Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Soo U18 Greyhounds bounced back in a big way on Friday, March 13th, edging the New Liskeard Cubs 2–1 in their final round robin matchup of the GNU18HL Playoff Tournament in New Liskeard. Coming off a tough 5–3 loss to the North Bay U18 Trappers the previous day, the Greyhounds improved their tournament record to 3–1, while the Cubs fell to 1–2 after entering the contest fresh off a 2–1 win over the Sudbury U18 Wolves.
The opening period featured tight defensive play from both teams, with neither side able to solve the opposing goaltenders. Soo netminder Gavin Zuccato and Cubs goaltender Morgan Hyndman each turned aside every shot they faced in the frame, sending the game to the intermission scoreless.
New Liskeard finally broke the deadlock midway through the second period. At 8:15, Kyle Cloutier scored his second goal of the postseason to give the Cubs a 1–0 lead. The play was set up by Emerik Bray and Ethan Roy, who earned the assists on the opening marker.
The Greyhounds responded quickly in the third period. Just 15 seconds into the frame, Jacob Vincent buried his first goal of the postseason, tying the game at 1–1. Vincent’s equalizer came off a well-executed rush with assists credited to Espen Escasa and Finlay Escasa.
With the game still deadlocked late in regulation, the Greyhounds’ top scorer stepped up. At 16:58, 2026 regular season scoring champion Espen Escasa fired home his third goal of the postseason, giving Soo a 2–1 lead they would not relinquish. Nico Bossio and Finlay Escasa picked up the assists on the game-winning goal.
Zuccato held strong the rest of the way, shutting the door on any late Cubs chances to secure the victory for the Greyhounds.
With the win, the Soo U18 Greyhounds conclude their round robin schedule and now await their next opponent as the tournament moves into the playoff portion. Their semifinal matchup on Saturday, March 14th in New Liskeard will depend on the results of the remaining round robin games. Puck drop for the Greyhounds’ next contest is expected to be either 11:00 a.m or 2:00 p.m.
