Co-Ed Volleyball
The annual Elementary Co-Ed volleyball tournament took place last week at the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning. The Little Current Public School continued their dominance of volleyball this year. They added to the boys’ and Girls’ trophies last month by winning both the A and B titles at the Co-Ed.
The LCPS A Team overcame runners-up Central Manitoulin Public School with players: Boston Abotossaway, Matias Behm, Jack VanVolkingburgh, Kailyn Inglis, Lynndra Madahbee-Peltier, Karmen Atkinson and Brenna Pollard.
The LCPS B Team defeated Pontiac with: Lauren Musquetier, Ada Nicholls, Xavier Panamick-Eshkawkogan, Finlay Card, Oliver Wilding, Mason Dedman, Callaway Anderson-Esquimaux, Maci McDonald and Alivia Callaghan.
Hats off as well to Coyotes Coaches, Melissa Mcculloch, Casey Boisvert, Melanie Pollard and Carter Abotossaway.
Volleyball continued…
Manitoulin has been developing top volleyball players for generations now. More evidence of that is the success of players looking to improve their games by playing club ball off-Island. Here are a few rising stars in the sport. Rowyn Kasunich, 15 plays for the Northern Chill Icebergs U-16’s and played in a tournament in North Bay last weekend taking the bronze to add to their silver medal in their previous one the Trillium Cup.
In competition There is also another Island, Espanola , Northshore team that plays called NCVB 16U Blackout. There are some other Island girls on that team including Amber Brizuela and Lexi Fisher of Mindemoya and Arabella Otosquaiob of Little Current.
Nova Debassige plays for the U15 Northern Chill while veteran of Provincial-level volleyball Mya Balfe plays for the U-17 Chill. Incidentally, Nova and Rowyn still juniors, also play on the MSS girls Senior Volleyball team. With Nova’s Dad, Derek and Mya’s Mom, Tina having both played varsity v-ball in university, the youngsters definitely know what they need to do to get to that level.
Lady Panthers Battle Strong Competition at Mount Forest Tournament
The Lady Panthers took to the ice this past weekend at the Mount Forest hockey tournament, facing a challenging slate of opponents while showing determination and resilience throughout the event.
The tournament opened with a tough matchup against the Owen Sound Ice Hawks. Despite a strong effort, the Panthers came up short in a 3–1 loss.
Refusing to let the early setback define their weekend, the team bounced back in their second game with an impressive 2–0 shutout victory over the Grand River Mustangs with Brynn Best turning away all shots. Goals were scored by Lourdes Taukei and Emery Watson, while solid defensive play and disciplined teamwork helped secure the win.
In their third contest, the Lady Panthers faced the host, Mount Forest Rams in a tightly contested game. The teams traded chances throughout, but the Panthers were edged out 3–2 despite goals from Emery Watson and Ava Corbiere.
The tournament concluded with a matchup against the Waterloo Ravens. Once again facing stiff competition, the Panthers battled hard until the final whistle but fell 3–1. Ava Corbiere scored the lone goal for the Lady Panthers.
Although the results did not fully reflect the team’s effort, the Lady Panthers gained valuable experience against high-level opponents. The tournament highlighted the team’s perseverance and provided important lessons as they continue their season.
Panther cubs compete too
The younger of our Panther family, the U-13’s competed in the Vipers Pre-Christmas Blast tournament in Astorville. The Panthers kicked off the weekend with a big win, followed by a hard-fought loss, and then a tie in their third game—earning them a spot in the semifinals.
The Panthers battled it out and came away with a huge, 3-1 victory to advance to the championship game.
In the finals, the Panthers played their hearts out. Despite an incredible effort, they came up just short and finished the weekend as tournament finalists, taking home silver medals. It was an amazing weekend of hockey, teamwork, and determination, and this team represented Manitoulin well. By the way, the U-11 Panthers were pumped up to join in the tourney but their division was folded before the weekend.
The U15 Panthers split their weekend schedule with a win and a loss. On Friday, the Panthers edged the Copper Cliff Reds 4–3, with goals from Landon Armstrong, Adrian Bois, Boston Abotossaway, and Matthew Debassige, who scored the game-winner late in the third period.
On Sunday, the Panthers fell 6–3 to the Sudbury Wolves. Adrian Bois scored for Manitoulin, while Landon Armstrong added two goals in the loss.
Off the Rock, hockey!
Former Panther, Bray Wassegijig now skates for the ‘AA’ Wolves. In Sault Ste. Marie last weekend, he and the Wolves took two of three games against the tough, Sault Junior Greyhounds with Bray picking up a player of the game. Keep up the good work, Bray!
Badminton couple, competes
Congratulations to Mark and Lisa Peltier who are staying active by putting their badminton practise to the test at the Family Doubles Tournament in North Bay. The pair were very competitive against the younger couples, placing 2nd in the B Consolation bracket. Way to go, you two!