2026-27 Season Preview: Owen Sound Attack

A new era is underway in Owen Sound, and there is plenty of intrigue surrounding the direction of the Attack heading into 2026-27.

Newly appointed President and General Manager Tyler Nother and head coach Keenan Reynolds, both 28 years old, are bringing a progressive approach to one of the OHL’s most established markets. The theoretical framework of ecological dynamics sits at the centre of that vision, with an emphasis on creating an environment that lets players problem-solve, adapt, and develop through game-like situations.

While there is plenty that will be new behind the scenes, the Attack return considerably experienced on the ice. Owen Sound finished 27-32-4-5 last season, clinching the sixth seed in the Western Conference on the final day of the regular season before a difficult first-round exit against the Flint Firebirds.

Now, the focus shifts forward. With established veterans, NHL-drafted talent and several younger players poised to take another step, the Attack enter 2026-27 looking to turn a new philosophy into results.

 

Starting Six:

* The Starting Six does not represent a projected lineup, but instead highlights six key players to watch entering the 2026-27 season.

FORWARD | Harry Nansi

2025-26: 67 GP, 13G, 43A, 56 PTS

Harry Nansi broke out in his third season with the Attack, more than doubling his previous career high with 56 points in 67 games. His 43 assists were tied for the lead, establishing the playmaking forward as one of the club’s primary offensive contributors.

A fifth-round selection of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 NHL Draft, Nansi continued to make an impression after the season. He signed an amateur tryout with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies in April before earning praise as one of the most improved players at Toronto’s development camp in July. Now entering his fourth season in Owen Sound, Nansi gives the Attack an experienced offensive presence at the top of their lineup.

 

FORWARD | Pierce Mbuyi

2025-26: 68 GP, 32G, 43A, 75 PTS

After winning OHL Rookie of the Year in 2024-25, Pierce Mbuyi took another major step last season, leading the Attack with 32 goals and 75 points in 68 games. His sophomore campaign also saw him become the 30th captain in franchise history before the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft. 

Still just entering his third OHL campaign, Mbuyi has already established himself as a central piece of the Attack’s core.  

 

FORWARD | Jake Crawford

2025-26: 60 GP, 14G, 23A, 37 PTS

Jake Crawford put together the best offensive season of his OHL career in 2025-26, recording 37 points in 60 games. At 6-foot-3, Crawford brings size and experience to Owen Sound’s forward group and will once again look to establish himself as a leader. With two full OHL seasons behind him, he has developed into a dependable presence for the Attack at both ends of the ice.

The Bowling Green State University commit is set to begin his third season with Owen Sound before making the jump to the NCAA in 2027-28.

 

DEFENCEMAN | John Banks

2025-26: 66 GP, 5G, 38A, 43 PTS

John Banks made an immediate impact after signing with Owen Sound as a free agent in 2025, finishing his first OHL season with 43 points in 66 games.

His 38 assists were the most among Attack defencemen, giving Owen Sound another source of offence from the blue line. After quickly establishing himself as a key piece of the defence corps, Banks returns with a full OHL season under his belt. He is committed to the University of Massachusetts for the 2027-28 season.

 

DEFENCEMAN | Julian Brown

2025-26: 60 GP, 4G, 9A, 13 PTS

Julian Brown joined the Attack from the London Knights at the January trade deadline, adding size and experience to Owen Sound’s blue line.

Standing 6-foot-4, Brown gives the Attack a sizeable presence on the back end and now enters his first full season with the club. After getting an opportunity to settle into Owen Sound during the second half of last season, he’ll look to build on that experience in 2026-27.

 

GOALTENDER | Ryerson Leenders

2025-26 (Brantford Bulldogs): 39 GP, 2.69 GAA, .910 SV%

Few goaltenders in the OHL bring as much experience to the crease as Leenders.

The Nanticoke native went 27-5-4 with a 2.69 goals-against average, .910 save percentage and two shutouts in 39 games with Brantford last season, helping the Bulldogs capture the Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions.

Originally selected 32nd overall by the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Leenders has posted 94 regular-season victories in 168 career appearances, along with 16 postseason wins. He enters 2026-27 as the winningest active goaltender in the OHL and gives the Attack a proven veteran presence between the pipes.

 

Breakout Watch:

Max Delisle – C

2025-26: 57 GP, 5G, 8A, 13 PTS

Originally selected fifth overall by Owen Sound in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection, Max Delisle enters his second season with the Attack as a player to watch ahead of the 2027 NHL Draft. He’ll be the lone Delisle in Owen Sound this season after his older brother, Tristian, moved on from the OHL.

The young centre appeared in 57 games as a rookie and has already been given additional responsibility heading into his sophomore campaign, wearing an ‘A’ throughout the preseason.

“Max is a hyper-competitive, 200-foot forward who plays with a lot of skill and grit. I think he’s going to take a really big step here with our club. He’s put a lot of work in over the summer, and I think he’s just scratching the surface of his offensive ceiling. It’s been really exciting to watch Max play so far, and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in his NHL Draft year.” – President and General Manager, Tyler Nother

 

Lucian Bernat – RW

2025-26 (Tappara Tampere U20): 37 GP, 15G, 16A, 31 PTS

Lucian Bernat brings an intriguing combination of size, skill and international experience to Owen Sound in his first OHL season.

Selected 75th overall by the Attack in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, the 6-foot-4, 201-pound winger recorded 31 points in 37 games with Tappara Tampere U20 last season. The Bratislava, Slovakia, native also represented his country at the 2026 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, recording a goal and three assists in seven games.

Since then, Bernat was selected by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2026 NHL Draft and named to Slovakia’s National Junior Team Summer Camp roster.

“Lucian is a recent draft pick of the Vancouver Canucks and a big, skilled forward who is going to bring a lot to our lineup this year. He’s produced really well when representing his country, and I think that international experience, along with being an NHL draft pick, is going to be really valuable for our team. He can make plays, has a lethal shot and brings another layer of experience to our group. We’re really excited to see what he can do for our club this year.” – President and General Manager, Tyler Nother

 

Futures Watch:

Get to know the next wave of Owen Sound talent by revisiting the Attack’s 2026 draft class and new additions in our Futures Watch feature.

 

The Outlook:

There may not be a more intriguing team to watch from a developmental standpoint this season than the Owen Sound Attack.

With new leadership in management and behind the bench, a new philosophy and a different approach to player development, 2026-27 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Owen Sound. 

The biggest question may be how quickly everything comes together. Last season ended on a difficult note in the postseason, and the Attack will be looking to show that the experience returning to their lineup can help them take a step forward in a competitive Western Conference. This season will offer the first real look at what Owen Sound’s new era can become on the ice.

 

 

Opening Night:

Friday, September 18th

Owen Sound Attack at Kitchener Rangers | 7:00 p.m.

 

Fans can catch all the action live on FloHockey.