The Soo Jr. Greyhounds U16 AA team captured the Northern Ontario Hockey Association title over the weekend thanks to a thrilling overtime win in the final against one of the province's top teams.
The Jr. Greyhounds opened the tournament with a 3-2 win over the Copper Cliff Reds, who entered the tournament ranked fourth in the province.
The tournament-opening victory set the stage for an unbeaten run in the round robin that saw the team pick up wins over the Nickel City Cubs (5-2), Sudbury Jr. Wolves (4-1) and the North Bay Trappers (3-2) to grab top spot in the round robin standings.
In the semifinal, the Jr. Greyhounds beat the Jr. Wolves 6-2 while the Reds beat the Trappers 4-1 in the other semi.
In the final, the Reds struck first with both teams scoring in the middle stanza before the Jr. Greyhounds scored with 1:42 to go in regulation time to force the extra frame.
In the extra frame, Liam Clark battled down the wing, protected the puck under pressure, cut in front of the net and slid it past the goaltender to give the Jr. Hounds the NOHA title.
“A team with a largely new roster at the start of the season grew into a tight-knit group that thrived under pressure. These players faced many challenges along the way, but I believe they only made them stronger and closer,” said head coach Mike Fera.
“What this team accomplished wasn’t just about skill – it was about heart, resilience and belief. They trusted each other, bought into the process and faced every challenge head-on. That’s what makes this championship so special.
"To do this at home, in front of family and friends, was the cherry on top.”