Carter George replaced Corbin Votary between the pipes just before the halfway point of the game, as the Owen Sound Attack fell behind 5-1 early into the second period. The rookie net minder was solid as he helped steady the ship, allowing the Attack to complete an incredible comeback, complete with an eight round shootout, to claim a 6-5 victory over the Barrie Colts in the first battle of Hwy 26 this season.
Votary began the game under siege, as the Colts had jump and energy right from the drop of the puck. On more than one occasion, the sophomore goaltender was battling heavy traffic in front of his crease, using any and all body parts to keep the puck from getting behind him. Votary was left helpless as the Colts opened the scoring off a nice passing play, while attacking off the rush, but would remain solid throughout the remainder of the opening 20 minutes.
With a lineup having some holes due to injury and illness, the Attack gladly welcomed LA Kings prospect Kaleb Lawrence back into the lineup, and the 6’6 forward wasted little time making an impact and was rewarded in the latter half of period 1, when a point shot deflected off him, beating Colts goalie Anson Thornton.
Beginning the second all even 1-1, it was the Colts who separated themselves, taking advantage of a pair of power plays, along with continuing their fast in you face style to score four goals in the first 9:12 of the period. It was a Beau Akey power play goal when George came into the game, as Attack Head Coach Greg Walters needed something to spark his team. The goalie change seemed to have helped, as Owen Sound began to push the play a bit more toward the Colts end, and were rewarded with a pair of goals just three minutes apart, with Matthew Papais having the goal of the night, slicing through all five Barrie players before beating Thornton over the glove. Along with Deni Goure’s marker, the Attack went into the final 20 minute just down a pair of goals, and had a sense of hope that they could come back in the game.
The Attack received third period goals from Lawrence and Cedrick Guindon, as they fought their way back from a four goal deficit. At times it looked like the Colts would break the Bears momentum, but George stood tall in net as he held his ground, ensuring that Owen Sound had a chance to complete the comeback.
This was one of those games that fans would feel cheated if they didn’t get to witness overtime, and they got just that as the two teams took their speed and skill to 3-on-3 play. Both teams had glorious chances in the extra frame, but both George and Thornton stood their ground, and it was George who made a point blank save late in the overtime on top Colts player Ethan Cardwell.
The shootout was needed, and if fans remember the first preseason game when the Attack and Colts went to the shootout with George in net, the Thunder Bay, ON native stopped all three shooter he faced. Well Thursday night, George didn’t disappoint, as he faced all eight Colts shooters without a single puck getting behind him. The young goalie looked calm and poised all night since entering the game, providing a great sense of calm for the Attack. After George made his eighth straight save in the skills competition, it was Julian Fantino showing off his quick hands, tucking the puck through Thornton’s five-hole to claim the win for Owen Sound.
NOTE: George picked up his first career OHL win, while Goure had a 3-point night to reach 100 career points.
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