A battle for first place headlines the GNU18HL schedule as the second-place Soo U18 Greyhounds welcome the first-place North Bay U18 Trappers to the John Rhodes Centre on January 3rd at 6:00 p.m. and January 4th at 10:00 a.m. With only three points separating the teams in the standings, this two-game set carries major implications as the season reaches its midway point.

North Bay enters Sault Ste. Marie holding top spot with 36 points and a perfect 18-0 record, while the Greyhounds sit close behind in second at 16-2-0-1 for 33 points. The Trappers have had the upper hand so far this season, edging the Greyhounds 6–5 in both games during opening weekend on September 20 and 21, adding extra motivation for Soo on home ice.

The Greyhounds come in riding strong momentum, outscoring opponents 19–2 over their last three contests, including decisive wins over the U16 Wolves and a high-scoring December 19 matchup. Offensively, Soo is led by league scoring leader Espen Escasa (22 goals, 28 assists in 19 games), along with Finlay Escasa (12 goals, 18 assists) and the injured Jacob Vincent, who remains among the team’s top producers with (12 goals and 18 assists). Between the pipes, Soo boasts one of the league’s strongest tandems in Sebastien Brassard (1.61 GAA, two shutouts) and Gavin Zuccato (nine wins, one shutout).

North Bay counters with elite depth and consistency, led by Liam Starcevic (nine goals, 30 assists), Francis Popkie (20 goals), and Scott Szczygiel (17 goals). In goal, the Trappers feature an unbeaten duo in Carson Ruddy and Logan Coates, combining for 18 wins and three shutouts on the season.

With standings position, pride, and momentum on the line, the stage is set for a marquee GNU18HL matchup as the Greyhounds look to defend home ice and close the gap on the league-leading Trappers in what promises to be an intense weekend of U18 hockey in Sault Ste. Marie.

Listen live with the Soo Greyhounds versus North Bay Trappers on True North Sports Radio, here.