The other day the weather outside was too rugged for exercise, so I went indoors to the Harry Lumley-Bayshore and used the walking & running track around the upper concourse.
Coincidentally, the Owen Sound Attack were staging a practice at the same time.
I found it curious, but the Attack were practising a scrimmage play whereby once the puck was dropped, the players immediately substituted and a bunch of fights broke out.
Of course, Attack coach Greg Ireland returns from a two game ban tonight for just such an incident last week at Peterborough in which Owen Sound’s Daniel Zweep replaced captain Mike Halmo after the opening puck drop and fought Peterborough’s Derek Mathers 8 seconds into the game.
Was I surprised by the move or the suspension ? Not really.
Last season at St Catharines, with Mark Reeds behind the bench, Owen Sound pulled a similar stunt, albeit not off the opening faceoff, but the sequence was pretty similar.
Reeds dodged any form of punishment then, but Greg Ireland got fingered for the Peterborough affair this time.
Overall, I get all of the messages.
I got the message the Petes sent by starting their tough guy, who might be the toughest in the league.
I got the message the Attack sent by sending their strongest player out to counter.
And I get the message the OHL sent, although the Attack might argue the balance of the call.
Regardless, last Thursday is waaay behind us, and tonight the Attack move onto the next phase with a game at Barrie in which I’d be surprised to see fireworks on the opening faceoff.
I’m Fred Wallace