GNU18HL Sudbury U18 Wolves Headed to 2025 Central Region Championship with Win Over Majors -

On Sunday, March 16th, the Sudbury U18 Wolves faced off against the Timmins Majors in the championship game of the 2025 GNU18HL Play Tournament at the McIntyre Arena in Timmins, Ontario. Coming off a thrilling 4-3 overtime win over the North Bay Trappers in the first semi-final, the Wolves were riding high as they geared up for their showdown with the Majors. Meanwhile, Timmins had edged the Soo U18 Greyhounds 3-2 in their semi-final, setting the stage for an exciting final match.

In their previous encounter during the round robin on March 13th, the Wolves and Majors had played to a 2-2 draw, hinting at the fierce competition to come. The championship game did not disappoint, delivering an action-packed contest that saw both teams battle for supremacy.

Wolves strike early with Sudbury wasting no time in the second period, taking the lead just 12 seconds into the frame. Jameson Fabbro netted a power play goal for Sudbury, his second of the postseason, as he beat Timmins’ goaltender Alexandre Hall. The quick goal set the tone for what would be an exciting period, with Drake Taylor and Cameron Vekhala earning assists on the play.

The Majors responded and wasn’t deterred by the early deficit. At 3:23 of the second period, Kaddes Katapatuk responded for the Majors, tying the game at 1-1 with his first goal of the tournament. Evan Katic and Jordan Martineau provided the assists, keeping the Majors’ hopes alive as they battled to reclaim the lead.

The Wolves regained the lead at 8:23 of the second when Hudson Goulet scored his second goal of the playoffs, with assists from Vinny Gilbert and Russell Ranger. Just over two minutes later, at 10:20, Russell Ranger found the back of the net for his third goal of the tournament, assisted by Goulet and Grady Jalbert, extending Sudbury’s lead to 3-1.

Despite Sudbury’s efforts to pull away, Timmins had one more goal to offer. At 15:35, Jordan McLeod scored on a power play, cutting the Wolves’ lead to 3-2. Assists on McLeod’s goal came from Jakob Drobny and Mavrick Boucher, as the Majors continued to press in the final minutes of the second period.

In the third period, both teams fought hard, but the Wolves held firm, defending their lead and controlling the play. With stellar goaltending and strong defensive play, Sudbury was able to preserve their 3-2 lead, securing the 2025 GNU18HL Playoff Championship.

With the victory secures the Sudbury U18 Wolves a spot in the 2025 Central Region U18 AAA Championship, which will take place in Kemptville, Ontario, from March 31st to April 6th. The winner of this tournament will earn a coveted spot at the 2025 TELUS Cup, Canada’s National U18 Hockey AAA Championship, to be held in Chilliwack, British Columbia, from April 21st to 27th.

With a hard-fought victory under their belts, the Wolves are now looking ahead to the Central Region tournament, where they will aim for another championship and the opportunity to represent the region on the national stage.