So close for U15 AA Hounds
Representing the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, the Soo Under 15 AA Jr. Greyhounds left a lasting impression at the recent Ontario Hockey Federation championship tournament that was held in Oakville.
The surge began for the U15 AA Hounds at the NOHA Tournament of Champions in North Bay. Going in as the no. 2 seed, the Soo squad upended the no. 1 seed Nickel City Sons in the title tilt to advance to the OHF championship event along with representatives from Alliance Hockey, the Greater Toronto Hockey League and the Ontario Minor Hockey Association.
At the OHF play downs in Oakville, the Jr. Hounds finished the round robin with a 2-2 record to advance to the semi finals against the Oakville Rangers. It was in that match that the Soo took Oakville all the way to a fourth overtime period before winning it in stunning fashion to advance to the championship game against top rated Vaughan Panthers. Despite having just played seven periods of hockey earlier in the day, the Jr. Hounds dug deep and took the undefeated Panthers to overtime before finally losing — but going home to Sault Ste. Marie with hard earned silver medals.
It was the effort of the Jr. Hounds that stood out to head coach Mike Fera.
“All year we preached to the guys the importance of being the hardest workers on the ice, no matter the circumstance,” relayed Fera, “and they did just that. It is a huge feat just to make it to the OHFs but to make some noise and push a top team in the championship game is something to really be proud of, especially after a semi final game like the one we had.”
As Fera is the head coach of the U15 AA Hounds, his staff of assistants includes Jason Borrelli, John Bossio and Ken Belanger.
Great performance. Made the Soo proud