Bears Go Fishing, Catch Two Points with 5-3 Victory
The Owen Sound Attack came into Sunday’s matinee with the Brampton Steelheads looking to climb a little bit closer to that eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference and did just that defeating the Steelheads 5-3 and registering their sixth of a possible eight points in the last four games. The win moves the Attack temporarily within two points of the SOO Greyhounds who play tonight in Saginaw. Leading the way for he Attack was Landen Hookey with a goal and two assists, while Declan Waddick, Tristan Delisle, Harry Nansi and Pierce Mbuyi had goals and Carter George made 29 saves in the victory. Answering for the Steelheads was Angus MacDonnel, Mason Zebesky and Troy Patton.
Despite playing each other just two weeks ago in Brampton, the first period of this afternoons game was a feeling out process between the Steelheads and the Attack. Both teams took advantage of some power play time to generate scoring chances, but both George and Gillespie were up to the task. Unfortunately, for the Attack the Steelheads were able to open the scoring when they jumped on a neutral zone turnover during an Attack power play, resulting in a 2-on-1. Martone was able to hold the puck long enough to freeze George and the Attack defender before sliding it across to a wide open MacDonnel who tapped it in for the 1-0 lead.
Second period started with a fury of action in the Attack end and the Steelheads thought they had extended their lead just 30 seconds in, but after a short review it was determined that the puck had been kicked in. This call seemed to be a catalyst for the Attack began to push back and generate chances against the Steelheads. The Bears were finally rewarded when Hookey took a shot from top of the circle that Gillespie had a hard time controlling, while Waddick drove to the net and tapped the rebound over top of Gillespie’s pad to tie the game at 1. A little over five minutes later Hookey potted his 21st of the year, tapping home a loose rebound before Gillespie could cover it, making it 2-1 Attack. The Steelheads were quick to respond with a Zebesky shot clipping the stick of the Attack defender and flutters over the glove of George, tying the game at 2.
Another third period, another close game at the Bayshore, but this time the Attack left no doubt scoring three in the third. The catalyst of the period was an outstanding save by George that held the game at two’s for the time being. Two minutes later Delisle picked up an errored Steelheads pass at the blue line and went in all alone on Gillespie, beating him over the glove to make it 3-2 Attack. Cole Zurawski had a chance for the insurance marker with a breakaway of his own, but he couldn’t beat Gillespie with the Steelheads defender all over him, but just past the midway point of the period the Attack did find the insurance goal they were looking for. It was Nansi that began the rush with Jake Crawford and Cormier creating a 3-on-1 opportunity. The trio would not be denied with Nansi banging home the rebound on the far post to make it 4-2. After being held behind the net for a prolonged period by his former teammate, Mbuyi rushed back to the Attack end only to be sprung on the rush by Hookey towards the empty net. Mbuyi made what could be a highlight reel empty net goal, using the spinoarama to slide the puck past the Steelheads defender and make it 5-2. The Steelheads did add one more goal off the stick of Patton with 30 seconds to play, but that is as close as they would get, with the Attack taking home the 5-3 victory.
Up next for the Attack is a three game in three day set next weekend, starting on the road against the Kitchener Rangers on Friday night at 7pm, before returning home to take on the North Bay Battalion on Saturday night at 7 pm, then the Cedrick Guindon and Kingston Frontenacs on Sunday at 2pm. Sunday in the final Investment Planning Counsel Sunday of the season which includes jersey giveaways, VIP meet and greet opportunity, the first 200 kids into the game will receive a free popcorn and a skate with the team following the game. Also the first 3,000 fans will receive a free Attack bracelet upon entry. Tickets for all Attack home games can be purchased at the MacVicar & McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office, over the phone at 519-371-7452 or online at tickets.attackhockey.com.