Attack Sweep Otters
Our Attack extended their current winning streak to 4 with a 4 – 2 win over the Erie Otters Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Attack now sit but 2 points back of the OHL Western Conference leading Saginaw Spirit with equal number of games played.
Michael Zador got the start in net for Owen Sound with Jordan Binnington getting a well deserved day off. Ramis Sadikov was back in the Erie nets after the 6 – 3 loss Saturday night. Both played well.
Andrew Shaw scored his 13th of the season Saturday night. A beauty stickhandling play splitting the defence. Sunday, the first period was one of the fastest paced and properly played period of hockey seen at the J.D. McArthur Arena in some time. Both teams at full throttle. The Otters players did not sit down while supposedly resting on their team bench. Not till Andrew snapped up a loose puck and wrapped the Erie net, sneaking in his 14th of the season at 4:03 unassisted. The Otters took a seat. The Attack were outshooting them 8-1.
The fast paced play continued with the Otters equaling the play of the Attack. Not a penalty was called in the first period and the smoke settled 1-0 Attack with the Attack outshooting the Otters 17-13.
Andrew Shaw is one persistent determined young man. Don’t make a mistake when Andrew is in the area. Ramis Sadikov missplayed a puck sent to his crease area and backing up, was unable to control it. Andrew was there to snap it up, wrap the net counterclockwise once again and deposite his 2nd of the game. This while shorthanded at 2:45.
A Jesse Blacker wrist shot from the right point was deflected by Saturday’s 1st Star Liam Heelis for Liam’s 16th at 6:51 from Jesse and Robby Mignardi.
Andrew Fritsch was unable to play the second and third periods. No known reason why at press time. Roman Berdnikov scored his 1st of the season Saturday night. With Andrew out, Roman was moved to the Joey Hishon line to take Andrew’s place on the right wing. The Attack were on a PP when Joey found Roman in the high slot. Roman was seen firing rockets in the pre-game warm-up. He showed Sadnikov what he has with a bullet at 8:49. Garrett Wilson also assisted. 4-0 Attack.
Our Attack seemed to sit back a little bit after the 4-0 lead. Erie overager Phil Varone took advantage by sneaking his 23rd of the season shortside when Zador wasn’t able to get his pad against the post tight enough. 4-1 after two periods of play.
As noted after Saturday’s game, this Erie hockey club is a good competitive bunch. They had every intention to take this game from the Attack. Their 2nd line of Phil Varone between Anthony Luciani and Shawn Sydlowski played great all weekend. Sydlowski wired a beauty wrist shot by Michael Zador at 2:58 of the third. A shot that was in and out so fast, that not everyone was sure it had gone in the net. Referee Kory Bannerman knew it was and when video goal judge Dennis Watson confirmed it, the Otters seemed determined to win this one. At the Attack they went.
Youngster Jarrod Maidens is playing left wing with Heelis and Mignardi. They are playing great. At 6:30, Jordan was sent in alone making a great deke right on Sadnikov, but a left leg save kept things interesting. Garrett Wilson ripped a shot off the left post that rocked the net back off it’s pegs at 8:20. Erie Head Coach Robbie Ftorek pulled Sadnikov at 18:30. The Attack win 4-2.
Final score Owen Sound 4 – Erie 2. Final shots on net were 46-35 Attack. The Attack went 1 for 3 on the power play. The Otters 0 for 1.
The Dickies Clothing Hardest Working Player of the Game was Jesse Blacker.
The Kelsey’s Neighbourhood Bar and Grill Attacker of the Game was Mike Halmo.
The 3 Stars of the Game were:
1st Star – Andrew Shaw with 2 goals.
2nd Star – Phil Varone for the second consecutive night.
3rd Star – Roman Berdnikov.
Our Attack are off to Peterborough Thursday, February 3rd. Liam Heelis’ former team. Next home game is Saturday, February 5th when the Guelph Storm are our guests. Game time at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, J.D. McArthur Arena, is 7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss it !
The Attack box office is open Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday game days 10:00 a.m. through to the end of the second intermission. Wednesday games 8:30 a.m. through to the end of the second intermission.
Phone orders at 371-7452 or toll free 1-866-5ATTACK.
Internet orders at www.attackhockey.com.
