On Saturday, November 1st, and Sunday, November 2nd, the ninth-place Soo U16 Greyhounds (2-5) will host the fourth-place Sudbury U16 Wolves (5-1-2-1) in GNU18HL action in Sault Ste. Marie. The two-game weekend set opens Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the John Rhodes Community Centre before shifting to the Northern Community Centre on Sunday morning for a 10:30 a.m. puck drop. The Greyhounds will look to gain ground in the standings and build momentum against one of the league’s stronger teams in front of their home crowd.
Heading into the weekend, the Soo sits with four points, having scored 17 goals while allowing 22 through seven games. The Hounds’ special teams will look to make strides, entering the series with a 10.5 percent powerplay and a 77.4 percent penalty kill, while accumulating 121 penalty minutes. The visiting Wolves come in with 12 points in eight games, outscoring opponents 45–33. Sudbury’s special teams have been a key factor in their success so far, boasting a 33.3 percent powerplay and an 83.8 percent penalty kill. With both teams looking to make statements early in November, this weekend matchup promises to be fast-paced and physical.
The main focus this weekend against the Wolves is playing within their system. Coach Denny Lambert said, “if we are going to run around all over the ice like we did against Soo U18 Greyhounds then it is going to be a long season. Know your job and do it right.”
If the Soo can establish effective line matching, they’ll have a chance to neutralize the opponent’s top players. Success will ultimately come down to executing their game plan. The Greyhounds need a full 100% effort and greater consistency, as recent games have seen breakdowns across the ice.
This week in practice, the team reviewed their systems extensively in hopes of reinforcing structure and accountability. They know they must improve decision-making, especially when it comes to puck management. The coaching staff continues to emphasize protecting the puck, moving their feet, and making smart, creative passes.
In the end, players need to stay within the team structure, but it will be up to each individual to use their skills to make an impact.
“I really think the two goalies have been a pleasant surprise. Both are highly talented and competitive. We know this team well as they grew up playing against them all through minor hockey. I expect 100% effort playing within our structure with good discipline. We need details to our game plan, this Sudbury team is big, they work hard with good skill, added coach Lambert.
