Hi, this is Fred Wallace with ” Off the Wire ” brought to you by Auto Logic, the Logical Choice.
After a big day yesterday with Remembrance Day, there is another significant day of activities unfolding in Owen Sound.
The Canadian Hockey League is in the city for Game 3 of the annual Russian Selects tour.
Tonight the Ontario Hockey League All Stars will go head to head with the Russians who dropped their opening two games of their tour at Kelowna and Kamloops against the Western League stars.
There are many levels of significance attached to this game, in fact, the final score may be among the least important.
For all of the OHL Players, including netminder Michael McNiven and teammate Thomas Schemitsch plus coach Ryan McGill from the Attack this is a showcase opportunity.
For Kincardine’s Garrett McFadden, undrafted and unsigned by an NHL club, this might be an even bigger showcase
This showcase designed for Hockey Canada and their National Junior program, also provides an additional opportunity for pro scouts to see the players compete in an elite environment.
There’s a lot on the line…..
Plus, make no mistake, this is also a showcase for the Attack and for the city of Owen Sound.
Hosting CHL events is rare, and a good showing from an organizational standpoint could lead to future hosting duties.
I doubt Owen Sound will ever be considered to host a Memorial Cup, but a smooth event today and tonight could be as significant to the organization as the game is to the players participating.
I’m Fred Wallace