Hot Off The Press...

[Owen-Moncton]

Scheiffle Dealt

Pending league approval, rugged defender Chris Taney will be heading to Moncton on the next flight out of Oregon.
The Golden Flames will be acquiring a second round pick (HAM) in the deal, sending center Mark Scheiffle back to Oregon.

While this certainly bolsters the back end in Moncton, the high flying, hard-working center will leave a gaping hole up the middle.

“We didn’t really need help defending, but with Erik Johnson quietly inquiring about a potential trade to a contender, shoring up the position while adding a draft pick gives us assurance that we can protect our goalies… it also means that our young guys like QB (Quinton Byfield) will be relied upon even more… every diamond started as a piece of coal and the pressure is what makes it precious “, GM Owen Durkin waxed philosophically, adding: “we’d like to accommodate EJ’s demand if a smart enough deal emerges… obviously, we want to see a serviceable forward— preferably a center— as well as a good prospect or pick in return, but let’s see what’s out there, and if we can get to a place where we are moving forward without putting more pressure on our goalies, we will get something done “.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Kane Out For The Season

During last evening’s tilt with Toronto, Moncton’s Evander Kane succumbed to a season-ending injury, further hampering a lacklustre forward group . With twelve million dollars in defensemen sitting on the sidelines, it behooves the Golden Flames to seek a trade partner with strong forward depth in need of a boost on the back end in order to balance the scales.

“The plan is to achieve needed balance for both sides, not just Moncton”, explained GM Owen Durkin , adding: “The best negotiations are the kind where both parties are as happy with what they receive as they are regretful about what they gave up…it’s not about trying to pull one over on another club”.

Whether the level of equilibrium Durkin anticipates will be realized in whole or in part very much depends upon how potential suitors value a bolstering on the blue line.

“It’s a wear and tear position, as we know “, Durkin continued. “Defense is the toughest gig in the game next to goaltending in my opinion… we have a deep D-corps and that’s no accident, but it may be time to protect our forwards a little and take a look at what is out there “.

Although the goal is clearly not to contend for playoffs, with some talented youngsters developing their skills and if we can insulate them a little while providing a competitive environment, that’s the route we’ll take “.

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:

Flames Making ‘Sports Math’ Major Component of Management Team

Just in: Ivor Biggun, co-director of hockey analytics brand
Sportsmath, has officially accepted the role of Head of Analytics with the Moncton Golden Flames. Biggun pioneered the implementation of advanced metrics in developing what many in the hockey world call the ‘Divine Proportion Principle’; a means of measuring a team’s overall makeup using a variety of specific criteria.

“Without giving away the keys to the kingdom, Ivor has developed a very sophisticated system of calculating a hockey club’s efficacy in a way that we haven’t been aware of… stuff that really goes far deeper than the conventional methods used “, says team boss Owen Durkin. “What I’ll say about it is, ‘Biggie’ has a way of looking at both the overall picture using a ‘view from space’ position while simultaneously zeroing in on very specific aspects…it’s like, holding almost opposing viewpoints at the same time, in order to put both schools of thinking to the test… it’s not sports analytics as much as sports dialectics “.

If challenging analytical theory by positing one viewpoint against another is a practical method for evaluating a team’s overall construction, then it stands to reason that Ivor Biggun would be the man to not only explore the possibilities, but to turn those concepts into practical solutions.

“I’m looking forward to heading up Moncton’s analytics department and perhaps fine tuning things”, says ‘Biggie’, adding: “we really have some superlatively skilled assets in the system, and I am confident that between coaching, management, player development and my humble team, becoming more competitive is a matter of time…my one ask before accepting the position was that management hold off on any further trade negotiations… too many moving parts — balls in the air— whatever cliché works for you — it makes getting a deeper understanding of overall composition nigh-impossible…management agreed, which gives us a greater opportunity to dig in and create the blueprint “.

“Nothing pending, no plans to make any changes, save for maybe the pending UFA guys who might be of interest to teams in the hunt for a rental or two… but nobody in Moncton with any term— not even the Zamboni operators— are in play “.

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting for GHL News

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS: Flames Bring The Heat

Moncton concluded a tough five game roadie with a commanding win over Cleveland’s beloved Barons, potting a season-high nine goals for the exciting win.

Moncton also welcomed Thatcher Demko back to the crease after a long stint on injured reserve.
“Feels great to be back with the boys, and obviously, getting the dub means a lot “, said Demko following his first outing in months.
Keegan Kolesar— known more for his toughness than for tucks—contributed a natural hatty as the Flames scorched Cleveland in its own barn as the boos rained down on the bewildered Barons bench.

“Finishing on a high note feels good”, said Kolesar, who happily rejected the post game fireman’s helmet award, deferring the honour to Demko.

“Seeing Demmer back in the nets was great for everybody… he’s a great guy and obviously, a phenomenal goalie “, Kolesar added.

While post season has been clearly out of reach, it didn’t stop Moncton from enjoying the moment as they return home for a brief rest before taking on the Pharoahs on home ice in their next match.

— Fisty McKnuckles reporting for GHL News

[Owen-Moncton]

Flames 23-24: A Baptism of Fire
A Baptism of Fire


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See below

[Owen-Moncton]

Apr 22, 2024 2:53:41 GMT -5 Owen-Moncton said:

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

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Flames Ignite Off Season Trade Market
Pending league approval, Moncton has re-acquired GHL star centerman Mark Scheifle, sending its first round selection in 2025 to Oregon.
Scheifle will assume top line duties back in Moncton,flanked by towering power forward Quinton Byfield and either Anthony Mantha, Mason Marchment, or Evander Kane. Moncton’s top-six is looking very much like a legitimate contender by any metric, with a deep, rugged defensive corps and presumably, a bonafide top -five goalie in Thatcher Demko, pending successful negotiations in the weeks to come.

“Mark is a premier talent in this league “, stated GM Owen Durkin, who has become known for moving picks for impact players, adding: when you look at the top six that we’ve established, the addition of Mark makes perfect sense…we just needed a veteran presence in the 1-hole to really round out our group, and this young man can do it all— shoot, pass and take over the game in the offensive zone… we are thrilled to welcome him back to what we feel is a team that will contend in the season to come”.

With Andrew Copp presumably taking on second line center responsibilities, poking holes in the top six that Durkin and Co. Have assembled is a tough ask. A healthy complement of playmakers, forechecking specialists and sharpshooters will make this a very potent group with a fantastic blend of size and skill. They are built to carry the play as opposed to reacting to the opposition. The bottom half of the lineup still needs some tinkering as a number of pieces are either moving on or require new deals, but those holes are typically filled fairly easily via free agency. Establishing a strong core group that includes top tier talent at every position is the formula for potential success, and the return of Mark Scheifle gives Moncton as much of a chance as any team in the GHL.

From somewhere in Muskoka, enjoying a frosty offseason margarita, Fisty McKnuckles, reporting for GHLdotcom

[Owen-Moncton]

Pending league approval, Moncton will solidify its goaltending position with the addition of Jonathan Quick. The outstanding veteran tendy will likely be deployed in a tandem role with the younger Thatcher Demko.

Moncton also receives a first, third, and fourth round picks next year, while recapturing a significant amount of cap space.

“. It’s not a secret that we feel good hockey teams… great hockey teams, are built from the net out” , says GM Owen Durkin, adding: “…reliable goaltending, a rock- solid D corps are both the hallmarks of success… next, you need center depth, and finally, wingers who can play physical and dominate the game along the wall and through the neutral zone.

Moncton appears to be strong up the middle, in goal, and on the blue line, while retaining a few rugged pieces to flank the likes of Scheiffle, Newhook and Copp.

Have they addressed the dreadful goal differential? Will they continue to toggle between one-goal games and morale-busting blowouts?

Much of this may depend upon how Durkin and Co. Navigate the waters of free agency. Fingers are crossed in Moncton!

Fisty McKnuckles, reporting for GHL News

[Owen-Moncton]

HOT OFF THE PRESS:
Out of The Frying Pan?

Despite what appears to be a formidable roster, Moncton’s pride and joy has stumbled out of the gate, prompting many around the GHL to ponder whether the changes made during the offseason have landed the beleaguered bottom-dwellers directly out of the frying pan and into the fire.
With just four points — two ties and a single win — the new-and-improved squad appears to underwhelming opponents.

Of particular interest is the number of one-goal games that they have ended up on the wrong side of. It begs the question: what’s going wrong?
The goal differential, along with the quality of netminding is significantly more flattering than last year’s numbers, yet with four losses already in the books, the slide to the bottom half of the standings has an uncanny resemblance to previous campaigns.

“ We like our goal production overall “, says Coach Tyler Colley, adding “what we gotta take a hard look at whether it’s special teams or roster makeup…we gotta start closing out these close games before the season starts getting away from us…”

The multi-million dollar question is of course, how to go about it. Do you add another high- powered point producer while subtracting from the best, deepest defensive corps ever assembled in Moncton?

With stalwart rearguard Seth Jones lobster rolls in the press box, it may stand to reason that going from defensive strength to offensive strength vis-a-vis making a meaningful trade without mortgaging the future is the best way forward.

“The jury’s out still “, says GM Owen Durkin. “Asset management is not always transactional… sometimes it’s just a matter of buy-in to the system…sometimes it’s coachable and as our newest acquisitions come together, the leadership will emerge…we’re close to punching through here and panic moves for the sake of saying we did something isn’t always the right move”.

…”of course, we have to listen to offers, and we will always do so, but that doesn’t mean that we’re making changes “.

Fisty McKnuckles, for GHL News