A young ice hockey team from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, faced potential disqualification from a championship match due to an alleged untidy dressing room incident but has now been cleared to participate in the upcoming game. The Soo Jr. Greyhounds, competing in the U18 AA category, resolved the issue with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) late on Friday. The NOHA communicated with the team and held a virtual meeting to address the league’s initial decision that could have prevented the Jr. Greyhounds from playing against the Copper Cliff Reds in the regional final.
Team manager Lindsay Fera expressed gratitude that the players have the chance to compete, emphasizing the significance of being able to conclude the season on the ice regardless of the outcome. The team had been accused of leaving a messy dressing room at Blind River’s hockey rink after Game 2 of the Nickel District Minor Hockey League championship series. The management acknowledged the situation and issued an apology to the Town of Blind River for the inconvenience caused.
Initially, the NOHA had ruled that the Jr. Greyhounds must forfeit the final match, leading the team to appeal to Hockey Canada. However, on Friday night, the league reversed its decision, allowing the Soo players to participate. Fera mentioned that Hockey Canada reviewed the appeal but ultimately rejected it, with all governing bodies agreeing that the game should proceed and the championship be decided on the ice.
The team is eager and optimistic about the upcoming match, with plans for a practice session on Saturday before heading to Sudbury for the game on Sunday. The decisive Game 3 is scheduled to take place at the McClelland Arena in Sudbury on Sunday at 7 p.m., with the victor advancing to the provincial championships.