Minor Bantams have major league ranking

North Bay Thunder Minor Bantam AA's are becoming a force to be reckoned with not only in Northern Ontario but
throughout the entire province. Photo submitted.

The North Bay Minor Bantam AA's are trying to prove that minor hockey in this city is on an upswing.

The North Bay Toyota Thunder Minor Bantam AA hockey team
is currently ranked #4 in Ontario out of 92 teams. The rankings are listed on a hockey website called www.myhockeyrankings.com.

The team has won gold in the Mississauga North Star and Glenn Bellerby Memorial (Barrie) tournaments and silver in the West Ferris Early Bird, Humberview Huskies and Sudbury Silver Stick tournaments.

Along with the impressive tournament play - which saw the Thunder defeat the #1 rated team in the province - the Thunder is also dominating in the Nickel District Hockey League with a nearly perfect record of 19 wins, 1 loss and 0 ties good for first place in league standings.

Head coach Mike Dinezza is surprised with the impressive play because many of the players had never played together before.

"The players have bought into the coaching system and consistently display skill, determination, grit and team work," said Dinezza.

"To be ranked this high in all of Ontario is a great accomplishment for these players."

The Thunder's success also bodes well for the North Bay Bantam AAA Blades - a much improved club that will benefit next season when many of the Thunder players move up to play their first season of AAA hockey.

Team members: Ray Major, Gabriel Rancourt, Darren Palmer, Mike Mason, Tait Seguin, Ryley Valade, Brad Cauchy, Josh Storie, Nick MacMillan, Derek Dinezza, Dylan Staples, Zach Deschenes, Garrett Hatherley, Dustin Hummel, Addison Robidas and Ricky Guay.

Team Staff: Mike Dinezza, Bill Hummel, Ron Major
Dan Owca and Sheila Dinezza.