Sound of the Hounds: Turning Around After 1-5-1 Start

[tcookie 902]

like last time, there's a text-only version at the bottom

 

 

-- text-only version:

S76 got off to a bit of a rough start for the Mississauga Hounds, as they limped out of the gate to a 1-5-1 start, albeit with a couple of close games in there that the team may have deserved a better fate in. In more recent days, things have started to take a turn for the positive and the team is playing much better, with points in three straight games including wins over Miami and Ottawa. “The last few games are definitely a good start,” says Assistant GM tcookie. “We have a team here that maybe was a little behind some of the others to start but we have hard workers in this group, and we expect to get better as the season goes on.”

 

Earlier this week, the Hounds traded goaltender Andrew Bowman, who was expected to be their 1-A goaltender this year, off to the Saskatoon Wild in exchange for forward Elvis Michael and a 4th round pick. The Wild were in need of a goalie, and the Hounds get a player they were watching at the draft. GM Zetterberg said after the trade, “I see this as a win-win for everyone because now they’ll both get a starting role.”

 

That move has left Luke Spinelli with the crease to himself, and he has risen to the challenge with a 3-3-2 record and a VHLM-high .905 save percentage in 8 starts. “We couldn’t be happier with how well he’s stepped into that role,” says tcookie. “He’s playing really well, fits in with the group, and we hope to have him here for a couple of seasons.”

In other news, the Hounds have made a couple of acquisitions on VHLM waivers, picking up forward Xavier Lost and defenseman Kirby Pandora. Lost has yet to draw into the lineup - there are rumours that there are travel visa issues with bringing the winger from Kazakhstan over as he’s yet to be at practice with the team.

 

On the other hand, Pandora - a pass-first, stay-at-home defenseman who doesn’t play a physical game, but takes care of business with positioning and technique - has been a revelation on the blueline, leading the Hounds in scoring with 10 points in 8 games. The Hounds have also gotten strong play on the back end from Aurelien Moreau, who has 9 points, 46 hits, and 19 blocked shots in 10 games. Up front, Guy Lambert leads the forwards with 9 points and Owen Taylor has a team-high 5 goals. Ashton Hauff, Miks Sunish, and Miles Johnson have 7 points a piece and have looked like solid late round VHLM draft acquisitions so far. Sunish also has delivered 33 hits, while Druss Deathwalker has 32 hits and 6 points.

Michael has 1 point in 6 games since joining his new team. Though disappointed in his play, Michael is staying positive. “It’s hard to stay optimistic when you’re brought on a team for a reason and can’t deliver. However we have a great team and management and I’m sure we’ll turn this around in time,” he said.

 

Players Mentioned: @BrutalBoost @ATST @Lspinelli @ISLANDERSFAN @PandaBearD25 @Frank @hess30 @Owen Taylor @Midnite @Miks Sunins @animal74 @Zetterberg

Edited January 24, 2021 by tcookie