Hi this is Fred Wallace with Off The Wire, brought to you by Auto Logic….the Logical Choice.
The Owen Sound Attack will stage their annual awards barbeque on Sunday at the JD McArthur Arena.
And while it’s always a nice day to reflect on who did what and the events of the past year, make no mistake, the upcoming season is always a bigger concern.
The bridge between this season and next will be exemplified by a couple, maybe as many as 3, signings.
First rounders Markus Phillips and Nick Suzuki are obvious candidates to be signed, but underage netminder Riley Daniels may be in the right place at the right time to be signed.
It’s possible the Attack could start next year with two NHL drafted goalies, Michael McNiven and overage Jack Flinn.
If Flinn goes pro, then the signing of Daniels looks prudent.
On the blueline, there’s a surplus of bodies, none of whom will be named Chris Bigras.
With six returnees, Phillips, Jacob Friend and likely a 98 draftee, that’s 9, which means departures are imminent.
The largest area of uncertainty is up front. Petrus Palmu is a given, but after that, there isn’t one forward eligible to return who doesn’t have a question mark attached and to that end, the Attack admit that when the trade window opens next week, they’ll be peering inside and out.
Until then, it’s a rewind and celebrate, but in truth, the function of preparing and operating for the season ahead is a much greater focal point.
I’m Fred Wallace