In the middle of December I "officially declared" on this form that the Central Division was a two-horse race between Hamilton and Wellington. How wrong I was! A 6-0 defeat in their second game of the Newmarket Showcase to Markham was the beginning of a streak of just one win in eight games (two of the losses in a shootout). Now with just eight games remaining in the regular season the Red Wings are staring in the face the possibility that they may start the first round of the playoffs on the road! How did this happen? Other than the fact that seven losses in the last 8 games usually means a team has not been playing well, the loss of Josh McQuade and untimely injuries and illnesses did not help. That, however, is now ancient history and the Wings have eight games left to get themselves back in to the position of "favourites" going into the post-season.
The next three games- a rematch against the Hurricanes Thursday and home contests against the Dukes Saturday and Waxers next Monday will basically show the fans what can be expected the remainder of the way. Given that the talent is there,can the people behind the bench lift this club back to where it was ten games or so ago? If not, even at this stage of the season a change must be made. The additions of Brent McGrail, Bruce Crawford, Tim Revell and Dillon Bronco have had varied results. Let's remember all of these are experienced OJL players all with leadership abilities. McGrail - I give him a passing grade - he skates hard and he has good instincts. Branco now that he is fit again can lead this team from the goalie position. Revell has been a disappointment and Crawford is an enigma who could be the leader the club needs to help out the captain Vella who seems to be "on his own" most nights of late.
Unlike many I do not see the defence as a major concern. Last night Newmarket showed us they are a one-line team - the Red Wings with everyone pointed in the same direction are the best team in the Central Division but will the balance of the season and playoffs prove the point?
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I have to disagree, 8 losses out of the last 10 games. Hamilton has lost the room with these new additions and it is ashame. These new guys are not leaders not even close. Each one of these players asked there teams to be traded and whined and cried untill it happened. Really to bad should have left it the way it was. Ask mississauga, milton and streetsville etc
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Wings are done... Not playing as a team- too much individual play- Defence
is weak and since Mcquade is gone you do not have much left on offense....They do not correct players on their play and just keep the same old formations..players need to be instructed and if they keep making the same mistakes, then change it up to bring in another player that will be fundamentally more sound...to be able to correct things and improve- it is supposed to be a development division- wings just keep developing the same mistakes.
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There needs to be a change at coach. Preferably somebody who knows how to coach at a Jr.A level, and was a winning coach in the past at this level. Galati hates Watson for some reason, and is benched all the time, except to take a Bench Minor; I suggest we get rid of Watson for cash, and/or rid of Galati for his terrible coaching strategies (and the fact that the team has lost 7 of 8). This Hamilton team early on looked good, Watson was playing, the team was playing well together, but something happened.
Since about November I've been saying (not on these forums) but to others, that we need a coaching change. It looks like Galati has trouble getting through to his players, and when a coach cannot get through, usually things, like the slide Hamilton is on now, happen.
You can blame the goalies, the defenceman, the forwards, but they need a coach to GUIDE THEM. We have the ability to score goals, make good defensive plays, and stop the puck, but behind the scenes, it seems that something is up (as I have stated numerous times in this post lol).
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Austin you need to shut up, your getting as bad as proline and have already succeeded in claiming the 'know nothing but put down kids' achievement. You're a pathetic ****.
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You would be surprised the facts that I know. I am not shooting from the hip,I was only stating that Rick would be a good coach, nothing about players.
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You are right! Rick Bince would be the coach who would most likely help Hamilton tremendously. As for the gentleman who is praying to God it never happens is entitled to his opinion, he is one of very few. I will tell you all right now, I am a friend of Nancy's if you all must know, my son played for the chargers at one time and was treated very badly by management. My son along with alot of young men loved to play for Rick. So just to clarify again, Nancy is not Prolinesuckss. There you have it!!!!
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If any changes are to be made, coaching-wise, then the sooner the better or we might only be treated to two playoff games at the Dave and that would be a real downer to cap a season that had so much promise.
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