The Algoma Thunderbirds men’s basketball program is just 39 days away from opening the 2025 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) regular season. The Thunderbirds tip things off at home on the weekend of October 24–25 when they host the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks at the George Leach Centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Before the regular season begins, Algoma will test themselves in a busy exhibition schedule. The Thunderbirds head to Sudbury on September 27 for an early matchup against the Laurentian Voyageurs, before taking part in a three-game tournament in North Bay from October 3–5 hosted by the Nipissing Lakers. Algoma will square off against Nipissing (Oct. 3), the Georgian Grizzlies (Oct. 4), and the Sheridan Bruins (Oct. 5).
The team will then travel west for a challenging preseason road trip in Winnipeg from October 16–19. That stretch includes games against the Brandon Bobcats (Oct. 16), Manitoba Bisons (Oct. 17), and Winnipeg Wesmen (Oct. 18).
Head coach Ryan Vetrie, entering his third season at the helm, says the team has added talent and depth with a pair of new recruits to watch: Oliver Kristoffersen of Naestved, Denmark, and Shalom Anyikwa from Kitchener, Ontario. Oliver brings more size at the point guard position. He has true point guard abilities. He has the ability to spread the defense out with his passing abilities and he can shoot the three pointer. He also has a high basketball IQ and leadership qualities while Shalom is a very athletic and hard working guard. His strengths are being able to attack the rim and run out in transition. He is physically ready for the OUA and defensively he will be very versatile for us when guarding opponents. He has a high sealing and we look forward to helping him reach it.
Two returnees that the Thunderbird fans will want to watch are Kal-el Alejo (Winnipeg, MB) and Jean Luc Cubahiro: Gatineau, QC. Kal-el is a very versatile guard who is able to create his own shot along with spotting up for the three. We will rely on him to be consistent throughout the season both offensively and defensively. He will be our leader this year and he will have a breakout year. Jean Luc is a very versatile defender who will fits into the style we are looking to play. He is going into his second year and has made tremendous strides with his overall game and we look forward to his contribution this year.
Vetrie told Saultsports that “everyone can expect this group to compete. There will be lots of intensity and energy and we will look to play a faster paced game than we have in the past.” As a group we have a lot of work to do and with a new group we will have to attack and look to improve everyday as we continue to get better. I believe this group will come together and compete. During our pre-season the focus will be mainly on defense. We will work to establish a defensive foundation and grow from there.”
The Algoma Thunderbird men’s roster will include Kal-el Alejo, Jean-Luc Cubahiro, Tyson Francisco, Christian Uduimoh, Patrick Mpoyi, Oliver Kristoffersen, Albin Rosenlund, Shalom Anyikwa, Chance Beaudoin-Skerrit, Elijah Quissua, Christopher Augustine, Mattias Teklu, Nelson Ngameni, Elliot Caron, Biong Deng, Chris Akavak, Logan Whitmell, and Oskar Guziak.
With a balance of promising new faces and determined returnees, the Thunderbirds are looking to make noise in the OUA this season. The countdown to tip-off is officially on.
