There was no short of dramatics Friday night as the Owen Sound Attack welcomed the Barrie Colts to the Bayshore for the final game of the 2022 calendar. The Attack showed great character in coming back from a 3-0 first period deficit, but an overtime power play marker proved the difference as the visiting Colts claimed the win.
The game started off all Owen Sound, at the home team and the Bayshore were buzzing for the first 10 minutes. Though is the cruel fate of the hockey gods sometimes, it was the Colts getting on the board first, as Ethan Cardwell capitalized on ricochet off the end boards, snapping the puck in the empty net before Attack starter Nick Chenard could get across. Just 1:30 of game action later, the Colts made it 2-0 on a very similar play, this time it was Declan McDonnell netting the goal, getting the puck just past an outstretched Chenard. Barrie forward Jacob Frasca extend the lead late in the opening period, as he showed his strength in front to slid home the Colts third goal on the power play.
In hopes of a changing momentum in the final 40, the Attack would make a switch in net as Corbin Votary took over between the pipes. The switched proved to provide the spark needed, as just shortly after a successful penalty kill, Colby Barlow would showcase his vision, finding Nolan Seed streaking in, with the overage defensemen would snap home his second of the season to get the Attack on the board.
Gavin Bryant would pull the Attack to within a goal as he corralled a loose puck off the side wall before beating Colts goalie Anson Thornton glove side. It looked as though the Attack would head into the final period trailing by just a goal, but the visiting Colts were able to take advantage of a late period odd-man rush to reclaim a two goal lead with just seconds left.
Period three started with a bang, as Tomislav Brennan needed just four-seconds to pull the Attack back to within a goal. The goal tied both a franchise (Petrum Palmu on Sept. 28, 2016 against Hamilton) and OHL record for fastest goal to begin a period. The goal went straight to the Attack’s legs as they began hounding the puck and forcing the Colts to play defence. As Barrie held strong from surrendering the tying goal, the dam finally broke, when Barlow showed off his hand-eye, batting the puck about shin high past Thornton to pull the game even. The top 2023 NHL draft pick, was a force for the Attack all night as he led by example, and really let his offensive skills show throughout the game.
For the second straight game, the Bayshore crowd was provided with some free hockey, as the teams headed to overtime. It was a fast paced overtime, with the Attack having an early look, but then the Colts taking over which resulted in a transition rush chance by Beau Jelsma, who was hauled down to send Barrie to a rare 4-on-3 power play. Though it looked as if the Attack would get through the overtime penalty kill unscathed, it was Beau Akey blasting home a one-timer with just 44 seconds left on the game clock.
Though not the result they wanted, the Attack can still be proud as they claimed three of a possible four points in their pair of games following the Christmas break.
Owen Sound will now hit the road for an eastern swing, as they travel to Peterborough next Thursday, before moving onto Kingston and then finishing in Ottawa on Sunday. Fans can follow the all Attack road action on 560 CFOS Bear Radio, watch live on CHL TV, or follow the teams Twitter feed for live game updates.
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