The 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League Regular Season is upon us, and the Owen Sound Attack will kick off their campaign with a pair of road games against Western Conference foes this weekend.
Set to tangle with the Sting in Sarnia on Friday night and the Firebirds in Flint on Saturday, Owen Sound's six rookies will get their first taste of OHL action in hostile territory, while the returning players will have a chance to avenge their 2015-16 season series loss to the Sarnia when the puck drops on Friday night.
Game time at the Progressive Auto Sales Arena on Friday is slated for 7:05pm, and will see the defending West Division Champion Sting play host to the Attack in what is an early season reunion for Owen Sound and overage forward Jaden Lindo. Lindo, who spent his first four years in the OHL with the Attack, was dealt to Sarnia on Monday, Sept. 19 in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2018 OHL Priority Selection.
While Owen Sound kicks off their season on Friday night, the Sting will have already begun their 2016-17 effort. Sarnia plays host to the defending Memorial Cup Champion London Knights on Wednesday night in what is season opener for the entire OHL.
The Attack will then head to Flint for the 2nd game of their weekend road trip, a 7:00pm tilt against the Firebirds at the Dort Event Centre. Owen Sound won the 2015-16 season series between the teams, sweeping all four games, including both contests in Flint, and will look to continue their dominance over the Firebirds into the new season.
Both of the team's weekend games will be live on Kia of Owen Sound/Terry's Trailer Service Bear Radio on 560 CFOS as well as live on Rogers Local 53.
Head Coach Ryan McGill will not be behind the bench for the Attack's Season Opener in Sarnia as he returned home to be with his family following the passing of his father, Bob.
Attack General Manager Dale DeGray will join Al Letang behind the bench in Sarnia on Friday, while Ryan McGill will rejoin the team on Saturday in Flint.
The Attack organization sends their thoughts and warm wishes to the entire McGill family.
Forward Matt Schmalz along with defencemen Jacob Friend and Thomas Schemitsch and goaltender Michael McNiven will not be in the lineup tonight as they are still attending their respective NHL training camps.
Owen Sound will return home after Saturday's game in Flint in preparation for their 2016-17 Home Opener, which will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 28 against the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Wednesday's game is set to get underway at 7:00pm at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, and will see the Attack welcome Bulldogs' first rounder and Owen Sound Minor Hockey Group alumnus, Connor Roberts, home for the first time in his OHL career.
Tickets for Wednesday's game, and all Attack home games in 2016-17 are available for purchase at the MacVicar & McComb Remax Box Office, online at www.attackhockey.com, or by calling 519-371-7452.
source: media release, Owen Sound Attack