Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The White Pines Wolverines opened their 2026-2027 Sault Ste. Marie High School Hockey League campaign on Wednesday, November 4th, at the John Rhodes Centre, welcoming the St. Mary’s Knights in their season opener. The Knights entered the contest with a 1-0 record after beginning their season with a 3-1 victory over the Korah Colts on November 1st. Both teams looked to build early momentum, but it was the Wolverines who came away with a 4-2 victory.
White Pines got off to a strong start in the opening period, taking a 1-0 lead at 6:01 when Owen Sanderson scored his first goal of the season, with Danny MacDonald picking up the assist. The Wolverines continued to apply pressure and doubled their advantage at 2:13 on the power play. Jevon Johnson found the back of the net for his first goal of the campaign, with MacDonald collecting his second assist of the game. White Pines carried a 2-0 lead into the second period.
The Knights responded in the middle frame, cutting the deficit to 2-1 at 12:04 when AJ Carbone scored his first goal of the season, assisted by Connor Bishop. St. Mary’s continued to battle and found the equalizer in the third period. At 7:02, Nathan Watts scored an unassisted power-play goal, also his first of the season, to tie the game at 2-2 and set up a dramatic finish.
With the game seemingly headed toward a close finish, the Wolverines delivered two late goals to take control. At 44 seconds remaining, Owen Sanderson scored his second goal of the game and second of the season, restoring White Pines’ lead at 3-2. Danny MacDonald recorded his third assist of the night on the play. Just one second before the final buzzer, AJ Sim added an insurance goal, his first of the season, with Sanderson earning his third point of the game as the Wolverines secured the 4-2 victory.
Owen Sanderson led the White Pines offensive attack with two goals and an assist, while Danny MacDonald contributed three assists in an outstanding performance. Jevon Johnson and AJ Sim also found the scoresheet with goals for the Wolverines. For St. Mary’s, AJ Carbone and Nathan Watts provided the offence with one goal apiece. Ben Potter got the start between the pipes for White Pines, while Aaron Juma handled the goaltending duties for the Knights.
The St. Mary’s Knights will look to rebound on Friday, November 6th, when they return to the John Rhodes Centre to face the Superior Heights Steelhawks at 9:00 p.m. Meanwhile, the White Pines Wolverines will prepare for their next matchup against the CASS Huskies on Sunday, November 8th, with puck drop scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
Watch November 6th and 8th high school hockey games live or on-demand on Saultsports TV.
