OHL Owen Sound Attack

NHL Entry Draft Brings Hope for Attack Players

June 23, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Owen Sound Attack News Release


To say this weekend is "big" for junior hockey players would be a giant understatement. Everybody that plays the game of hockey dreams that one day they will hear their named called over the speakers at the NHL Entry Draft and many Attack players hope that the success of an extended playoff run will have helped them garner that attention. The Attack will no doubt have several players drafted this coming weekend and below is a look at some of them.

Jordan Binnington - The 6'2 Richmond Hill was pegged to come in and play 15-20 games during the 2010/2011 season but that changed very quickly when starting goaltender Scott Stajcer suffered a hip injury in November. The lanky net minder went from sophomore backup to crease king during the season and watched his draft stock skyrocket. Binnington appeared in 46 regular season games for the Attack, posting 27 wins to go along with a 3.05 GAA and an .899 save percentage. After all three goalies split duties throughout the playoff run; Binnington stepped in to steal game 6 of the OHL Finals, which allowed the Attack to capture the OHL title in game 7. The 17 year old was also named the 2011 MasterCard Memorial Cup's Top Goaltender. Although projected to be a second to third round selection, it should surprise nobody if Jordan Binnington were to become the Mark Visentin of the 2011 Draft and go in the first round.

Andrew Fritsch - Hockey sense is what the Brantford native is all about. Coming over in the fall from Niagara, Fritsch was a great compliment to Garrett Wilson and Joey Hishon on the team's first line, collecting 27 goals and 62 points. A responsible player in his own end, Fritsch was relied upon to kill penalties and finished the season with a +19 rating. Injured for most of the playoffs, Fritsch still managed to contribute 2 assists in 5 games.

Keevin Cutting - After setting the bar very high for himself during the 2008/2009 season, the Bracebridge, ON. native took a step back in 2009/2010 but rebounded in a huge way this past season notching 16 points to go along with an impressive +23 rating. Cutting's puck poise and decision making skills on the ice increased greatly throughout the season, which at times lead him to be considered one of the Attack's most reliable and consistent defenseman. Throughout the season Cutting also showed the physical prowess that lead him to be drafted by the Attack in the 4th round in 2008.

Andrew Shaw - After coming over from Niagara in the off season, Shaw doubled his goal total from 2009/2010 to 22. A feisty forward who will engage with comers of all size endeared himself to scouts with his work ethic, skill and grit. Shaw's first year of eligibility was actually in 2009 but the skill set he brings to the table may be too good to pass up for NHL Teams. Shaw will look to follow in the footsteps of Jason Wilson ('10) and David Kolomatis ('09) who were drafted as 19 year olds as Members of the Attack.

Matt Petrgrave - Petgrave is known as a high risk, high reward defenseman who just may receive his highest award yet. The 19 year old Brampton native has impressed scouts with his superior skating and offensive skills. Petgrave notched 37 points in 61 games including 12 more in the playoffs. Petgrave has also received an invitation to attend the Canadian National Junior team's summer camp.

Robby Mignardi - Not often do overage players get drafted as they are available to sign as free agent, but if a player ever made a case for himself, it was Robby Mignardi. The overage Richmond Hill native set a new Owen Sound franchise mark was a +35 rating while notching his second straight 30 goal season. After appearing in only 2 OHL playoff games in 4 previous season, Mignardi made up for lost time by collecting 15 goals in only 20 games en route to being awarded the Wayne Gretzky Award as the OHL Playoff MVP.

Nothing is ever a sure thing at the NHL Entry Draft. The only things we can be certain of is that there will be many joyous moments, disappointments and surprises.

Check out the Owen Sound Attack Statistics



Ontario Hockey League Stories from June 23, 2011


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