Owen Sound Attack - Feed

Trio of Attack Draftees Named to Hockey Canada Under-17 Development Camp

Greg Hoddinott — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:05:51 +0000

Lucian Bernat One of Four OHL Players Named to Slovakia’s National Junior Team Summer Camp Roster

Greg Hoddinott — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:00:45 +0000

Sudbury Wolves forwards Adam Nemec and Ján Chovan, along with incoming OHL imports Michal Svrcek and Lucian Bernát, have been named to Slovakia's National Junior Team summer camp roster.

Attack Sign 2026 2nd Round Pick, Matthew Zilinski, to Standard Player Scholarship and Development Agreement

Greg Hoddinott — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:00:20 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack are proud to announce the signing of 2026 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection second-round pick, Matthew Zilinski, to a Standard Player Scholarship and Development Agreement. Selected by the Attack in the second round (21st overall) of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, Zilinski joins the organization as one of the club's top prospects. Known for his combination of skill, hockey IQ, and competitiveness, the talented forward has established himself as a player capable of making an impact at both ends of the ice. The centreman, who spent the 2025/26 season with the Mississauga Senators U16 team, had 14 goals and a total of 35 points in just 25 regular season games. The Attack are excited to welcome Zilinski and his family to the organization as he begins the next chapter of his hockey career. “Signing with the Attack is a huge step in my hockey career. This is an organization where I can grow as both a player and a person,” said Zilinski. “I’m grateful to my family, coaches, and teammates who have helped me get to this point, and I’m excited to get to Owen Sound, work hard every day, and do everything I can to help the Attack succeed. I can’t wait to meet the fans and officially begin this next chapter.” Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother credits Zilinski as a player that possesses the work ethic and understanding of the game that the organization values. "We would like to welcome Matthew Zilinski and his family to the Owen Sound Attack Organization," said Nother. "Matt is a premier forward in the 2010 birth year, and a player that Attack fans will enjoy watching for years to come due to his competitiveness, pace, and ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. We feel that he was a steal in this year's OHL Draft, and we are excited to assist in his development on and off the ice moving forward." Head Coach Keenan Reynolds believes Zilinski has all the tools to continue developing into an impact player at the OHL level. “Matt is a dynamic 200ft playmaking pivot that possesses blazing speed, an elite hockey IQ, and a relentless competitive motor that he uses to drive his playmaking on both sides of the puck,” said Reynolds. “We look forward to seeing Zilinski for training camp ahead of the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season.” Zilinski is the second member of the Attack’s 2026 Priority Selection class to commit to the organization and will attend the club’s upcoming development and training camps in preparation for the 2026-27 Ontario Hockey League season and will wear the number 15. Fans are reminded that season tickets are on sale now through July 31st for the 2026-27 season. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.attackhockey.com, in person at the MacVicar & McComb Sutton Realty Attack Box Office or over the phone at 519-371-7452.

Attack Unveil 2026 Pre-Season Schedule

Greg Hoddinott — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:00:25 +0000

Attack Prospects Jack Riehl and Austin Hall Named to U.S. Under-17 Four Nations Roster

Greg Hoddinott — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:12:39 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack are proud to announce that prospects Jack Riehl and Austin Hall have been named to the 2026 U.S. Under-17 Men's Select Team that will compete at the Under-17 Four Nations Tournament in Chomutov, Czechia. The pair earned their spots following outstanding performances at USA Hockey's Boys National 16 Player Development Camp and will represent the United States against some of the top under-17 players in Europe. Riehl was selected by the Attack in the ninth round (169th overall) of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection after an impressive season with Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 15U. Hall, chosen in the 11th round (209th overall), earned his invitation following a strong campaign with Detroit HoneyBaked 15U. The Under-17 Four Nations Tournament is one of the premier international events for players in this age group and features national teams from the United States, Czechia, Slovakia, and Switzerland. The event provides athletes with valuable international experience while serving as an important step in the USA Hockey player development pathway toward future international competition, including the IIHF Under-18 World Championship and the World Junior Championship. The United States has enjoyed tremendous success at the tournament, winning nine Four Nations championships since 2010, while compiling an all-time record of 57-2-1-12 (W-OTW-OTL-L). The Owen Sound Attack congratulate Jack and Austin on this outstanding achievement and wish them the best of luck as they represent the United States on the international stage.

Attack Add Size, Skill and International Experience in 2026 CHL Import Draft

Greg Hoddinott — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 18:27:01 +0000

Attack Set for 2026 CHL Import Draft

Greg Hoddinott — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:00:16 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – Fresh off seeing four players selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, the Owen Sound Attack now turn their attention to the next opportunity to add elite international talent when the Canadian Hockey League conducts its annual CHL Import Draft on Tuesday beginning at 11am.

The Import Draft has become an important avenue for organizations across the CHL to identify and recruit some of the world's top young hockey talent. As of last season, teams are now permitted to carry a maximum of three import players on their roster, and as such are permitted to make a maximum of three picks in the draft. With the Attack’s recent signing of 2025 CHL Import pick Lucian Bernat, the Bears will be eligible to make a maximum of two picks at this year’s CHL Import Draft. They hold the 23^rd, 83^rd and 144^th overall picks for the upcoming draft.

Throughout franchise history, the Attack have built an impressive tradition of identifying and developing elite international talent through the CHL Import Draft. Since 2000, the organization has selected players from Slovakia, Czechia, Finland, Latvia and Belarus, many of whom have gone on to successful professional careers, including the NHL.

Among the most notable imports in franchise history are Andrej Sekera (Slovakia), who played over 800 NHL games after beginning his North American career in Owen Sound; Štefan Ružička (Slovakia), one of the organization's first impact imports and a prolific scorer; Tomas Kana (Czechia), a dependable two-way forward; Damir Sharipzyanov (Russia), who has gone on to become one of the KHL's top defencemen; Petrus Palmu (Finland), an electrifying offensive talent and NHL Draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks; Maksim Sushko (Belarus), who represented Belarus internationally and played in the NHL for the Philadelphia Flyers; Artūrs Gavrus (Latvia), Richard Berzins (Latvia), Milan Doczy (Slovakia), Stepan Macháček (Czechia) and, most recently, Servác Petrovský (Slovakia), who helped lead the Attack during his three seasons in Owen Sound before signing a professional contract.

RECENT CHL IMPORT DRAFT RULE CHANGES

Under updated rules announced last week for the 2026 CHL Import Draft, 20-year-old import players will be eligible to be selected in any round, while 16-year-old import players may also be selected, but only in the first round. CHL clubs may carry a maximum of one 16-year-old import player per season, and that player cannot be traded or replaced by another import player during his 16-year-old season. If a 16-year-old import player is released to another level of hockey during the regular season or deleted from a club’s roster, that club will be limited to two import players for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.

Fans can follow the 2026 CHL Import Draft through the CHL's live tracker (click here) or through the Attack’s Struyk Energy Systems social media feeds by following @AttackOHL as the next generation of international stars officially begins their journey with your Owen Sound Attack.

Six Attackers Heading to NHL Summer Development Camps

Greg Hoddinott — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:00:59 +0000

OWEN SOUND, ON – The Owen Sound Attack are proud to announce that six current players and one alumnus will be headed to NHL Summer Developments Camps this week.

Leading the way are four current Attack players selected in the 2026 NHL Draft. Forward Pierce Mbuyi will attend the Pittsburgh Penguins Development Camp after being selected by the club, while import forward Lucian Bernat heads to the Vancouver Canucks Development Camp. Defenceman Cole Zurawski will participate in the Florida Panthers Development Camp, and forward Wesley Royston has been invited to the Montréal Canadiens Development Camp.

The Attack will also be represented by defencemen Elliot Arnett who has received an invite to Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp, forward Harry Nansi who will be attending the Toronto Maple Leafs Development Camp, and alumnus Landen Hookey who will be attending the Ottawa Senators Development Camp.

NHL Development Camps take place this week and provide drafted players and invited prospects with their first opportunity to work directly with NHL coaching, player development, strength and conditioning, and medical staffs. Throughout the week, players participate in on-ice skill sessions, fitness testing, classroom instruction, and scrimmages designed to prepare them for professional hockey.

Four Bears Taken at 2026 NHL Draft

Greg Hoddinott — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 02:08:23 +0000

BUFFALO, NY – The Owen Sound Attack celebrated another successful NHL Draft weekend as four current players heard their names called during the 2026 NHL Draft, held June 26-27 in Buffalo, New York.

Attack Captain and forward Pierce Mbuyi kicked it off for the Attack being selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 3rdround, 86th overall. Then import forward Lucian Bernat started a frenzy of players being selected in the 6th round when he was taken by the Vancouver Canucks 176th overall. Five picks later forward Cole Zurawski was heard his name called by the Florida 181st overall and then nine picks later winger Wesley Royston was selected by the Montréal Canadiens190th overall, further strengthening the Attack's long-standing reputation as one of the Ontario Hockey League's premier development organizations.

The quartet joins an impressive list of Attack players who have heard their names called the NHL Draft, continuing the organization's tradition of preparing players for the next level.

"On behalf of the Owen Sound Attack, we would like to congratulate Pierce, Lucian, Cole, Wes, and their families on being selected in the 2026 NHL Draft," said Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother. "This is a tremendous accomplishment and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment each of these young men has shown throughout their time with our organization." "As we turn our focus to the next chapter of Owen Sound Attack hockey, we're proud to be building a player-first organization that is committed to developing elite talent both on and off the ice. Our goal is to consistently produce talent for the National Hockey League.” "We're excited to welcome everyone back to the Bayshore in late August, and to begin a new chapter in the development of the next generation of Owen Sound Attack players."

Interesting Connections

Mbuyi becomes the first Attack player to be selected by the Penguins since Jaden Lindo in 2014, while Bernat becomes the first Attack player since 2017 to go to the Canucks, when they selected Jonah Gadjovich and Petrus Palmu. Zurawski and Royston join organizations with direct alumni connections. Zurawski will join a Panthers organization that features the previously mentioned Gadjovich, while Royston will get the opportunity to learn the ropes under the tutelage of former Attack Captain and current Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki.

The foursome of Attack players will now prepare themselves for summer development camps, which will be announced by their NHL teams in the coming days and weeks.

2026 NHL Draft Preview: Owen Sound Attack Well Represented

Greg Hoddinott — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:54:02 +0000

The Owen Sound Attack enter the 2026 NHL Draft with one of the deepest groups of draft-eligible talent the organization has had in several years. Headlined by forwards Pierce Mbuyi, Cole Zurawski, Wesley Royston and Lucian Bernat, the Attack could see multiple players hear their names called in Buffalo, while several others have positioned themselves as intriguing late-round selections or free-agent camp candidates.

With five first-time eligible players drawing legitimate NHL interest and a former NHL draft pick joining the organization in Ryerson Leenders, NHL scouts have spent plenty of time in Owen Sound throughout the season.

The Headliners

Pierce Mbuyi – LW

Pierce Mbuyi enters the draft as Owen Sound's top prospect after a rookie season that saw him with the OHL Rookie of the Year and following that up with a breakout season that showcased his combination of speed, offensive instincts and competitiveness. Ranked 56th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting's final rankings, Mbuyi projects as a player who could be selected in the second through fourth rounds depending on how teams value his offensive upside.

His ability to create offense off the rush, attack defenders one-on-one and contribute in all situations has made him one of the most watched Attack players throughout the year.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 2-4

Cole Zurawski – RW

If there was a player whose stock climbed steadily throughout the season, it was Cole Zurawski. His consistent offensive production, high hockey IQ and responsible two-way game earned him the 59th ranking among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Zurawski has developed into a reliable top-six winger capable of playing in all situations. His compete level and versatility should appeal to NHL organizations looking for dependable middle-six projections.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 2-4

Lucian Bernat – LW

Although recently signed by the Attack after being selected in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Lucian Bernat already arrives with NHL interest following his development in Europe. His international experience and offensive instincts make him an intriguing longer-term NHL prospect.

His strong performance with his club team in Finland combined with outstanding performances for Slovakia on the international stage, garnered him the 39^th ranking amongst international skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 2-4

Wesley Royston – RW

At 6-foot-4, Wesley Royston possesses the size NHL teams covet. Combined with improving offensive production and a physical style of play, Royston climbed into NHL Central Scouting's final rankings at 80th among North American skaters.

His ceiling will depend on continued offensive development, but his frame, reach and willingness to play a power game give him intriguing long-term upside.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 4-6

Players Looking to Climb Draft Boards

Julian Brown – D

Julian Brown has quietly developed into another prospect attracting NHL attention. His skating and offensive creativity have earned regular viewings from scouts earning himself the 169^th ranking among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

Brown projects as a player capable of earning consideration in the later rounds.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 6-7 / Free Agent Camp

Elliot Arnett – D

One of Owen Sound's most dependable blueliners, Elliot Arnett combines mobility with strong defensive awareness. While landing 220^th in NHL Central Scouting's final North American rankings, he has remained on NHL scouting radars throughout the season and could hear his name called late in the draft or earn multiple development camp invitations.

Projected Draft Range: Rounds 6-7 / Free Agent Camp

Could Ryerson Leenders Be Drafted Again?

Goaltender Ryerson Leenders presents one of the more unique stories surrounding the Attack entering draft weekend.

Originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the seventh round (219th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, Leenders' NHL rights have since expired, making him eligible to be selected again in 2026 under NHL draft rules.

Now joining Owen Sound after a successful OHL career to date, Leenders offers NHL clubs an experienced goaltender with international experience and over 100 OHL games under his belt. Should a team believe his development trajectory continues upward, he could become one of the rare players selected twice in the NHL Draft.

Unranked But Worth Watching

Not every NHL player is selected from a published ranking list. Several Attack players have positioned themselves as intriguing late-round possibilities.

Nicholas Sykora

Sykora's work ethic, skating ability and dependable two-way play have earned attention throughout the season. Even if not drafted, he profiles as a strong candidate for NHL rookie and development camp invitations.

Cole Crawford

Crawford brings versatility and consistency to Owen Sound's lineup. Players with his hockey sense and willingness to play in multiple roles often receive serious consideration late in the draft.

Matthew Koprowski

Koprowski continues to develop physically while showing steady improvement. His size and projectable game could make him an attractive developmental selection or free-agent invite.

Owen Sound's Draft History

Since relocating from Guelph in 1989, the Attack have developed numerous NHL players.

Some notable Owen Sound alumni selected in the NHL Draft include:

Bobby Ryan (2nd overall, 2005 Anaheim)
Nick Suzuki (13th overall, 2017 Vegas)
Colby Barlow (18th overall, 2023 Winnipeg)
Sean Durzi (52nd overall, 2018 Toronto)
Jonah Gadjovich (55th overall, 2017 Vancouver)
Carter George (57th overall, 2024 Los Angeles)
Wayne Simmonds (61st overall, 2007 Los Angeles)
Jordan Binnington (88th overall, 2011 St. Louis)
Andrew Shaw (139th overall, 2011 Chicago)
Harry Nansi (153rd overall, 2025 Toronto)
Brad Richardson (163rd overall, 2003 Colorado)

The organization has consistently produced NHL talent across every position, including elite forwards, defencemen and goaltenders, reinforcing its reputation as one of the OHL's premier development programs.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 NHL Draft could become one of Owen Sound's strongest draft classes in recent memory.

Mbuyi, Zurawski and Bernat appear poised to become the club's highest selections, while Royston has positioned himself firmly on NHL draft boards. Brown, Arnett and each possess enough upside to hear their names called or quickly earn professional opportunities. Add the intriguing possibility of Ryerson Leenders becoming a rare two-time NHL draft selection, and the Attack could have as many as seven players with legitimate NHL storylines heading into draft weekend.

Even if Nicholas Sykora, Cole Crawford and Matthew Koprowski are not selected, all three have the type of character and developmental trajectory that could earn NHL rookie camp invitations.