In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Soo U15 Greyhound program clinched victory in the 2024 U15 Border Battle Cup Consolation Championship game held in Thunder Bay over the Thursday, February 15th to Sunday, February 18th weekend. This year’s hockey programs at the 2024 U15 Border Battle Cup included Pilot Mound Buffaloes (Pilot Mound, MB), RINK Hockey Academy (Winnipeg, MB), Edina Hornets (Edina, MN), Grand Rapids Thunderhawks (Grand Rapids, MN), Hermantown Hawks (Duluth, MN), and the Minnetonka Skippers (Minnetonka, MN) throughout the tournament, the Soo U15 Greyhounds rallied together to secure an impressive win, capping off their weekend on a high note.
From the opening face-off, it was evident that both teams were prepared to leave it all on the ice. The game unfolded with lightning-fast plays and strategic maneuvers, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The Soo U15 Greyhounds showcased their resilience and teamwork, executing crisp passes and demonstrating exceptional puck control.
As the game progressed, tensions ran high as both teams battled fiercely for control of the scoreboard. However, it was the unwavering determination of the Greyhound players that ultimately tipped the scales in their favour. With precision shots and unwavering defense, they managed to outmaneuver their opponents and secure a lead that they would not relinquish.
In the final moments of the game, with victory within reach, the Greyhounds players dug deep and refused to let up. Their relentless pursuit of success paid off as the final buzzer sounded, signaling their triumph in the consolation championship. The arena erupted in cheers as players and fans alike celebrated this hard-earned victory.
Coach Dom Deluca told Saultsports that “The quality of play was excellent! The teams we see here, have many aspiring players from Minnesota looking to eventually play in their top notch high school programs and eventually the college ranks!! Two of our three wins were against two of the top six programs in Minnesota (Minnetonka being the other team). Also they are a mix of 2008 and 2009 players. Their programs run from July to end of June as opposed to our January to end of December!”
We lost to Edina last night by a 6-1 score but we had a plethora of chances to keep that game close! But today we strong our best game together and were very quick in our puck pursuit! Our structure in the neutral zone was excellent and our powerplay scored two beauty goals. Tanner Carriere was excellent in goal and Cole Guizzetti truly was a game breaker for us! Awesome team effort by all our boys today! I’m super happy for our group. It was cool experience today teams from Minnesota that we would never ever see in a tournament,” added Deluca.
The Soo U15 Greyhounds will be back on the road on Saturday, February 24th and Sunday, February 25th to face the Sudbury Nickel City Sons in Chelmsford, Ontario with game times of 5:00 p.m (Saturday) and 10:00 a.m (Sunday).
2024 U15 Border Battle Cup
Thursday, February 15 (8:00 p.m)
Minnetonka Skippers (3) vs (5) Soo U15 Greyhounds
Friday, February 16th (12:30 p.m)
Soo U15 Greyhounds (5) vs (3) Grand Rapids Thunderhawks
Hermantown Hawks (3) vs (2) Soo U15 Greyhounds
Saturday, February 17th (1:30 p.m)
Edina Hornets (6) vs (1) Soo U15 Greyhounds
Sunday, February 18th (12:30 p.m)
Consolation Championship
Edina Hornets (3) vs (4) Soo U15 Greyhounds
