Pictured above are members of the 2006-07 Glace Bay Miner's who won the Nova Scotia Girls Pee Wee Tier II Provincial Championship Sunday in Antigonish. Pictured in the above post-game photo are members:  Kelsie Maclean, Miriam Hewlett, Danielle Arseneau, Mikayla Courtney, Megan O'Neill, Kelsie McLean, Bobbi MacCormack, Taylor MacMillan, Jennifer Cooke, Candea Wadden, Kelsy MacIntyre, Jessica MacDonald, Miranda McIsaac, Gina Peori. The team is coached by Barrie Campbell, assistant coaches Roy MacMillan and Jennifer Munden and Glenn Courtney is the team manager.

Congratulations to our Glace Bay Pee Wee Miners for taking home the Girls Provincial Pee Wee Tier II Title after defeating Lunenburg in an exciting sudden death overtime game played in Antigonish. This is the first time that a Glace Bay team has ever won a provincial female hockey title. Our Miners finished the round-robin schedule with two wins, one tie one loss. The Miners only loss came at the hands of Lunenburg who they faced in the final Championship Game and won a dramatic overtime 2-1 victory. In the final championship game Miner's team captain Jennifer Cooke scored winning goal late in the first overtime period while Miranda MacIsaac scored her team's first goal of the game. 

Besides taking home Gold medals four Miner's took home some extra hardware for being selected as tournament all-stars. Making the 1st all-star team selection were Mikayla Courtney (Centre) and Bobbi MacCormick (Defense) while Jennifer Cooke (Defense) and Danielle Arseneau (Goaltender) were selcted to the 2nd all-star team.    

Way To Go Miners !

The Miners have their team photo posted on our TEAM LINK Page to view.  

Pictured above are four very proud players from the Glace Bay Girls Pee Wee Miners who were selected to the Provincial All-star team after their team won the Girls Pee Wee Tier II championship in Antigonish on the weekend. Congratulations to Jennifer Cooke (2nd team-defense), Mikayla Courtney (1st team - centre),  Danielle Arseneau (2nd team - goaltender)  and Bobbi MacCormack (1st team defense).

Having already won or tied 36 of their 39 regular Cape Breton Metro Atom season games, the Glace Bay Warriors went undefeated to capture the annual Glace Bay Minor Atom Hockey Invitational Tournament played March 14 through 16 at the Bayplex. In a thrilling championship game with the New Waterford Sharks, during which fans witnessed tremendous goaltending by the Warrior’s Brian Morrison and the Shark’s Jacob MacNeil, Tyler Hopkins took a break away pass from Randy Wadden with 13 seconds remaining in the first period and fired a perfect shot to the top left hand corner of the net, scoring the only goal of the game. In the final minute of play with two Glace Bay players in the penalty box, New Waterford pulled their goaltender creating a 6 on 3 advantage, but strong team defense by the Warriors preserved the victory.

This is the second major tournament victory for the Glace Bay squad, having also gone undefeated in the Glace Bay Minor Hockey League Christmas Tournament. During round robin action in this week’s tournament Glace Bay defeated North Sydney Sharks 5-4, Sydney Metro Atoms 8-2 and Glace Bay Hound Dogs 4 - 2. The Warriors earned their way to the championship game with a 4-0 victory over the Glace Bay Wolverines. Tournament players of the game for the Warriors were Tyler Hopkins, Daniel Mac Eachern, Randy Wadden, Brian Morrison and Brandon Boland.

Front row: Brian Morrison Middle row: Taylor Burke, Abby Penney, Brandon Boland, Jared MacIsaac, Keegan O'Neill Third row: Chris Macpherson, Matt Rowe, Kyle Moss, Daniel Maceachern, Tyler Hopkins, Randy Wadden Back row coaching staff : Brad Penney, Keith MacIsaac, Harvey Wadden and team manager  Stephen Boland

(Story & photo submitted by Warrior’s team)

The New Waterford Sharks received single goals from six separate marksmen, as they outscored the hometown Miners 2-1 in the opening period and 4-2 in the middle period which was all they needed to notch their first win in game one of the Midget AAA Tournament.

Scoring for the Sharks were: Aaron Forsyth, Evan MacLean, Rob MacPherson, Mike MacDonald, Tyler White and Stephen MacLeod. MacPherson was also the game’s top playmaker as he set up two markers, while Matt Podgurski, Jonathan Power, Cameron Rankin, Corson Roach, Eric Oliver, Forsyth all chipped in single helpers. Shark’s Rob MacPherson earned his team’s Game MVP Award. 

Charles Murphy, Jeremy Clarke and Jordan Baxter each tallied single goals for the Glace Bay Miners while Myles Heffernan, Daniel Lewis, Grant MacAdam, Kenny Routledge and Baxter all recorded assists in the contest.  

In the above game action photo Miner’s forward and Game MVP #39 Jeremy Clarke reaches for a loose puck in the New Waterford goal crease but is denied his scoring chance by a couple of Shark defenders #8 Evan MacLean and #18 Tyler White.

The Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association is sending another female team to a Nova Scotia provincial tournament. Following the Miner’s Girl’s Pee Wee team capturing the provincial Tier II crown last weekend, this weekend the Miner’s Girl’s Bantam team is setting their sights on another provincial title in Pictou. Starting Friday, our Miners will be competing against teams from Cole Harbour, Inverness and Dartmouth and the host Pictou club. Pictured above are four players who are looking forward to the championship hockey event. Left to right: Miranda Tutty, Rebecca LeForte, Sarah MacNeil and Rebecca MacDonald.

Fans can view the Miner’s team photo on our Team Link page.

Pictured above are members of our 2006-07 Glace Bay Miner’s hockey team who recently earned awards at the Cape Breton Island’s Bantam “AAA” Hockey League closing banquet. Front row:  L-R Garrett Truckair (2^nd All-star team), Mitch O’Neill (Sportsmanship & 2^nd All-star team), Brad Cuzner (League’s Most Valuable Player, Scoring race Co-winner, 1^st All-star team) Back row: L-R Brett McKinnon (Rookie All-star team), Jorden Kennedy (2^nd All-star team), Logan Shaw (Scoring race co-winner, 1^st All-star team), Chad Butts (2^nd All-star team), Parker MacNeil (Coach’s Award).

Missing from the picture, is Miner’s coach Gerard Shaw, who was selected as the “Coach of The Year”

In addition to the individual awards our Glace Bay team was presented with the Founders Cup Banner for capturing first place in the regular season and then during the final closing tournament the regular season winners won the League’s closing Championship Tournament.

After locking down first place during the regular season, in the six team Cape Breton Island Bantam AAA Hockey League, the Glace Bay Miners put their season’s success record on the line this past weekend capturing the League’s final Championship Tournament. The Miners went undefeated in their three round-robin games and then earned their shot at the title game by eliminating the Sydney Steelers in an early morning sudden death crossover game.

In afternoon final Championship Game, the Miners jumped into an early 3-1 lead  after the first period of play, while the Northside Vikings narrowed the lead to 3-2 following two stanzas and then the Miners clinched the victory outscoring their opposition 2-1 in the final frame. Leading the way for the Miners was Logan Shaw (Game MVP) who notched a brace of tallies, while Brett Simmons, Garrett Truckair and Chad Butts scored single goals. In the assist department Truckair chipped in with a pair of helpers while Kyle MacPhee, Parker MacNeil and Butts added one assist each.

Scoring for the Vikings were Kyle Mulley, Mathew Mansfield (Game MVP) and Cory MacIntosh. Tyler Standing was their team’s top set-up player adding a pair of assists while Paul Ryan Dipersio, Mathew Lyle and Mansfield recorded singles.

Game Notes: A good fan turnout for this game witnessed a gritty Northside team press the Miners hard especially in the final period. With 5:48 remaining in regulation, Miners were protecting a slim 3-2 lead, defenseman Chad Butts drilled a hard point shot that rung in off the far post to score their 4^th goal which later proved to be the game winner. The never-say-die Northside squad pressed even more as they found themselves with a power play opportunity with 4:09 on the clock. On the PP, Cory MacIntosh took a goal mouth pass, wheeled around to his backhand lifted the biscuit up under the crossbar to put his team back within one again. It wasn’t until late in the final minute when the Bay’s Logan Shaw spelled his team relief as he spotted an empty Viking cage, broke down the sidewall and then pinpointed a low shot into the net scoring his team’s important insurance marker.  Both teams should be commended for playing an exciting brand of championship hockey and  good sportsmanship towards each other. Both game goaltenders, Jordon Kennedy and Warren Nicholson played a stellar contest between the pipes turning back several key scoring chances to keep the game close.    

Other players from the Miners are: Brett McKinnon, Ryan Binder, Devin Somerton, Mitchell O’Neill, Brad Cuzner, Mitchell MacMullin, Dylan MacEachern, Adam MacDougall, Kyle Donovan, Jordon Kennedy and Cole Ferguson.

In The Cape Breton Bantam AAA League Championships being played at the BAYplex this weekend, the Glace Bay Miners finished their final robin with a 3-0 win/loss record after skating to a 4-1 victory over the Sydney Steelers.

Devin Somerton lead the Miners in the matinee contest as he notched his first of two goals at the 1:07 mark of the opening period on a play with Kyle Donovan and Garrett Truckair. Somerton struck again in the middle frame as he snapped a shot to the top corner of the Steeler cage (seen in the above action photo) after receiving a quick up-ice outlet pass from Chad Butts on a short-handed effort. Then with :24 seconds remaining in the period Truckair and Logan Shaw teamed up to send speedster Brad Cuzner in over the Steeler blue line who then triggered a top shelf bullet to give the Miners a commanding 3-0 lead.

In the final stanza the Sydney Steelers showed some comeback drive as Devon Muir tallied their first marker at the 9:01 mark on a nice play play with teammate Justin Deruelle to close the gap 3-1.  In the final minute of the game the Miner’s top scoring line this season, sealed the game with a late insurance marker as Mitchell O’Neill teamed up with Shaw and Cuzner to release a quick wrister to secure the final score 4-1.

The Miners are now scheduled to meet a team yet to be determined Sunday morning @ 8:30am. The final Championship Game goes Sunday @ 2:00pm.

Pictured above are members of the Glace Bay Courgars who recently captured Gold Medals in the Invitational March Break (Bantam Metro) Hockey Tournament. Front row L-R- Josh O'Brien, Derek MacDonald, Michael MacAdam, Devin Sigut, Colin MacDonald, Tyler Gilmet. Second row L-R: John Kenneth MacAdam, Devon Morrison, Neil Spencer, Mark Neary and Back Row L-R: Matt McVicar, Brett Littler and Matthew MacKenzie. (Missing from the picture are Kurt Strong, Thomas Lavigne and Patrick MacKinnon

The Glace Bay Cougars beat out Bedford 5 - 4 in the final game to win the Trenton March Break Tournament.  Devon Morrison lead the team with a hat trick while Derek MacDonald scored one at the midway point and Brett Littler put the game away with the final goal. Matt McVicar got two assists and Neil Spencer assisted on the final goal.  The four game tournament was won by a total team effort and great performances by the goalies Josh O'Brien and Tyler Gilmet.

All and all everyone had a great March Break hockey experience playing in the Trenton Tournament.

(Submitted story/photo)

On Monday, March 12, the Peewee and Bantam Female teams combined for a 3 on 3
tournament at the BayPlex. 4 teams of mixed Peewee's and Bantam's played a round
robin and playoffs throughout the day. The games were high speed, wide open,
non-stop action. In the end, the team of Katie Lefort, Kaitlyn Grace, Catherine
Arseneau, Brittany MacKeigan, Taylor MacMillan, and Corrine Heffernan upset the
previously undefeated team of Rebecca McDonald, Danielle MacEachern, Morgan
Gillis, Mikayla Courtney, Bobbi MacCormack and Miriam Hewlett in a thrilling 5-4
final. The heroes of the day, though, were goaltenders Alex Ferguson and
Danielle Arseneau who repeatedly turned in stellar performances playing every
minute of every game.

Most importantly, a great time was had by all !

The host team Glace Bay Miners lead 1-0 after the first period and then trailed 2-1 after two periods to set the stage for a dramatic finish to the Spring Break  Midget “A” Tournament played at the Dominion Rink.

Miners forward Glen MacDonald opened the games scoring on a nice play after receiving help from team mates Ryan Gracie and Mark MacKinnon. In the middle period the Vikings struck twice as sniper Douglas White scored a brace of tallies to put his team up 2-1. White received help on his goals from Donmicael Vickers and Ryan Cholock.

Trailing by one in the final stanza the Miners successfully killed off a penalty with 4:55 remaining in the game.  As the infraction expired Brian Pratt jumped on a  quick feed from Chris Kelloway and Malcolm Parsons, drove into the Northside zone and released  a high snapshot to the top corner to tie the contest 2-2.  Both teams played overtime style hockey for the final few minutes as both goaltenders Ethan MacNeil (Vikings) & Johnathan Wadden (Miners) each kicked aside some game saving scoring attempts in the dying seconds.

In the tie-breaker shoot-out once again both goalies stood tall turning aside 3 shooters each. Finally in the fourth round, Viking shooter Jordan MacKinnon donned his team’s hero hat as he scored the game winner to earn his team Gold Medals in a well-played championship game.

Congratulations to both teams: The Vikings for winning Gold and our Miners winning Silver. Both teams should be commended for playing well played style of disciplined hockey showing plenty of good sportsmanship !. 

Pictured above in a game action photo Glace Bay Miner’s goaltender Johnathan Wadden is poised to turn back a Northside shooter in the final minutes of the game.

Pictured above are members of the Glace Bay Courgars who recently captured Gold Medals in the Invitational March Break (Bantam Metro) Hockey Tournament. Front row L-R- Josh O'Brien, Derek MacDonald, Michael MacAdam, Devin Sigut, Colin MacDonald, Tyler Gilmet. Second row L-R: John Kenneth MacAdam, Devon Morrison, Neil Spencer, Mark Neary and Back Row L-R: Matt McVicar, Brett Littler and Matthew MacKenzie. (Missing from the picture are Kurt Strong, Thomas Lavigne and Patrick MacKinnon

The Glace Bay Cougars beat out Bedford 5 - 4 in the final game to win the Trenton March Break Tournament.  Devon Morrison lead the team with a hat trick while Derek MacDonald scored one at the midway point and Brett Littler put the game away with the final goal. Matt McVicar got two assists and Neil Spencer assisted on the final goal.  The four game tournament was won by a total team effort and great performances by the goalies Josh O'Brien and Tyler Gilmet.

All and all everyone had a great March Break hockey experience playing in the Trenton Tournament.

(Submitted story/photo)

Pictured above is a game action photo between the Northside Novice Vikings and one of the host Glace Bay teams, the Glace Bay Senators. This weekend at the BAYplex a total of 14 teams consisting of 250 youngsters and their families from Glace Bay to Antigonish gather to enjoy plenty of hockey excitement and fun. Speaking about excitement, our picture shows a Northside Viking player Devlin White #14 defending his crease area as Glace Bay Senator player Chad Pond reaches for a loose puck to create a great scoring chance.

Drop by the BAYplex this weekend for some hockey action and support Novice Hockey !

Pictured above are four young players from the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Novice Program who will be looking forward to plenty of fun this weekend at the BAYplex when the Association plays host to the 7th Annual Novice Jamboree. Left to right are players: Kailin Gillis, Victoria MacIntyre, Cameron Yates and goalie Brandon MacLean.

A total of 14 novice teams (Glace Bay 4; Sydney 4; New Waterford 2; North Sydney 2; Cape Breton County & Antigonish) will participate in hockey games scheduled starting Friday evening with action geting underway 5:00pm - 9:00pm; Saturday from 9:00am- 7:00pm and Sunday from 9:00am-4:00pm. Local organizers have a Special Opening Ceremony scheduled Friday evening at 7:00pm and on Saturday evening all teams are invited to a Jamboree Banquet where they will be treated to a meal and receive an important hockey message from guest speaker, Paul MacDonald- President of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagle’s Major Junior Hockey Team.

As part of the Novice Hockey Jamboree this weekend the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association took a few moments to commemorate the “Year of The Veteran”. On hand was a local war bride by the name Phyllis Snow who walked to center ice to conduct an official puck-drop face-off to kick off the Jamboree. Earlier in the ceremony Glace Bay Novice Co-coordinator Phillip O’Neil presented Mrs Snow with a lovely bouquet of flowers to thank her for attending the event. Mr. Tom O’Keefe Hockey Nova Scotia representative attended providing some opening comments as he welcomed all players, family and friends to the hockey showcase and gave his best wishes for a fun-filled weekend. 

Play continues at the Bayplex all day Saturday and resumes again most of the day Sunday.

Pictured above for the opening face-off Sonny MacDougall -Treasurser GBMHA, Mrs Snow and Phillip O’Neil. In the foreground taking the face-off are novice players Alisha MacDonald (left) and Jodi Dauphine (right).

The Glace Bay Female Tots drew plenty of attention at Centre 200 during a Cape Breton Screaming Eagles game intermission. Nine young Glace Bay female skaters donned Screaming Eagle–Timbit hockey sweaters and a few also accented their attire with pink skate laces, hockey gloves & sticks. A large intermission audience remained in their seats to watch the youngsters display some of their newly acquired hockey skills. Also on hand helping out to organize the on-ice showcase were Glace Bay Female Bantam players Rebecca MacDonald and Alex Ferguson and of course Screech, the Screaming Eagle’s mascot.

Pictured in the above photo front row L-R: Jaden MacLeod, Kali Hynes, Emma Yates, Shyndel Coombes.

Back row L-R: Rebecca MacDonald, Kaitlynn Hayes, Kassie MacKinnon, Christina Wong, Aimee O'Neill, Hannah Livingston, Screech, Alex Ferguson.

The visiting Cape Breton County Islanders scored two goals in each period to double up on the Glace Bay Cougars and take the first game in the best of three Cape Breton Metro Bantam League Finals.  Game two of the series goes Tuesday evening in Dominion at 7:30pm.

Leading the way for the County were Mark Mader and Angus MacNeil who notched a brace of tallies each while Tyler Grosset and Liam Hunt chipped in single goals. Grosset, Mader and Jarrett Wall earned an assist each in the game.

Scoring for the home town Courgars was Devon Morrison, Michael MacAdam and Mathew MacKenzie. Mathew MacVicar earned himself a pair of assists while Kurt Strong recorded one helper.

Other Glace Bay Cougar players are: Tyler Gilmet, Josh O’Brien, Thomas Lavangie, Brett Littler, John Kenneth MacAdam, Derek MacDonald, Colin MacDonald, Mark Neary, Devin Sigut and Neil Spencer.

Pictured above Glace Bay Cougar forward Devin Morrison releases a quick shot into the County cage after taking a centering pass from Mathew MacVicar, to score his team's first goal at the 6:44 mark of the second period.

In a recent Pee Wee Metro League game played in Dominion the Glace Bay Senators outscored their rival Penguins by a count of 7-4.

Mitchell O’Brien and Brett Gillis each notched a “hat-trick” to lead the way for the Senators while Jordan MacNeil tallied a single marker in the game. Leading the way in the set-up department Devon MacDonald and Brent Huang each recorded a pair of assists while O’Brien also chipped in with a single helper.

Chris Somerton proved to be the top Penguin playmaker as he scored a brace of tallies and set up another, while Aaron Boudreau and Devon Fraser scored single markers Zack Kelly added an assist.

Both teams are scheduled for a re-match in their next game while the Senators are preparing to head to the Halifax Hawks Pee Wee Tournament next week.

Other players for the Senators are: Jonathan Jenkins, Tyler Byrne, Chad Leblanc, Steven MacNeil, Andy Huang, Mark MacLanders, Connor Binder, Breton MacEachern and Mitchell Dawe.

Other Penguin players are: Ryan MacIntosh, Jordan Sawlor, Ryan MacMullin, Karie Ferguson, Brandon Bates, Dylan Hurly, Dustin Spencer, Lucas Saccary, Cody Oliver, Maurice Bourgeois and Riley Kelly.

Pictured in the above action photo Senator’s forward Brett Gillis is attempting to gain foot control of the puck while escaping a stick check of a Penguin defender.

 The Glace Bay faced-off against their rival Northside Vikings in what was the last regular season home game for the Miners in the Cape Breton Atom AAA League this season. The contest saw two evenly matched teams play an exciting brand of end-to-end hockey.

In the opening period the visiting Vikings struck first, as forward Brendon MacLean took a nice feed pass from line-mate Nathan Doyle and drilled a low shot to the open right corner of the Glace Bay net to put their team 1-0. In the middle frame the Miners answered back as forward Brett MacDonald forced a deep ice turnover and drove to the net releasing a wrist shot to even the score 1-1 on a nice unassisted effort. Then at the 8:28 mark, Miners Steven Gouthro and Kelly Yates teamed-up down low in the opposition's end to create some pressure on the Vikings. Gouthro spotted Dana Cathcart breaking in through the slot area and went tape to tape as Cathcart converted the pass on a quick release scoring the go ahead tally and what later proved to be the game winner.

In the final period both teams exchanged some solid two-way hockey with the Vikings gaining some late momentum while trying to score a late game equalizer, but were denied by a solid Miners defensive team effort.

Other Miners players are: Brent Kelloway, Kenzie McIntyre, Jordan Breen, Rebecca Harris, Nicholas Walsh, Jarret MacNeil, Aaron Brewer, Brandon Melnick, Mason Kelloway, Anthony Wadden,  Brett MacDonald, Craig MacKinnon, Travis Lynk and Taylor Slade.

Pictured in the above action photo Miners defenseman Kelly Yates is seen trying to gain puck control while being chased by several Viking players.   

Name: Mike Ford
Home Town: Glace Bay, NS
League: Maritime Junior “A” Junior
Team: Yarmouth Motor-Mart Mariners
Position: Defense
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 180lbs
Stats: GP-50 Goals–5 Assists-25  Total Points: 30
Head Coach’s Comments – Paul Currie

“Mike has proven himself to be one of the premier young defensemen in the MJAHL, he competes hard every night and is learning his limitations and abilities. Defensemen usually take a few years to mature, and I am confident in saying that Mike’s best years are ahead of him in this league”
Mike’s Comments: This is my second year in the MJAHL and unfortunately it hasn’t been a really good season for our team as we currently find ourselves in last place in the Maurice bent Division. Although we will not be making the playoffs this year as a team we have learned a lot especially about being on the losing end of a lot of close contests. I personally feel we will build on this for the seasons ahead of us. As bad as times got for the team this year I know each and everyone one never gave up and played hard all year. Since season will be over earlier than I had hoped I plan to be spending a great deal of my spare time in the gym early this year preparing for a fresh start and better results next season here in Yarmouth.
On a positive note Yarmouth has been a great hockey town and our team continues to be a Big Hit as the loyal fans are great and stuck with us till the season end. Game tickets in town continue to be very popular and there are times when our building is sold out. The only other thing about playing in Yarmouth is the travel time, as we get to spend a lot of time on the bus during our road trips, which can be a drain, but then again it’s a great opportunity for the team to spend lots of time to gel together and become good friends.

Good Luck Mike with your future plans! Fans can follow Mike’s progress for the balance of this year and into next season by visiting the Mariner’s hockey team’s website @ www.yarmouthmariners.com

The Cape Breton County Islanders beat home-ice odds as they defeated the Glace Bay Miners in the deciding game @ the BAYplex, for the right to advance to the Cape Breton Bantam “B” hockey finals.

In the final game the Islanders counted on four different skaters to pull the offense trigger as Brad Boudreau, Ross MacQueen, Garrett Cann and Tony Rizzetto each notched single markers to record the win. Chipping in with assists on the goals were Evan Baillie, Corey Brown, Mark Knickle, Will Stevens and Hillary Pitcher.

Scoring for the Glace Bay Miners to keep the deciding game close, was Jordan Dauphnee and Chris Binder while Matt Rowe, Brady Clarke and Jeff MacDonald picked up helpers on the markers.

Other players for the Miners are: Chris MacLeod, Jordan Slade, Daniel Ferguson, Justin MacDonald, Donnie Morrison, Garrett MacInnis, Adam Marshall, Kirk Strong, Steve Edwards, Bradley Burke and Mike D’Angelo.  

Two evenly matched teams played an entertaining hockey contest in Dominion as the Glace Bay Hitmen struck late to turned back the visiting County Warriors. Both team are competing in the Cape Breton Bantam Metro League round-robin playoffs.

The Glace Bay Hitmen lead 1-0 after the first period, then the County rallied back to even the score 2-2 in the middle period to set the stage for a dramatic final period. Both teams played a good brand of end to end third period hockey as they traded-off several excellent scoring chances to break the game open, only to be foiled by some key puck stopping by Corey Hanson of the Warriors and Garrett Perry of the Hitmen. With 1:32 remaining in the game the stage was set for a game breaker moment as Hitmen Justin Boutilier took a feed from Stephen Dominie inside the Warrior zone and then snapped  a high shot to the top corner of the Warrior cage to score what would be the game winning goal. Just 21 seconds later the Hitmen struck again with an insurance marker as Jeff MacMullin broke in on goal and hoisted a backhander to record his second tally on the night after receiving help on the play from Michael D”Angelo. D'Angelo also assisted on MacMullin’s first goal. Craig O'Neill notched the other Glace Bay goal while Chris Deveaux earned an assist on his goal.

Other Hitmen players are: Colin Jenkins, Craig O’Neil, Kevin MacNeil, Derek Napoleon, Eric Almond, Chris Bedecki and Allan Batten.

Scoring for the Warriors was Ryan MacPherson and Mark Gallant while team-mates Steve Mikelson and Doug MacPherson.

Glace Bay scored two unanswered first period goals and Sydney replied with a late third period marker to set the stage for an exciting finish to a Pee Wee Metro round-robin playoff game recently played at the BAYpex.

The home team Penguins lit the lamp first as Chris Somerton took a nice goal mouth feed from team-mate Lucas Saccary to put their team up 1-0. Then with 2:21 remaining in the opening stanza Kenzie Ferguson slid a nifty pass over to Ryan MacMullin who made no mistake in firing a hard low shot to the back of the Sydney cage to put their team up 2-0.

Both team traded off excellent scoring chances through the middle frame as goaltenders on both teams played shutout hockey. In the final stanza Sydney Wolves gained some momentum late in the period. With 3:32 remaining in regulation Brain Besso made a nice outlet pass to a breaking Daniel MacNeil who cut in on over the Penguin blue-line and snapped a well placed low shot inside the post, to close the gap to 2-1.

In the final minute of play the trailing Wolves pulled their goalie in favor of an extra attacker but the Penguins played strong defensive zone hockey to ward off all final scoring threats to earn a victory.  Sydney’s goaltending tandem of Jacob Rigby and Jordan MacLeod combined to stop 47 Penguin drives to keep their team in the game and help set the stage for the exciting final minutes.

Other Glace Bay Penguin players are: Anthony MacGillivary, Ryan MacIntosh, Jordan Sawlor, Rilley Kelly, Zack Kelly, Brandon Bates, Dylan Hurly, Dustin Spencer, Cody Oliver, Devon Fraser, Aaron Boudreau and Maurice Boudreau.

The Glace Bay Miners hold a record of 1 win, 2 ties and 3 setbacks as they continue their drive to establish their provincial ranking for either Tier One or Two. This season there are six female Pee Wee teams vying for their seating in Provincial Playoffs later in April. Each team plays a home & home series against  each other, with the top three teams being placed in Tier One and the  remaining three teams will compete for Tier Two. In addition to our Glace Bay team, there are teams representing Brookfield, Sydney, Port Hood, Anigonish and Pictou.

In today’s game played @ the Bayplex the top-ranked contender, the Brookfield Elks edged our Miners in an exciting two-way contest. Elks opened the scoring when Emile Burris notched a marker with 2:27 remaining in the first period. Adding helpers on the play were Elizabeth MacArthur and Ally MacArthur.  In the middle frame the Elks jumped into a 2-0 lead as Emily Crouse drilled a low shot to the back of the Miners cage after taking a feed pass Regan Bowers. Then with 5:33 remaining in the period Corinne Hefferman feathered a pass over to team mate Mikayla Courtney who went top-shelf to draw the Miners within one goal.

In the final stanza both teams played an exciting brand of end-to-end hockey as the Miners pressed for the equalizer. Pictured above a Miners forward drives through the Elks defense and is awarded with a breakaway scoring chance.

We wish the Miners good luck as they continue their provincial playoff drive.

Pictured above are two players in a game action photo who are demonstrating how important it is to maintain balance and agility control during body contact.

It is important for both defensemen and forwards to work on their skating skills. The stop and go, forward to backward movement and quick turns are all important. These skills on turning and stopping in practice should be a regular habit. Good balance is important for all players. Staying low, using your legs and keeping all your weight over an edge will help the balance, especially when checking. Too many players try to check with the upper body (only using the shoulders), but a good, solid hit comes from the lower body - the strength in the legs - and also a strong abdomen and lower back. In your extra time work on developing your lower body leg and trunk strength for stronger down low puck control. 

The visiting team, lead by a hat-trick performance from Brandon Leblanc gave Cheticamp a one game lead in the best of three Cape Breton Bantam AA playoffs.  Also leading the way for Cheticamp was Mathieu Bourgeois who scored a single tally and added an assist while Marc Bourgeois chipped in with two set-up markers.

Glace Bay’s goals came off the sticks of Tyler Mullins and Bret MacLanders while Ryan Bach and Mathew MacPherson drew helpers on the Miner’s goals.

Both teams were locked 2-2 until late in the second frame when Cheticamp scored their go-ahead goal with :41 seconds remaining in the period. The Miners had some excellent scoring chances throughout the final stanza but just couldn’t find the back of the Cheticamp goal on their scoring drives.
In the above game action photo Miner's player Jonathan O'Brien is seen forechecking Cheticamp's forward, Mathew Miller through the neutral ice zone during the third period.

Heading into game four leading the best of five Cape Breton semi-final series 2-1 the Glace Bay Miners faced a determined New Waterford Sharks team in game four, recently played at the BAYplex.

Both teams played a typical exciting two-way playoff game as both went end to end displaying an exciting brand of hockey. Playing through a scoreless first period, and then each exchanging goals in the middle period, the visiting New Waterford Sharks jumped out to a 3-2 early lead into the third stanza putting the home town Miners back on their heels for most of the final period.  With the Miners not wanting to play the deciding game out of town, the home squad in front of a good crowd, dug deep in the final minute of play, as they turned up a last ditch offensive effort. With 00:41 seconds remaining on the overhead clock, Cordell Dowe teamed up on a nice give-and-go with teammate Tyler Ross who then broke in on the Shark goal to notch his team’s tying goal which ultimately sent his team into overtime.

Both teams had good chances to win it all as they exchanged some excellent overtime two way action. At the 7:15 mark of the first overime period Miner’s forward Justin Brann secured his team's playoff fate as he pounced on a loose puck in goal mouth scramble to notch his team’s dramatic overtime winner and send his team through to the next playoff round against Cheticamp.

Scorers for the Miners were: Justin Brann with two, while Cordell Dowe and Tyler Ross notched single tallies. Picking up assists on the night were Kieran McKinnon, Jonathan O’Brien and Dowe.

Marksmen for the New Waterford Sharks were Kevin Abraham, Luke Passher and Gregory MacPhee.  Chipping in with assists were John Kennedy and Angus Rankin.

In the above game action photo Miner’s player Aaron Gouthro is seen driving to the net attempting to pick up a rebound deep into the Shark bluezone.

The Pictou Pipers suited up against the Glace Bay Miners in an exhibition Bantam Female contest recently played at the Dominion Rink. Both teams played through a scoreless first period and then in the middle frame the visiting Pipers scored their go-ahead goal as Emma Taylor tallied on a nice play after receiving help from teammate Brittany Robertson. 

Both teams played an entertaining brand of hockey throughout the third as the hometown Miners turned up their offense especially in the dying minutes of the game. As the final minute counted down, Miner’s forward Rebecca MacDonald gained control of the puck by cycling down deep in the Pictou corner. With a quick glance over her shoulder MacDonald spun away from her defender and backhanded a tape-to-tape pass to Nellie Edwards who drove to the net and converted a quick re-direct into the open corner of the Pictou net with just: 59 seconds remaining.

The Miners lined up the exhibition against the Pictou team as part of their preparation for the up-coming Female Bantam Provincial play downs scheduled to take place in the couple of weeks.

Pictured above in the game action photo (L-R) Miner’s forwards Rebecca MacDonald and Nellie Edwards are attempting to chance down a loose puck in the final minutes of the game.

Name: Travis Turner

Hometown: Glace Bay

Date of Birth: June 17, 1988

2006-07 Team: Amherst Ramblers

League: Maritime Junior A Hockey League

Position: Center Height: 6’-1” Weight: 180lbs

Season Stats to-date: Games played: 46 G-11; A-13; Total pts = 24

Rambler’s Head Coach - Corey Crocker Comments:
“Travis is a huge part of our hockey team. He came in this year determined to make our club and he has found himself shutting down the top players in the league. Travis has a great work ethic and has a great vision for the game. Every night Travis comes to the rink you know how he is going to play, his consistency will allow him to be an impact player in this league in years to come. Travis, from a coach’s point of view, is a player and person you want to have in your program. He is dedicated to his university life at Mount Allison and he wants to further his career in hockey. He is a pleasure to coach and it is a credit to your hockey organization and to Travis's family”.

Travis’s Comments - Season Update:
“My first year in Amherst is going good, great little town. My billets are great and they have 2 young kids ages 7 and 2, which is great. Another player on my team lives with me, Joe Leonard who is from Lake Placid, New York, which has been great to live with a player from the USA to learn how life and their minor hockey is different from our Glace Bay community and minor hockey system.
So far, the season is going great, we have a great team, which is in second place right now contending for the top spot. My role on the team this season has as a defensive player killing penalties, but also as a first year rookie, I am also relied on for some offense from time to time and earn some power-play time which has been positive. My coach has been a great influence on me as a motivating person and it rubs off on the team.
In addition to my dedicated hockey time I also make my education priority. Currently I attend Mount Allison University and I'm enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts Degree Program. It has been a challenge to balance school work with hockey with being on the ice everyday and the commitment our hockey program takes. Looking at my future plans when my junior eligibility ends, I hope someday to play university hockey in Canada or the U.S.A. using my Arts Degree to help me become a teacher someday".

We wish Travis continued success with the Amherst Ramblers for the balance of this season and fans can follow Travis and his team’s progress by clicking on the Rambler’s website @ www.amherstramblers.com

Name: Marc Bourgeois

Hometown: Glace Bay, N.S.

Date of Birth: March 3^rd, 1990

2006-07 Team: Pictou Weeks Crushers

League: Maritime Junior Hockey A Hockey League  

Position: Right Wing   Height: 5-9”  Weight: 175lbs

Season Stats to-date: 43 games 20 points (6 Goals – 14 Assists)

Comments From Head Coach Troy Ryan: “Marc is a great kid and has been a great addition to our program“

Marc’s Season Summary To-date: “My hockey experience this season has been different but positive. Through most of my minor hockey I concentrated on offense, but now I am playing against a lot of 20 year olds who have a lot more speed and strength. I now realize that I have to continue to develop my defensive game as well as being part of the team both on and off the ice. I think I only had one point in my first 16 games but with my new attitude and hard work I am starting to get rewarded with ice-time and a few points to help out our team.

It’s a big sacrifice to make the jump especially when you leave your family and friends who I miss a lot. I’ll be looking forward to my off-season time to spend some quality time with everyone, but in the meantime I have a close hockey buddy from the Northside Michael Kirkpatrick who I have known since I was nine years old to hang out with, so this makes it much easier.

This season I am able to work on my game quite a bit as I am on the ice practicing or playing everyday. My goal is to eventually get drafted to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and make the cut on a Major Junior team for next season”.

Glace Bay and area fans can follow Marc’s progress on the rest of the season by clicking on his team’s home webpage @ www.weekscrushershockey.com. Good Luck Marc and Keep up the Good Work!

Quite a bit of focus has been on all minor hockey officials this year given the new standards of rule enforcement, which Hockey Canada emphasized at the beginning of the current hockey season. Referee clinics across the country stressed this point very clearly to all officials from Level One to Level Six. The standard of play has to such that restraining fouls such as hooking, tripping, holding and interference are “no longer a part of the game”. Stick fouls such as crosschecking and slashing are to be called with stick enforcement and the message is to players that the use of your stick is limited to playing the puck. I feel that our officials are making progress in eliminating these fouls but certainly more work needs to done.

There are currently 41 officials who are registered in this association. Officials are assigned to games based upon a number of factors, which would include the division of play and the level and experience of the official. Here in Glace Bay the vast majority of our officials hold a Level One or Two, with a small number of Level Threes and one Level Four. All of the officials begin with a Level One and they must be 13 years of age or older to join. Officiating Clinics are typically held once a year usually in late September or early October and are approximately 16 hours of classroom instruction. These Clinics are mandatory every year for all new and returning officials. There is a fee for registration and the Level for which you are registering calculates this.  Included in the fee is insurance, crests, rulebooks etc. After an individual has successfully completed the Clinic (including testing), his/her name is forwarded to the Referee-in-Chief for each association along with their Level achieved. Officials are paid according to their role on the ice (referee vs linesman) and the Division in which they are officiating (Atom-Midget). Officials are compensated at the end of each month based upon the criteria outlined earlier. 

In conclusion, I would like to point out to all local minor hockey officials about the recent success of Sydney’s Ryan Murphy. As outlined on the front page of the Cape Breton Post (Jan 16/07) Ryan began officiating novice hockey locally in the early morning hours like all other young Level One officials. Through his own dedication and commitment of officiating both on and off the ice, Ryan has worked his way into the officiating ranks of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He was recently selected to work the lines for the Top Prospects Game, which was held in Quebec City and televised nationally on CTV Sportsnet. Congratulations Ryan. Kudos also go out to two of our own officials Dan Donovan and Jeff Aucoin who are progressing through our ranks and are both working as off-ice officials for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League during the Screaming Eagle’s home games.  I would certainly encourage any individual who has an interest in officiating to get in touch with me through the local Glace Bay Minor Hockey office @ 842-1533 

*** Stay tuned for more insight on officiating later in the season, as we look at other topics such as rule application and discipline.  

Two Glace Bay cross-town Atom League rivals met in a recent league game held at the BAYplex, which saw the underdog Wildcats defeat, the Wolverines by a count of 4-2. Leading the way for the Wildcats was Kelsey Gimet, as the game’s top-playmaker triggered two goals including the game winner which she notched at 7:17 of the final period. Mitchell MacMullin scored a single marker while Jessie MacEachern and Brandon Tutty each picked up and assist in the contest.
Scoring for the Wolverines were Spencer Roach and Connor MacIntosh who each notched unassisted tallies in the game.
Game highlight reel moment !
With the Wildcats holding a slim 3-2 lead late in the third, Wolverines pulled their goaltender in favor of a sixth attacker which had fans from both teams sitting on the edge of their seats. In the final minute, the Wolverines contained the Wildcats deep in their zone only to have Wildcat netkeeper Jake MacPherson turn aside a couple of key scoring chances. With 16 seconds showing on the clock, the Wildcat defense created a Wolverine turnover and that sent Logan MacLeod down the side-board scoring lane, as he made no mistake in drilling home the fourth goal into the empty Woverine cage that proved to be his team's insurance marker.

Pictured in a post game photo above are members of the Wildcats:
Front: goalie Jake MacPherson
Middle Row L-R: Rebecca Petrie, Curtis Bunder, Mitchell MacMullin, Aiden Graham, Kelsey Gilmet and Brandon Tutty
Back Row: L-R: Shane MacLeod (assistant coach), Tania MacLeod (manager), Logan MacLeod, Dylan Buchanan, Jordan Doucette, Robert Moore, Ryan Blois, Martin Gouthro, Jessie MacEachern, Chris O’Keefe (head coach)

Fans can catch the Glace Bay Atom Wildcats as they play their home games most Saturdays @ the Bayplex with puck-drop time set for 12:00pm.

The Glace Bay Miners are on their way to Shelburne Nova Scotia, March 9-11^th to compete for Gold Honors in the Nova Scotia Provincial Midget AA Division for this the 2006-07 hockey season.

The newly crowned Cape Breton Champs earned their right to represent the island by winning the best of three series against the Cape Breton County Islanders two games to one. The Miners scored a wide open first game victory on home ice with a 9-6 win, but then suffered a 3-0 set-back on the Islanders home ice in the second game. The tie-breaker match saw a big home town crowd come out to support the Miners at the BAYplex as they faced-off for the right to represent Cape Breton in the provincial play downs.

Both teams traded off a good brand of hard-hitting, two-way hockey, typical of a sudden-death game tiebreaker contest. After the opening frame the both teams were tied at one goal apiece. Then early into the middle frame Miner’s Matt MacDonald notched his team’s go-ahead goal at the 2:39 mark making the score 2-1. Then on the next play Miner’s player Bryce Popwell tallied the eventual game and series winner after receiving help from goaltender Jason Boutiler and Stephen Binder. Midway through the final stanza, the Islanders drew close as Matt Wadden scored a nice marker on an unassisted effort to bring his team within one goal.

In the final minutes of the game the Miners played their strongest defense of the series as indicated in the above late game action photo. Three Miners including team captain AJ Barrett #12 turn back the late Islander offense attack in their bid to score the game equalizer.

Other goal scorers for the Miners were Stephen Binder, while Mike Binder and Stephen Binder drew two assists each and Matt MacGillivary chipped in with a single helper. Other Miners teammates heading to the provincials are: CJ Wilnef, James O’Brien, Matt MacAulay, Matt Oliver, Chris Petite, Mike Bruffato, Jesse McInnis, Scott Martell and Josh MacDonald. Coach Rick Wiseman, manager Bobby Wadden and Connor O’Brien as trainer for the team. 

Other scorers for the Cape Breton Islanders were Scott Lewis who received an assist on his goal from teammate Joey Niedzielski.

There are two new hockey teams in Glace Bay this season and they are making quite the stir with their pink gloves and hockey sticks. GBMHA, in cooperation with the CB County and New Waterford Minor Hockey Associations, has iced for the first time two all female rep hockey teams, one Pee Wee and one Bantam. Both teams play in the north Nova Scotia female conference and compete against teams from Sydney, Cape Breton West, Antigonish, Pictou and the Truro area. Along with playing within the conference the teams, they also play exhibition games against local Atom, Pee Wee and Bantam Metro teams as their schedule permits.

The Pee Wee team consists of 10 players from Glace Bay and 4 from CB County and is coached by long time GB minor hockey coach Barrie Campbell. Campbell says that, ‘ seeing the smiles on the girls as they leave the rink makes it all worthwhile ‘. His coaching staff is complemented by assistant coach and manager Glenn Courtney, Myles Heffernan and GBMHA graduates Jennifer Munden and Gina Peori. Jennifer is currently playing on the New Waterford female Midget team while Gina is applying her skills with the CBU women’s Varsity team. Their presence on the team has provided inspiration for the girls and it is hoped that they will stick with coaching and perhaps inspire other females to become involved and assist with the future development of female hockey in Glace Bay.

 The Bantam team has 9 girls from Glace Bay, 6 from CB County and 3 from New Waterford and are coached by Andre Arseneau from CB County. Arseneau’s hockey knowledge, organizational and teaching skills combined with his even temperment made him an excellent choice to coach the Bantam team in their inaugural season. Shaun Tutty is acting as team manager while GBMH alumnus Curtis Billard and Carley Robson from Mira Gut are the assistant coaches. Former Team Nova Scotia and GBMH player Garlene Somerton and Team Newfoundland member April Janes have also had a hand in coaching the team. Robson, who is in her second year of coaching, played her minor hockey in CB County and is the granddaughter of former GBMHA President Ryan Sullivan.  

By all accounts the girls on both teams are having a most enjoyable season and have proven to be very competitive. Local fans can catch their home games most Saturdays in Dominion starting with the Pee Wees at 1:00pm, followed by the Bantams at 2:30pm. Come out and watch them play and see for yourself what everybody seems to be talking about this season. You will be pleasantly surprised with the with the calibre of their skills.

Pictured in the right insert photo are two local Miner's players Cody MacNeil & Ryan Orr who were among over 350 loyal Glace Bay youngsters who attended a recent Major Junior hockey game at Centre 200 to welcome home former Miner Jarrad Struthers. The two youngsters met with Jarrad for a few minutes before he boarded the team bus to head back on the road for his next game.

Struthers grew up in Port Morien playing his minor hockey out of Glace Bay.  After graduating from Miners Bantam AAA team he played the next season with the Cape Breton Tradesmen Midget AAA team.  Struther's hockey skills caught the eye of many Quebec Major Junior Hockey scouts leading him to be drafted as a midget underage player, sending him to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. 

The Struther's family who also attended Jarrad's game, were extremely appreciative for the overwhelming support shown by the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association and their players who came out to support Jarrad's return. 

Jarrad Struthers:  Hometown: Port Morien, NS

Family:  Coleena & Jamie (parents) Megan (sister) Logan (brother)  

Age 16; Height: 6’00;  Weight: 195lbs; 
Position:  Left Wing;  Sweater #21

  Q - Now that you have made the jump to Major Junior Hockey, what is your fondest memory of playing minor hockey?
"For sure, my last year playing Bantam AAA was my best year. I played on a great line with Marc Bourgeois and Stephen Horyl where we created plenty of offense on the season while helping our team win some big tournaments, especially in our last one when we captured the Cape Breton Island Bantam AAA championship."

Q - As a 16 year old playing hockey away from home, what has been some of your personal challenges?
"Living in Quebec trying to get the hang of the French language has been a bit difficult even though I still get to attend the only English high school in the area. Everyone tries to help me including my great billet family. Another adjustment is the fact that I miss my family and friends a great deal. I consider myself really lucky this rookie season to have two twenty year olds on our team originally from Nova Scotia. League veterans Tyler Whitehead (former Eagle) and Justin Munden (former Moosehead) have gone out of their way to help me adjust and I am very grateful to them for their help."

Q - What has been the best advice that your coach has given to you so far?
"Early in the season, coach Andre Tourigny took me aside and suggested for me to work on things that will increase my timing, such as quicker foot speed and shot release. The pace of the league demands that you have split-second decision-making. Perhaps the most rewarding advice is that he told me to work hard in games and practices that despite my age I will be rewarded with playing time. So far that has worked for me".

Q - What player has impressed you the most since your arrival in the “Q”
"Being a new player in the league I am focused on the younger guys… “Watch out for our 18 year old defenseman, #29 Ivan Vishnesvskiy, he an amazing skater, and talented player who was drafted from Russia and made the 2005-06 Quebec League All-Star team".

Q - Back in October when your Huskies visited the Screaming Eagles at Centre 200, what was that experience like?
"Awesome! I was really looking forward to the trip back home but it seemed a bit strange to be playing on the visiting team with many family and friends in the stands. I really want to thank everyone back in Cape Breton for coming out to support me and I appreciate the fact that Glace Bay Minor Hockey provided a ticket discount for their minor hockey players who wanted to go to the game and helping make it such a positive experience for me. I’m already looking forward to my next trip to my to my home town !"

Q - Do you have any advice for our minor hockey kids?
"All along when I was growing up playing I followed the Major Junior Hockey League games (Eagles) at Centre 200. I like most kids my age, dreamed of playing Major Junior hockey someday. If youngsters put in a lot of time and effort, including a lot of practice time, they too can reach their goals if you remain dedicated to the game."

Glace Bay and area fans can follow Jarrad’s progress on the 2006-07 season with the Huskies by visiting the QMJHL website located @ www.lhjmq.qc.ca. Good Luck Jarrad keep up the hard work and Best Wishes for continued success for the balance of the season!.

In recent Cape Breton Midget ”B” League action played in Dominion, the Glace Bay Bobbleheads outscored their rival County Islanders in a wide open hockey contest which saw a total of 14 goals being recorded.

Leading the way for the Bobbleheads was their team captain Christian Pembroke who scored an impressive four goals and the team’s playmaker also led his squad in the assist department, with a pair of helpers. Michael Delaney sharpened his scoring touch as he drilled home a brace of tallies on the night, while Brandon MacMillan and Josh Comer chipped in one goal apiece. Liam Boyce and Skippy MacMillan drew an assist each in the game.

The Islander’s scoring was lead by Shea MacLeod who scored a pair of goals, while Kendal MacPhee, Mark Logue, Louie Denny and William Marshall counted one marker each. Marshall led in the assist department with two, as Keenan Bernard and MacLeod chipped in single helpers.

Other players with the Glace Bay Bobbleheads are: Lawson Hines, Leigh Amadio, Mathew Musial, Kristen MacKinnon, Brett Rudderham, Samantha Heffernan, Kyle Desveaux and Jamie Sparrow.

Fans can catch the Glace Bay Bobbleheads play on their home ice in Dominion most Thursday evenings, with the puck-drop time set for 8:45pm. 

In recent Cape Breton Pee Wee AAA Hockey League action, the Glace Bay Miners turned in a solid performance as they relied on solid goaltending, tight defense and timely offense, to record a well-deserved home-ice victory against the Antigonish Bulldogs.

The Miners opened the game’s scoring in the first period as Trevor Dauphine notched what later proved to be the game winner, with help on the play from Devin Simms and Liam MacKinnon. Both teams played tight two-way hockey and exchanged several excellent scoring chances in the middle frame. In the final stanza, Miners forward Ryan Groom triggered their second goal and insurance marker after receiving a feed from teammate Ryan Jackson. Miner’s goaltender James Matheson went the distance to record his first shutout of the season making several key saves especially late in the contest, to earn the victory.

Fans can catch the Pee Wee AAA Miners most Monday evenings on their home-ice @ the BAYplex with game times scheduled for 6:00pm

In the above game action photo, Antigonish’s player Aaron Connolly, is seen poised to release a wrist shot towards the Miner’s goal, which was successfully blocked by Miner’s team captain Devin Simms and goaltender James Matheson. 

The hometown Metro Bees put their undefeated tournament record on the line as they came out on top of the Glace Bay Christmas Metro Pee Wee Hockey Tournament held at the BAYplex. The visiting New Waterford Sharks team played a strong game to earn Silver, with special notice given to their goaltender Devin Brenna who put in a stellar performance between the pipes to keep his team close throughout the entire contest.

Leading the way for the Metro Bees was forward Ernie Jewels who tallied a natural hat-trick while Jake MacDonald notched a single tally. Robert MacQueen, Brandon Gilmet and Cody Baxter each chipped in with an assist on the Bees markers.

Scoring for the Sharks was Riley O’Flaherty who converted a nice feed from Josh MacIntosh.

Other Metro Bee players receiving Gold Medals in the above post-game photo were: Justin Lynk, Taylor Cameron, Mark Kelland, Tyler Southwell, Allan Currie, Cody MacNeil, Ryan Orr, Brad MacDonald, Curtis Matheson, Cameron Gilmet. Coaching staff: Donald MacQueen, Aubrey Cameron and Steve Deveaux.

Other Shark players receiving Silver Medals were: Cristian Carey, Tyler Grant, Tyler Erbe, Kyle Rueland, Jesse Walker, Jonathan Williams and Devon Duffney. 

Pictured above are members of the Glace Bay Wolverines Atom Metro hockey team who recently won Silver Medals in the Glace Bay Atom Metro Christmas Tournament held December 27-29 @ the BAYplex.

Members of the team shown above are: Jordan McNeil, Spencer Roach, Jason MacQueen, Brandon Carabin, Anna Brown, Scott Clarke, Jill Doucette, Chesley Truckair. Travis MacDonald, Nicholas Canova, Kenzie Wadden, Michael Pilling, Conner MacIntosh and Nicholas Holloway. The team is coached by Dwight Brown, David Wadden and Darren MacDonald.

The executive of the Glace Bay Minor Hockey Association would like to extend their Warmest Wishes to our players, coaches, officials, parents and the general public for a Joyous and Happy Holidays.

May your families enjoy Peace & Happiness during the Christmas Season and we hope that you have a Very Healthy & Happy New Year in 2007.

 Members of the executive pictured in the above photo are: Front row (L-R) Jeanette Grant, Paula MacNamara and Valerie Bourgeois. Back Row (L-R): Bill O’Brien, Phillip O’Neill, Greg O’Neill, Barry “Binky” Atkinson, Sonny MacDougall and James Edwards. 

Glace Bay Miners scored once in the opening period, twice in the middle frame and then notched three unanswered third period goals to defeat their rival Sydney Steelers in an exciting Bronze medal game played in Dominion. Scoring for the Miners were Brett MacLanders, Matthew Bennett, Jonathan O’Brien, Tyler Ross and Game MVP Anthony Wadden. Teammates picking up assists in the contest were Kieran McKinnon with a pair while Matthew MacPherson, Ryan Bach, Ross and O’Brien each earned single helpers.

Scoring for Sydney was Andrew Neville while receiving help on the goal from Jacob MacDonald and Tyler MacInnis. Sydney’s goaltender Nathan Hopkins played a solid game between the pipes for the Steelers earning him Game MVP honors.

Other Bronze Medal winners for the Miners were: Justinn Brann, Cordell Dowe, Connor Ferguson, Aaron Gouthro, Shamas MacDougall, Paul MacLean, Michael MacNeil, Gregory Wilneff and their head coach Ross Bennett.

Two cross town rivals faced off for top honours in the Glace Bay Atom Metro Christmas Hockey Tournament. The Warriors who went undefeated in tournament play took an early lead and held a two-goal lead throughout most of the game. Then heading into the third period the determined Wolverines received some offensive help from Travis MacDonald who notched two final stanza tallies to lock the teams into a 5-5 tie. With 6:21 remaining in regulation Warrior sniper Tyler Hopkins jumped on a loose puck inside the blue line drove to the net then released a high shot to the top-shelf to complete his hat-trick and eventual game winner. Other Warrior scorers were Randy Wadden who tallied a pair, while Matt Rowe notched a single. Daniel MacEachern chipped in with a pair of assists while Jared MacIsaac added one helper.

Woverine forward Travis MacDonald played a sparking offensive game as the speedster scored four times, while team-mate Michael Pilling added a single and chipped three assists. Kenzie Wadden also help set-up three markers while Brandon Carabin added one helper. Despite the strong offensive display in the contest, all three goalies stood tall in their blue-zones, namely Brian Morrison of the Warriors and Jordan McNeil of the Wolverines.

Other Warrior players receiving Gold medals were: Taylor Burke, Abby Penny, James Thomas, Brandon Boland, Keegan O’Neil, Chris MacPherson and Kyle Moss. Coaching staff: Harvey Wadden, Brad Penny, Stephen Boland and Keith MacIsaac.

Pictured above are the Northside Vikings and the New Waterford Sharks doing battle for a loose puck as the two teams are competing in the Glace Bay Miner’s Bantam AA Christmas Hockey Tournament being run at the Dominion Rink December 27 & 28th. Local fans can catch the Miners team @ 1:30pm Wednesday when they skate against Sydney then again on Thursday morning when they face the Sharks @ 9:30am. The tournament Bantam AA Championship Game is slated Thursday for 2:00pm in Dominion.

Meanwhile at the BAYplex there is an Atom Metro and Pee Wee Metro Tournament running December 27-29. The Championship Games for those Tournaments are scheduled Friday afternoon with the Atom Championship Game @ 2:00pm and the Pee Wee Championship Game for 3:00pm.

For some exciting Christmas Break hockey action fans are encouraged to take in some of this local hockey and support our Glace Bay teams. Good Luck to All Teams and Have Fun !

The Glace Bay Miners led 2-1 after the opening period and then scored three unanswered markers in the middle frame to defeat the visiting Northside Vikings in a recent tilt played at the BAYplex.

Leading the way for the Miners was Skylar Peterson who notched two goals while single tallies came off the sticks of Kale Turner, Liam MacPhee and Darren Melnick. Jonathan MacLean, Matthew Budden, Brett MacLeod and Peterson all earned an assist each on the Miner’s goals.

The goaltending duo of Nathan MacDonald and Corey MacVicar split the game between the pipes for the Miners to record the home ice victory.

Scoring for the Northside Vikings was Jamie Lee Gouthro with Corey Andrea being the player maker picking up an assist on the goal.

Other Miners players are: Jordan Burton, Fraser Bennett, Brandon Kennedy, Adam MacKenzie, Michael MacLean, Evan Routledge, Dylan MacKenzie and Nathan MacDonald.

In the above game action photo Miners forward Skylar Peterson is seen fighting off the check of Viking Ben Dooley while Corey Andrea is holding off her check in front of their goal. Peterson eventually broke through and scored his second marker of the game on this play.

Glace Bay fans can catch the Miners in action at the BAYplex most Friday evenings with game times set for 7:30pm

Pictured above are four Cape Breton players who are members and close friends of the St. Francis Xavier 2006-07 hockey team, which competes in the Atlantic University Sport - Hockey League. Left to right Ryan Desrosiers (New Waterford), Stuart MacRae (St FX Team Captain) and his brother Patrick MacRae (Coxheath) and Sean Donovan (Glace Bay).
Donovan a former Glace Bay Minor Hockey graduate played four seasons on defense for the Antigonish Bulldogs of the Maritime Junior A Hockey League. Last season Sean was honored to be selected his team’s captain. Anyone who knows Sean can easily attest why he selected for this key leadership role, as throughout his entire minor hockey years he was always known as a coach’s type of player who worked hard every game and who was dedicated to his team.
Like Donovan, his St F X team mates this season also enjoyed a lot of success during their minor hockey years while having a lot of fun along the way. Although they were busy playing for their respective minor hockey teams they also took time to develop friendships off the ice. Donovan stated “There would be lots of times we’d be away playing in tournaments and some of our teams would be staying at the same hotels. After the games were over we’d hang out together always having lots of fun. Also there were times when we were away at hockey schools we’d get a chance to make new friends who we would get to see later on in Midget, Junior and now at the University level.
“I guess if I was to pass a message along to today’s youngsters it would be to compete hard but spend plenty of time making friends with your opposition, because tomorrow’s picture may have you sharing the same bench, university classes or a job later on in life” say Donovan.
We wish Sean continued success in both his future education and hockey plans !

With a little over a week before Christmas Santa Claus took a few minutes out his busy schedule at the North Pole to pay a surprise visit to the Glace Tots Christmas party at the BAYplex recently.

The fun event started with a family skating party from 11-12pm when all the minor hockey youngsters had a chance to skate with their friends and other family members. Following the on-ice party, the tots were then treated to a pizza party in the BAYplex Community Hall, when to everyone’s surprise Santa Claus dropped by for a short but timely visit. Santa was kind enough to meet with most of the youngsters before jumping into his sled and speeding back to the North Pole in time to finish his work for Christmas Eve. Before the Tots left the party they were all presented with some treat bags. All & all everyone had a great time !  

Pictured above in a recent pre-game photo Glace Miner’s coach Gerard Shaw is shown going over a game plan with three of his team’s forwards. The three line-mates (L-R) Logan Shaw, Brad Cuzner and Mitchell O’Neil are enjoying some early success on the season as the trio is currently holding down the top three scoring spots in the Cape Breton Island Bantam AAA League. O’Neil leads the league with 26 points, while Cuzner trails with 24 and Shaw holds a share of third with 22.

After 10 games to-date the Glace Bay Miners find themselves in first place in the six-team league with a record of 6 wins, 3 losses and one tie. Other teams competing in the league are: Cape Breton West Eagles, Sydney Steelers, Northside Vikings, CB County Islanders and the Antigonish Bulldogs.

Pictured above along the back row in this group picture are four members of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles who recently took time out of their busy schedule to assist the Tots coaching staff run a fun practice session @ the BAYplex.

Forwards James Sheppard, Robert Slaney and Brendan MacDonald ran some demo skating, and puck-handling drills while Screaming Eagle goaltender David Davenport stood tall in goal as he blocked almost 50 shots directed at him during a shoot-out drill. As point of interest, there were a couple of youngsters who were able to steer the odd shot past the talented Davenport, this kept the players interest peaked until the final whistle sounded.

Following the on-ice practice the four Eagle guests hung in for some individual photos and later for an autograph session before they departed.

The coaching staff of the Glace Bay Minor Hockey - Tots Program, want to extend a sincere Thank You to the Cape Breton Eagles organization for arranging for the special visit as part of their on-going community work. Special Thanks to Eagle’s captain James Sheppard, Brendan MacDonald, Robert Slaney and goalie David Davenport for taking time to make the trip to Glace Bay to provide our Tots with another positive hockey experience.

The Tots will be guests of the Eagles in February when some Glace Bay players will be invited to play a game during one of the Eagle’s home games and as well the Eagles will be inviting all Tots to participate in the Annual Timbit Jamboree scheduled for Centre 200 in March, 2007, where the Eagle players will be once again on-hand to meet the youngsters.

The visiting Northside Atlantics tangled with Glace Bay Hound Dogs in an exciting Metro Atom contest played at the BAYplex.
In the opening period both goaltenders Josh Cunningham for the Hound Dogs, and Dawn Grandy for the Atlantics played stellar shutout hockey turning back all key scoring chances.
In the second frame Atlantic winger John Hart opened the game scoring as he cut in behind the Glace Bay cage with a nice wrap-around move to tuck the puck inside the net to put his team up 1-0. In the late stages of the period Northisde jumped into a 2-0 lead as Brett Smith scored the eventual game winner on a play with Tyler Hardy and Shannon Squarey. Before the period closed Hart scored his second of the game on an unassisted effort.
In the third period the Hound Dogs showed plenty of come-back determination as they created several early scoring chances. Defenseman Ian McQueen made several end-to-end rushes trying to get his team on the scoreboard. Then at the 10:11 mark MacQueen teamed up with Maggie Gouthro to send winger Austin Bigley in on goal as he drilled a low shot to the back of the net to close the score 3-1.
Glace Bay had several other excellent attempts to close the gap, but the Northside squad played strong defense in the final minutes of the game to earn the victory.

Other team members of the Hound Dogs are: Justin Bert, Michael Gouthro, Brian McLean, Logan Morgan, Jordan McInnis, Connor Bert, Logan Truckair, Anthony Byrne, Jonathan Smith, Tanner Pickup and Aiden Phalen.

In the above game action photo Hound Dog forwards Maggie Gouthro (left) and goal scorer Austin Bigley (right) are shown breaking in on Atlantic's goaltender Dawn Grandy for a scoring attempt.

This year in the Tots Division we are looking forward to another great season for our young hockey players.
At present we have a total of 58 youngsters enrolled in our entry-level program. Our primary focus is for the kids to develop both a “love of the game and the skills to play it”. We try our best to provide a fun and safe atmosphere for them during the course of the full season. We are especially grateful to have competent head coaches such Bill O'Brien and Phillip O'Neill run our drills. Our entire coaching staff ensures that our Tots receive a healthy balance of basic fundamental hockey skills such as teaching skating and puck handling skills and interactive fun while running our practices. The parents are encouraged to actively participate in the practices and we value their input and any assistance to help us out.
We are always looking for interesting activities for the players and certainly one of planned highlights this season will include an invite for some of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles to join us for a practice session before Christmas. Also we are hoping to take some players from our association to participate at a Screaming Eagles game during one of their intermissions @ Centre 200 in Sydney. Towards the end of the season we will look forward to taking our entire Tots group into an Eagles game and then participate in the Annual Timbit Jamboree Tournament.
All and all we are hoping that our Tots enjoy the 2006-07 season!

Regards
Derrick Hayes
Tots Coordinator

Pictured above are four tots players who just finished a fun practice. L-R Ricky MacKenzie, Keegan Shea, Lucas Vaters and Shayndel Coombes. 

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