DeGray discusses Shipley deal

Owen Sound Attack GM Dale DeGray spoke to 97.9 The Beach Wednesday about the trade of center Steven Shipley to the Niagara Ice Dogs. Click the link and listen to the audio. It supports two things we've been hearing since June - that the 6'3, 212-pound center wanted out of Owen Sound, and that upping his compete level will go hand-in-hand in determining how far he can take his pro career.

Shipley was DeGray's first ever draft pick and as a result DeGray admits he laments that things didn't work out better for Shipley with the Attack.

In 2 seasons, Shipley scored 39 times, but team and fans alike always expected more.

When asked if player development was an issue with the Attack, DeGray quickly responded, saying player development under Coach Mark Reeds is not an issue and the bigger issue with Shipley was self motivation.

It's always interesting to hear a CHL general manager speak candidly about a prospect. We mentioned a couple weeks back that Shipley was eager to prove that he was worthy of a higher draft pack last June. Perhaps that chip on his shoulder just got a little bigger.