Rumors swirl as Schiestel sits

Drew Schiestel is out of the IceDogs lineup for tonight's game with Owen Sound. Also sitting are forwards Matt Piva and Andrew Merrett. The trio is not known to be injured. Rumors surfaced last week that first-place Windsor (19-2) was looking to load up early, as their chances of winning the OHL look obviously solid. Many thought that the puck-moving Schiestel was on their list of wanted defensemen. The trade would be an excellent opportunity for the 2007 second rounder. The Dogs (6-8-3) have struggled all season, and the potential of playing for the Memorial Cup would be a nice way to cap a junior career. The Dogs received good news (on paper) Thursday when they learned that the St. Louis Blues were returning defenseman Alex Pietrangelo to the OHL. However, it remains to be seen whether or not the re-building Dogs will look to keep his services, or deal him to a contender for a nice return.