Batchewana Attack home opener
Batchewana Attack will play its first-ever regular-season game tonight as members of the new, Ontario-based, junior-level, Canadian International Hockey League.
The visiting Espanola Rivermen will provide the opposition for the Attack in what is scheduled as a 7:30 p.m. start at Rankin Arena.
In honour of the first match — and home opener — for the Attack, there will be pre-game ceremonies that will take place at 7:15 p.m. to be hosted by legendary Sault Ste. Marie radio announcer Lou Turco, now of Oldies 93.
The Attack features a roster comprised of a majority of players from the Sault Ste. Marie area including three First Nation products — defencemen Cade Nolan and Jeremy Solomon and forward Grant Syrette.
Other locals on the Attack include forward Jacob Palmerio, a Croatian-Italian youngster who was the first player signed by the team.
The Attack also features a number of American-and-European-born skaters.
Denny Lambert, former player and coach with the Ontario Hockey League Soo Greyhounds and a veteran of more than 500 games as a National Hockey League winger, will serve as the bench boss of the Attack.
Former OHL defenceman Trevor Solomon is Lambert’s assistant.
Another former OHLer and NHLer, Drew Fata, is the general manager of the Attack.
Heading the Attack scouting staff are veteran hockey advisers Jimmy (VIP) Casola and Charly Murray.
David Maciuk is president and primary owner of the Attack.