The lengthy hockey season is approaching its climax in both Pro and Junior with the Stanley Cup Final on the horizon and the Memorial Cup to be awarded this coming weekend.
For the teams that remain in the hunt for a championship, there is nothing bigger at the moment.
For the remainder of the hockey world, next year is the focus, and has been for quite some time.
Here in Owen Sound with the Attack, it’s not rapid movement, but it’s far from idle.
The potential exists that this week, maybe next, but soon, first rounder Jacob Middleton will sign his agreement to play among a promising group of Owen Sound defenders in the short term and long term.
After Middleton, every 2012 Priority Selection pick by Owen Sound, with the possible exception of netminder Cameron Hackett, will have to prove fully that they belong. The issue with Hackett will be his options; OHL or NCAA ? If he selects OHL, I’d think he’s in.
Next the vacant assistant coaching position in Owen Sound.
There’s a number of variables here.
Do you go for an established coach, a veteran with experience playing in pro, or do you look younger for an eager & hungry candidate ?
Word is there are less than a half dozen names in the mix which leads to the next question; do you settle now, or do you wait to see what might topple out of the NHL Entry Draft next month ?
So, while nothing’s really happening, there’s quite a bit on the go.
I’m Fred Wallace