Sticking together
The Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, along with Sherwood Hockey, has teamed up to support an under 18 hockey team in need.
North Bay U18 Trappers of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League are picking up the pieces after the players lost their belongings when a bus fire occurred on their way home from a recent game in Kapuskasing. Thankfully, no one was injured but the bus was completely destroyed.
Since then, Michael Soule who is the director of sales at Sherwood Hockey, supported the decision to donate 40 sticks to the U18 Trappers.
“It was a horrifying accident, we’re just glad everyone was okay,” said Soule. “The NOJHL is one of our partners and when they approached us about the incident, it was important for us to get involved and help get the kids back on the ice as quickly as possible.”
NOJHL commissioner Rob Mazzuca said the league felt compelled to help the Trappers.
“Hockey is a family, and as such the NOJHL did not hesitate to do our part to assist,” offered Mazzuca.“Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident and we also commend our league partner Sherwood for stepping up to aid in re-equipping the Trappers.
“As many of these North Bay players are undoubtedly on their way to being future NOJHL’ers, we want them, and their families, to know we all stick together in times of need,” added Mazzuca.
U18 Trappers head coach Doug Sanders, who was credited for playing a part in helping get his players to safety off the bus, appreciates the kind gesture from the NOJHL and Sherwood.
“We are grateful for all the assistance and care we have received from everyone and we want to give thanks to the NOJHL and the Powassan Voodoos for supplying our players with Sherwood sticks to help get us back in action,” said Sanders, whose team had hockey gear replaced and paid for by the bus line as well as Skaters Source for Sports in North Bay.
“The Voodoos, led by their general manager Chris Dawson, have been extremely helpful and we just want to say thank you,” added Saunders.
Great story well done. 👍