Hey t, I just looked at the final 17/18 OHL standings, and saw the Petes didn't even make the playoffs (which we both know isn't easy to do). I seemed to vaguely recall they were doing at least OK in the middle of last season; did they simply drop dead and lose something like, oh, 21 of their last 25 games ??
When that happens in the OHL, what happens to the attendance ?? Do the locals still turn out even if the kids are losing.....because that's just what Pete fans are bred to do......or do they stay home like in any other league (or game) ??
Meanwhile, I see the Otters started paying back the McDavid years in pretty decent fashion last season.....are they destined to stink (more or less) for the next couple seasons for that reason ??
Well...where to begin lol....re: The Otters , they have definitely taken a step back in order imo to re-load for next year. They traded imo their best in Radyssh off to the Soo for prospects, they
did have one of the best GM's in the biz with Sherry Bassin till McDavid left and also imo that was Bassin's nucleus that went to the Mem Cup again in 2017. The thing that did surprise me was the arena was essentially empty the game I saw there on a Sunday afternoon last November. I remember them having bigtime attendance issues back around 2011-12 before McD arrived on scene, so if not expediant in bringing a good team they may be in trouble again financially.
And your Peterborough Petes
....to say this is at least point of significant crossroads if not perhaps imminent disaster would be an understatement imo...
Fired the coach (Jody Hull) toward end of last season, thus imo the resultant landslide from a playoff spot to laughingstock.
This April they didn't just draft big, they drafted MASSIVE. This is without question an effort to throw back significant weight against the midsized but as you've heard before from me low down dirty dirtbag Gens. I suppose I could easily equate this rival to the Cryers over the years or perhaps more recently the Blojax, however IMO they are dirtier than
both combined. Not sure it will work but at least I may get to see some dirty Gen or two get drilled all over the ice in the future.
Anyway get this...the first round pick 3rd overall Cuylle out of the Marlboros system said he WOULD NOT report if they drafted him...well wtf let's pick him anyway eh ?!? This has the faithful including myself basically apoplectic, as the kid (or more likely his parents) aren't bending on signing...I am inclined to believe if his rights aren't traded soon he'll likely go NCAA the following year.
Next pick 2nd round was 6 ft 4 highly skilled winger Cameron Butler, scouts and talking heads loved the pick as do I.
Rd 3 had a Murray monster 6ft 4' sized netminder Austin out of Kanata. My cousin has seen him play and says he is quite athletic for a BIG guy that covers the net. He'll be needed a year down the road as our guy Wells was drafted by Edmonton and with their issues would not surprise me if he at least makes an appearance on their farm some point this year.
Rest of the draft is here for your perusal
https://www.thepeterboroughexaminer...petes-add-size-skill-through-ohl-draft-picks/
Lastly, the arena conundrum...The Mem Centre is old, albeit has had recent upgrades, and I personally LOVE the charm of the place. Many do not and are still hoping for a new state of the art facility a la Oshawa, London, Windsor...fact is the community (and Petes are still community owned) is too small to support such a venture imo. The current facility seats around 4100 and at times it is full, however the usual Thursday night crowds (imo most consistent draw) is usually around the 2500-2800 mark for attendance. Not great but not horrific. Attendance doesnt tend to fluctuate that much in The Borough though, it is fairly consistent even in a bad season like last year. It remains to be seen if that will remain the case.
If you can't come close to selling out 4100 on a home night Thursday, how does one expect to fill a (imo minimum) 6000 seat arena? Bottom line is winning is paramount and the kids you draft? Well, you might just want them to acctually report...sigh....
Hard to fathom a team with arguably the most history in the OHL moving...but rumblings are starting to happen.
Anyway, enough of my sordid, sorry rambling. Hope that gives ya a lowdown...
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