A first for French River
At last, there is cause for celebration on the French River. For the first time in their Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League history, the French River Rapids will be a part of the playoff picture.
With a record of 19-18-1 and with 10 games to play in the regular season, French River — which is in fourth place in the East Division — has officially clinched a playoff spot.
The Rapids entered the NOJHL as an expansion team in 2015 and won only two of 54 games in their debut season. In fact, before the current 2021-2022 campaign, the most wins French River ever had was 14, which was during the 2018-2019 season.
Paul Frustaglio, who is the president, general manager and coach of the Rapids, is the third operator in French River’s history. And Frustaglio was quick to give thanks when contacted by Hockey News North.
“We did it,” exclaimed Frustaglio. “Many thanks to all of our players, their families, our outstanding volunteers, our billet families, our amazing sponsors, the tremendous fans in French River and to our hard working staff who never stop giving all their time and dedication to this team.”