Bears Fall Flat in Key Showdown with Spirit
The Owen Sound Attack may hold games in hand, but on Saturday night they had a chance to take control of a home playoff spot. Instead the Bears suffered a 3-2 lose to the Saginaw Spirit, moving four points back of the Spirit for fourth in the conference.
In a game that could foreshadow a potential first round playoff series, both teams were tentative out of the gate. As a feeling out process waged on throughout much of period one, the offence for both sides woke up late in the frame, as the teams would not only trade chances, but prolonged offensive zone pressure.
Period two saw a different story however, as just over three and half minutes into the middle frame, the Spirit would be granted the games first power play opportunity, and though missing their top offensive player in Michael Misa, Saginaw would capitalize on the chance taking the lead.
In a very common theme this season, the Attack found themselves surrendering the first goal and having to play catch-up. It was some quick strike, though a bit lucky, offence that got the job done for Owen Sound. In the span of just 37 seconds the Bears would go from trailing 1-0 to holding a 2-1 lead. First it was Cedrick Guindon, striping a Spirit defender of the puck and beating net minder Tristen Lennox to the far post to wrap the puck in on the Attack own power play chance, before Kaleb Lawrence’s centring pass would deflect off Lennox’s stick and into the net.
The quick offence put some much needed life into the Bayshore and the Attack, as the home Bears searched to extend their lead. That pressure would backfire as the Spirit were able to break out with a 3-on-2 rush, one that Nic Sima finished as he banged home a rebound unchecked at the side of the net. All the offence happened during the middle 20 minutes as a late period penalty to the Bears would cost them with Matyev Sapovaliv sliding home his second of the night.
The Attack would push late in the game for an equalizer, and even had goalie Nick Chenard come up with a couple big saves late in the game to keep the deficit at a goal, but Lennox and the Spirit stood tall defensively to hold on.
It was a night of recognition at the Bayshore, as the Attack partnered with the Grey Bruce Hospice for a charity game. Wearing special jerseys that displayed names of family’s that experienced the Hospice, the off-ice activities were engaging and enjoyable for fans. The specialty jerseys will be on auction until Sunday night with fans being able to bid here.
Owen Sound will now prepare for a busy week ahead, as they travel to Guelph on Monday for a Family Day game against the rival Storm, before returning home Wednesday night to welcome another Midwest rival in the Erie Otters to the Bayshore. Tickets for next Wednesday’s game can be purchased online or by calling the MacVicor and McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office at 519-371-7452.
