Good news from the NOJHL
Following are just a few samplings from the many good news stories that are out there in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
JAKE THE EAGLE-EYED SNAKE
After going pointless through the first 8 games of the season, Soo Eagles forward Jake Palmerio has been lighting it up over the past 22 outings.
During the 22-game span, the energetic, 1997-birth year forward has 13 goals, 13 assists, 26 points.
A relentless skater who exerts maximum effort no matter the situation, Palmerio has already passed last season’s offensive totals when he produced 11 goals, 5 assists, 16 points in 44 games.
ON THE MARK IN BLIND RIVER
1998 birth-year forward Mark Bastianello has really picked up the scoring pace for the Blind River Beavers.
A first-year NOJHLer, Bastianello has 9 goals in his last 9 games for Blind River, which sits in third place in the West Division with 30 points from a record of 15-11-0.
For the season, Bastianello has 11 goals, 1 assist, 12 points in 26 games.
17 AND COUNTING IN POWASSAN
Is there any stopping the Powassan Voodoos?
Logic says the Voodoos will slow down at some point.
But in the meantime, the wild ride continues in Powassan.
Winners of 17 straight games, small-market Powassan has taken over first place in the 12-team NOJHL with 49 points from a record of 24-3-1.
WINNING GOALTENDERS
No less than three goalies are tied for the win lead with 14 victories apiece.
They are Nate McDonald of Powassan, Myles Hektor of Blind River and Brandon Gordon of the Soo Thunderbirds.
McDonald, who has a 1999 birth date and Hektor, who was born in 1998, are both rookies. Gordon, who has a 1997 birth date, is in his second season with the Thunderbirds.
PHOTO: Soo Eagles forward Jake Palmerio.
Keep up the great work, Jake! Great work ethic, great attitude, and leader in the locker room
Great work ethik ….. ….. leads by example!
Beaver fans are very proud of Mark, Myles, and the rest of the team.
Coaching staff and scouts have done an excellent job this year.
Everyone keep up the good work.
Good to see the Blind River Beavers in playoff contention.
The Powassan Voodoo are the best team I have seen for many years. Every line is strong, and their standout players do just that. When they come into the Northland I go out of my way to see them play the local teams. They are always welcome in the Igloo, the Eskis seem to step up to the plate and put out their best. We the fans revel in the display of passion and skill.
The affiliation with the Battalion probably helps Powassan because some of the Troops’ draft picks who are not quite ready for the O can be designated to develop a little more with the Voodoos. Former Powassan players like Steve Harland and Eric Allair have moved up and Harland in particular is having a good year.
Powassan also has not had one 1996 birth year player in their line up since Lemelin went down in game 7 of the season. The only team in the league with out one.
Youngest team I would assume.
They just picked up a 1996 defenceman that should be with them this up coming weekend.