The Owen Sound Attack’s 2011 Championship Run: What We Can Learn From It

In 2011, the Owen Sound Attack made history by capturing their first-ever Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship, securing the J. Ross Robertson Cup in a thrilling seven-game series against the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. Their victory was not just about talent—it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and an unrelenting belief in their system.

For coaches, players, and parents, the lessons from Owen Sound’s championship run go far beyond a single season. Their journey provides valuable insights into how teams at any level can develop a winning culture. Here’s what we can learn from their success.

1. The Importance of a Strong Team Identity

Lesson: Know Who You Are as a Team

Owen Sound was never the flashiest team in the OHL, but they embraced their identity—a hardworking, disciplined, and structured team with a strong defensive core and opportunistic offense. They weren’t trying to be the most skilled or the most dynamic; they played to their strengths.

Coaching Tip: Define and Reinforce Team Identity

Establish a clear identity from the beginning of the season. Whether it’s a high-tempo offensive team, a lockdown defensive squad, or a balanced approach, players must buy in.
Reinforce this identity in practices, meetings, and game situations.
Ensure that every player understands their role in contributing to the team’s identity.

Player Tip: Embrace Your Role

Not every player can be the top scorer, but every player can contribute. Know what makes you valuable to the team and excel at it.
Be adaptable—whether that means blocking shots, winning faceoffs, or killing penalties.

Parent Tip: Support the Team Concept

Encourage your child to buy into the team’s philosophy, even if it means playing a different role than they’re used to.
Focus on effort, teamwork, and attitude over individual stats.

2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Lesson: Championships Aren’t Won Without Challenges

Owen Sound’s playoff run was filled with adversity. They had to battle through tough series, including an intense conference final against the Windsor Spitfires. Then, in Game 7 of the OHL Finals, they lost their starting goalie, Jordan Binnington, to injury. Scott Stajcer, who had been sidelined earlier in the season, stepped in and delivered a game-winning performance.

Coaching Tip: Prepare for the Unexpected

Always have contingency plans—whether it’s for injuries, suspensions, or slumps.
Develop mental toughness in your team by putting them in challenging situations during practice.
Reinforce a “next man up” mentality, so everyone is ready when their number is called.

Player Tip: Stay Ready, Stay Mentally Tough

Accept that adversity is part of the game. How you respond to setbacks defines you as a player.
Stay prepared, even if you’re not the starting goalie or top-line forward. Your moment will come.
Work on mental resilience—visualization, positive self-talk, and handling pressure situations.

Parent Tip: Teach Resilience Beyond the Rink

Encourage a growth mindset—mistakes and setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures.
Support your child emotionally, but don’t shelter them from adversity. Let them learn to handle tough situations.

3. Leadership Matters

Lesson: Great Leaders Step Up When It Counts

Captain Garrett Wilson and veteran players like Joey Hishon played a massive role in Owen Sound’s success. They not only led by example on the ice but also set the tone in the locker room. A strong leadership core is essential for any championship team.

Coaching Tip: Develop Leadership from Within

Identify and nurture leadership qualities in your players—don’t just rely on your captain.
Give players responsibility and empower them to hold each other accountable.
Create a leadership group that includes both vocal leaders and lead-by-example players.

Player Tip: Be a Leader, Regardless of Your Role

Leadership isn’t about wearing a letter—it’s about setting the tone with effort, attitude, and accountability.
Support your teammates, whether that’s encouraging them on the bench or leading by example in practice.
Stay composed and confident in high-pressure moments.

Parent Tip: Encourage Leadership Off the Ice

Reinforce the importance of character, accountability, and sportsmanship.
Encourage your child to step into leadership roles, whether in hockey or other activities.

4. Coaching Adaptability Wins Championships

Lesson: Adjustments Can Change a Series

Head coach Mark Reeds and his staff did an excellent job making adjustments throughout the playoffs. Whether it was tweaking the penalty kill, changing matchups, or switching goalies, they understood that sticking stubbornly to a plan that wasn’t working would cost them.

Coaching Tip: Be Willing to Adapt

Recognize when something isn’t working and be willing to adjust tactics.
Study the opponent and make in-game adjustments to exploit weaknesses.
Encourage open communication—sometimes players see things on the ice that coaches don’t.

Player Tip: Be Coachable

Trust the coaching staff when they make changes, even if it means a different role for you.
Embrace different strategies and systems—versatility makes you a more valuable player.
Be adaptable and learn how to make adjustments during a game.

Parent Tip: Trust the Coaching Process

Avoid questioning every coaching decision—support your child in adapting rather than complaining about changes.
Encourage your child to focus on what they can control: effort, attitude, and execution.

5. Team Chemistry Is Everything

Lesson: Championships Are Won in the Locker Room, Too

The 2011 Owen Sound Attack were a close-knit group. They had a mix of veteran leadership, skilled players, and depth contributions from every line. Their bond off the ice translated into chemistry on the ice.

Coaching Tip: Foster Team Unity

Create a team culture where players support each other rather than compete against each other.
Organize team-building activities to strengthen relationships.
Encourage communication—teams that talk and trust each other play better together.

Player Tip: Be a Great Teammate

Celebrate your teammates’ successes, even if you’re not the one scoring the goals.
Build relationships off the ice—teams that trust each other perform better under pressure.
Avoid cliques and drama—team success is more important than individual egos.

Parent Tip: Promote a Positive Team Atmosphere

Support all players on the team, not just your child.
Avoid negative talk about other players, coaches, or ice time.
Teach your child to value being part of a team over personal accolades.

Final Takeaway: Winning Is More Than Just Talent

The 2011 Owen Sound Attack weren’t the most talented team in the OHL, but they were the best team. Their success was built on a strong identity, resilience, leadership, coaching adaptability, and team chemistry.

For coaches, the lesson is clear—build a culture that players buy into. For players, embrace your role and stay mentally tough. For parents, support your child’s growth as both an athlete and a person.

The Owen Sound Attack’s championship run is proof that the right mindset, preparation, and unity can lead to great things. Whether you’re coaching a youth team, playing at a competitive level, or supporting from the stands, the lessons from 2011 are just as relevant today.

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.