The stage is set for a marquee matchup in Sault Ste. Marie high school hockey as the 2026 Sault Ste. Marie Boys’ High School Hockey League City Championship best-of-five series gets underway Tuesday, February 24th. The Korah Colts and St. Mary’s Knights return to the ice just one day removed from clinching their respective semi-final series victories on February 22nd, setting up a fast-paced and emotionally charged championship battle.
This city rivalry has already delivered plenty of storylines during the 2025–2026 regular season. St. Mary’s struck first, edging Korah 1–0 in the opening meeting of the year. From there, the Colts flipped the script in convincing fashion, winning the next four contests and outscoring the Knights 17–7 over that stretch. While the regular-season results favor Korah, championship hockey has a way of resetting expectations.
Colts coach Dustin Grondin told Saultsports that “I think we have become more connected as a team and more deliberate with our positioning. The goal is to be able to pass with our eyes closed so to speak. Meaning we ask players to play with landmarks away from the puck to help their team mates out. We’ve had a lot of injury and short benches for various reasons so I think the next few weeks are most important for our growth as we continue to chase our year end goals.”
Offensively, both teams are led by players who can change the game in an instant. For the Knights, Nathan Watts has been the driving force, pacing St. Mary’s with 18 goals, 18 assists, and 36 points. His ability to generate offense and lead in key moments will be crucial if the Knights are to counter Korah’s depth and scoring punch. On the Colts’ side, Koen Manchulenko has put together a dominant campaign, leading the league with 34 goals, 27 assists, and 61 points. His production has been central to Korah’s success and will be a focal point for the Knights’ defensive game plan.
Physical play could also play a role in determining the series. St. Mary’s forward Tyler Cady led his team with 82 penalty minutes, while Korah’s Donny Hernden finished the regular season with 29 minutes, reflecting a Colts team that has often relied on discipline and structure to control games.
Between the pipes, Korah enters the championship with impressive goaltending depth. Nick Pezzutto appeared in two games, allowing just two goals while posting a 1.00 goals-against average, two wins, and a shutout. Payton Melchiorre delivered an outstanding regular season, going 6–1 with a 1.01 goals-against average and three shutouts in 313 minutes of action. Will Franic added stability and experience with 10 appearances, eight wins, and a 2.00 goals-against average over 450 minutes.
St. Mary’s counters with a tandem that has logged significant ice time. Aaron Juma appeared in 12 games, recording seven wins, one shutout, and a 2.86 goals-against average. Riley Papi-Grant saw action in nine games, posting five wins, one tie, and a 3.39 goals-against average. Their ability to withstand Korah’s offensive pressure will be a key storyline throughout the series.
“This group has been there done that and bought the tshirt. We have some new bodies that have bought in and fit seamlessly with the returning group that had won last year. St Mary’s is a good team and continues to get better throughout the season. Juma is a wonderful goalie and they will bring everything they have to play us in the final. Lucas has done a great job with that group. We will need to focus on our own game and bring maximum effort and leave it all on the ice. Most of all, I hope the boys all take a moment to reflect on how special these moments are because we don’t get these times back. If we are having fun together, everything will be alright,” added Grondin.
With momentum from their semi-final victories, contrasting styles, and a city championship on the line, the Colts and Knights are poised to deliver a memorable best-of-five series. Game one on Tuesday marks the beginning of what promises to be a hard-fought battle for Sault Ste. Marie hockey supremacy in 2026.
