The Owen Sound Attack host the London Knights tonight in the Ontario Hockey League.
The game carries very little significance for the Knights who have clinched the OHL Western Conference crown and I can’t possibly see how they will be bypassed in for the overall lead in points.
For Owen Sound is a somewhat different scenario.
Yes, the Attack know they are going to the post season, but the seeding in the Western Conference remains in question.
After the Guelph-Kitchener game last night, a 6-4 win for the Rangers, the magic number for Owen Sound to nail down third place remains at 5.
With 6 games remaining, any combination of Owen Sound wins and Kitchener losses adding up to 5 would give Owen Sound third.
Of the 6 games remaining for the Attack, there is NO question, the most difficult opponent is the one that they will face tonight; London.
Sure the Attack are coming off a victory in their last head to head with the Knights, but how did they fare in the previous ten meetings ?
Furthermore, by claiming the Midwest Division, anyone connected with London will let you know. the Knights have won the division, said to to be the toughest in all of Junior Hockey, 8 of the last 10 years.
That’s impressive. And bothersome. And between London’s visit tonight and the potential of a third place Conference finish on the horizon, there should be no shortage of motivation for the Owen Sounders tonight.
I’m Fred Wallace