Understaffed Hounds prepare for Spirit

Story by Peter Ruicci (Sault Star)  |  Photo courtesy of James Egan Photography
Missing three of their top nine forwards, the Soo Greyhounds are no doubt in for a difficult test Friday.

Minus wingers Tim Gettinger, Boris Katchouk and Jack Kopacka – all of whom competed Thursday night in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Vancouver – the Hounds are preparing to entertain the Saginaw Spirit in a 7:07 p.m. start.

But playing short-handed is the kind of challenge that can sometimes bring out the best in a team.

So says Hounds captain Blake Speers, who’s looking forward to seeing how he and his teammates respond.
“This is the type of challenge we like,” Speers said. “It’ll be tough playing without three impact players. It’s more ice time for a lot of guys and it’ll be good to see how guys react to being in different situations.”

Veteran winger Bobby MacIntyre spoke of how, in particular, one group of Hounds will be challenged.
“It’s a good test for our younger guys,” said MacIntyre. “They’ll have to step up and take on a bigger role.”

The absence of Gettinger, Katchouk and Kopacka, all ranked among the top 35 North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings for the 2016 draft, has forced Hounds head coach Drew Bannister to adjust his lineup.
Affiliated player Calvin Martin, a sixth-round draft choice in 2015, has been recalled to help bolster the forward group.

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