In their third and final round robin game at the 2026 OFSAA Boys “AA/A” Hockey Championships in Belleville, the eighth-seeded Korah Colts (1-1) faced a must-win situation against the second-seeded Sydenham Golden Eagles (2-0) on Wednesday, March 25th. Despite a determined effort, the Colts fell 4–2, bringing their 2025–2026 season to a close.

Sydenham opened the scoring early in the first period, as Jack Craig netted his first goal of the championships at 2:17 with an unassisted effort to make it 1–0. In the dying seconds of the period, the Golden Eagles capitalized on the power play, with Shane Kennedy scoring his first of the tournament at 0:02, assisted by Drake Thomas and Hudson Groenewegen, giving Sydenham a 2–0 lead heading into the intermission.

The Colts responded in the second period, cutting the deficit to one at 13:55 when Maxim Battocchio scored his third goal of the championships, with Koen Manchulenko picking up the assist. However, Sydenham regained their two-goal cushion late in the frame, as Eric Gilmour scored unassisted at 1:49 to make it 3–1.

Korah continued to battle in the third period, pulling within one again at 8:55 as Koen Manchulenko scored his second of the championships, assisted by Tyler Lang. Despite pushing for the equalizer, the Colts were unable to break through, and Sydenham sealed the game with an empty-net goal from Koltyn Garrah—his second of the tournament—at 1:10, unassisted.

In goal, Payton Melchiorre made key saves for the Colts, while Zakk Ottenhof stood strong for the Golden Eagles.

With the loss, the Korah Colts—2026 Sault Ste. Marie Boys High School League regular season champions and NOSSA ‘AA’ champions—see their season come to an end. The team showcased tremendous effort and growth throughout the year.

The 2025–2026 Korah Colts roster featured Kaidyn Beaird (Grade 11), Martino Coccimiglio (Grade 10), Will Pusch (Grade 11), and Will Franic (Grade 11). Graduating Grade 13 players include Donny Hernden, Preston Miller, Tyler Neveau, and Deago Campagna. Grade 12 players included Tyler Lang, Gavin Avery, Bodie Belair, Ryan Johnson, Hayden Joseph, Jackson Burrows, Koen Manchulenko, Max Battacchio, and Payton Melchiorre.

Behind the bench, the Colts were led by Head Coach Dustin Grondin, along with Assistant Coaches Jason DeLuca, Jason Lang, and Aaron Savage, while Louie Couglietta served as team trainer.

Although their championship run has come to an end, the Colts leave the tournament with pride after a strong and memorable season.

Korah coach Dustin Grondin told Saultsports “we played a really good Sydenham team and we played fairly well for long stretches of the game. A couple unlucky bounces and that was the story. It was our best game of the tournament and we just happened to come up short. As a coach, I couldn’t ask for a better effort than what the boys gave today. I’m so very proud of the players and people that they are. This team has never blinked when staring down the barrel all year long. It’s a resiliency and self belief that is such special trait to have and it will serve them well wherever they go. This group will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Last words for the season from coach Grondin:
“Thank you to our fellow coaches in Sault Ste Marie for making High School Hockey an amazing experience. Your hard work and dedication is invaluable and you’ve shaped so many young players lives in so many ways. Thank you to my fellow coaches; Jason Lang, Jason Deluca, Aaron Savage and of course Sweet Lou Couglietta. We’ve been on the ride of a lifetime together and I’m so proud to have stood by your side through it all. Your support has meant the world to me.”

“Thank you to my boys who have given me so many great memories. It’s been an absolute privilege to watch you all grow into fine young men. You are all exceptional in so many ways, on and off the ice. Continue working hard and persevering, whatever life throws your way. The end only hurts if it was worth it, and this was certainly worth it. I hope you all look back on our time together fondly and remember the wins, losses, laughs and tears. We’ve been to battle together 100 times and I’d do it 100 times over with you in a heartbeat. I love you guys.”