When I started photographing the Owen Sound Attack two seasons ago I had no idea I’d grow so attached and invested in the players and their families. I should have known, it was likely a surprise to no one who knew me in my motocross days. Back then I can recall walking between factory rigs telling anyone who would listen about the raw talent of a young intermediate rider Dylan Wright. I can remember asking around for parts so he could finish his TransCan motos because a kid like that needs to be on the track, being seen, turning heads. Today, Dylan Wright is a 4-time Canadian champ chasing a 5th title. 

So it’s not surprising that I’ve quickly become an advocate for the players I photograph week in and week out at the Bayshore. I will still tell anyone who listens the merits of each of our guys. Last year when it was Colby Barlow’s draft day, I was glued to my phone waiting to hear where he’d end up. This Friday will be no different when it’s Carter George’s turn. Carter doesn’t need me telling the world how great he is. He’s very quickly done that himself on the world stage. Under pressure, on the biggest stages, nightly at the Bayshore or earning 50 save shutouts at the Sadlon Arena, whichever NHL team decides to invest in this young goaltender will be lucky to get both an incredibly skilled player and a great human being from one of the most down to earth and kind families I’ve met in years. 

As fans of the Attack, we all take pride in ‘our boys’. And I know that draft day we’ll all be tuned in, cheering, and telling everyone in earshot about ‘our’ goaltender. All of those early mornings and extra on-ice sessions and grinding hours in the gym, all the sacrifices made by hockey parents and siblings, all the hours of insight coaches have offered, all the fun nights out that were put on hold in pursuit of a dream, they all brought you to today. Whether your name is called on Day 1 or Day 2, wherever you may land and however you may get there, just remember there’s an army of people behind you who wish you the best and will never stop telling the world what you have to offer. They say pressure is a privilege. Enjoy the process CartsGold, you’ve earned this.  We’ll see you at the Bayshore soon enough.