Battle of Ontario pits 67’s prospects against one another
Last week in Smiths Falls, the Central Canada Hockey League met the Ontario Junior Hockey League in the Battle of Ontario, pitting All-Star teams against one another, with a separate bracket for each league’s young stars.
Four players with 67’s ties took to the ice. Matthew Souliere (Trenton Golden Hawks) represented OJHL Team Tanev, and Clarence Allain (Caledon Admirals) suited up for OJHL Team Hyman Prospects. On the CCHL side, Shaan Kingwell (Navan Grads) played for the Yzerman Young Guns, while Spencer Bowes (Pembroke Lumber Kings) saw action with the Robinson Young Guns.
Souliere’s Team Tanev claimed third place in the tournament, knocking off CCHL Team Robinson in the bronze medal game, but for the prospect teams, there was no playoff system, instead, it was a “showcase style” event. Additionally, all games were only two 20-minute periods.
Allain’s Team Hyman Prospects claimed victory in both of their games, but the opportunity alone was something he eagerly awaited.
“It’s something I’ve looked forward to since I joined this league, and it’s very important to me,” Allain said.
Bowes’ Robinson Young Guns secured the only victory for the CCHL in the prospect series, sneaking out a shootout win over the McBain Prospects in the very first game of the series.
“It means a lot,” Bowes said. “Only a few kids were selected for this, it’s always good to be here.”
By all accounts, the tournament was world-class.
“It’s great,” Kingwell said. “Everything is here for you. I’ve known a lot of these guys from minor hockey, so we’ve been reconnecting, because I haven’t seen them in a while.”
More than 20 games into each of their seasons, Bowes and Kingwell are off to flying starts with their club teams, with 27 and 34 points respectively. Allain trails not too far behind in the exceptionally competitive OJHL, scoring 18 points through 25 games thus far.
“My coach is putting trust in me,” Bowes said. “It feels good when he wants you to make something happen and you put it in the back of it, and make a big play.”
Sixth in the CCHL’s point-scoring race, Kingwell only wants to help his team win games, which they have done well this season, holding a 12-6-2-2 record.
After their outstanding run last season, which took them to the Centennial Cup, the Grads hope to be back in 2025 despite losing many important pieces, including Jaeden Nelson, who now tends the 67’s goal.
“We’re maybe not as strong as last year, but I think we have the skill and effort again to go to Calgary this year,” Kingwell said. “I’m just trying to try to be a leader this year, and have guys to look up to me.”
