Owen Sound Attack Force Game 7 With Missisauga Majors

May 13, 2011
Ryan Young

Jordan Binnington scores first star of Game 6 for OHL Championship - Picture provided by the Owen Sound Attack

The Owen Sound Attack continue to prove their resiliency and worth in the OHL final against the Missisauga Majors by winning Game 6 due to a goaltending gem

All year they have been perceived as a team that just won't quit. On May 12th, 2011, in the sixth game of the OHL Championship series, the Owen Sound Attack once again dramatically evened-up the series against the Missisauga Majors at 3-3 thanks mostly in part to a stellar 40-plus save effort from their youngest goaltender Jordan Binnington (who was awarded first star of the game), whom coach Mark Reeds referred to as the "goalie of our future" during the post-game media conference after the game.

Reeds was asked about his unexpected decision to insert Binnington into the series after shuffling starters Scott Stacjer and Michael Zador throughout the play-off rounds since Binnington last appeared on March 31st, 2011, against the London Knights. "We felt this was an opportunity for Jordan to obtain some success" he expressed to reporters, also noting that their three-goaltender rotation was "unique".

The Series Thus Far

The top teams in the OHL's Eastern and Western Conferences have been battling it out back in forth in a war that is beginning to overshadow the much hyped Memorial Cup tournament that will follow soon after (which both teams have already qualified for). The Majors took an early 2-0 lead in the series by hammering Stacjer, but then Owen Sound returned the favor with two impressive netminding efforts from Michael Zador. But it was in Game 5 where events began to suggest a radical move might be needed for the Attack for Game 6. Zador began Game 5 but was yanked quickly after facing only four shots and giving up two goals. Stacjer replaced him, but could not quell the socring onslaught and the Attack ultimately lost 7-3.

Game 6

Binnington began the game down 1-0 in the first period after a power play goal but kept his cool under the obvious pressure situation and gave his team the opportunity to get right back in the hunt. The Attack responded with two power play goals of their own, and eventually lead the game 3-1 all the way to the last thirty-seconds of period three where the Majors got back on the board 3-2 with a one-man advantage due to their empty net. Like a consummate professional, Binnington held his ground under a barrage of shots long enough for time to run out and force an unbelievable Game 7 in a series that would put most NHL play-off rounds to shame.

The small town contingent of obsessive Owen Sound Attack fans were electric as they celebrated with the team in what would be the Attack's last game of the season on their home ice. Game 7 will take place on Sunday afternoon, May 15th at the Hershey Centre in Missisauga. The question on all Attack fans' minds is - who will get the start? "We will do what is in the best interests of the team." Reeds commented when asked the question after Game 6. One has to figure the shot has been earned by Binnington, but whatever Reeds decides, the impressive performance (which no doubt tickled many scouts watching over him for his draft year) has no doubt given the Attack enough motivation to get the job done no matter who they play in front of.