The upcoming Ontario Hockey League season for the Owen Sound Attack commenced yesterday with the opening of Rookie Camp at the Harry Lumley-Bayshore Community Centre.
The Attack have already signed 3 underage players, and the expectation here is there will be at least 1 more underage signing; maybe today, maybe tomorrow. Based on yesterday’s afternoon scrimmage and reviews from the various Under 17 camps leading up to the season, it’s believed Ryan Heeps will be signed or should be signed
Plus 2 other kids are definitely in consideration.
Will the Attack have 6 underagers on the roster this year ?
No.
First of all, they can’t by league rules
Furthermore, the mode of operation for Owen Sound in the last half decade as it pertains to the underagers is a simple one; if you’re good enough to stay, you get to play.
To that end, it’s difficult to fore see that many 16 year olds, no matter how promising they may be. It would be a huge departure from Owen Sound’s pattern.
Of course, this is the time of the year that optimism is high throughout the Ontario Hockey League, and that’s true in Owen Sound, certainly among the fan base.
Having said that, the projection of the Attack brass is pragmatic.
Here’s Assistant General Manager Ian MacLellan
[CLIP]
The last time that was the stated goal for the Owen Sound club was in the Fall of 2008, a a year in which they in fact did qualify for the playoffs, finishing 8th in the Conference.
While the aspirations for the Attack season ahead are realistic, the belief is the table is being prepared fully for bigger things in relatively short order.
I’m Fred Wallace