Attack Weather The Storm
The Attack picked up 2 points on Friday night in a huge win against the Guelph Storm. The game marked the 2nd meeting between the two teams this season; both of which have been played at the Sleeman Centre. Friday marked a special night for the Strom, as it was their Teddy Bear Toss event. Special teams were the story, as 6 of the eventual 8 goals were scored with the man advantage or shorthanded.
Coming into the game, Owen Sound was on a hot streak, riding a record of 4-0-1 in their last 5 games. Throughout their recent strong play, they have seen contributions from many key players on their team who once again showed up on Friday. Holden Cook, who has continued his strong two-way play all season long was the one to open the scoring. While shorthanded, Cook made a nice play to get the puck and put it past Justin Nichols for his 12th of the season.
Soon after the Cook opener, Owen Sound went to the power play, where Gemel Smith put home his 22nd of the season. The first period was all Attack after the two quick goals, with Nastasiuk also adding a power play marker near the end of the first frame. The goal was the captain’s 12th of the season, and Owen Sound’s third goal of the period courtesy of their specialty teams.
The first is all the Attack would see of Nichols, as Matthew Mancina started the 2nd period for Guelph. The home team seemed to come out with more energy in the 2nd, as they scored 2 of their own goals during the period.
Robby Fabbri broke the ice for the Storm on the power play mid-way through the frame, which was also the marker for the Teddy Bear Toss event, where the fans donated their purchased teddy bears by tossing them onto the ice.
Guelph was quick to strike after their first marker, with newcomer Nick Ebert putting home his 5th of the season while the Storm was on the power play. Assisting on the Ebert goal was Kerby Rychel, who also came over in the blockbuster trade that took place between the Storm and Spitfires.
Fabbri would strike again for the Storm soon into the third period, finding some room behind Brandon Hope.
Both teams would battle hard after the Storm tied the game up, as the period remained a draw until there was only minutes left in the game. Gemel Smith would again make Guelph pay on the power play as he sniped home his 23rd of the season, finishing off a play from Nastasiuk and Bigras. Cook would add the empty netter to solidify the win for the Attack.
Brandon Hope played extremely well all game, collecting 43 saves on the way to his 15th win of the season and first star of the game honours.
Three Stars:
1) Brandon Hope (43 SVS)
2) Robby Fabbri (2G)
3) Gemel Smith (2G, 1A)
