Right at home in Owen Sound
KITCHENER — It was like winning the Ontario Hockey League lottery.
Overage centre Cordell James was grinding out his junior career with the lowly Barrie Colts when his fortunes changed at the trade deadline in early January.
The Hamiltonian, who spent parts of four seasons in Barrie, was wanted elsewhere and informed that he was headed to Owen Sound for a paltry fourthround draft pick.
“I was in Barrie, and playoffs were starting to look grim there,” he said. “So to be able to come to Owen Sound is a pretty nice finish” to his OHL career.
The 20-year-old has been like a missing puzzle piece for the Attack. James had 21 goals and 10 assists in 28 games for Owen Sound, and the club has lost just twice in regulation with him in the lineup. “I think a change of scenery for me was good. The chemistry with all the guys has really helped my game out a lot.”
Coach Ryan McGill says James has been just as valuable off the ice. “He has huge character and huge leadership,” said the skipper. “He has been unbelievable in our room. He’s just a player that has come over with a lot confidence, and he means a tremendous amount to our team.”
Barrie finished last in the OHL with a record of 17-44-6-1.
LOCAL CONNECTIONS: Waterloo native Chase Campbell is hoping the third time is a charm. The 18-year-old winger was traded to the Attack in early December after stints with the Sarnia Sting and Ottawa 67’s. The former Waterloo Wolves player grew up cheering for the Rangers, so facing his hometown club in the first round is extra special. “The thing I remember most is watching the Rangers doing warm-ups as a kid,” he said. “I was always in awe.” Rookie Attack defenceman Nick King also hails from Waterloo and played for the Wolves.
FAMILIAR FACE: Overage Attack forward Matt Schmalz was Kitchener’s firstround pick (17th overall) in the 2012 OHL draft. The Dunnville native had one goal in 25 games before the Rangers traded him, goalie Franky Palazzese, defenceman Cory Genovese and picks to Sudbury for forward Josh Leivo, blueliner Frank Corrado, goalie Joel Vienneau and picks during his rookie campaign. Schmalz spent three and a half seasons with the Wolves before joining Owen Sound via trade last year. The Los Angeles Kings draft pick had 16 goals and 15 assists during the regular season.
REMEMBER WHEN? The last time the Rangers upset a higher seed in the playoffs was in 2012 when the third-ranked club beat second-seeded Plymouth in seven games in the western conference semifinals. Forward Tyler Randell scored four goals in the 6-3 clincher and goalie John Gibson made 34 saves. Kitchener was swept by the London Knights in the next round.
FRIENDS NOW FOES: Several Rangers and Attack players used to play alongside each other in minor midget. Kitchener defenceman Elijah Roberts and Owen Sound forward Nick Pryce both played for the Toronto Marlboros. Dylan Di Perna was teammates with Owen Sound blueliner Santino Centorame with the Mississauga Rebels. Joseph Garreffa and Attack rearguard Markus Phillips shared a Toronto Titans uniform, and Jonathan Yantsis and Attack winger Zachary Roberts played for the Markham Waxers.
LAST CHANCE: The Rangers-Attack series will be the last time some players suit up for their respective clubs. Kitchener overagers Darby Llewellyn, captain Frank Hora and Di Perna will graduate from the league when the post-season ends, while Owen Sound will bid adieu to Schmalz, Cordell and Centorame.
PLAYOFF SPLIT: Kitchener and Owen Sound have clashed just four times in the post-season in the past 20 years. The Rangers eliminated the Attack in the first round in five games in 2012 and swept a second round series in 2005. Owen Sound dumped Kitchener in five games in the opening round in 2006 and won in six games in the quarterfinals in 1998.