The GOJHL U18 team put on display many OHL Draft picks for the St. Andrew’s College 41st Annual MacPherson Tournament, despite facing some tough competition. While the team finished the tournament with a .500 win percentage, the games were filled with standout performances that showed off for the GOJHL. From strong goaltending to clutch goals in crucial moments, the team was fun to watch all weekend.
Game 1 – Jan 31, 9:15 AM:
GOJHL 1
Brunswick College 4
The tournament kicked off with a high-energy matchup against Brunswick College. The GOJHL U18 team dominated much of the play, but despite their effort, they were ultimately defeated 4-1. Logan Hawery, the London Knights prospect and current St. Thomas Star, provided the only goal for the team. He was rewarded for his effort with the Player of the Game award, a testament to his consistent play throughout the contest. While the result was disappointing, the game was high energy and the stands were filled even in the early morning.
Game 2 – Jan 31, 4:00 PM:
GOJHL 4
Northwood School 1
The GOJHL U18 team quickly bounced back in their second game, delivering a solid 4-1 victory over Northwood School. This time, they showed what they were truly capable of as they controlled the pace of play. Goaltender Nico Armellin of the St.Marys Lincolns was a standout performer, turning away 30 shots and providing a rock-solid presence between the pipes. His performance earned him Player of the Game honours, as he kept his team in the game and ensured they maintained a comfortable lead. On the offensive side, both Liam Campbell and Hawery were integral to the victory, each contributing with a goal and an assist. Hawery’s playmaking ability was on full display, and Campbell’s ability to finish around the net proved key. This game showed the team’s ability to adjust after a tough first game and reaffirmed the team’s skill.
Game 3 – Feb 1, 11:15 AM:
GOJHL 2
Bishop Kearney School 4
The third game of the tournament proved to be a challenging matchup for the team, as they faced off against Bishop Kearney, one of the best American prep teams. The GOJHL U18 team played a solid first two periods, but ultimately fell short in a 4-2 loss. Despite the defeat, Easton Lynds, the Peterborough Petes prospect and current Port Colborne Sailor, continued to stand out as a leader on the ice. His goal earned him Player of the Game honours. and his commitment to both ends of the ice was evident. The team had their chances, but Bishop Kearney was efficient with their opportunities, and the GOJHL U18 squad couldn’t quite capitalize on their own. However, the performance was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game.
Game 4 – Playoff Round for 7th Place:
GOJHL 3
Victory Honda AAA 2 (OT)
In the final game of the tournament, the GOJHL U18 team found themselves in a tight playoff battle for 7th place. Down 2-0 heading into the third period, the team could have easily been over. Lynds scored two third-period goals, tying the game up and sending it to overtime. His performance earned him his second Player of the Game award of the tournament. With the game in overtime, Heath Bogart, the current Stratford Warriors player, stepped up to score the game-winning goal, securing the victory for the team. Bogart shared his excitement after the goal, via 519 Sports saying, “It feels good, Gerber set me up back door, my eyes were shut not going to lie and it squeaked in, blacked out a little.” It was a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, and the team’s resilience in coming back from a two-goal deficit showed their never-give-up attitude.
A Strong Tournament Despite the Ups and Downs
While the GOJHL U18 team’s overall record in the MacPherson Tournament was .500, the individual performances were a testament to the talent and potential on the roster. Logan Hawery’s scoring and playmaking ability, Nico Armellin’s impressive goaltending, Liam Campbell’s offensive contributions, Easton Lynds’ offensive and defensive prowess, and Heath Bogart’s clutch overtime performance were all highlights of the tournament. Lynds reflected on his experience, via 519 Sports saying, “It’s been an amazing experience, the league did a great job putting this tournament on.” With many great performances and a solid team effort, the GOJHL U18 team showed they could compete at a high level, in the MacPherson Tournament.
