Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off The Wire ” brought to you by Auto Logic, the Logical Choice.
If you believe in deja vu, you can’t like the scenario facing the Owen Sound Attack.
The last time the Attack opened the Ontario Hockey League regular season at Kitchener was September 21st, 2007.
Future Toronto Maple Leaf Nick Spaling scored twice, the Rangers routed Owen Sound 7-2, the first of 6 straight wins for Kitchener against Owen Sound and the Attack failed to make the playoffs.
I’m not sure whether the Attack will or won’t qualify for post season play, but I have a suspicion that what you see is mostly what you’ll get.
The Attack have 2 experienced netminders ( once the Montreal Canadiens return Michael McNiven ).
The Attack have 9 defencemen.
And the Attack have 14 forwards.
The goaltending personnel may change. Slightly.
Two experienced defencemen will depart once two injured blueliners return.
And the forward group will also be trimmed, and that will take place before the middle of next month.
The existing roster is bereft of a star…. Some good, solid players, yes, but nobody that could be dangled, ala Wayne Simmonds in 2007, for a hefty price.
Furthermore, the Attack don’t dislike what they’ve got, therefore there’s no anticipation of pending acquisitions.
I can’t say for a certainty that I’ll be watching a competitive playoff team by late March. I certainly hope so, but……
What I do sense is that there will be stability, almost a lack of roster movement with the Attack and for the OHL season ahead in Owen Sound- most of what you see and who you see this weekend is what you’ll get all year.
I’m Fred Wallace