The final push towards the playoffs starts for the Owen Sound Attack on Thursday, Mar. 16 with a trip to Windsor to face off with the 2017 Memorial Cup hosts.
Meeting the Spitfires for the 4th and final time this season, the Attack begin a stretch of three games in four days to close out the 2016-17 Ontario Hockey League campaign, and each game is full of playoff implications.
Currently in 3rd place in the Western Conference with a record of 46-15-2-2, Owen Sound's 96 points puts them just three points back of the Erie Otters for the 1st overall seed heading into the post season.
The Attack have a game in hand on the Otters, but so do the London Knights, who are just one point behind the Bayshore Boys with three games remaining on the calendar.
With how tight the race for playoff positioning is, Thursday night's game in Windsor is a potential first round preview for the Attack, with the Spitfires locked in at 5th place.
Owen Sound and the Spits have met three times on the season thus far, and the Attack have a chance to sweep the season series on Thursday night, having won all three prior match ups.
The last time the sides met was on Feb. 4 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, a game that saw Owen Sound take down Windsor by a score of 4-1.
Thursday evening's game also presents a chance for the Attack to set a franchise record in terms of single season wins.
With their 46th victory of the season coming on Tuesday night over the Flint Firebirds, Owen Sound tied their franchise record which was set during the 2010-11 campaign.
Leading the Attack into action on Thursday is captain Santino Centorame, who has six points in three head to head contests with Windsor this season.
Also coming up big offensively for Owen Sound against the Spits has been Jonah Gadjovich, who has found the back of the net four times while adding a helper in three tilts against the Spits.
Windsor's top point producer in head to head action with the Attack is sophomore forward Gabriel Vilardi. The draft eligible forward has two goals in three games against Owen Sound this season.
Fans can tune into Thursday night's game by listening to Fred Wallace's call on Kia of Owen Sound/Terry's Trailer Service Bear Radio on 560 CFOS, or by watching live on Rogers Local 53 when the puck drops at 7:05pm.
Following the game, the Attack will return home for another potential playoff match up with the Kitchener Rangers on Saturday, Mar. 18.
Guaranteed to finish 6th in the Western Conference, Kitchener and the Attack are currently on a path to meet in the first round of the post season.
The Rangers, who are idle on Thursday and then play host to the Erie Otters on Friday night, enter the final weekend of OHL play with a record of 36-26-2-2, which puts them at 76 points.
Leading the way for Kitchener is 3rd year sniper Adam Mascherin, who has 99 points on the year and is in 3rd overall in Ontario Hockey League scoring.
Fans can purchase tickets for Saturday night's 7:30pm start by stopping by the MacVicar & McComb ReMax Attack Box Office, or by calling 519-371-7452.
Following the game against the Rangers, the Attack will wrap up their 2016-17 OHL regular season with a trip to Guelph to take on the Storm on Sunday, Mar. 19.
Puck drop for the team's regular season finale will take place and 6:30pm and can be caught live on Rogers Local 53, or by listening to 560 CFOS.
The Weekend Preview is presented by Joe Tomato's, located next to the Galaxy Cinemas on the Sunset Strip. Fans can enjoy half priced wings and appetizers at Joe Tomato's following each and every Attack home game, simply by bringing in their ticket stubs.
source: media release, Owen Sound Attack