
The Soo Pee Wee Hockey League proudly introduced its brand new Soo OK Tire Selects U13 program this January, providing young athletes a unique opportunity to compete at a higher level. This bridging program is designed for house league teams to elevate their skills and experience in a more competitive environment. The inaugural team recently hit the road to participate in the 2025 Barrie House League Select Tournament, held from March 14 to 16, and they certainly made their mark.
Kicking off the tournament, the Soo OK Tire Selects faced off against the Barrie Colts on Friday at noon. Demonstrating their skill and teamwork, the Soo achieved a resounding victory, defeating the Colts 10-2 and securing their first win of the weekend. The momentum continued in their second match later that day, where the Selects showcased their prowess once again, triumphing over the Caledonia Thunder with a score of 5-1.
However, the team faced a setback in their third game on Saturday afternoon. In a competitive match against the Collingwood Jr Blues, the Soo was unable to overcome their opponents, ultimately losing 6-2. Despite this hiccup, the Soo OK Tire Selects regrouped for their final round-robin match, demonstrating their resilience by defeating the Scarborough Ice Raiders 6-3, ensuring their advance to the semifinals.
On Sunday morning, the Selects faced the Etobicoke Bulldogs in a tightly contested semifinal. The team showed great grit and determination, edging out the Bulldogs with a narrow 4-3 victory, which earned them a spot in the championship game.
The excitement peaked on Sunday afternoon as the Soo OK Tire Selects prepared to take on the Kiwanis Stars in the gold medal match. In a thrilling contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Selects emerged victorious once again, clinching the championship title with a hard-fought 4-3 win.
The success at the Barrie House League Select Tournament not only showcased the talent of the Soo OK Tire Selects but also marked a significant milestone for the Soo Pee Wee Hockey League. This new program is fostering a competitive spirit while nurturing the growth and development of young hockey players in the community.