The Owen Sound Attack of the Ontario Hockey League have been shifted from the MidWest Division to the West Division.
That’s not a fact, but in a strange reality, most of the remainder of the OHL season, and likely the post season will be conducted against West Division teams.
The Attack, including this weekend have 9 games to play, 7 of which are against West Divisiion opponents
Tonight, Owen Sound starts the stretch of West Division opponents at Sault Ste Marie against the Greyhounds, the only confirmed non-playoff team in the Western Conference.
Tomorrow, it’s another night on the road, and another game against a West Division opponent, this time the Saginaw Spirit who are aiming for third place in the Conference standings.
Before the finish line Owen Sound has 2 more games with Saginaw, plus matchups with Plymouth, with Windsor and with Sarnia.
Only road trips to Erie & Guelph interupt the run of West Division foes between now and the post season for Owen Sound.
Therefore, if Owen Sound is to gain a playoff spot, it will be achieved on success against the West.
Or, Owen Sound could make the post season if Kitchener falls off.
And while the Rangers have a tougher schedule with multiple games against Windsor & London on the docket, I wouldn’t count on the Rangers tanking because to their credit they’ve actually made up some ground in difficult scenarios.
The Attack aren’t shifting to the West Division, but their schedule with a heavy West Division flavor means Owen Sound needs success in the West to make the playoffs this season.
I’m Fred Wallace