North Bay Minor Bantams reach Major Bantam final

The North Bay Toyota Thunder Minor Bantam "AA" Team made
it to the Championship game this past weekend playing in the Major Bantam "AA" Division in the West Ferris Early Bird Tournament.

With no teams entered in the minor division, the coaching staff felt the players would be challenged playing up a level. The players rose to the challenge and played their best hockey to date. The first game was a feeling out process as they played Ottawa's Eastern Ontario "AA" Cobras. The Cobras defeated the Thunder by a 6-3 score. Goal scorers for North Bay were Mike Mason, Brad Cauchy and Gabriel Rancourt.

Having to bring their game up a level, the locals then defeated the Timmins "AA" Royal Tire Wolves by a 5-1 score. Finding the back of the net were Gabriel Rancourt, Zach Deschenes, Darren Palmer, Tait Seguin and Mike Mason.

Next on the list was Sault Ste. Marie S & T Lightning. Once again the Thunder came out on top with a 5-2
victory. Josh Storie had two goals with singles going to Gabriel Rancourt, Brad Cauchy, and Dylan Staples. Having finished in third place out of seven teams in the round robin, the semi final game once again featured North Bay Toyota vs. the previously undefeated Eastern Ontario Cobras.

This game was a nailbiter from start to finish with no team leading by more than one goal. The game was tied 2-2 at the end of regulation time. Overtime decided this one when Josh Storie made good on his chance in front of the net and buried the winner sending the Thunder to the Championship Game. North Bay's other goals came off the
sticks of Dylan Staples and Tait Seguin. Temiskaming Shores Puckhounds had reached the finals by outscoring the opposition 20-1.

The Puckhounds held a 2-0 lead for the longest time before the Thunder notched their first goal on a solo effort from Dylan Staples. That`s as close as they would come with Temiskaming Shores adding two more to claim a 4-1 victory. Strong goaltending throughout the tournament was provided by Dustin Hummel and Ricky Guay. The coaching staff was extremely proud of the work ethic displayed by all the players and look forward to their next tournament in Mississauga in mid November.

Other team members include: Raymond Major, Derek Dinezza, Ryley Valade, Garrett Hatherley, Nick Macmillan and Addison Robidas.

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

Submitted to BayToday.ca