Three in Three for Attack
The Attack managed to climb above the .500 mark last weekend with victories over Erie and Saginaw but this weekend will be no easier as they take on a surprising Petes team before tangling with divisional rivals, the Kitchener Rangers. Scott Stajcer will make his return to the Attack crease this weekend…just what game that will be is the only question.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Owen Sound @ Peterborough 7:00pm – The Attack only make one visit to the Peterborough Memorial Centre this season and they are looking to make it a good one. Always a tough rink to play in, the Memorial Centre’s less rounded corners make it hard for visiting teams and goalies to judge the end boards, making for an always exciting adventure at least once a visit. The Petes are off to a great start this season with a 4-1-1-1 record and could see veteran Scott Stajcer make his return to the Attack crease tonight.
For Petes Sake – Second year General Manager Dave Reid has put together a squad with a lot of young firepower. 18 year old Matt Puempel scored 67 goals in his first two seasons in the OHL, however; was a -35 last year. The Essex native has had a solid start to the 2011/2012 season with three goals and four assists in seven games, but can break out at any time. Alan Quine, the centre piece of the Ryan Spooner deal last season has collected 10 points in seven games while the Petes 2011 First Round Draft Pick, Nick Ritchie has found the back of the net four times.
Last 10 Games – 4-1-1-1 (2nd in East Division)
Look Out For – Coaches always tell players to “know who you’re out against”, but when Derek Mathers is on the ice, people know. The 6’3, 225lb Philadelphia Flyers draft pick lead the OHL in fighting majors last season and has continued that reputation once again this season, however; the Strathroy native has also found a bit of a scoring touch, notching 2 goals and 2 assists in seven games. The forwards size, strength and ability to play make him a threat in some way, shape or form every time he is on the ice.
Radio – Grey Motors Bear Radio on 560 CFOS
TV- Rogers TV local Channel 53
Friday, October 14th and Saturday, October 15th
Attack vs. Rangers (In Kitchener Friday, Owen Sound Saturday) 7:30pm – Carolina Hurricanes 1st Round Draft pick, Ryan Murphy has been returned to the Kitchener Rangers in time for their weekend set with the Attack and is expected to be in the lineup on Friday. If the Attack want to be near the top of the conference by seasons end, weekends like this are very important. So far in divisional games this season, the Attack is 2-2, earning splits with both Guelph and Erie. Following this weekend, the Attack will have played a league high 12 games, while the Rangers will have participated in only 8.
Danger Ranger – Whether Kitchener is at the top of the conference or not, they are always a tough match up for the Attack. The Rangers lost Gabriel Landsekog to the Colorado Avalanche, but still boast a very potent offence that is surely to get stronger with the return of Murphy, who had 25 goals and 54 assists for 79 points from the back end last season. The Rangers also boast goaltender John Gibson, a 2nd Round Draft Pick of the Anaheim Ducks this past June.
Last 10 Games – 3-3-0-0 (4th in MidWest Division)
Look Out For – Mr. Murphy. Murphy’s return no doubt came as a relief to all involved with the Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club and big things are indeed expected of the third year rearguard from Aurora. His 25 goals and 79 points ranked him second among OHL D-men to Ryan Ellis, but big things are expected from Murphy this year. The 12th overall pick of the Carolina Hurricanes will be gunning for a spot on the World Junior team this December while helping to propel the Rangers into top spot in the division.
Radio (Friday) – Grey Motors Bear Radio on 560 CFOS
TV – Rogers TV local channel 53
Tickets for Saturday’s home game can be purchased at the Attack Box Office in the front lobby of the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, online at www.attackhockey.com or by calling (519) 371-7452.
