Milestone experience for local player!
Kohyn Eshkawkogan can add ‘played for National team in International Tournament’ on his list of accomplishments. He can also add, first international points after picking up a couple of assists in the brief tournament. Kohyn competed in the U-17 World Hockey Challenge this past week in Sarnia. His squad, Team Red had a great tournament and made it to the final game against the other Canadian team: White but lost to the other home team 3 to 1.
The fact that this game, played on prime time on National television was another unique experience for the lad. Many more of his growing number of fans could see Kohyn’s smart, heads-up and smooth skating presence on the ice. He played a regular shift and had a confidence in high pressure situations that belied his age of only 15!
Kohyn will now rejoin his OHL’s Ottawa 67’s who will have played already, today! I double-checked and it is called a ‘school-day’ game at the Canadian Tire Center. Kohyn and the 67’s have a home game against the Kingston Frontenacs at 10:30 am!
University Athletes abound!
The Manitoulin Secondary Mustangs have had some impressive results over the last several years, so it goes that there are several Island athletes making a difference to their post-secondary institutions right now. Here is a quick peak into a few of our collegiate athletes. I would love to make sure I get everybody. If you have one to add please let me know so they can also be recognized. It takes a special talent to coordinate studies and sports. chipstoquips@gmail.com
Brodie Pennie has been running at an elite level since his elementary school days, and he still is! With a great work-ethic, Brodie has maintained his level of success as a rookie for the University of New Brunswick Reds cross-country team. The Reds sought out Brodie and he has proven them right! As a rookie he helped his team to earn a berth in the U-Sports University Championships in Vernon, B.C.! In his race, Brodie was the 7th rookie, placing 69th overall placing the Reds in fifth overall!
Mackenzie Green was the Rookie, rock of her Nipissing University Lakers Cross-Country team. She was often the anchor runner for the blue and gold, Lakers finishing in 14th place at the OUA Championships.
Alan Wilkin and T.J. Green both ran for the Laurentian Voyageurs cross country squad and helped the Vees claim 11th place in the team aggregate ratings!
Annie Balfe is a rookie for Western University’s varsity basketball team. Annie was always a very fast, determined and intense athlete so it not a huge surprise that she has 12 steals in just six games thus far! She also 28 points total, for a nearly five-points-per-game average and plays around 20 minutes per game!
Brooke Gibeault just happens to be a cousin to Annie and Brodie yet she excels at yet another sport: rowing. Brooke rowed for the competitive, Western Mustangs in the double sculls. This year, Western was the host for the OUA Championships and finished 2nd overall and then 4th at the Canadian Championships!
Panther Points!
Many thanks to Panther promoter Krista MacNeil who was able to get us a quick synopsis of the three Panther teams as well as their rosters. Know a Panther? Cheer them on.
The 2024/25 U13 Panthers are continuing to develop and are seeing great progress since they began this fall. The majority of these players are new to Rep level hockey this year and, under the direction of Head Coach Donald Wassegijig, are making noticeable gains. They are: Adrian Maingowi, Aiden Corbiere, Bently Mailloux, Boston Abotossaway, Bray Wassegijig, Brody King, Drew Debassige, Harlen Shigwadja, Jacen Simon, Jaxyn Duguay, Lynndra Madahbee-Peltier, Mathew Debassige, Maximus Panamick, Oliver Wilding, Parker Polden-Woodley, Tate Abotossaway and Tomas Naokwegijig.
The U15 Panthers have been off to a strong start this 2024/25 season, with a record of 9 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties. Head Coach Scott Stephens’ roster features: Adrian Bois, Alex Bourcier, Alexeii Pelletier, Brayden Armstrong, Bryden Romaniuk, Casey Bowerman, Cohen Rajotte, Collin Goodfellow, Colten Martin, Kobe Mayers, Max McLeod, Ozhaawashko Migwans, Liam Stephens, Roen Deschenes, Ryan Carter, Sean Simon, Sierra Elliott and Spencer Cortes.
The Panthers U18 team represents Manitoulin in the Northern Ontario Womens Hockey League in the OWHA. This is their second year as a team under the Manitoulin Panthers Association. This year, Ryan Prior has coached the girls to victories in Timmins and Kapaskasing, with plans for many weekends travelling throughout their northern loop. The Lady Panthers are excited to be organizing their first home-ice Super Weekend on January 10-12th, where they will welcome teams from all over the North. The 2024/25 Manitoulin Lady Panthers are: Ava Corbiere, Brinley Watson, Brynn Best, Carlynn Simon, Charmaine Webkamigad, Ciera Sokoloski, Emery Watson, Hope Eshkibok, Kara Atchitawens, Kayla Lockeyer, Lourdes Taukei, Megan Roszell, Niomi Tomaselli, Payton Kaboni, Tesa McGillis-Prior, Zaagaasge Toulouse and Zahara Dube.
Go Panthers!
