Mustang Minute
The Manitoulin Mustangs’ Badminton team was in Elliott Lake last Wednesday for the North Shore, NOSSA qualifier. Congratulations to the following medal winners with the gold and silver medal winners off to NOSSA to be held on their home court back in M’Chigeeng! Way to go to: A.J. Van Kesteren and Josh Robinson (first, midget boys’ doubles), Pierre Debassige and Dylan Moggy (second, midget boys’ doubles), Cole King and Keegan Clarke (second, junior boys’ doubles), James Scott (second, junior boys’ singles), Tyler King (second, senior men’s singles), Bryce Mastelko and David Scott (third, senior men’s doubles). Also playing well, but missing out on the medals, were: Kaitlyn Keatley, Sandi Kuntsi, Ethan Closs, Maddy Madahbee, Savanna Webb, Hailey Leblanc, Hannah Corbiere, Olivia Behm, Apryl Eadie, Morgan Hall, Hunter Taibossigai, Ethan Taibossigai, William Hutchinson and Matthew Redmond. Behind the scenes were: Manager Honor Esquimaux and Coaches Steve Robinson and Peter Kategiannis. Good luck at NOSSA team!
Hockey wraps
Although hockey tryouts are still going on for many teams for next season, here is some more news from the season just passed.
Island products Sam Assiniwe (Aundeck Omni Kaning) and Carson Shawana (Wikwemikoong) playing for the Cree Nordiks picked up “player-of-the-game” awards in an Amos, Quebec hockey tournament this past weekend. The Nordiks won the championship in the Pee Wee division.
Kudos to M’Chigeeng’s Mitchal Payette on winning the Most Improved Player award with the Espanola Jr. A Express. Those who followed the Express this year noticed the substantial increase in ice time earned by young Payette as coach Tom McCarthy gained more and more trust in the rookie defenseman. It pays to listen, practice and work hard; great accomplishment Mitchal.
Further congrats to Midget Panthers’ goalie Tyler Hughson of Manitowaning who has been invited to tryouts with the French River Rapids Jr. A squad. The Rapids are coached by former Winnipeg Jets defenseman Moe Mantha.
Congrats to Lucas Green son of high scoring (top Nickel District League point-getter) former Panther Jeff Green, who has earned a spot on the roster of the Sault AAA Major Atoms. Squirt to Squirt to Lucas, he scores!
Panther AGM
Manitoulin Panthers’ 2016 annual general meeting is coming up next month on May 25th at the NEMI Recreation Centre. If you wish bring up any items please visit their website at www.manitoulinpanthers.ca to make sure you follow the constitution protocol. For example: any recommendations for changes to the constitution must be submitted to secretary or president 14 days prior to AGM. Must reference section to be changed, followed by recommended changes, and provide rationale.
Mindemoya Minor AGM
It is short notice but the Mindemoya Minor Hockey Association AGM is tonight (April 20th). All those connected in some way to the MMHA are invited to come out at 7 pm at the Mindemoya Community Centre.
Babstock resigns to professional NWHL!
The Connecticut Whale of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) has announced the re-signing of former Wikwemikoong Hawks Little NHL player Kelly Babstock. Kelly is a graduate of the Quinnipiac University Division 1 hockey program where she was team MVP for four consecutive seasons. She also was an elite player on the University Lacrosse team. Last year with the Whale she tallied 22 points in an 18 game schedule and then added 4 goals in but 3 games in the playoffs. If interested check out the 6 minute clip of her abilities on YouTube. What the athlete! Her University Coach Cassie Turner described her as an example to all athletes saying, “She has a clear sense of how to battle” in all tough situations. Good show, Kelly.
Around the Bay…again
Missing from my coverage of Hamilton’s 30km, Around the Bay race recently was Little Current’s Steve Fessenden who ran an awesome 2:25 race. Congratulations, Steve.
A good sport is good for sports.
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