The fact that, heading into weekend action, the Soo Greyhounds were tied for first in the Ontario Hockey League is something few expected before the season began. GM Kyle Raftis said their success so far in the young season is about young players stepping into bigger roles. “I think anytime you see some World Junior players graduating off your roster, I think everyone always assumes that it’s going to go the other way in a hurry,” Raftis said. “I think for us, knowing internally that there’s definitely some guys that need to take some steps ... And, you know, we had one of those years where you have more surprises than disappointments in training camp.” Part of the reason for the team’s early success comes from a full turnover behind the bench. Drew Bannister is holding the reins once again, having previously led the ‘Hounds to their best-ever regular season in 2018. Won a Memorial Cup Bannister also has a resume that boasts a 1993 Memorial Cup championship while donning the red and white. “When the opportunity came, not that there was a no-brainer, but I couldn’t see myself coaching anywhere else other than the Sault,” he said. Bannister, who most recently coached the St. Louis Blues, noted that despite the Greyhound’s record, they haven’t been blowing teams out of the water. “You see, with a lot of our results, they’ve been one-goal games one way or the other, and I like that for our team,” he said. “I think it builds character.” “There’s still lots to correct. And I think there’s still a lot of growth (to come),” said Raftis. “But you know, we’re happy. It’s a lot easier to correct when you’re kind of getting those results because guys are starting to find their own success, too.” Last season, Raftis swung for the fences, bringing in one of junior hockey’s top goalies. He said at this point of the season, he can’t predict what types of moves he’ll make, and if he, once again, pushes all his chips to the middle. “It’s something you got to consistently evaluate,” Raftis said. “What are some pieces that can help this year? What are some pieces that might help the next year? And just kind of evaluate it that way. It’s still early enough, but it’s definitely been a lot of positives.”
