Attack sign local free agent Dillon Atkinson

OWEN SOUND, Ont. — The Owen Sound Attack have signed Saugeen Shores free-agent forward Dillon Atkinson to a Standard Player Education & Development Agreement, bringing a local hockey story full circle as the 18-year-old continues his journey with the team he grew up watching.

For Atkinson, signing with the Attack is more than simply the next step in his hockey career — it is an opportunity to play for the team he watched as a young hockey fan growing up in Saugeen Shores.

Long before wearing the Attack crest himself, Atkinson was a familiar face in the stands at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, taking in Attack games with his family and participating in the mini-games and activities that have become a special part of the gameday experience for young fans.

Now, years later, the Saugeen Shores product is preparing to take the ice at the Bayshore as an Attack player.

“Signing with the attack means the world to me. As a young kid I went to countless games, got countless autographs, played countless intermission games on the Bayshore ice, and I’ve always known that one day I wanted to play for the Owen Sound Attack. My poppa was a longtime season ticket holder, and I just know how big he would be smiling down on me from up above right now,” said Atkinson. “This means the world to not only me, but also my entire family who have supported me through all the highs and lows of this exciting journey so far. Seeing how proud my parents are and how happy they are to see me wear the Attack jersey is one very special feeling. I cannot wait to bring some exciting hockey back to the Bayshore and bring this city the championship that they deserve.”

Atkinson’s path to the Attack has included stops through the local hockey system, including Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey and the Grey-Bruce Highlanders, before playing his final minor hockey season for the Niagara North Stars.  He has continued to develop his game at the junior level with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL, where he has registered 26 goals and 50 assists in 96 regular season games, while adding 7 goals and 11 assists in 33 playoff games.  

This past season was a big year for Atkinson, being selected to play for the GOHL U18 team that competed at the St. Andrew’s College MacPherson Challenge Tournament and selected to participate in the GOHL Top Prospects game at the OHL’s 2026 Connor McDavid Top Prospects event. 

“Dillon is a player who has continued to work hard and develop throughout his hockey career,” said Attack President and General Manager, Tyler Nother. “What makes this signing especially exciting is that he is a local player who understands what it means to play for the Owen Sound Attack. He grew up watching this team, coming to games at the Bayshore and dreaming about one day being on the ice. Now he has earned that opportunity through his work and dedication to the sport.”

For the Attack organization, Atkinson’s signing represents another opportunity to develop a player with strong ties to the local hockey community.

“Having a hometown player come through our system and earn an opportunity like this is something everyone in our organization can be proud of,” said Nother. “Dillon has a great opportunity in front of him, and we’re excited to continue helping him develop as both a player and a person.”

Atkinson, becomes the first local hockey product since now NHL defenceman Kurtis MacDermid to pursue the dream of playing major junior hockey in Owen Sound. For Atkinson, the significance of the moment is not lost on him.

“When Tyler and Keenan approached me this summer about the possibility of playing for my hometown OHL team, I knew right away that Owen Sound was the place I wanted to be. Being able to play at home in-front of hundreds of friends and family every night is an opportunity I will never take for granted” said Atkinson. “Being the first local player to do this since Kurtis MacDermind does not weigh lightly on me, and it’s an honour to go out each and every night and represent the Grey and Bruce communities. I’m so thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to put on the Owen Sound logo that I’ve always dreamed of wearing.”