Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
In a spirited Sault Ste. Marie High School Hockey League matchup on Thursday, November 20th, the first-place Superior Heights Steelhawks (5-0) held off a determined effort from the third-place St. Mary’s Knights (4-3), skating to a hard-fought tie at the John Rhodes Community Centre.
In the opening frame delivered offensive fireworks from both sides. Superior Heights struck first at 9:37, when Oliver Austin buried his seventh of the season on the power play, finishing a setup from Avery Fowler.
Just four minutes later, the Steelhawks extended their lead. At 5:42, Alex Hoffe netted his third of the campaign, assisted by Ty Cond and Drew Hankinson, giving Superior Heights an early 2–0 advantage.
But St. Mary’s had an answer—and his name was Hunter Jackson.
Jackson took over the remainder of the period, scoring back-to-back unassisted goals. His first came at 5:22, cutting the deficit to one, and his second at 1:07 evened the score heading into intermission. The Knights’ top scorer showcased speed, pressure, and precision, giving his team a crucial boost.
St. Mary’s carried their momentum into the second. At 8:39, Beau Primeau scored his fourth of the season on the power play, assisted by Nathan Watts, giving the Knights their first lead of the night.
Superior Heights responded minutes later. At 6:52, William Zuke buried his second of the season, with Avery Fowler collecting his second assist of the game. The goal knotted things at 3–3, setting up a tight, defensive finish.
The Steelhawks regained control in the final frame. At 14:31, Ty Cond struck on the power play for his sixth of the year, with Oliver Austin returning the favour by providing the assist. The goal put Superior Heights ahead 4–3.
The Knights kept pressing late, and with just 1:27 remaining, Nathan Watts buried his eighth of the season on the power play, set up by Hunter Jackson, to pull St. Mary’s even. The late equalizer forced a five-minute overtime, and despite chances at both ends, neither side could break the deadlock. When the final buzzer sounded, the teams left the ice locked in a 4–4 draw. In net for the Knights was Riley Papi-Grant while the Steelhawks saw Peter Gartshore between the pipes in the 4 – 4 tie on Wednesday in high school hockey action.
Up next, Superior Heights Steelhawks return to action on Friday, November 21st, when they take on the White Pines Wolverines at 9:00 p.m. at the John Rhodes Centre. St. Mary’s Knights will hit the ice again on Sunday, November 23rd, facing the CASS Huskies in a 6:30 p.m. matchup, also at the John Rhodes Centre.
