Panther points!
The U18 Panther girls, after enjoying a well-deserved break for the holidays travelled to North Bay on Saturday January 6th for a pair of exhibition games against the North Bay junior Lakers B squad. Coach, Scot Hughson had mentioned earlier this will be the team they will be facing off against in February to see who will represent our region at the OWHA Provincial championships this April.
Inspired by Coach Sonya Gibbs-Stencill’s Gold medal that she brought for them to see from her provincial championship as a member of the North Bay Ice Boltz, (now the Junior Lakers), the girls came out firing in the first game. The Jr. Lakers opened the scoring, capitalizing on a great 2 on 1 in the first. It was a very well-played game by both teams and this newly developing rivalry is living up to the hype! They continued to battle hard and managed to tie the game at 1 on a goal by Gracie Gibson. The action was back and forth but neither team was able to break the tie and the game ended at 1-1. It was their second game against the North Bay team and the second tie. The first being a score of 2-2.
After a short rest to get the tanks refueled with fruit and veggies the stage was set for game number two. The action picked up right where it left off as both teams continued with a very physical and fast paced game. This time though it was Shaye Ominika who opened the scoring for the Lady Panthers picking up the rebound and burying it in the Lakers goal.
The score remained 1-0 until late in the third when the Lakers finally were able to capitalize tying the game at ones. Coach Scot relayed that with them being limited to only two lines from their regular roster of three plus the speed and physicality of the games played the Lakers were able to take advantage of the situation scoring late in the third to go ahead 2-1. They continued to battle right until the last faceoff that saw them with a great scoring chance but the final remained 2-1 for the Lakers.
“It was a great day of hockey, Scot said, “and I heard many comments from family and fans at how well our girls played. Myself, Coach Al Laginski, Coach Sonya and our trainer Marcie Hughson were very proud of the way the team played. Great job girls!”
Their next action will be in Collingwood when they travel to take part in the Thundersnow Classic from January 19-21. With the way they played this weekend and their bench finally returning to full strength Coach is looking forward to the competition.
Assiginack Public School is hosting a hockey tournament on Monday, January 29th from 8 am – 6 pm. They are looking for teams as well as the necessary volunteers to officiate games and to be time-keepers. Assiginack first started elementary school hockey last year. It took a bit of work to start but with the help of many parent volunteers and community partners, they were able to get their team going. The school thanks the Southeast Lion’s Club for buying their jerseys and to the township for the ice-time rates and other help!
Becky Stewart stepped up as head coach. Janet McCarville, Laura Hagman, Dawn Roque and Janet McComb also helped on the bench. Last year, they participated in three tournaments, in Espanola and Sudbury. Coach Stewart says that although they didn’t place well, the kids loved it. With that kind of enthusiasm they thought we would do it again this year and host their own tournament.
It will take place on Monday, January 9th (they have also booked a snow-day date is Thursday February 1st) at the Manitowaning Arena. It is a one day tournament from 8 am until 6 pm. We have 6 teams entered. Most island schools are bringing a team as well as Espanola. They are excited to see how it goes and look forward to hopefully making it an annual event! Please contact Becky Stewart at Stewarb@rainbowschools.ca if you are interested.
3 on 3 Registrations to open!
The Manitoulin 3 on 3 Tournament will set for March 28th to the 31st. The annual event is held by the Mindemoya Thunder, minor hockey association as their annual tourney is played at the Little Current Arena. Registrations open on January 15th. They are accepting teams in the U9, U11, U13, U15 and the U18 classes. Check out their Facebook post under Manitoulin 3 on 3 Tournament.
MMA classes in Wiky!
The Waasa Naabin Youth Centre in Wiikwemkoong is once again offering a unique opportunity for youth and adults. The Centre is offering kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu classes for eight weeks starting January 13th. Now, the Centre is doing such a good job with the youth, there are no spaces left for them but there are openings for 18-plus hopefuls! If you are interested contact Sheena at sheenawassegijig@wikyhealth.ca.
Central activities
Central Manitoulin Township is currently offering yoga weekly on Tuesdays at 2 pm and Wednesdays at 6:15 pm at the Spring Bay Hall for $10 a session.
There will also be Monday night line-dancing starting January 22nd from 6 to 9 pm at the Mindemoya hall. All experience levels are welcome. The cost is $10 per class. For more information regarding line dancing, contact Joe and Beth Arnold at joebeth.arnold@gmail.com.
