The Niagara IceDogs are turning some heads early in the Ontario Hockey League season.
Despite plenty of changes in the off-season, the IceDogs have put together a 7-5-1 record through their first 13 games, putting them in the hunt in the Eastern Conference.
General Manager Dale DeGray says he's pleased with the team's start, pointing to strong goaltending and contributions from throughout the roster.
With plenty of turnover from last season, he's also encouraged by the way the returning players have helped establish the culture and welcome new teammates.
With a new general manager, a new coaching staff and several new players, DeGray says the group is still getting to know one another. He believes that chemistry will continue to improve as the season goes on, helping the team build on its early results.
The IceDogs entered the season with relatively modest expectations from outside the organization, but DeGray says the players have embraced the underdog role and are using that lack of recognition as motivation.
He also highlighted several players making an impact offensively, including Reyth Smith, Ryerson Edgar, Jared Langdon, Joey Banas, Lane Gallacher and Wil McFadden.
DeGray says this year's team brings a combination of skill, toughness and work ethic, with players competing until the final buzzer.
For DeGray, the key to sustaining the team's start will be maintaining consistency, keeping players level-headed through the ups and downs of a long season, and continuing to build a group that plays for one another.
With three straight home games on the schedule at the time of the interview, he encouraged fans to come out and give the team a chance.
As the IceDogs continue their season, DeGray hopes the early results are just the beginning of what this group can accomplish.
(Written by: Matt Latour)