Here’s the lay of the land in the Ontario Hockey League Western Conference as it pertains to the Owen Sound Attack.
With 2 weeks to go in the season, the Attack are 4th in the Conference based on the tie-breaking formula, sitting with 69 points, the same number of points the Sarnia Sting have.
Mathematically, Owen Sound could still finish third, ahead of Kitchener, but I’ll put the remainder of Ron Wilson’s contract up against anyone who wants to bet me on the likelihood of that happening.
Most likely, the Attack will finish 4th, 5th or 6th, and to a large extent their finish will be determined by their next 3 outings; home to Barrie tomorrow, at Saginaw Friday and at Sarnia on Saturday.
Owen Sound has 6 games remaining; the 3 mentioned above, plus at Plymouth Sunday afternoon, and then home & home with Guelph to conclude the regular season.
Sarnia, who played 3 players under the limit due to injuries on Sunday, also have 6 games remaining; at home to the Soo, then the Attack Saturday plus one with Saginaw.
On the road, the Sting go to Windsor, to London and to Plymouth.
And Saginaw ?
After starting the season 1 & 7, the Spirit have muscled their way into contention for 4th with 5 games remaining & just the game at Sarnia on the road.
The 4 home games for Saginaw are Friday against the Attack, followed by the Soo, Windsor and Kitchener.
So who do you like to finish 4-5-6 in the West ?
The most significant factors in determining that might be known by Saturday night.
I’m Fred Wallace