Manitoulin ices competitive teams in Walden Tourney
Many hockey teams from Manitoulin Island participated in the Andrew Desjardins Classic Hockey Tournament in Walden this past weekend. Congratulations to all the players on the Gore Bay Bruins, Wikwemikong Hawks, Mindemoya Thunder and Manitowaning Wolves teams that tried their hardest and enjoyed a weekend of fun.
The Thunder team members include: Noah Thorpe, Sadie Bridgeman, Landen Smith, Chase Becks, Nevaeh Harper, Rylan Carrick, Autumn Davy, Liam Lariviere, Brayden Phelps, John Thirkill, Danika Skippen, Karsten Powsey, Tessa Prior and Abbie Heins.
Some of their memorable moments in their weekend featured finishing the round robin with a 2 and 1 record. They then faced a strong opponent in a thrilling semi where they won in overtime from a hard shot from outside the point, thanks to Chase Becks.
The finals were just as exciting as most of the game they were just down 1 – 0. Unfortunately, the Mindemoya side lost 2 to 0 against Carmen Construction in the finals. The match fortunately, was closer that would appear as Carmen scored one goal outright and then one as an empty netter.
In some highlighted notes, the Thunder beat Legend Boats in overtime 3 to 4 to make it to the finals. They won for the first time over their local Wiikwemkoong Hawks’ rivals 2 – 0. Defence Sadie Bridgeman and Landen Smith scored a goal each against Wiky for their only victory over their MMHA competition thus far this season.
In the end, the Thunder finished second in the Peewee division, winning three and losing two. After all was accounted the Mindemoya Peewees played Legend Boats two times, Espanola Eagles, Wiky Hawks and finally losing to Carmen Construction for the silver.
The Mindemoya Thunder Peewee team skated their hardest to their earn spot in the finals. They played a tight game against Carman Construction but ultimately, were not able to score in the final game, placing second in the Peewee division overall. Way to go, Thunder! Thanks to coaches Brian Phelps, Ryan Prior, trainer Marc Lariviere and manager Allan Davy for leading the team to “their” victory!
Off their rock hockey!
Greg Trudeau Paquet picked up another Star selection Friday night as Kirkland Lake downed the Soo four to one. Gregory had one goal and two assists to earn the second star. He is on quite the run and is now third in League scoring for all of the NOJHL. On Saturday he assisted on the first and second goal and finally potted the fourth goal, and even took a stick to the face to earn another second star thank goodness! These are the top two teams in the entire league…KL 4 – Soo 1
Sam Assinewai of Aundeck Omni Kaning has picked up two assists in his first 11 games in the MBPHL in the USA. Playing for the Detroit Compuware “AAA” Major Bantams, he plays against the best teams in Canada and the USA. An added bonus is that former NHLer Pat Peake (Washington) is his head coach.
Bo Peltier is third in team scoring with Huntsville Otters the PJHL. From his defensive position, Peltier has 6 goals and 20 assists for 26 points. Bo is a former Powassan Hawk and North Bay Battalion member on his Junior C Otter squad.
Mark Aljoe (son of Trace Aljoe, former Panther leading scorer) continues to shine as a rookie in the PJHL. Mark has 29 points (17 goals, 12 assists) for the Hanover Barons which puts him second on the team. In terms of goals he is 11th in the entire league. The Aljoe twin brothers Trevor and Trace were the leading scorers for the Panthers over a six year period.
Pearson Brothers’ Memorial Tournament
Hats off to the Mindemoya “Cole King” based squad who won the Sportsmen A team and the Gore Bay (unfortunately no roster) side that won the Sportsmen B title.
For the fifth straight year, the Wiikwemkoong Reds’ squad has schooled the 40 – plus division of the annual tournament, once again with their efficient and embarrassing (to me, someone who may have been there on occasion).
Congratulations to: Daniel Wassengeso, Robert Sutherland, Darrell Assiniwe, Lawrence Enosse, Duke Peltier, John Manitowabi, Bruce Recollet, Mark Peltier, Tim Ominika and Chuck Peltier.
A good sport is good for sports
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