Panther Points
Congratulations to the Manitoulin Panther Midgets who were silver medalists at this weekend’s NOHA Tournament of Champions Midget B division. The team was on a roll all tournament long too. In their opener they took care of the Timmins Flyers 9-2 on Friday with Harrison Noble taking game MVP honours. On Saturday, The locals doubled up the Cochrane Rush 6-3. Brenden Pheasant had a stellar MVP effort. Later that afternoon the Panthers earned a playoff bye with a 3-1 defensive win over Blind River and Barry Pitawanakwat took the player of the game credit. On Sunday afternoon Blind River was back for the championship game that ended up being an offensive battle and just missing the gold in a 7-5 loss.
Local Great North Midgets
Congratulations to Jeff Delange who scored the winning goal in overtime to help his Sudbury Nickel Capitals take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Timmins Majors. Delange was featured in a nice Sudbury Star article after the win. Delange is credited with his strong team play and work ethic as the key to his value on the powerhouse squad. The team that also features Whitefish River’s Anthony Pelletier. Anthony, amazingly enough, also scored the winning goal in the series opener that made it 3-2 with just over a minute left in the game. The pair hopes to take the Great North Midget League title this Saturday at the McIntyre Arena up in Timmins at 7:30. Go hard guys and good luck!
Little NHL kudos
The annual Little NHL hockey tournament is a great experience for First Nation players to get together to bond closer with kids from their own community and forge new friendships between strangers. During the March Break the now huge event took place in Mississauga. Here are just a few local kids who had a great time.
The Aundeck Omni Kaning Atoms were crowned A champions thanks to: Kacey Debassige, Samuel Assinewai, Carson Gonawabi, Johnny Bushey, Isaac McLeod, Brek Morrow, Randall Atlookan, Logan Corbiere, Nolan Peltier-Restoule, Duke Madahbee-Barnaby, Keegan Esquimaux, Billy Biederman and coaches Shaun Assinewai, Jonas Bondy and Greg Morrow.
The Wikwemikong Bantam girls won the B championship. Congratulations to Delani Trudeau, Dana McLeod, Harmony Rivers, Brittney Zack, Lyric Peltier, Aurora Ominika-Enosse, Terri Trudeau, Megina Fox, Hannah Trudeau, Chitto Kimewon, Ruby Trudeau and Dehmin Eshkawkogan.
Congratulations to the four Manitoulin girls who play for the Sudbury Lady Wolves (peewee) also helped the Atikameksheng Eagles (of former, Whitefish Lake F.N.) Haley Johnston, (M’Chigeeng), Dana Lewis, (Wikwemikong), Randi Lovelace (M’Chigeeng) and Alexandra Lumme, (Sheshegwaning).
Hats off as well to Paquis Trudeau of the Wikwemikong Tykes who was voted as an MVP.
Soccer refs needed
The Manitoulin Soccer League is set for another great season starting the first weekend in May. What continues to maintain their high standards is a strong crop of referees to keep the games running smoothly. Certified refs can either use their time to earn needed volunteer hours or make a tidy $50 for just part of their Saturday. John Foster is once again recruiting interested high school kids to fill this important role. There are three lunchtime clinics at MSS starting the first week of April. MSS students should watch for posters in the halls soon. If you want more information you can contact John at 705-282-8387.
Active adults
This spot is for my continuing feature on adults who are making an effort to stay active with regular exercise. This week’s spotlight is on a pair of women who are die-hard curflers. Barb Breathat of Mindemoya and Alice Shelly of Spring Bay are part of a large curfling group who get out every Tuesday night. The game of curfling, a modification on curling, where teams of two play and not four. Each teammate plays at either end and is allowed to use a stick to help deliver the stone if needed. Barb, who has not been able to curl for years, is excited to be able to get back to the sport she loves. She is so glad that this version allows for a modification that keeps players active long after they may have quit if they are not able to get down and deliver from the hack. Her teammate Alice, who is used to curling two and three nights, has been recuperating from an injury this year and is curfling to keep her game sharp. Congratulations ladies, keep up the good work.
A good sport is good for sports.
chipstoquips@gmail.com or 705-377-6018
