell be back), will the T-Birds maintain or get even better with young up and comers like Sicoly/Katchouk/Headrick? The way I see it, any one of those five teams could challenge for top spot.
Espofan2,
Rumour around town is that yes, those four key players will all be returning along with 6-8 other wildcats. Along with Coach Hewitts awesome recruiting we should have ourselves another great year.
Cheers
Charles Old Goat Murray hope your summer is going good. See you at the rink, Go Crunch.