I know the Attack have a couple of road games this week before they come home to go against Oshawa on Saturday night at the Harry Lumley-Bayshore.
But, with no slight to the games at Erie tomorrow or in St Catharines Thursday, which are big tests for Owen Sound, I’m looking forward to the ceremony prior to the game against the Generals Saturday.
The Attack will honor former NHL’er Kirk Maltby with a banner raising this weekend to commemorate an exceptional career in hockey.
Was Kirk Maltby the best Owen Sound Plater, or the best player from the Owen Sound franchise over more than two decades ?
Whether you choose ” yes ” or ” no “, there’s no doubt he deserves consideration.
And furthermore, from my standpoint, he’s the kind of player and person you’d love to draft, develop and then watch succeed.
He wasn’t a high OHL pick, actually selected by the Guelph Platers after Trent Cull, Steve Parson and Jeff Grant.
He was not a high NHL draft pick, selected 65th overall by Edmonton.
He was so unassuming; he considered playing as an overage in Owen Sound unsure if he was ready for pro, and 2 years later, when Oilers General Manager Glen Sather asked him where he was living, he bashfully admitted he was lodged in hotel, unsure of whether he was a full time NHL’er or not.
Even his trade to Detroit, for Dan McGillis, didn’t garner much attention.
But this weekend, Kirk Maltby returns to Owen Sound, almost 20 years and 4 Stanley Cups later, to be honored by the Owen Sound organization.
He’s a very deserving candidate for the tribute, and as a result, I’m looking forward to Saturday.
I’m Fred Wallace