The Owen Sound Attack are back in Ontario Hockey League action tonight, hosting the Erie Otters in the third game of a 4 game homestand at the Harry Lumley-Bayshore.
I understand the weekend Attack victories over Sarnia and then St Mike’s were terrific entertainment. In fact, Attack fans can stop anytime they want from the now-too-familiar statement, ” Oh, Fred, you missed the best two games of the season. “
I’m not surprised, whatsoever, that the Attack turned in exciting, winning performances. I’ve seen them play well, I know they’re capable of a lot.
The question remains. can they find consistency and perpetually produce victories ?
Last weekend, the answer was ” yes “.
However, the weekend before on the annual Eastern road swing, the coaching staff wanted to shake the players- and not by the hand.
The weekend before that, they mustered 5 out of 6 points.
The weekend before that…..well you get the point. One week up, one week sideways or worse.
There are factors here. A lot of them. really.
A new head coach, the departure of some clutch performers due to graduation, a schedule- as always- that grinds away plus at the root of this, Owen Sound has an exceptionally young core of key players; players I fully believe over time will evolve into a contending outfit.
We’ll see which way they’re heading tonight when they host Erie.
I’m Fred Wallace