saultsports 
Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The 2025 GNU18HL play-in tournament kicked off in exciting fashion on Friday, March 7th at the Northern Community Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as the Soo U16 Greyhounds faced off against the North Bay U16 Trappers in a highly anticipated opening matchup. The Greyhounds, who finished in fifth place in the 2024-2025 GNU18HL regular season, entered the game looking to make a statement, while the Trappers, who finished just behind in sixth place, were eager to start their tournament journey with a win.
The game began with early tension, as both teams looked to gain the upper hand. At 5:53 of the opening period, the Trappers struck first. Cedar Montreuil took advantage of a power play opportunity, finding the back of the net behind Soo goaltender Gavin Zuccato to give North Bay a 1-0 lead. Carter Brownlee and Owen Smith were credited with the assists on Montreuil’s goal, which set the tone for what would be an exciting contest.
The Greyhounds responded with determination, and at 13:35 of the first period, their defenseman Frankie Reda delivered the equalizer. Reda fired a shot past North Bay netminder Graydon Joseph, evening the score at 1-1. Nico Bossio was credited with the assist on Reda’s timely goal, providing a boost to the Soo’s morale.
However, just over two minutes later, the Trappers regained the lead. At 15:56 of the first period, Carter McAllister found the back of the net for North Bay, putting the Trappers ahead 2-1. Zachary Robinson and Emerik Bray picked up the assists on McAllister’s go-ahead goal, sending North Bay into the intermission with a slim advantage.
The second period saw both teams fight hard for control, but neither could break the deadlock. It wasn’t until the third period that the Greyhounds found a way to tie the game. With a power play opportunity in hand, Soo defenseman Anthony Carbone capitalized at 7:15, ripping a shot past Joseph to even the score at 2-2. Dreyon Boissoneau and Finlay Carlson picked up the assists on Carbone’s goal, which once again brought the game to a level playing field.
With the 2-2 tie, the game ended in a hard-fought draw, leaving both teams hungry for more action in the tournament. The Trappers will now face the New Liskeard Cubs in their next matchup, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th, at the Rankin Arena. Meanwhile, the Soo Greyhounds will take on the Cubs in the second game of the day, with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop at the Rankin Arena. Listen to the 2025 GNU18HL play-in tournament on True North Radio.
About The Author
