Jr. Hockey Action
By Larry Moko
The LIUNA 4 Ice Centre has become a beehive of activity for Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic junior high school hockey.
Throughout this month the league's six teams -- St. Jean de Brébeuf Braves, St. Thomas More Knights, Bishop Tonnos Titans, St. John Henry Newman Cardinals, Bishop Ryan Celtics and St. Mary Crusaders -- have all faced each other simultaneously on the arena's four ice pads.
And leading the standings with records of 4-0 after games of April 7, 8, 9 and 13 are Newman and St. Mary.
"The boys are buzzin'," Crusaders defenceman Evan Cook said after St. Mary defeated Tonnos 3-1 on Monday.
Cook's point shot on the powerplay found the net in the first period after C. J. Mendola of the Titans opened the scoring. Other Crusader goals in the second and third were shared by Owen Tilley and Cole Robertson.
"We're getting shots to the net and we've got two good goalies," Cook added. "We're going to win it all ... maybe."
The league for Grade 9 and 10 players was formed five years ago. Bishop Ryan is the defending two-time champion after earlier title victories by Tonnos and More.
All teams qualify for playoffs, with the top two finishers receiving an opening-round bye. Quarter-finals begin April 22, followed by semifinals on April 27 and the championship game on April 30.
"We have a lot of great athletes on our team this year," Tonnos coach Alyssa Berardocco said. "Their attitude is impressive every time they step on to the ice."
After winning its first two starts, BT dropped its next two.
"We haven't been able to finish the way we wanted in the last two games, but we've gelled really well," the Tonnos coach said. "It's been great to see the team dynamic come together.
"Today (against St. Mary) we spent a lot of time in the box in the third period, so that really hurt us. It was tough to come back from that."
Berardocco said the junior league gives players who didn't try out for varsity a chance to represent their school and play in a competitive league.
"It's a fun league," Celtics coach Justin Cannon said after BR downed More 12-0 Monday. "The kids all know each other."
With that result, the Celtics evened their record at 2-2.
"It's going to be a tough year to come out of," Cannon added. "We're pretty good but St. Mary, Tonnos and Newman are excellent."
Dante Iannitelli, Nolan Darch, Owen Snider, Alexandru Marica, Ethan Zivanovich (2), Jake Debski, Henry Barrett, Brock Mascioli, Lucas Milton, Austin Black and Ethan Boyd connected for BR against the Knights.
"There are quite a few strong players from each of these teams," Berardocco said. "I wouldn't be surprised to see some of them go in the draft."
This year's OHL Priority Selections are scheduled for June 12-13 in Kingston.
Photos by R.F. (Bob) Butrym, RFB Sport Photography and Richard Andoga
More photos on HWCDSB Athletics Facebook page
