Oshawa’s 2022-2023 season has been a forgettable one. Only one season removed from getting silenced by Shane Wright and the Kingston Frontenacs. The Gens sit close to the bottom, losing game after game while helping forward Callum Ritchie rise up the draft stocks. After goaltender Patrick Leaver was traded, Oshawa Generals Carter Bickle and Jacob Oster became the new tandem.
A Less Than Memorable Season
After the firestorm that was the OHL’s trade deadline, Oshawa faced off against the Kitchener Rangers. This was a matchup that would be in their favour. Still, Bickle stood up and helped the generals get a confidence-boosting 5-2 win.
Oshawa Generals Carter Bickle’s season, stats-wise, has not been great. He has spent most of the season behind Leaver. In 25 games played, he has recorded a 4.95 GAA with a 0.852 sv%. He sits at a surprising 6-12-0 record so far.
Although his stats are not great, he has shown flashes of being a solid starter. This may lead to him being a true number one for the 2023-2024 season if he decides to stay for his DY+2.
A Woeful Year
As mentioned earlier, Oshawa’s season has been one of their worst in recent years. They ended up finishing eighth in the standings, barely squeaking in ahead of the Kingston Frontenacs and Niagra IceDogs
So far, Ryan Gagnier and Callum Ritchie have been their points leaders. In addition, Jacob Oster and Carter Bickle splitting the crease after Patrick Leaver was traded at the deadline.
Despite the woes, Oshawa’s core looks somewhat promising. Dylan Roobroeck and Cameron Butler had decent seasons, and Stuart Rolofs is third in points.
However, what saved them is both their offense, and the man in between the pipes.
Standing Tall
Even though the generals have been almost awful, their goaltending has saved them from being an absolute tire fire. There have been several games this season (see: 5-2 TDL win over Kitchener) where he has looked incredibly impressive.
Even if he does not make the professional level considering he is turning 19 this year, Bickle will be remembered for being one of the few bright spots. In addition to players like Callum Ritchie, a projected top-10 pick in this year’s draft.
In a 3-2 loss for the Generals against the Owen Sound Attack in November, Bickle had an impressive .900 SV%, stopping 27 of 30 shots on goal.
A similar stats sheet was shown in a 6-3 blowout at the hands of the Kitchener Rangers, where he came in relief for Jacob Oster and stopped 15/16 in 28:39 of ice time.
A final example is a 5-4 OT win against a powerful Ottawa 67’s team. Bickle stopped 41 of an onslaught-level 45 shots, with Roobroeck getting the OT winner.
Overall
Despite the Generals’ less-than-stellar year, they somehow managed to squeeze into the playoffs, getting the first-round matchup against the 107-point Ottawa 67’s. Although Bickle has yet to play a playoff game, it should be one to keep an eye on, considering the great games he has had this season.
Main Photo: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
