NOJHL update
With more NOJHL teams in the offing for this upcoming 2015 – 2016 season, every organization is trying to latch on to all the talent they can and as early as they can. This is the case with Little Current’s Braeden Case. Just 16, the smart, speedy and solid defenceman already turning heads in his first year of high school hockey has now understandably been getting recognition in Junior A! After a recent tryout with the Espanola Express, Braeden was asked to sign as an affiliate player (A.P.). Although Espanola had already signed their two sixteen-year-olds, the team indicated that they would get him into some games as he showed very well in camp. They prefer that he would opt to play AAA as he would get a lot more games then he would play in high school but were impressed enough to give him a chance either way. Keep up the hard work, Braeden.
Wiky Road Race
The 43rd annual Wikwemikong 10K Championships and 10K walk is set for Sunday, October 17. Once again the 10 km Walker/Slower Runner Division for beginner runners and walkers is sponsored by the Wikwemikong Health Centre Diabetes Program and it starts at 10 am in Kaboni.
The 10km championship run starts at 10:50 am, with registration going from 8:30 to 9:30 am at Wasse Abin Pontiac School. The entry fee is still just $20 for adults and $10 for students and it includes a t-shirt and a great chance at some fabulous prizes. There is a shuttle service available to get runners up to the start line. It is a great event; why not give it a try. For more information call (705) 859-3164.
Manitoulin men’s fastball semi-final updates
The Island Men’s Fastball league is into their semi-finals now and four teams with are vying for the title. In the first series, Aundek Omni Kaning and Mindemoya are looking to game-four with AOK up a game after they split the first two games. In the third match, AOK edged Mindemoya 10 – 9 with Bobby Madahbee sneaking in the W over Mindy hurler Ryan Prior.
In the second semi-final pits the Wikwemikong Lumberjacks against Gore Bay. In their first game, a Jordan Trudeau homerun was the difference to put Wikwemikong up one game to none.
Impending running opportunities
This Saturday, August 29 why not try out the Elliot Lake Dirt Digger Challenge? The race is just a 5K but, full disclosure, it does take place at the Mount Dufour Ski Area so this might not be the race to get your 5km personal best clocking! It does look like a fun personal test though and it is all for a good cause as funds are to be directed to Elliot Lake Minor Hockey and the Elliot Lake Animal Shelter. It is being run by the Running Room so you can register on their website or visit the Sudbury Rocks website for other contact information.
Coming up in a couple of weeks after that is the always popular Ramsey Tour half Marathon and 5K races, both, on September 13. Again the Running Room or the Sudbury Rocks website are your go-to resources.
M’Chigeeng Minor Hockey needs registrations
At this point, there are only enough players registered to ice a tyke team for this upcoming Manitoulin Minor Hockey Association season. The organization needs to make sure all players and parents make sure their intentions are known so that teams can be solidified for the fast approaching campaign. They even have a handy Facebook page to keep updated. Search M’Chigeeng Minor Hockey Association on the Facebook.
Shoot to Score camp ready for fall camp
Reggie and Jamie Leach will be holding their weekend hockey school from September 18 – 20 at the NEMI recreation centre in Little Current. There is a “rookie” camp for those born in 2009 – 2010 and will feature three hours of on-ice training while five hours of ice-time is open to those born from 2002 to 2008. For more information you can check out their website at www.shoottoscorehockey.com.
Sniping it, old school
Congratulations to former Mindemoya resident Steven Kowal competing at the IPSC National Pistol Competition taking 3rd in Standard Division and 9th overall. He is a member of Team Ontario, a group containing 4 shooters. The championship was held in Newmarket and Steven helped Team Ontario finish second in the Nationals.
A good sport is good for sports.
705-377-6018 – chipstoquips@gmail.com