PREVIEW WESTERN CONFERENCE
watch. He should pick up a bigger scoring role as a sophomore . . . Luke Cavallin looks like the team’s future in net, but over-ager Garrett Forrest has to be the present after the release of Connor Hicks. Big stat: The Firebirds jumped 26 points in the standings from their disastrous first season. If they can add 10-15 more, they’re in business. Prediction: Back end is worrisome, but it’s like that for a lot of teams.
ERIE OTTERS
The bench: Chris Hartsburg (Craig’s son) returns after three years with USHL’s Lincoln Stars. This time he’s the head coach. Last year: 50-15-2-1 103 points, first in West; won OHL title; lost Memorial Cup final to host Windsor. Big names: Taylor Raddysh (Lightning) will be expected to produce as a 100-point scorer, even without the same supporting cast . . . The Otters believe Kyle Maksimovich is under-valued in junior circles. He usually scores when it matters . . . Over-age goalie Troy Timpano won’t go 36-8 like he did last year, but they’ll gladly take another 30-plus wins out of him. Big stat: GM Dave Brown’s astute dealing won the OHL last year. Pickups Anthony Cirelli and Warren Foegele injected 28 playoff goals and most of them were huge tallies. Prediction: The 50-win seasons are done, but if they keep Taylor Raddysh, they’ll find a way into the dance.
GUELPH STORM
The bench: George Burnett coached the Storm to the Memorial Cup final 20 years ago. He’s returned to serve as GM and coach. Last year: 21-40-5-2 49 points, 10th in West; out of playoffs. Big names: Ryan Merkley (12-4355) led all rookie scorers and is primed to be one of the best offensive d-men the league has seen in a while — maybe since Ryan Ellis. He’ll probably never have to deal with a minus-41 again either . . . D Owen Lalonde, second overall pick by Sudbury in 2016, will grow together with Merkley, the No. 1 selection in that draft . . . Isaac Ratcliffe (Flyers) and Givani Smith (Red Wings) combined for 54 goals last year. How about 70-80 this time? . . . First-rounder Tag Bertuzzi gets to play under his dad Todd’s retired number banner. Big stat: The Storm won a combined 34 games the past two seasons. They wouldn’t mind winning that many in 2017-18 alone. Prediction: Eighth — they can’t miss the playoffs three years in a row, can they?
SAGINAW SPIRIT
The bench: Former Kitchener boss Troy Smith is back in business behind the bench after Spencer Carbery joined Providence Bruins. Last year: 27-32-7-2 63 points, ninth in West; out of playoffs. Big names: First-round pick Blade Jenkins de-committed from the University of Michigan to join the Spirit for his NHL draft year. He must be one of the best young d-men in the league . . . Evan Cormier (Devils) should see a lot of rubber again this year. That’s nothing new . . . Keaton Middleton (Leafs) will use his large frame to keep scorers honest in the Spirit zone . . . D-man Marcus Crawford had five assists in one game in Sarnia last season. More outings like that, please. Big stat: The Spirit lost 13 of their first 15 games last year. That doomed them early. Prediction: They shouldn’t miss the playoffs again, but they’re in tough.
WINDSOR SPITFIRES
The bench: Trevor Letowski takes over coaching duties for Rocky Thompson, now with the Chicago Wolves. Last year: 41-19-5-3 90 points; fifth in West; lost in firstst round to London in 7, but won Memorial Cup on home ice. Big names: Goalie Mikey DiPietro (Canucks) is a goalie of the year candidate, whether he stays in his hometown all season or not . . . Always admired Aaron Luchuk’s uncanny ability to score big goals. He got four in the London series, then two more at the Cup. He’ll get 35 goals this year, easy . . . A healthy Logan Brown (Senators) would help. He missed half the season last year. Top scorer Gabe Vilardi (Kings) has a back sprain. That sets the Spits back in a big way. Big stat: The Spits haven’t made it past the first round since 2011, but they’ll take that Cup win at home anytime. Prediction: They need to rebuild the organization, so expect the trading of veterans.