MANITOULIN—The Manitoulin Panthers Under 13 (U13) hockey team won the Soo Peewee Extravaganza tournament earlier this month in Sault Ste. Marie.
“We sure did; this was our team’s third tournament gold medal this season,” stated Scott Stephens, head coach of the Panthers team. He pointed out this is only the second time a Panthers team has won this tournament.
Mr. Stephens explained the Panthers won six straight games on their way to the championship. After defeating LBMX Storm Wolves (the top ranked team in the tournament) 3-1 they defeated Floreani Orthodontics and Reyco Predators in the next two games with identical 2-1 scores. After shutting out Bobcat Trail 3-0, the Panthers crushed the Reyco Panthers in the semi-final by a 12-1 score. “We were very disciplined in this game, while the other team had about 20-24 minutes in penalties. We scored on every power play we had in this game.”
In the finals, Manitoulin defeated Floreani Orthodontics in a 1-0 shutout.
Mr. Stephens noted the team’s goaltending has been outstanding all season and was again in this tournament. Brynn Best and Liam Stephens split the goaltending assignments, each playing three games. “Brynn and Liam combined for a tournament-leading four goals against and two shutouts in six games played.”
“Our defence continually shut down any offence created by the other teams,” said Mr. Stephens.
Mr. Stephens pointed out Sean Simon scored his first hat-trick and earned a most valuable player award in one of the games. “Sean played really well this weekend.”
“Alex Bourcier came up clutch with two goals and an assist in the 3-0 shutout over the Bobcat Trail team,” said Mr. Stephens.
“This team showed extreme discipline and was rewarded with plenty of power-play opportunities,” continued Mr. Stephens. “Scoring came from multiple players on the team, with our offence generating 23 goals to help us remain undefeated throughout the tournament.”
Bryden Romaniuk scored the game-winner in the championship 1-0 game.
Members of the Panthers team include head coach Scott Stephens, assistant coaches Nelson Deschenes, Clayton Best, Troy Chatwell, manager Dana Rancourt and trainers Krista McNeil and Roxanne Romaniuk. Goalies are Liam Stephens and Brynn Best while players include Roen Deschenes, Ryan Carter, Spencer Cortes, Trinity Cheechoo, Memphis Shawanda, Jaxsin Chatwell, Alex Bourcier, Max King, Lincoln Rancourt, Cohen Rajotte, Sean Simon, Bryden Romaniuk, Kobe Meyers and Carter Morrell.
The Panthers have won 27 games in the regular season, with seven losses and two ties. The team will be taking part in a playoff tournament March 3-5 in Sudbury.
