Dedication launched goalie!
Perhaps not everyone was glued to their TV like me, watching hockey in August? It was on the 5th when the Canadian Under-18’s won the Hlinka – Gretzky Cup 3-2 in overtime against the host team from Czechia. With a super close game, attention was all on Canadian netminder, Carter George who had earned the starting position throughout the tournament and stopped 29 of the 31 shots for the win.
Now, back in the 80-90’s, the Manitoulin Panther followers would have seen George on the jersey of a fantastic goaltender. Mike George, was known to devastate opposition shooters with a wicked flash of his catcher. He played with the likes of Jeff “Squirt’ Green, Matt Case and my brother, Scott Leblanc who would go on to win Nickel District League titles. As you may have guessed, Mike is Carter George’s Dad and I got a chance to talk with him over the weekend.
Mike and his wife, Tara had raised their family in Thunder Bay. They decided to make the move south last year for their kids. Their daughter, Mykaila to be closer to university and Carter, who was drafted by the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. Mike was impressed with some advice from the Attack that Carter would be better served if he spent a year with their affiliate, St. Mary’s Lincolns Jr. B. Carter was able to get lots of playing time and experience so that when the inevitable illness waylaid the OHL Attack netminder, the young George was primed for the ‘show’.
As it turns out, he was more than ready. He started and won his first five games and would finish with a seven and three record in the 10 game maximum he could play as an affiliate! With that sort of introduction to the league, Carter was really starting to get noticed. The Team Canada, Word Junior team gave him an invite to the selection camp where as Dad admits, Carter had an awful showing! He was cut.
However, Carter didn’t let the huge disappointment stop him. In fact, he doubled down and worked harder. He hit the gym and got private goalie coaching sessions. One on one, he soaked up a whole new awareness and approach to his game. Not, making the Juniors meant he was able to win those five games up in Owen Sound where he was noticed by the Under-18 scouts, looking for players for this summer’s Hlinka-Gretzky Cup! Nice how things can work out?
Mike and his wife were dedicated to make sure that their children would be given every chance to help them succeed. Although, Mike was quick to point out that it is Carter that deserves all the credit. He has put his goals front and center and has “worked his butt off” to be where he is. Dad Mike is most impressed with the focus of his son to meet his objectives. In school, he is a 90’s student despite the rigors of his hockey commitments.
School sports are upon us already so if any student has any sort of desire to be the best you can be, take a page from Carter’s handbook. Strong work ethic, positive attitude, be coachable, etc! Congratulations on your progress so far, Carter and we hope you don’t mind claiming you as one of our own!
Speaking of dedication…
At the risk of giving away his secrets, I have to commend running Coach Gerry Holliday. The very successful trainer doesn’t officially even live on Manitoulin anymore but has been here this summer for those who want to be at the top of their game for cross country season. Congratulations to those that have been out, easily doubling the numbers Gerry had last year. With their success in 2022, the future is looking bright!
Hats off to: Brodie Pennie, Xavi Mara, Mackenzie Green, Alan and Matthew Wilkin, Ava Corbiere, Maddy Keller, T.J. Green, Maren Kasunich, Morgan Green, Wyatt Williamson-Wright, Delaney Bridgeman, Isaac Quackenbush, Aaven Endralin, Aaron Townsend, Fia Flannigan, Autumn Davy, Emery Watson, Bazi Mara and Maya Balfe!
Manitoulin Mountain Biking
alive and well!
The McLeans’ 6 hour Relay on Saturday on a great day with 42 riders! The winning team did 16 of the six km, often technical, laps. Jim Duff, Paul Gaunette and Charlie Reid. The fastest lap by a male rider would not surprise many; Alex Anstice in 17:57! The fastest female rider was Jess Lonsdale in 24:31. Nathan Quackenbush and Bradley Slaght both rode the whole six hour event solo, completing 9 laps each. The fastest, U17 male lap was clocked by Josh Rioux and fastest U17 female lap was by Rachel Quackenbush.
Congratulations to all participants and volunteers and those that were both! For complete results check out the Breakaway website: www.breakawaymanitoulin.ca/events.
