Preview: Western Conference Showdowns: Attack Face Knights & Rangers

The Owen Sound Attack face an exciting weekend ahead in the Western Conference as they embark on a road trip to London before returning home to host the Kitchener Rangers. Friday’s matchup in London marks the sixth and final meeting between the two teams with the Attack going 0-2-2-1 in those five games.  Saturday’s game against the Rangers is the first of three between the two teams in the final four weeks of the season. 

The Attack are in the middle of a playoff push currently sitting tied for the eighth and final playoff position with the Sarnia Sting in the Western Conference with 10 games to play.  The Bears sit two points back of the SOO Greyhounds for 7th place and four up on Guelph Storm.

The Attack will travel to Canada Life Place on Friday to take on the Knights. It wouldn’t be a shock to anyone having watched this season series that Friday nights matchup would require extra time, with 3 out of 5 of the previous games needing overtime or a shootout and all being decided by 2 goals or less.  The Attack will put their best foot forward going against the #1 ranked team in the OHL, as they continue to claw away at a playoff spot. The Attack will need another solid performance if they are to secure so crucial points on Friday night.  

Friday night’s game can be seen on Rogers Television Georgian Bay, streamed on CHLtv and heard on 560 CFOS Bear Radio.

The week wraps up at the Bayshore on Saturday night when the Attack take on the Kitchener Rangers. Like the against the Knights, the Attack have played the Blue Shirts tight, with 4 of their 5 previous meetings being decided by one goal.  The Attack will need continue their 60 minute efforts and find a way to solve Jackson Parsons and slow down the Rangers offence.

Saturday’s game is also the Attack final charity night of the season for the Attack with the GMAN C.A.R.E.S. Foundation taking centre stage as they embark on their mission and attempt to improve the health and well-being of youth with an eating disorder located in Grey Bruce.  The game activities will include a pre-game ceremony, silent auction in the south concourse, bucket pass during the first TV timeout in the first period, puck toss during the second intermission as well as a couple of contests including a puck building competition and on-ice tire race during the first intermission.  There will also be GMAN C.A.R.E.S. rally towel giveaway at the game with towels placed on each seat before the game.  The team will also be sporting specialty jerseys on Saturday night that are currently available for auction 

Jersey Auction: https://fans.winwithdash.com/auction/67aa6de19f1a8b0007b622a0

Mini-Stick Auction: https://fans.winwithdash.com/auction/67bc90ae5c23d90009fab8ab

Name Plate Auction: https://fans.winwithdash.com/auction/67bc9f5885cbfb0008bdd886

Big Ticket Auction: https://fans.winwithdash.com/event/67ae63959f1a8b0007b6354d

Tickets for Saturday’s game are limited, down to single tickets and standing room, but 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.

RECORD WATCH:. Rookie forward Pierce Mbuyi’s hot streak has him moving up the record books.  Heading into weekend play he sits 5 goals back of the record for Most Goals by a 16-year-old in Franchise history, currently held by Colby Barlow (30), 5 points back of the Most Points by a 16-year-old in Franchise history, currently co-held by Joey Hishon and Colby Barlow (47) and 17 points back of Most points by a Rookie in Franchise history, currently held by Cedrick Guindon (59).

HEAD-TO-HEAD BREAKDOWN:

PLAYOFF PICTURE: