One of the major questions buzzing around the Jack Burger Sports Complex these days is the status of Port Hope Predators backstopper Akos Agardy.

The Predators' starting goaltender has sustained a serious groin injury, sidelining him indefinitely. This has dealt a huge blow to the Preds organization, leaving a gaping hole between the pipes where young backup Spencer Finney will be filling the void as best he can. Finney did a commendable job in net Sunday evening, allowing only two goals on 51 shots.

Predators head coach Brendan O'Grady said that while there is some internal concern in losing a starting goalie, "the big thing is we have to rally around Spencer. He's a good goalie, and we need to pay attention to detail. Let's worry about us, not other teams. We've been dealt a hard blow, but let's worry about ourselves and win when it counts."

Finney played a couple of big games for the Predators after they dealt former starting goalie Billy Stone to Blind River. Agardy had not yet arrived, and Finney dressed in the interim.

"Although it is not Spencer's responsibility to win hockey games here in Port Hope just yet, he is well liked by his teammates and it is our hope that that kind of like and respect translates into support for not only Spencer, but also for our coaches and the systems they put in place to help our club get through what are surely going to be some big games this coming month," voiced the club's general manager, Tim Clayden, on behalf of the Predators.

As for Agardy's prospective return to the ice, Clayden said they are unsure if Agardy will return during the regular season at all.

"His groin injury is one that will take some extra care and time to heal. We would not be wise to rush him back before he is 110%," said Clayden, adding Agardy will be called upon for the "real" season: playoffs.

In the meantime, the players will plow ahead, giving Finney time to shine.

At a Sunday-afternoon luncheon with the veteran players and team staff, the team discussed the situation.

"I believe our team and our players are prepared for the challenge ahead. That's the fun part: the challenge and rising to it. There is a silver lining here. It gives our team and players wonderful opportunity to rise to the occasion," said Clayden.

While the situation does look dismal from some angles, Finney will have some "tremendous playing time that he can make great use of for his future. We also have a local midget here in Port Hope that may be given an opportunity to show his stuff at this level and we are also looking at a young man from Quebec this week, as well," said Clayden in terms of the possible wheeling and dealing.

Garnet Lees of the Midget AE team has dressed as Finney's backup earlier in the season but did not log any minutes.

"This challenge is real, and I expect our players will rise to the occasion; that's why they're here," Clayden finished.