Generals depth at forward

Smith is doing a great job of coaching this team. No one thought they would be this high in the standings and he is getting the most out of everyone. The problem I see is he can't keep double shifting his top 4 forwards on these 3 in a row game weekends. It is obvious they were tired Sunday night and were prone to stupid mistakes and penalties. A week ago Sunday the plodders scored the goals and won the game but couldn't come through this week. The Gens are not deep in talent but have a good puck stopper in Altshuler.

I really like how the "plodders" are picking up their defensive assigments on the back check. Definetly shows the team has bought into smith's system.

StingRay5 wrote:I really like how the "plodders" are picking up their defensive assigments on the back check.  Definetly shows the team has bought into smith's system.

I agree, the whole team has bought into the system and Smith is doing a good job.

If the Gens are looking to bolster their forward contingent and the Bulls decide to be sellers, Garrett Hooey might be a good addition. Gaunce would be too pricey and will be in high demand. Hooey has decent size and is finally putting up points after a lacklustre Jr. career. Possible? Your thoughts?

I agree that Gaunce will be far to expensive for a team like the Gens to go after. As much as where contenders this year, if we're smart about things we can be serious contenders again next season, an I think to get Gaunce your gonna have to seriously over pay an mortgage your future. Gaunce's stock will only go up if he makes the World Junior Squad (which he should).
As far as Hooey, I've always liked this kid, I was actually sort of shocked when the Generals didn't try an get the local kid, he was being touted as a top 10 OHL pick in his draft year. I think he's always just needed more ice time and he's getting that now an he's producing. If he could be had for a couple mid round picks and maybe a prospect not currently on the roster I'd be in favor of it. As he'd be an upgrade over some of the younger depth guys.

What are people's thoughts as far as these few players go,

Nick Latta - Sarnia Sting (C) - 23GP 17G 11A 28PTS -2 26PIM
He has a great plus minus for a player on a team that gets a lot of goals scored against. He's a physical player, great checker, real good overall 2-Way game. 17 Goals in 23 games is pretty huge, imagine if he was playing with wingers like Dal Colle or Cassels or if shifted to the wing a center like Laughton or Sterk.

Ben Thomson - Kitchener Rangers (LW) - 12GP 3G 3A 6PTS -5 34PIM He's a NJ Devils prospect, doesn't put up crazy numbers but on a team like the Generals he'd be a 20/20 guy. He's a physical presence, a hard player to play against. I think he's a player that come playoffs will really appreciate.

Ryan Hartman - Plymouth Whalers (C/RW) - 20GP 10G 11A 21PTS 38PIMS - 14
He'll be a little more expensive, He's a first round pick of the Chicago Blackhawks. He's a great all around hockey player. You can use him on any of the top 3 lines, in any position. He plays PK, PP, he goes to the dirty areas, he can score, he hits, he fights. He'll still be cheaper then guys like Gaunce, Rychel, and Gemel Smith though. He's a guy I'd risk a 2nd round pick in 2015 for. Plymouth will likely want some young offense, McDade an Busch are my guess as I don't see the Gens letting Harding go any where.

Love Hartman but with our shortage of 2nds, not sure we have the purchasing power. Little confused about Latta. He came over from Germany in the 2010 Import draft but was born in Canada, I believe. Sarnia has two Euros now so I'm assuming he isn't? We have room anyways so it's a non-issue. I'd take him if available.

Here is a couple of players that would look good in a Gen's uniform, but it would come @ a cost:
Radek Faksa (kitchener)
Matia Marcantuoni (kitchener)
Gemel Smith (Owen Sound)
Kerby Rychel (Windsor)
Gianluna Curcuruto (Plymouth)

How about Curcurato and Hartman in a package deal? We really don't have the trade value to obtain them, however. Busch, McDade et al won't cut it.