Owen Sound Attack 2024-25 Season, Part I

[PensFan101]

Great to see Varosyan get one yesterday - early signs that both our imports are going to contribute meaningfully this season.

And Greg Cowan's article from yesterday didn't seem to indicate anything earth-shattering about the team from the Town Hall. DeGray's comments indicated that several teams are 'lining-up' for Barlow, which might contradict the earlier reports that a deal is done. But I guess we'll see. Barlow should be sent back to the OHL shortly, based on what I've been reading from the Jets board he's still a long way off from the NHL.

 

[Stellar29]

Great to see Varosyan get one yesterday - early signs that both our imports are going to contribute meaningfully this season.

And Greg Cowan's article from yesterday didn't seem to indicate anything earth-shattering about the team from the Town Hall. DeGray's comments indicated that several teams are 'lining-up' for Barlow, which might contradict the earlier reports that a deal is done. But I guess we'll see. Barlow should be sent back to the OHL shortly, based on what I've been reading from the Jets board he's still a long way off from the NHL.

I thought both imports made notable improvements between the Barrie game and the North Bay home games. It's going to take a bit of time for them to adjust but both were standouts in the North Bay game. I thought Varosyan got knocked around a bit in the Barrie game but threw a few solid hits on Sunday. I think once he acclimates a bit to the smaller ice surface and the physical play his skill will really start to show. You definitely saw some glimpses into his skill in the game. Bleicher doesn't shy away from the physical side. He looks much more comfortable with the puck than he did when he first got here. He's starting to show the offensive ability and had a number of chances on Sunday. His foot work is a little suspect but hopefully will improve over the course of the season. Really saw a lot to like out of both players.

Mbuyi, Kindree and Arnett have all surprised me in the impact they made in the two exhibition games in Owen Sound I was able to attend. They look like some very nice pieces of the puzzle for the future of the team. For a couple of smaller forwards, both Mbuyi and Kindree don't play like it. I'm pretty excited by what I've seen out of the rookies.

 

[PensFan101]

I thought both imports made notable improvements between the Barrie game and the North Bay home games. It's going to take a bit of time for them to adjust but both were standouts in the North Bay game. I thought Varosyan got knocked around a bit in the Barrie game but threw a few solid hits on Sunday. I think once he acclimates a bit to the smaller ice surface and the physical play his skill will really start to show. You definitely saw some glimpses into his skill in the game. Bleicher doesn't shy away from the physical side. He looks much more comfortable with the puck than he did when he first got here. He's starting to show the offensive ability and had a number of chances on Sunday. His foot work is a little suspect but hopefully will improve over the course of the season. Really saw a lot to like out of both players.

Mbuyi, Kindree and Arnett have all surprised me in the impact they made in the two exhibition games in Owen Sound I was able to attend. They look like some very nice pieces of the puzzle for the future of the team. For a couple of smaller forwards, both Mbuyi and Kindree don't play like it. I'm pretty excited by what I've seen out of the rookies.

Patience will definitely be needed with Varosyan given the culture shock he's no doubt experiencing. Team media seems to indicate he speaks very little English and given he's from a village in Russia's far east can only imagine how tough the transition is. Whereas Bleicher's English seems really good and he's probably getting along just fine.

Also a general question to the board, how did G. Smith and Ethier look in exhibition play? Was worried that their development would be stunted by how sparingly they played last year, but haven't been able to see any game action yet.

 

[Stellar29]

Patience will definitely be needed with Varosyan given the culture shock he's no doubt experiencing. Team media seems to indicate he speaks very little English and given he's from a village in Russia's far east can only imagine how tough the transition is. Whereas Bleicher's English seems really good and he's probably getting along just fine.

Also a general question to the board, how did G. Smith and Ethier look in exhibition play? Was worried that their development would be stunted by how sparingly they played last year, but haven't been able to see any game action yet.

Ethier didn't play either of the home games so I can't comment on him. Gabe Smith looked solid to me. He moves well for a big guy. Solid first pass on zone exit. As a former goalie, I love his compete clearing the net front and clearing the line of vision for the goalie. Nobody stands at the net for free from what I've seen. He's hard in the corners and along the wall too. Added a little physicality with a few good hits. He looks ready to play a regular role to me this year.

 

[Stellar29]

Ty Therrien has been released. Interesting to note from Greg Cowan that the team intends to stay in touch. Could be a player down the road if the need arises.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838306718847053828

 

[Millpond]

Ty Therrien has been released. Interesting to note from Greg Cowan that the team intends to stay in touch. Could be a player down the road if the need arises.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838306718847053828

Simply too many bodies right now.
Anticipating another F to arrive soon .

 

[Stellar29]

Barlow notably dropped to Winnipeg Jets Group B along with the other junior/AHL players expected to be cuts.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838403795597873384

 

[Stellar29]

Barlow is spared this round of cuts.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1838594305901895836

 

[Stellar29]

Knock on wood but no suspension listed for James Petrovski, at least as of yet, for the instigator inside of the last 5 minutes of play during Sunday's game.

 

[Millpond]

 

[Stellar29]

View attachment 909542

The full article posted below. Some interesting comments for sure from DeGray about Barlow. The key quote below sounds an awful lot like the rumored Oshawa deal.

DeGray said one team, trying to stay ahead of the competition, went as far as to send over a signed formal trade form with an offer.

“Guys have done that before, they just send you a trade form to make it look like they’re interested. There is no date on it so it wouldn’t matter anyway, it’s not valid, but they’ve signed it and everything,” DeGray said.

Excitement and uncertainty in Attackland as regular season nears

Dale DeGray's whiteboard is still empty. Every season DeGray will write notes on a whiteboard to act as decision-making north stars as the long Ontario Hockey Season moves along. The notes guard against impulse and emotion taking hold of the steering wheel and swerving into directions unknown.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

Greg Cowan was in fine form yesterday pumping out some good content. He posted another article with James Petrovski and Sam McCue. Some interesting comments from Petrovski:

“I’m looking to get better defensively. Hitting. Fighting. Everyone’s going to see a different player on the ice,” he said. “Even for teams looking at me. They know I have a lot of skill and good skating, so this is what I need to put into my game, more physicality.”

Attack veterans embrace expanded roles ahead of new season

It's just over 72 hours until the Owen Sound Attack play their first regular season game of the 2024-25 season and James Petrovski's knuckles are bloodied and raw.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

 

[Stellar29]

Speaking of content, JC Coutts has started a podcast called Bear Tracker. It's a weekly podcast posted on Mondays. The first episode it out now for those who may be interested.

 

[Millpond]

The full article posted below. Some interesting comments for sure from DeGray about Barlow. The key quote below sounds an awful lot like the rumored Oshawa deal.

DeGray said one team, trying to stay ahead of the competition, went as far as to send over a signed formal trade form with an offer.

“Guys have done that before, they just send you a trade form to make it look like they’re interested. There is no date on it so it wouldn’t matter anyway, it’s not valid, but they’ve signed it and everything,” DeGray said.

Excitement and uncertainty in Attackland as regular season nears

Dale DeGray's whiteboard is still empty. Every season DeGray will write notes on a whiteboard to act as decision-making north stars as the long Ontario Hockey Season moves along. The notes guard against impulse and emotion taking hold of the steering wheel and swerving into directions unknown.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

Greg Cowan was in fine form yesterday pumping out some good content. He posted another article with James Petrovski and Sam McCue. Some interesting comments from Petrovski:

“I’m looking to get better defensively. Hitting. Fighting. Everyone’s going to see a different player on the ice,” he said. “Even for teams looking at me. They know I have a lot of skill and good skating, so this is what I need to put into my game, more physicality.”

Attack veterans embrace expanded roles ahead of new season

It's just over 72 hours until the Owen Sound Attack play their first regular season game of the 2024-25 season and James Petrovski's knuckles are bloodied and raw.

www.owensoundsuntimes.com

I wonder if this means JP is expecting to be moved at some point ?

 

[PensFan101]

I wonder if this means JP is expecting to be moved at some point ?

He'd definitely be on the radar for a lot of teams looking for depth and a guy that can eat minutes, but I took his comments to mean he's trying to add some sandpaper to his game to better attract NHL interest. There's a big push back to guys with size and nastiness regardless of their skill, and Petrovski has the skill but not the snarl for somebody his size.

Look no further than Jackson Stewart, lucky to get more than 4th line minutes at 19 but still turned that into a pro contract.

Heck the Colts just got a Swedish import in Eliasson who was drafted second round only for his physically punishing game. He's well below average skill-wise even in the OHL but got no shortage of attention despite the major deficiencies in his game.

 

[Stellar29]

He'd definitely be on the radar for a lot of teams looking for depth and a guy that can eat minutes, but I took his comments to mean he's trying to add some sandpaper to his game to better attract NHL interest. There's a big push back to guys with size and nastiness regardless of their skill, and Petrovski has the skill but not the snarl for somebody his size.

Look no further than Jackson Stewart, lucky to get more than 4th line minutes at 19 but still turned that into a pro contract.

Heck the Colts just got a Swedish import in Eliasson who was drafted second round only for his physically punishing game. He's well below average skill-wise even in the OHL but got no shortage of attention despite the major deficiencies in his game.

That's my interpretation as well. He's trying to add elements to his game to attract pro interest. It was a pretty noticeable change I thought in the Barrie and North Bay home games. He offered to fight against Barrie and welcomed the invitation against North Bay. With how important he's going to be to the Attack this year you don't want him in the box all the time but some pushback and snarl added into the skating and skill he possesses would make for a nice package.

 

[Stellar29]

Scott Wray was the Attack Rap guest this week.

 

[Millpond]

Scott Wray was the Attack Rap guest this week.

I think we are in great hands this season .
Excited to watch this team develop.

 

[Stellar29]

Some new paint for George and Koprowski. Some pretty sharp looking lids.

 

[Stellar29]

Carter George is on his way back to Owen Sound.

https://x.com/i/web/status/1839335765601624516

 

[Stellar29]

Attack roster has been updated on the team website. Sam Ethier no longer listed.

 

[cruickshankd]

Attack roster has been updated on the team website. Sam Ethier no longer listed.

Released yesterday

 

[Stellar29]

Released yesterday

Leaves the team with 6 D while Konnor Smith is still away at NHL camp(on tonight's pre-season roster for the Ducks). Logic would indicate another move is coming for a D. Would fit with the rumored Barlow package that's out there presuming that move happens soon.

 

[Millpond]

I feel bad for Sam. 11 games last season as a 17 yr old wasn't much of an audition .

The coaching situation , as bad as it was to start, only got worse when someone left.

Very likely one of the worst seasons I've witnessed in over three decades, and not because of the players.

I don't think there is one (knowedgable) fan in Owen Sound who believes this squad finishes 20th .

 

[Sounder76]

Pickybacking on that positive vibe....

Let's have some predictions as to where the Attack finish in the conference....

I have watched training camp and the two home games and I gotta say I am very impressed with coaching staff and their constant betterment of the players.

Attack finish 6th, as usual lol, but this time we ARE that team no one wants to face...

 

[Stellar29]

Barlow is in the playing group for tonight's game against the Wild. Winnipeg has a scheduled off day tomorrow. I'm thinking there will be a round of cuts made either tonight after the game or tomorrow during the off day as the team trims down to the group likely to play regular season games this year.