Attack Stymied by Windsor Goalie Dropping Sixth Straight
It was entertaining to say the least, as the Owen Sound Attack had a bounce back performance Saturday night at the Harry Lumley Bayshore, but a dialled in Joey Costanzo in the visiting Windsor Spitfires net proved the difference, as the Attack dropped their sixth straight with a 5-4 lose.
Following a similar path to previous loses, the Attack once again surrendered the first goal, as Spitfires rookie Liam Greentree buried an early power play goal just 1:22 into the game. The play was a perfect indirect pass off Attack goalie Corbin Votary’s pad, as the net minder was left helpless to stop Greentree’s shot.
You could tell it was a different energy around the Attack Saturday night however, as they did not wilt from the early goal allowed, but instead found another gear, as they began to push the play on Windsor. Owen Sound was rewarded for their effort just under three minutes after the Windsor goal, when Teddy Sawyer collected a loose puck high in the offensive zone before finding Ethan Burroughs alone in front of the Spitfires net. With plenty of time, Burroughs was able to find space under Costanzo’s glove to pull the score even 1-1.
Owen Sound would continue to push, and had a handful of glorious scoring opportunities, but Costanzo stood tall in the Windsor net, keeping the Attack from blowing the game open.
The second period looked to be much of the same as the Attack continued their onslaught, and it was finally Cedrick Guindon who took a chip pass from Burroughs just inside the Spitfires zone, to be sent in all alone. Guindon did what he always does, and buried the breakaway chance, giving the Attack one of their rare leads during this losing streak. Captain Colby Barlow was then able to stretch the Attack lead to a pair, when he burst through the Spitfires’ zone with a pair of defenders on him, he calmly protected the puck and as he found himself with his back to the net the 2023 NHL Draft Prospect, deceptively slide the puck between his legs, fooling Costanzo and making it 3-1.
Owen Sound looked to have the game in hand, but a lull shortly after saw the game turn. It took Windsor just 1:18 of game time to not just bring the game even but take a 4-3 lead, as the visitor’s quickly shushed a loud Bayshore crowd.
The Attack’s fortunes did not look good early in period 3, as Windsor captain Matthew Maggio made it a 5-3 game, but it was Barlow again making a determined dash to the net, and though Costanzo made the initial save, teammate Sam Sedley followed the play to chip in the rebound bringing the Attack back within a goal.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as Owen Sound would get, even with a last minute power play and generating quality chances, it was Costanzo making a few more ten bell saves to keep his team in front.
Though not how the team and fans wanted to enter the Christmas break, the Bears will now enjoy a nice break back home with family as they look to relax and recharge for a strong second half push.
A return from the break will see Owen Sound with a pair of home games before the calendar flip, as they welcome the Kitchener Rangers on Dec. 28th and the Barrie Colts on Dec. 30th. Tickets for both games can be purchased at the MacVicor and McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office, by calling 519-371-7452 or going online at tickets.attackhockey.com.
