LITTLE CURRENT—Fans of Manitoulin Secondary School hockey rejoice! The Mustang men are back in action for another hockey season (4 and 1 in the exhibition season) with their season home opener this Friday, November 7 at 7 pm at the Little Current recreation centre.
“We’re of to a really good start,” said proud coach Brad Bond.
“We’ve got three young defenseman in Grade 10 who have come aboard, Parker Dickinson, Mason Pine and Braedan Case, as well as our two returning veterans Tyson Francis and Brett Varey,” he added. Rounding out the defense squad is Dillon Francis, brother of Tyson.
Both goalies are returning to the team too, Jordan Cristo and Jayden Windell, as are five of the nine forwards, Tyler King, Jacob Moreau, Cole Lentir, Justice Corbiere and Matt Craig. New wingers to the Mustangs are Hunter Abotossaway, Nathan Hovingh, Jamie Millette and William Lovelace.
“Everyone’s contributing to the score sheet—all three lines are scoring goals,” Mr. Bond said.
“I think we have more depth this year than we’ve had in a long time,” he added. “I see good things ahead, I definitely see us in the top half. It’s going to be very reachable to see the top.”
“We had some tough cuts to make,” Mr. Bond admits. The coaching staff this year again consists of Nick Head-Petersen, Jordan Smith and trainer Jeffrey Panamick.
There are 11 teams in the Sudbury District league this year with only four home games until Christmas, so Coach Bond is encouraging the Island community to come out and cheer on their boys in black and gold.
This Friday the Mustangs face off against the Espanola Spartans, a team they beat handily by a score of 7-4 in an exhibition match—hopefully a precursor of things to come.
The cost of admission at the door is $5 for adults and $2 for students.
The Mustangs will also be battling St. Charles on Friday, November 21, Lo-Ellen on Friday, November 28 and Confederation on Friday, December 12, all Little Current face-offs.
