Flames 23-24: A Baptism of Fire
While the results may be all too familiar for fans of the Golden Flames, what appears to be emerging from the ashes may be worth the anguish.
It’s been a year of ups and downs, injuries and inspiring performances and everything else in between, yet the reason for hope remains strong among the faithful.
Let’s look at some of the most compelling reasons for optimism.
For starters, Moncton most likely has its future starting goaltender. While he is a pending UFA, Thatcher Demko is the real deal. It would surprise absolutely nobody to see GM Owen Durkin invest in this absolute thoroughbred stallion of an elite goalie, inking the prized asset to a maximum term contract. With the number one tendy position taken care of, we turn our attention to the blue line.
While Moncton has no first round pick in the upcoming draft, what they do have is a stud who stands at 6’6”, with equal measures of mobility, tenacity and puck skills. The third overall New York draft pick has all the tools in the chest necessary to become a Victor Hedman-type cornerstone player for the next decade, and considering the price paid, one would assume that is the plan.
Rugged rearguards Chris Tanev and Erik Johnson provide the veteran presence needed to lead the way for younger back end building blocks like Simon Benoit. The 6’4” left shot loves to lay the body and under the guidance of Tanev and Johnson, the tone is most definitely set. And let’s not forget the hard-hitting, shot -blocking Jacob Trouba, who happened to finish first in the GHL with 277 , and third overall in hits with 357 behind teammate Keegan Kolesar, who registered 379. The aforementioned Johnson finished third overall in blocks with 243.
Filling out the roster are Seth Jones, Connor Timmins. And up and comer Tyler Kleven. In short, the back-end is in good shape, going forward.
“The plan has always been to construct this team from the net out”, claims Durkin.
“I’m gonna go ahead and say: ‘mission accomplished’”.
While the group is decidedly thinner up front, the brightest of the bunch are the smooth-skating 6’5” power forward Quinton Byfield, who led the team with 52 points (40 assists) , Evander Kane and Mason Marchment . If you sense a pattern emerging, you would be correct. This squad is comprised of big and even bigger bodies who can play the game at a high level , against some of the best players in the game.
“We’re anticipating some tremendous growth with respect to our big players like Quinton and Marchy…really excited to see their development as they take on bigger roles with the club “, said Durkin, adding: “and yes, big-bodies with high-end skill is very much by design…it might not appear to matter a whole lot in regular season, but when— not if — we become perennial contenders, the extra heft will be a definite advantage in the games that matter most”.
It’s been a baptism of fire for the new core group that Durkin and co. Intend to drag into the fight going forward, and with a few shrewd moves and careful cap space utilization, Moncton won’t just be knocking at the door; they’ll be tearing off at the hinges.
-Fisty McKnuckles, GHL News