A youth hockey team in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., that nearly lost the opportunity to play in a championship game over an alleged messy dressing room has been given the green light to compete this weekend.
The U18 AA Soo Jr. Greyhounds reached a resolution with the Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) late Friday night, according to team manager Lindsay Fera.
She said the NOHA reached out to the team and met virtually to discuss the league’s ruling that would have barred the Jr. Greyhounds from competing in the regional final against the Sudbury-based Copper Cliff Reds.
“Win or lose, the fact they get to play this game is a win in itself,” she said. “Our players are very grateful to be able to end this season the right way.”
The team had been accused of leaving behind a messy dressing room in Blind River’s hockey rink following Game 2 of the Nickel District Minor Hockey League’s best-of-three championship series two weekends ago.
Jr. Greyhounds management said arena staff had to clean up their water bottles, a towel and some hockey tape — prompting the team to issue an apology to the Town of Blind River.
The NOHA initially ruled that the Jr. Greyhounds would have to forfeit the league final, ending their season and prompting the team to send an appeal to Hockey Canada.
That was until Friday night around 9 p.m. when the league overturned its decision and granted the Soo players a chance to compete.
“Hockey Canada reviewed our appeal in a measured way,” Fera said. “In the end, they denied the appeal. However, all governing bodies involved were in favour of the game being played and the championship to be decided on ice.”
“We’re grateful the NOHA looked at it again and brought the two teams together to get it done right in the best interest of both teams.”
Hockey Canada has declined to speak on the matter, while the NOHA is yet to reply to CBC’s request for comment.
Fera said the players are in great spirits and will be hitting the ice Saturday for practice before they drive to Sudbury Sunday afternoon.
“They’re pumped up,” she said. “I’m sure the nerves will be there, but they thought their season was over — so they’re thrilled to have the opportunity to make this right.”
Game 3 of the championship series will be played in Sudbury at the McClelland Arena this Sunday at 7 p.m.
