Last night marked the celebration of 30 years of Owen Sound OHL hockey.
Originally named the Platers after a move from Guelph, the Owen Sound Attack have become a staple of the community. General Manager Dale DeGray says it was great to celebrate that Saturday night, and welcome back original captain Mike Speers.
"This is for me what it's all about. I played in the OHL, and now to come back and be a part of it in this environment is outstanding. The support we get here in Grey-Bruce County is outstanding, and really it was a nice tribute to have Mike back here with his son Ben, to drop the puck, and it was nice to share that with the people who come every night."
The Attack bounced back in their home opener with a 3-0 shutout win over Sudbury, after opening their season with a crushing 9-2 loss in Barrie last Thursday. DeGray says it was nice to see that type of response.
"Almost Jekyll and Hyde really, because the big thing for us is that we're going to be a different team than the year before, and I think we all know that, but one thing that's non-negotiable from me and the coaching staff is work ethic. To me the two nights were very different efforts in that regard."
Goaltender Mack Guzda made 25 saves for the shutout. The Attack are still without veteran centre Nick Suzuki, who remains at Montreal Canadiens training camp. Suzuki led the Attack with 100 points last year, and it remains to be seen if he returns to the Attack or sticks in the NHL or AHL. DeGray says a player who impressed him in the preseason and will hopefully be a big factor this year, especially if Suzuki doesn't return, is former Stratford Warrior Kaleb Pearson.
"Kaleb is going to be fine. Kaleb is a smart player, he's got great attributes to be a good player, and it's just a matter of time you know, he's moved up from Jr. B, and so the intensity, the strength, the speed, it's all amplified. So it's going to be up to him and his adjustment timeline, to how much success he has. I have no doubt he's going to be a very good player."
Pearson scored 39 goals and 67 points in 49 GOJHL games last year in Stratford, earning GOJHL Rookie of the Year honours. Pearson had an assist in Saturday's win against Sudbury. The Attack's next opponent will be the Guelph Storm in Guelph on Friday.