Soo Eagles like local lads
It makes sense in many ways for a Junior A hockey team to try to enlist local talent providing that the players in question are a capable fit. In the case of the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, they have six players from the Twin Soo area who make up a significant side to their roster.
They are Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. skaters Coulson Bell, Carter Huckson, Colton Huckson and Liam Watson and Michigan Sault area products Dominic Cicco and Dalton Hoornstra.
Bell, a 2007 birth year forward and Watson, a 2008 birth year defenseman, are both in their second season in the NOJHL with the Michigan based Eagles. Meanwhile, Carter Huckson, a 2007 birth year forward; Colton Huckson, a 2008 birth year defenseman; Cicco, a 2006 birth year forward; and Hoornstra, a 2008 birth year goalie, are all NOJHL rookies. All six players have junior hockey eligibility remaining after this season.
The ageless Bruno Bragagnolo, who has stood the test of time and is now in his 15th season as president, general manager, athletic trainer and chief cook and bottle washer of the Eagles, had plenty good to relay to Hockey News North about the aforementioned six pack of local area lads.
— On Coulson Bell: “He is a steadily improved player from last season who can play in all situations … he has worked his way into the lineup on a regular basis this year. Coulson works hard and represents the Eagles well on and off the Ice. He always volunteers for community events,” said Bragagnolo.
— On Liam Watson: “A second year veteran and (Ontario Hockey League) North Bay Battalion draft pick, he has recovered nicely from a serious shoulder injury while joining us late after clearance from the doctors. He is strong skating, very smart d-man who has helped us shore up our back end since his return. Simply put, he is a hard worker with a great attitude,” said Bragagnolo.
— On Carter Huckson: “First year forward who was an affiliate player for us last year … extremely hard worker both on and off the ice who has some untapped scoring ability … he cooks with a lot of energy and is a good teammate,” said Bragagnolo.
— On Colton Huckson: “Younger brother of Carter who was also an AP for us last season. He has played extremely well on the back end for us. He is a good, strong skater with quick feet and has offensive ability in his game. Just like his brother, he is a good team mate and a hard worker,” said Bragagnolo.
— On Dominic Cicco: “Dom is a local Sault, Michigan resident who was also an AP for us last season. He is another welcome addition to our team as Dom is an extremely hard worker with scoring ability who is very difficult to play against. He is great forechecker and penalty killer and is always willing to offer to help with community service events,” said Bragagnolo.
— On Dalton Hoornstra: “Another local product (from nearby Brimley), Dalton has developed into a really good goaltender for us as a rookie. He has a very calm demeanour and is very focused and technically sound. He has steadily improved all season and has posted good numbers for us. He has a boat load of potential and is hard worker on and off the ice,” said Bragagnolo.
SOARING EAGLES
A recent 7-4 home ice victory over their cross border rival Soo Thunderbirds before close to 800 fans at venerable Pullar Stadium has moved the soaring Soo Eagles to within a game of the .500 mark with a record of 18-19-3 with 12 games to go on the regular season slate. Notably, the Eagles started the ’25-26 season with a record of 0-8-1 which means they are 18-11-2 since. The seventh place Eagles are in firm position of a playoff spot within the 11 teams of the NOJHL. The top eight teams make the playoffs.