Rivermen GM applauds Attack
It may only be the exhibition season but Espanola Rivermen general manager Chad Clarke is of the notion that the Batchewana Attack has already assembled a Canadian International Hockey League powerhouse.
Batchewana swept a pair of pre-season matches from Espanola by 6-0 and 6-1 scores last weekend and Clarke came away impressed with the Attack, which is coached by former National Hockey League winger Denny Lambert, who also played and coached in the Ontario Hockey League with the Soo Greyhounds.
“There is no question the Batchewana Attack has already set the measuring stick for this season,” Clarke said evenly. “They have speed, skill and size as well as terrific coaching with Denny Lambert as their bench boss.”
Clarke also praised Batchewana president-director of hockey operations David Maciuk.
“David Maciuk, in my opinion, has already masterfully put together a championship contender,” Clarke opined.
Batchewana has a home exhibition game slated for this Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Rankin Arena in Sault Ste. Marie with the St. Charles Spirit providing the opposition. Tickets are $5 apiece.
Meanwhile, next up for the Rivermen are a pair of pre-season tilts with the Sudbury Royals, beginning with a 7:30 p.m. game this Friday at the Espanola Regional Recreation Complex.
Tickets for Friday’s game are $5 and a food bank donation.
The two teams will also face off on Sunday at 2 p.m. in Sudbury.
PHOTO: Swedish-born Johan Kling of the Batchewana Attack is a skilled defenceman with speed and size. (Photo by Ali Pearson.)
Good job Chad you have shown a lot of class and have shown that the CIHL is packed full of classy hockey people