Owen Sound Attack Sign First Round Pick Pierce Mbuyi

The Owen Sound Attack signed their first-round draft pick from the 2024 OHL Priority Selection, Pierce Mbuyi, to a standard player agreement.

The Owen Sound Attack’s Deni Goure and Ethan Burroughs were drafted in the 2019 OHL Priority Selection as the team’s first two selections. Both players have just wrapped up their OHL careers, leaving a couple of gaping holes in the Attack’s offense for next season.

Management recognized the team needed a talented player coming up in their ranks to replace those two, which is why they went out and selected Pierce Mbuyi with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. 

Mbuyi is a product of one of the top minor hockey organizations in Ontario, the Toronto Marlboros. Last season he recorded 48 goals and 94 points in 59 games on the U16 AAA Marlboros. He elevated his draft value through his performance at the OHL Cup tournament where he tied Peterborough Petes’ first-round pick, Colin Fitzgerald, for the most points.

The 16-year-old only stands at 5-foot-10 and 146 pounds, but he makes up for his size with his incredible vision on the ice. Mbuyi is the type of player who makes players around him better and possesses an OHL-caliber shot. 

He has the offensive tools to succeed and be a productive winger in the OHL, but considering his size, can he transform into a play-driving forward who consistently pushes the pace each night offensively? 

Alternatively, can he adapt his game to a hard-nosed, 200-foot style similar to that of former top draft pick Connor Lockhart, who shares a similar size to Mbuyi?

Attack GM, Dale DeGray, described his shiny new top prospect as a very smart and hardworking player. “He’s very accountable in all areas of the rink. He is a very good skater and has a tremendous shot, scoring at every level he played at,” said DeGray.

There were rumors that Mbuyi was going to go down the NCAA route, but he said in Owen Sound’s press release that it has been his dream to play in the OHL. “I am super excited to sign with the Attack and can’t wait to get started,” said Mbuyi.

Owen Sound have several players returning for their overage seasons at the moment, and decisions will have to be made on who to keep. 

This can be a good thing for someone like Mbuyi, because it may allow him to get ice time on the third or even second line in his rookie season compared to being stuck on the fourth line where most rookies get stapled too. 

The Attack’s 2024-25 season commences on Sep. 27 against the Guelph Storm where Owen Sound fans can expect to see the seventh-overall pick begin his OHL career.