Four Jr. Hounds to Soo Indians
Make that four local lads who suited up for the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League in 2022-2023 that have opted to sign with the Soo Indians of the Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
Mike Kaunisto, who is the general manager of the Michigan-based Indians, has confirmed the signing of goalie Nathan Maguire, defenseman Tyler Neveau and forwards Deven Jones McDonald and Carter Huckson to Hockey News North. All four players have 2007 birth dates.
• Maguire, who had a 1.69 goals against average and four shutouts for the Great North regular season champion U18 Jr. Greyhounds in ’22-23, was a seventh round pick of the Flint Firebirds at the recent Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft.
• Neveau had two goals, five assists, seven points in 17 regular season games for the U18 Jr. Greyhounds in ’22-23 and followed that up with five assists in five playoff outings from his defense post.
• A hulking forward at 6-foot-1, 180 pounds, Jones McDonald was picked by the Oshawa Generals in the 11th round of the recent OHL priority selections draft. Regular season and playoffs included for the U18 Jr. Greyhounds in 2022-2023, Jones McDonald had 16 goals, 15 assists, 31 points.
• A hard-working forward, Huckson came through with six goals, nine assists, 15 points in 28 regular season games for the U18 Jr. Greyhounds in ’22-23 and then clicked for a goal and an assist in five playoff matches.
The foursome is poised to join an Indians team that features a pair of fellow Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario residents on its staff — assistant coach Jerry Lortie and goalie coach Terry Barbeau.
John Ferroni is the head coach of the Indians.