More power to Powassan
They are celebrating in Powassan, a small-market town of champions. A franchise in only its third season of existence, the Powassan Voodoos are the best of what the 12-team Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League has to offer.
First came the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
Then it was the Timmins Rock.
And then came another team representing another town with a population of about 3,500, the West Division champion Blind River Beavers.
All met the same result at the hands of these Voodoos — a best-of-seven, playoff sweep.
Twelve straight wins in the playoffs. A perfect 12-0 record.
Ordinary teams don’t win 12 straight games against good teams.
Clearly, Powassan is no ordinary team. In fact, Powassan is no longer just another town of close proximity to North Bay.
From owner Jim Bruce to general manager Chris Dawson to head coach Scott Wray on down, this represents the pride of Powassan — a championship to be celebrated by their fans and followers, including Mayor Peter McIsaac.
We give kudos to Blind River and its Beavers for their best season in an NOJHL history that began in 1999.
Just as we salute the power of Powassan.
Being a long time Beavers fan and past volunteer, I didn’t want to say that Powassan would sweep us. Statistically though, the proof was in the pudding. However, I had hoped BR would get a win at home. They played great and should be proud of their best season in franchise history. Well written article Randy, congratulations to the Voodoos!
Randy, well done.
Cheers to you!!
Good to see the progression in Blind River.
Congrats to the Voodoos!!!
You will see most of the time Junior A teams that get this far are loaded with 20-year olds. Some of them will sign the maximum 9 allowed. Powassan has a grand total of ….one…and he was signed mid-season. Amazing.
I am very proud of the Beavers for playing an outstanding year….they brought the people back to the arena, hockey was discussed again in the coffee shops and everybody was pleased……as in all sports, one team will win and one will lose
2016-17 was indeed The Year of the Beaver!
Congratulations have to go to the Voodoos as well, what a year they had….now the teams start getting ready for 2017-18 after a summer break….enjoy everyone, you earned it.
Powassan is going up against Georgetown and Trenton in the DHC. It would be a miracle if the Voodoos won the tournament and advanced to the RBC.
Powassan is having a great playoff run, 12-0 is nothing to sneeze at, but with them having to play 2 OJHL teams, their hands will be tied. I agree with you Ryan, but in a short tourney like this, anything can happen. They have to bring their “A” game to be successful. If the Soo Thunderbirds can win the Dudley, we have a chance also.
In Comparison, Dryden will have 9 players that are 20 year olds.
This will be the 15th year of the current format for the DHC. The league breakdown for championships are:
OJHL 10 times
NOJHL 2 times
SIJHL 2 times
Way to go Powassan.
You worked hard all year to achieve this win.
Best of luck at the Dudley and on to the RBC
We know you will represent our league with pride.
Being snide here- but you could have let us win one(haha)
Best of luck to you all again.
No disrespect to powassan but I don’t see them standing a chance in the dud. The nojhl seemed weak in general this year where powassan came out stronger year round. I don’t think they would have this success in any other league including the gojhl
Powassan Voodoos (46-7-1-2) 95pts 1st overall in NOJHL
Defeated Kirkland Lake Gold Miners 4-0 in East Semi-Final
Defeated Timmins Rock 4-0 in East Final
Defeated Blind River Beavers 4-0 in NcNamara-Copeland Cup championship
First tournament appearance at Dudley-Hewitt Cup
Franchise date: 2014 as expansion team
Head Coach: Scott Wray
Team Colors: Black, Olive Green, Gold, White
Home Arena: Powassan Sportsplex
The Powassan Voodoos are entering only their third season in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Powassan finished 7th in 2014-15 with a 2-0 preliminary series win over the Mattawa Blackhawks. Powassan had a strong start in 2015-16, and finished 2nd behind the Soo Thunderbirds. However, the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners upset the Voodoos in 6 games in the first round.
Dryden Ice Dogs (45-7-4-0) 94pts 1st in SIJHL
Defeated Fort Frances Lakers 4-0 in Semi-Final
Defeated English River Miners 4-0 in Bill Salonen Cup championship
Fifth appearance at Dudley-Hewitt Cup
Franchise date: 2001 as expansion team (SIJHL debut)
Head Coach: Kurt Walston
Team Colors: Navy, Burgundy, Grey, and White
Home Arena: Dryden Memorial Arena
Dryden is gearing up to host the 2018 Dudley-Hewitt Cup. The Dryden Ice Dogs have never played in the tournament final. Interestingly, the SIJHL joined the CJHL in 2001, and the Dudley-Hewitt Cup was re-formatted into a round-robin, instead of a best-of-seven between the OJHL and NOJHL. The OJHL and NOJHL boycotted the tournament, but the SIJHL and the NOJHL worked out a deal to compete in a best-of-three series without the OJHL involved. In the end, the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats won that series over the Dryden Ice Dogs in 2 games.
Great info Ryan tks
I have Georgetown and Trenton coming up whenever that series gets decided.
Georgetown Raiders (45-5-2-2) 94pts 1st in OJHL
Defeated Burlington Cougars 4-1 in South-West Quarter-Finals
Defeated Toronto Jr. Canadians 4-0 in South-East Semi-Finals
Defeated Oakville Blades 4-2 in South-West Finals
Defeated Trenton Golden Hawks 4-3 in Buckland Cup championship
Second appearance at Dudley-Hewitt Cup
Franchise date: 1988 (formerly Georgetown Gemini from 1975-1988)
Head Coach: Greg Walters
Team Colors: Black, Red, and White
Home Arena: Gordon Alcott Arena
Georgetown will make it’s second appearance at the Dudley-Hewitt Cup. Georgetown hosted the tournament in 2005 and become only the 2nd team to win on home ice and earn a trip to Weyburn, SK to compete for the Royal Bank Cup, but lost 8-2 to the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks in the semi-finals.
Trenton Golden Hawks (49-9-2-1) 87pts 2nd in OJHL
Defeated Newmarket Hurricanes 4-2 in North-East Quarter-Final
Defeated Stouffville Spirit 4-0 in North-East Semi-Final
Defeated Cobourg Cougars 4-0 in North-East Final
Lost to Georgetown Raiders 4-3 in Buckland Cup championship
Second appearance at Dudley-Hewitt Cup
Franchise Date: 2009 (formerly the Port Hope Predators from 2001-2009)
Head Coach: Jerome Dupont
Team Colors: Black, Gold, White
Home Arena: Duncan Memorial Community Gardens
Trenton was awarded the 2017 Dudley-Hewitt Cup, as the Oakville Blades were only the other team to bid. Trenton is making their second-consecutive Dudley-Hewitt Cup and won the tournament last year over the reigning Soo Thunderbirds. Despite finishing first at the 2016 Royal Bank Cup with a 3-0-0-1 record, they were stunned by the hosts Lloydminster Bobcats 6-2 in the semi-finals. Notable, the 3rd and 4th place teams played in the championship game.
Never thought Dryden would win against Georgetown….