Preview: No Quit Attack Ready for #2 Ranked Knights in Conference Quarter Finals

The Owen Sound Attack embark on their 14th consecutive playoff journey, this time going head to head with the defending OHL Champions, the London Knights. The Attack will open the series in the Forest City for the first two games, on Friday, March 28th at 7pm and Sunday, March 30th at 2pm.  They will then return to the Bayshore for games three and four on Tuesday, April 1st and Thursday, April 3rd, both games scheduled for 7pm.  If necessary, Game vie through seven would alternate between London and Owen Sound with Game 5 scheduled for Friday, April 4th at 7pm in London, Game 6 for Sunday, April 6th at 2pm in Owen Sound and Game 7 on Tuesday, April 8th at 7pm at Canada Life Place.  

The Attack have fought hard against the Knights throughout the regular season, pushing the Knights to extra frames in three of their six matchups, including one game that went to a shootout.  A total of five of the six games were decided by two goals or less.  The Attack are recharged and ready for what will undoubtedly be a gruelling series against the Canadian Hockey League’s number-2 ranked team.  You can expect the Bears to showcase their never-quit mentality all series long.

The Attack will head into Friday night looking to play a perfect road game by limiting defensive lapses and capitalizing on their offensive opportunities.  The Attack will look to emerge from the opening two games with at least a split, if they hope to put some pressure on the Knights early in the series and build momentum to what will be a packed Bayshore for games three and four.  While Attack’s primary offensive weapons, Landen Hookey, Pierce Mbuyi, Cole Zuraski and Tristan Delisle will be key in this series, the Bears will need their secondary offensive threats Bruce McDonald, Ben Cormier, Jake Crawford, Antonio Tersigni and Tristan Delisle.  McDonald also heads into this series riding a five game point streak (4G, 2A). The Attack will also get additional firepower upfront, as Michael Dec was called up from St. Andrews College, and announced he will be in the Attack lineup for playoffs. Dec had an impressive regular season with the Attack, potting four goals in five assists in only eight games, adding Dec to the lineup will bring extra firepower to the young and talented Attack lineup. Carter George is a key note player heading into this series, as he looks to top off his phenominal regular season with the Attack. George has brought his A-game against the Knights in all their regular season matchups, stopping over forty shots in four of his six appearances against London. 

The Attack must stay disciplined throughout this series, giving the second best powerplay any opportunities is a risk the Attack will not want to take. The Knights also have the top ranked penalty kill in the league, keeping 5-on-5 action will be key for the Attack’s success against the Knights. 

The entire series can be seen on Rogers Television Georgian Bay (Channel 53) and streamed on CHLtv, while all the road games can also be heard on 560 CFOS Bear Radio. Tickets for games three and four are on sale now and going fast and 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.  Season ticket members are reminded that they have until 1pm the business day before the game to claim their seats for each game.

HEAD-TO-HEAD BREAKDOWN: