When the Vancouver Stealth were eliminated from the playoffs their 2015 season began. The very next day Doug Locker was taking in a Langley Junior Thunder game at the LEC. The tweet coming across as Day 1 of the offseason, when in reality it was the start of something new.
With a good start up to the fourth game on the 2014 campaign things were going rather well, a 2-1 start with their only loss coming at a one-goal differential. Nobody would have guessed the disappointment to fans, as the Stealth continued to slide to the bottom of the West Division. Colorado kept it interesting for a while, but one could only imagine the Stealth were doomed to fall to the wayside.
An offense with its inconsistent play, and what appeared to be at times some ego. Things never really came around to click, for a unit that held so much talent and potential. With the right side bearing the scoring load (Brett Bucktooth, Tyler Digby and Rhys Duch), there definitely needs to be a shake up this offseason on the left side. Jamie Lincoln becoming a welcome edition to the squad, late in the season. No matter where the adjustments come offensively, the chemistry needs to come back to the Stealth.
There was not much to brag about defensively or in transition this season either. The Stealth struggled with some key injuries to both captain Kyle Sorenson and starting defender Chris O’Dougherty. What seemed to be a losing battle for loose balls each week, seemed to pay dividends on both the defense and goaltending. The Stealth did a great job keeping up with SOG, but quality second chance opportunities seemed to go the way of their opponent. Tyler Garrison was a saving grace with his forced turnovers, and hopefully this is a sign to get some more youthful legs out there on the defensive side of the ball.
Owner Denise Watkins has already gone on record stating that there will be no changes in the front office or coaching staff. With the experience and proven track record from the GM down to the assistant coaches, the Stealth are positioned to make a comeback. Let us not forget that the last time the Stealth came away from a miserable season they were back playing for the Champions Cup the very next year.
With a move to the LEC, a new marketing scheme priding themselves as Vancouver’s team, and a roster that reflects the greater Van City area, it may be time to expand the roster’s horizon. It is a hotbed, but can you continue to cut costs flying players in, or relocating a player, and be in contention for a championship? The new price points for season tickets is refreshing, but will the fans continue to flow through the doors if the Stealth don’t turn things around in 2015?
Till the ball drops on their 2015 opening game, the Stealth have many areas to improve upon. Team roster, chemistry, identity, as well as front office ticket sales. If they want to be successful in Langley and on the field in 2015 they need to take the approach of starting to get things done now. Good news for Stealth fans is all signs on Facebook, Twitter and media is that they started taking steps prior to the end of the 2014 season.
