Happy New Year’s to Panthers!
The youngest Panthers continue to put up some great numbers on their second season in the Nickel District League and now sit at a positive 3-5-2 record in this still young season. Congratulations to: Jacob Smith, Lucas Dubois, Gage Hughson, Greyson Case, Kallan Jones, Jack Carter, Jarvis Lebrun, Andrew Tabachak, Kohyn Eshkawkogan, Zaagaasge ‘Z!’ Toulouse, Marlon Oshkabewisens, Eric Thibault and Keannu Bisschops.
The Manitoulin Panther Atoms are cruising into the New Year with a very sturdy 3-5-2 record. They finished out 2015 with a tough loss against their rival squad from Blind River. The local Atoms held the powerful north shore side to a tie for most of the game but in the end were edged 5 – 2. Hats off to Drake Jacko and Owen Leblanc for scoring a couple of points each in the tough loss. Good luck as well to the rest atoms as their most important half of the season gets under way: Aiden Case, Carter McGregor, Tryce Francis, Jared Toope, Cole Hughson, Kordell Elijah, Joseph Shigwadja, Ava Assinewai, Brandon Visitor, Brodie Pennie and David Gibbons.
The Panther Peewees are sporting an impressive 4 – 2 record as they hit the Christmas season and look to vault into their second half of their season. Keep it going: Riley Lockeyer, Delaney Bridgeman, Nyron Panamick, Noah Hare, Zach Guay, Jack Renwick, Connor Langlois, Ty Bonsall, Liam Bridgeman, Elle Lacasse, Hudson Hare, Carter Lacasse, Raven Shawanda, Abigayle Huard, Bailey Middaugh and Damion Debassige.
The Bantam Panthers are ripping up their Division 2 standings with an 8-3-3 record that has them in 3rd place in their 9-squad livery. The New Year looks bright with their recent play. Congratulations to players: Eric Varey, Kennedy Sintal, Ben Marshall, Jayden Little, Carter Abotossaway, Lauren Laginsky, Austin Hawkins, Shannon Debassige, Lukas Abotossaway, Colin Withers, Regan St. Amour, Caleb Parks, Alex Ingram, Parker Hall, Levi Morrison, Connor Belmore and Boston Thibault.
The Midgets, who have struggled to be able to ice a team at the start of this season, have shown an indomitable spirit thus far this season. Best of luck in the NDHL wrap-up to: Greg Doane, Matt Oshkabewisens, Hunter Abotossaway, Nick Corbiere, Ashlynn Hare, Jenmee Bondy, Seth Peltier, Theron McGregor, Jonah Nehwegabow, Ethan Corbiere, Logan Debassige, Nathan Debassige, James Scott, Landon Peltier, Alex Martin and Tyler Hughson.
Manitoulin Minor Hockey spotlight
This is a continuing information spot for the column on the MMHA. There is always a spot for teams to send in their team’s information to celebrate the great things teams are doing whether they show up on the scoresheet or not! This week the organization itself would like everyone to understand what they are to promoting.
Manitoulin Minor Hockey offers a wonderful chance for kids of all ages to learn the fun sport of hockey. They are able to learn about the sport, teamwork, working hard, playing hard and having fun. It is a great opportunity for parents as well to help shape their children for a future of sport.
Manitoulin Minor hockey is governed by Hockey Canada, and under that NOHA (Northern Ontario Hockey Association) and at the local level the Manitoulin Minor Hockey. This is made up of an executive of 4 with a representative from every association on the Island. They all meet monthly to ensure that the sport of hockey is being played fairly and to deal with any issues that may arise.
If you would like your MMHA team in the spotlight next please send your roster and details into chipstoquips@gmail.com
Panther POWER!?
As per my dad’s contribution last week, here is another cause that a Panther alumnus association could help with. Recently former Manitoulin Panther, Mustang and all-round athlete Wyatt Kennedy is now in need of assistance. Wyatt, in a battle with lymphoma, should devote all of his energies in his recovery and not his day to day struggles.
To that end, there is a Panther alumni game tonight at 7 pm at the NEMI Recreation Centre as well as the ongoing, GOFUNDME campaign that hopes to give the youngster a fighting chance at this cancerous scourge. Fight hard, Wyatt!
Refills, resplendent!
There are moments in sport that must be commemorated despite the apparent lack of celebration expected by the mere mortals among us. Just such an occasion happened this past weekend in Gore Bay during the second annual “Frosty Cup”, in the highly coveted 40+ division. In this epic contest the Providence Bay Refills managed to scramble themselves into the championship game Sunday against an amazing M’Chigeeng team that had absolutely no spares. Despite the obvious Sport Centre lead-on, the Refills actually won! In a valiant effort, the M’Chigeeng team of five (fearlessly bolstered by the likes of such greats as: Derek Debassige, Mike Panamick, John Ense, (sorry you other, missing two)).
Congratulations in their first ever Refills’ win to: Keith McAllister, Rob Davidson, Larry Karn, Steve Schafer, Jeff Gilmore, Dale Wallace, Jason Buie, Darren Dewar and John Coker with guest appearances earlier in the weekend from Ben Seabrook and Ryan Prior.
A good sport is good for sports
705-377-6018 chipstoquips@gmail.com
