Recap - Week 1

Well, week one of the new OHL season is in the books. Like every year, the 67s opened the season on the road in Sudbury and Sault Ste Marie. On Friday they played the Wolves and were beaten badly. Although it didn't look too bad on the scoreboard (3-1), that was only because 67s net minder Battochio (pictured) was UNBELIEVABLE in goal. The Sudbury native stood on his head, stopping wave after wave of 2-on-1 breakaways. On paper, it looked like the 67s this year would have great offense, decent defense, and the goaltending was the big question mark. But in Sudbury, the opposite was true. Kudos to Sudbury, though. It looks like they'll do well this year. Rookie defenseman Derek Joslin got the only goal for Ottawa. It sounded like he was the best skater on the ice for Ottawa, although Tsimikalis played well too.

The 67s faced the Greyhounds on Sunday. This was more like the 67s I expected. They beat the 'hounds 7-4, even though they were out shot badly again. Kaspar got a hat trick and Petruzalek picked up 3 assists. I hope this is a sign of things to come. After Kaspar's first goal (a flukey deflection off of a Sault defenseman), he danced around the ice in celebration. The Sault fans weren't too happy about that. But then I guess he has the skills to back it up. I don't think Killer's gonna let him do that any more. I seem to remember Petruzalek hamming it up when he scored in Ottawa in the preseason, waving at the fans. On home ice it's cute, and the fans loved it. On someone else's ice it's just bad sportsmanship. We like the goals, but the cockiness is unnecessary. Joslin opened the scoring for Ottawa with his second goal in two games. I think I'm going to like watching this guy too.

Next week the 67s will face Sudbury again as the Wolves travel to Ottawa on Friday. Then the 67s go back on the road to spend the weekend in Barrie and then Toronto to face St. Mike's. Should be some tight battles.