Sounds of the Hounds
The silence around Hound Town emanates from the so called forum moderator experts who had the locals written off after two losses to begin the ’24-25 Ontario Hockey League season.
But since the 0-2 start that ignited panic by some of the self-appointed authorities, the Soo Greyhounds have won seven of their last 10 games and now have a record of 7-5-0 heading into three straight road games, beginning on Oct. 30 in Windsor.
There is still room for significant improvement, as head coach John Dean has noted in comments to local sports writer Brad Coccimiglio. But seven wins in a 10 game stretch is reason for optimism.
The younger players have gained valuable experience through the first dozen games of the season and there has been a major boost with the return from injury of veteran forward Marco Mignosa and the reassignment of overage forward Owen Allard and rookie import Noel Nordh, both from the minor pro ranks.
Nordh had a goal and two assists in his OHL debut with the Hounds. Mignosa has a goal and two assists and Allard has a goal and an assist in the two games they have now played.
These are good sounds coming from the Hounds.
Well stated Randy! After watching Jr hockey for 50+ years, one can never underestimate the value of experience and value of returning talent. The Hounds were left decimated with graduation removing the seasoned players and the ones remaining had to pick up the slack and assuming the roles they were not yet accustomed to.
Now, add some returning talent, both from injury and pro tryouts and a balance has been restored. This team will continue to struggle on some nights as these younger players will take time to assimilate into systems, but at the same time gaining confidence.
Goaltending from Schenkel and Miller will need to bail them out on many nights but these young pups will challenge for a playoff spot as you predicted. Such is life in Jr hockey and this cycle will continue year after year.