After opening their three-game road trip with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over the New Liskeard Cubs on January 23rd, the Soo U16 Greyhounds continued north to Kapuskasing for a demanding two-game GNU18HL weekend against the Kapuskasing Flyers on January 24th and 25th. What followed was an offensive showcase in both contests, with the Greyhounds showing resilience and depth but ultimately coming up just short in each matchup.
The Flyers struck first late in the opening period as Paul Harris scored at 17:50 to give Kapuskasing a 1–0 lead after one on January 24th in game two of the weekend and first in Kapuskasing.
The Greyhounds responded quickly in the second period, tying the game just 31 seconds in on a powerplay marker from Gage Guzzo, assisted by Benjamin McKinlay and Logan Watson. Soo briefly took the lead at 2:48 when Bryson Palahnuk finished a setup from Nicholas Patience and David Francella.
Kapuskasing answered with authority, as Bruce Shier scored twice in just over a minute to swing momentum back to the Flyers. Goals from Dustin Niquet and Tanner Moreau extended the Flyers’ advantage to 5–2 heading into the third.
The Greyhounds mounted an impressive comeback in the final frame. Preston Gioia pulled Soo within two at 6:21, followed by David Francella at 8:08 to make it a one-goal game. With time winding down, Logan Watson tied the contest at 14:22 with an unassisted goal.
After Kapuskasing briefly regained the lead, Soo answered once again on the powerplay at 19:26, as Benjamin McKinlay scored his second of the night to force overtime.
In the extra frame, Kapuskasing’s Niko Lessard ended the thriller at 1:11, sealing a 7–6 Flyers victory.
Goaltenders in game two of the weekend, Kapuskasing saw Alexandre Gravel between the pipes while at the other end of the rink, the Greyhounds had Ethan Brewer in net.
Game three of the weekend and second game against the Flyers. The offensive fireworks continued less than 24 hours later. Kapuskasing jumped out early with goals from Bruce Shier and Niko Lessard, including a powerplay marker. Soo responded with goals from Preston Gioia and Ethan Farquharson, both coming with the man advantage.
The first period featured seven goals, capped off by a late powerplay tally from Logan Watson, trimming the Flyers’ lead to 4–3 after one.
The second period saw the teams trade momentum repeatedly. Ethan Farquharson tied the game early, but Kapuskasing reclaimed the lead before Soo surged ahead with goals from Benjamin McKinlay and Reegan Dezordo. Kapuskasing responded yet again, closing the period with goals from Dustin Niquet and Paul Harris to take a 7–6 edge into the third.
In the final period, Bryson Palahnuk tied the game at 3:41, giving the Greyhounds renewed hope. However, a powerplay goal from Dustin Niquet at 13:21 proved to be the difference, as Kapuskasing held on for an 8–7 win.
IIn another high-scoring affair on January 25th, all four goaltenders dressed and saw action, with Nicolas-Xavier Racicot and Alexandre Gravel splitting the goaltending duties for the Kapuskasing Flyers, while Phoenix Bell and Ethan Brewer shared the crease for the Soo U16 Greyhounds.
Despite dropping both games in Kapuskasing, the Soo U16 Greyhounds showed strong character, battling back repeatedly in two high-tempo, high-scoring contests. The Greyhounds generated offense throughout the lineup and earned valuable road experience against a skilled Flyers squad.
Soo concludes the road trip with two points in three games and will look to build on the positives shown as they return to action in GNU18HL play.
