Even a little fog couldn't hold the Soo Greyhounds from going on the Attack. The Greyhounds kicked off the 2002-03 Ontario Hockey League season in fine fashion Friday night by knocking off the Owen Sound Attack 5-2 in a game that featured some foggy but spirited play.
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first period but in all fairness there were a number of times where stoppages featured players from both teams skating around Memorial Gardens in order to clear the fog that continually built up.
In fact, with just over six minutes left in the first period, both teams were sent to their respective dressing rooms while waiting for the fog to lift.
The Hounds then took control of the game with four goals in the second period.
Import Jiri Drtina had an impressive debut for the Hounds. The rookie defenceman scored a pair of goals.
Brett Trudell, Troy Ilijow and overage winger Matt Herneisen, acquired in an off-season trade with the Peterborough Petes, also scored for the Hounds.
Local product Joey Biasucci, an off-season acquisition from the Brampton Battalion, made 28 saves in his Greyhound debut. The 18-year old goalie gave up a pair of third-period goals to Owen Sound overage forward Matt Passfield.
Sooite Patrick Jarrett, an 18-year old centre, did not figure in on the scoresheet for the Attack despite a few good scoring opportunities.
The Hounds fired 43 shots at Owen Sound rookie goalies Marty Magers and Dan LaCosta.
Next action for the Hounds is Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. when they play host to the Ottawa 67s.
In other games of interest on Friday, local product T.J. Aceti made 37 saves as the Erie Otters upended the Sarnia Sting 3-1. And Sooite Blair Jarrett had an assist as the Mississauga IceDogs tied the Peterborough Petes 2-2.
Tonight, a sold-out crowd of more than 5,500 will be on hand 400 km. South of the Soo down I-75 in Saginaw as the Spirit (formerly the North Bay Centennials) makes its OHL debut by playing host to Sarnia.
Saginaw features Sooite Chris Thorburn, a 19-year old centre on a team that has been re-touched and re-tooled by general manager Costa Papista and director of player development and scouting Dan (Caesar) Halliburton.