Owen Sound Attack 2024-25 Season, Part I

[Stellar29]

Who gets the C? Think anymore moves happen before the deadline?

 

[Stellar29]

Last night was a fun game to watch. That's as good as I can recall seeing the Attack forward group, all 4 lines, in quite some time. Wray gets promoted to the top line and responds with 2G and 1A. Obviously not nearly as talented as McCue offensively but his speed and physicality complements Hookey and Delisle well. I actually thought that second line was particularly interesting with McDonald's speed and puck pursuit creating space and opportunity for the skill of Zurawski and Mbuyi to shine. McDonald was outstanding on the PK. Great to see Nansi finally shoot one in the net, hopefully he can get rolling again.

Really solid night by the Attack D as well. I thought they did a nice job defending and making things relatively easy for George who was really good when needed.

I loved that the coaching staff had the stones to put two 16 year old players in Zurawski and Mbuyi on the same line(2nd line no less) and give them PP1 opportunities. Those two are going to be so much fun to watch.

 

[Stellar29]

Apparently no more moves for Owen Sound. Roster is set.

Also, Bedkowski gets a 1 game suspension for the head hit on Wednesday against Barrie.

 

[PensFan101]

Great to see Hookey named captain. I expect Bedkowski will get his turn at some point (him or Crawford), but he's got to reign in the headhunting. He's far more valuable to the team on the ice and that hit on Wednesday was completely unnecessary.

 

[Stellar29]

Pretty thrilled with DeGray's work this year. He got excellent value for Guindon in the offseason. I love Delisle and Bedkowski for Barlow plus the draft picks that came with it. The Wray pick up, maybe minor with everything else he's done, looks like a good add. Excellent return for Konnor Smith. The best of them all though is likely going to be getting Zurawski which was expensive but that kind of talent just doesn't come around very often. He also did a nice job bringing in Dec, Bennett and Roy with the NCAA eligibility changes who could all factor in to next year's squad as well.

Next offseason/training camp will inevitable bring more moves. Competition for roster spots is going to be intense. McDonald and Hookey graduate as OAs, likely Waddick moves on as well. Dec comes in full time. Drafted players like Prud'homme, Vandeven and Gilby could be in camp competing. Factor in the new 09 draft which could include a couple forwards. Going to be fun to watch. The Attack blueline could be crowded as well with Roy coming full time next year and the possibility of Jet Kwajah joining the Attack.

I can't recall having that kind of quality pieces coming to Attack camp and inevitably some guys won't make the team or be bumping existing players out. That's a great problem to have.

 

[Savard18]

Pretty thrilled with DeGray's work this year. He got excellent value for Guindon in the offseason. I love Delisle and Bedkowski for Barlow plus the draft picks that came with it. The Wray pick up, maybe minor with everything else he's done, looks like a good add. Excellent return for Konnor Smith. The best of them all though is likely going to be getting Zurawski which was expensive but that kind of talent just doesn't come around very often. He also did a nice job bringing in Dec, Bennett and Roy with the NCAA eligibility changes who could all factor in to next year's squad as well.

Next offseason/training camp will inevitable bring more moves. Competition for roster spots is going to be intense. McDonald and Hookey graduate as OAs, likely Waddick moves on as well. Dec comes in full time. Drafted players like Prud'homme, Vandeven and Gilby could be in camp competing. Factor in the new 09 draft which could include a couple forwards. Going to be fun to watch. The Attack blueline could be crowded as well with Roy coming full time next year and the possibility of Jet Kwajah joining the Attack.

I can't recall having that kind of quality pieces coming to Attack camp and inevitably some guys won't make the team or be bumping existing players out. That's a great problem to have.

If Flint had played Zurawski in the top 9 he’d have way better stats. He’s ready for top 9 ice now.

 

[Stellar29]

If Flint had played Zurawski in the top 9 he’d have way better stats. He’s ready for top 9 ice now.

He'll likely play top 6 I would suspect on the Attack. He saw time on both the PP and PK in game 1 and that will likely continue. He looks bigger than he's listed too, or at least I thought so. Looks like he's got a pretty heavy shot.

Obviously different situations but the Owen Sound coaching staff has done a nice job of allowing the young players to make mistakes and learn from them without stapling them to the bench.

 

[leafsrdue]

Great work by DD. Hopefully the fan base shows up for the young guys this year.

 

[Millpond]

Pretty thrilled with DeGray's work this year. He got excellent value for Guindon in the offseason. I love Delisle and Bedkowski for Barlow plus the draft picks that came with it. The Wray pick up, maybe minor with everything else he's done, looks like a good add. Excellent return for Konnor Smith. The best of them all though is likely going to be getting Zurawski which was expensive but that kind of talent just doesn't come around very often. He also did a nice job bringing in Dec, Bennett and Roy with the NCAA eligibility changes who could all factor in to next year's squad as well.

Next offseason/training camp will inevitable bring more moves. Competition for roster spots is going to be intense. McDonald and Hookey graduate as OAs, likely Waddick moves on as well. Dec comes in full time. Drafted players like Prud'homme, Vandeven and Gilby could be in camp competing. Factor in the new 09 draft which could include a couple forwards. Going to be fun to watch. The Attack blueline could be crowded as well with Roy coming full time next year and the possibility of Jet Kwajah joining the Attack.

I can't recall having that kind of quality pieces coming to Attack camp and inevitably some guys won't make the team or be bumping existing players out. That's a great problem to have.

You forgot Alec Leonard.
That was a tidy piece of business.

While he's not flashy he is rock solid and works his tail off.
He's defensively responsible, and any time he's on the ice , the opposition better keep their head up .
A solid OA with a winning pedigree can't be overlooked mentoring a young squad.

 

[Stellar29]

You forgot Alec Leonard.
That was a tidy piece of business.

While he's not flashy he is rock solid and works his tail off.
He's defensively responsible, and any time he's on the ice , the opposition better keep their head up .
A solid OA with a winning pedigree can't be overlooked mentoring a young squad.

That's a good point. He's been a nice get too. Also shoots right handed which has balanced out the LH/RH situation amongst the D pairings.

 

[PensFan101]

Another good team performance against the Sting, and maybe we are in the midst of a Wray breakout which would be huge.

Also have to note Varosyan only seems to score highlight reel goals - hope the team continues to be patient with him because he has all the tools to be a big time producer next season.

 

[Millpond]

Another team effort again tonight .

Well done .

 

[Stellar29]

Another team effort again tonight .

Well done .

Ugly opening period but incredible response and push back to open the second period. Full marks to battle all the way back from down 4-0 to even the score and have a shot at turning it into a win.

 

[rve24]

Another team effort again tonight .

Well done .

The group you have in OS has a great GAF meter. Always a tough barn to play in.
More impressed with this squad than the one LK faced last night in terms of buy in n paying a price.
Not in terms of skill up front or size but in battle, GAF, push back, team unity ect....
OS has added some very solid pieces n picks last season n a half. Going to be a handful to deal with as soon as next year

 

[Millpond]

Ugly opening period but incredible response and push back to open the second period. Full marks to battle all the way back from down 4-0 to even the score and have a shot at turning it into a win.

Apparently Carter rallied the troops after the first.
Who's not listening to him ?

 

[crowncarrier]

I posted this is our knights forum but I think I need to post here aswell. Not trying to kiss butt...just trying to show appreciation for Mark.

"As always I really enjoy Mark McKelvie. I wish we could see him in the Memorial Cup apposed to the the other folks they have. The Memorial Cup is a showcase of the best teams in the CHL why not have the best broadcaster in the OHL to represent us?"

Mark. I doubt you will see this but if you do I hope you know that we ALL appreciate the work you do.

 

[hockeyisbest]

I posted this is our knights forum but I think I need to post here aswell. Not trying to kiss butt...just trying to show appreciation for Mark.

"As always I really enjoy Mark McKelvie. I wish we could see him in the Memorial Cup apposed to the the other folks they have. The Memorial Cup is a showcase of the best teams in the CHL why not have the best broadcaster in the OHL to represent us?"

Mark. I doubt you will see this but if you do I hope you know that we ALL appreciate the work you do.

Mark is one of the better broadcasters, without a doubt.

And then you better hope that you have either Reid or Ferguson reffing at the memorial cup, Ferguson certainly was blind calling penalties against London in the third period.

 

[leafsrdue]

Where was Leonard last night?

 

[PensFan101]

Where was Leonard last night?

Hurt in Sarnia, but can't remember if he finished the game or not.

That was a heck of a game but big minus to coach Wray for yapping at the ref and taking a bench minor when the game was still in reach (and if it wasn't him, then big minus for not getting whoever it was under control). These guys played their guts out last night after a brutal first period and taking a penalty because you can't control yourself on the bench is really inexcusable. We already had a coach fired last year for an anger incident.

Also found it strange how little the Mbuyi-McDonald-Zurawski line was out at 5 v 5 in the 3rd period after tilting the ice in the second.

The team is resembling a lot more the squad that started strong in the first 10 games of the season, but most nights I watch feels like there is a utilization issue and getting the most out of what we have that keeps persisting. Glad the players are fighting through it all.

 

[Millpond]

I posted this is our knights forum but I think I need to post here aswell. Not trying to kiss butt...just trying to show appreciation for Mark.

"As always I really enjoy Mark McKelvie. I wish we could see him in the Memorial Cup apposed to the the other folks they have. The Memorial Cup is a showcase of the best teams in the CHL why not have the best broadcaster in the OHL to represent us?"

Mark. I doubt you will see this but if you do I hope you know that we ALL appreciate the work you do.

I'd bet Mark will read this . You'd be surprised who reads thus message board.
And for the record, not only is he a great sports broadcaster, he's an awesome person .
Comes from a great local family, his gramps Ray was so very proud of him.
Marks dad is a fixture around the Bayshore as well, it's a pleasure to know them .

 

[cruickshankd]

Hurt in Sarnia, but can't remember if he finished the game or not.

That was a heck of a game but big minus to coach Wray for yapping at the ref and taking a bench minor when the game was still in reach (and if it wasn't him, then big minus for not getting whoever it was under control). These guys played their guts out last night after a brutal first period and taking a penalty because you can't control yourself on the bench is really inexcusable. We already had a coach fired last year for an anger incident.

Also found it strange how little the Mbuyi-McDonald-Zurawski line was out at 5 v 5 in the 3rd period after tilting the ice in the second.

The team is resembling a lot more the squad that started strong in the first 10 games of the season, but most nights I watch feels like there is a utilization issue and getting the most out of what we have that keeps persisting. Glad the players are fighting through it all.

Have no issue with Coach sticking up for his players...like to see more of it

 

[nelli27]

I'd bet Mark will read this . You'd be surprised who reads thus message board.
And for the record, not only is he a great sports broadcaster, he's an awesome person .
Comes from a great local family, his gramps Ray was so very proud of him.
Marks dad is a fixture around the Bayshore as well, it's a pleasure to know them .

If Mark reads this...then here's another Knights fan who will echo those sentiments and add to them.
Here are some of the things I like about OS:
1) Mark: best play-by-play guy in the O.
2) Because Mousseau is a referee, he's good commenting on the calls. We have a guy in London (Sloan) who is often confused when the whistle is blown. "Why was the whistle blown?" Well, it was an obvious icing call, Sloanie.
3) Ritchie: my favourite anthem singer. He's just cool!
4) No one talks about Spencer who is very good too. He's the kid with the mohawk who is at ice level interviewing players. Very comfortable in front of the camera. He's not on very often, sometimes fills in for Mousseau and Coates (sp?). We didn't see him last night.
5) Good writeups by Greg Cowan.
6) Sorry to hear about your GM getting arrested on felony charges: Stole Cole Zurawski from Flint. He's OS's "next one".

 

[Section7fan]

Petes’ fan here - What was the deal with Konnor Smith only play a handful of games for the Attack this year? Looks like he reported to Mississauga right away.

 

[Frankie The Suit]

Hurt late October.

 

[Stellar29]

If Mark reads this...then here's another Knights fan who will echo those sentiments and add to them.
Here are some of the things I like about OS:
1) Mark: best play-by-play guy in the O.
2) Because Mousseau is a referee, he's good commenting on the calls. We have a guy in London (Sloan) who is often confused when the whistle is blown. "Why was the whistle blown?" Well, it was an obvious icing call, Sloanie.
3) Ritchie: my favourite anthem singer. He's just cool!
4) No one talks about Spencer who is very good too. He's the kid with the mohawk who is at ice level interviewing players. Very comfortable in front of the camera. He's not on very often, sometimes fills in for Mousseau and Coates (sp?). We didn't see him last night.
5) Good writeups by Greg Cowan.
6) Sorry to hear about your GM getting arrested on felony charges: Stole Cole Zurawski from Flint. He's OS's "next one".

Owen Sound fans would very quickly crowd fund the bail money lmao. That's a heck of a deal. #6 Zurawski and #7 Mbuyi is a great pair of 08s out of the OHL draft to build around for the future of the Attack.