By Tracey Richardson

The Owen Sound Attack started the new year with a win that nearly didn't happen.

Beating the Kitchener Rangers in a shootout on New Year's Day seemed an unlikely outcome mid-way through the third period, when the Rangers were up 4-2. But then the Attack's Ethan Szypula pulled the Attack to within one, and with just over a minute left in regulation and with goaltender Michael McNiven on the bench, the Attack evened the score on a goal by Zach Nastasiuk – his second of the game.

Nastasiuk's first of the game, a shorthanded marker, was a highlight reel beauty. Defenceman Chris Bigras sent the puck the length of the ice and Nastasiuk was the first to retrieve it off the back boards behind Kitchener goalie Matthew Greenfield. Nastasiuk potted the puck in the top corner on a one-timer.

Bigras had four assists on the night, vaulting him into top spot in OHL points this season for defencemen. Rookie Petrus Palmu, who sits second in OHL rookie scoring with 25 points, scored the Attack's first goal of the game. Nastasiuk also notched his 150th point as an Attack player.

Overtime solved nothing, and in the shootout, Kyle Platzer and Palmu scored, while McNiven stopped two of three Rangers for the win.

With the win, McNiven improves to eight wins and two losses in 10 starts, and boasts a 0.944 save percentage.

The Attack sit fourth in the Midwest Division with 40 points, and have earned at least one point against the Rangers in 17 straight meetings.

The Attack hit the road Friday for a game in Guelph, and are at home Saturday when Guelph visits. Saturday night's game also coincides with the Hometown Hockey events (http://attackhockey.com/page/rogers-hometown-hockey-tour).