Elmvale Legion Sponsors Strong Start for U9 MD Hockey Team
The Elmvale Legion–sponsored U9 MD hockey team is off to an outstanding start to the season, showcasing impressive development, teamwork, and sportsmanship both on and off the ice. Early season play has resulted in a 6–1–0 regular season record, along with a perfect 6–0 exhibition record, highlighting the team’s strong work ethic and commitment to improvement.
One of the season’s standout moments came during a hard-fought home game on Saturday, December 13, when the team faced familiar rivals from Collingwood. After two challenging matchups earlier in the season, the Elmvale squad rose to the occasion, earning a confident 6–3 victory in front of their home crowd. The game reflected the team’s growth, resilience, and ability to work together under pressure.
This season also marks an exciting milestone, as it is the first year of full-ice play for U9 MD hockey under Hockey Canada’s development project. The team has embraced the transition, demonstrating adaptability, skill progression, and a strong understanding of the game.
Behind the bench, the team is led by Head Coach Matt McKeown, supported by Assistant Coaches Kevin Temolder and Brad Cantelon. The players also benefit from the dedication of Trainer Brett Klein Gebbinck, whose efforts ensure player safety and readiness. The team is further supported by Team Manager Lindsay Lynch, whose organization and commitment help keep the season running smoothly.
The team would like to extend a special thank-you to their sponsor, the Elmvale Legion, for their continued support of minor hockey and youth development within the community.
Looking ahead, the Elmvale Legion U9 MD team is gearing up for a major international tournament in Windsor this January, an exciting opportunity for the players to continue developing, compete at a high level, and represent their community with pride.
Elmvale Harvesters Charge Through January as Playoff Excitement Builds
January was packed with energy, emotion, and statement wins for the Elmvale Harvesters, as the team powered through a busy stretch of the schedule and set the tone for what promises to be an electric playoff run.
The Harvesters wasted no time ringing in the new year, opening January on Saturday, January 3, with a dominant 6–1 victory over the Lucknow Lancers at home in Elmvale. The night doubled as a takeover game for platinum sponsor Chantler Transport, adding extra buzz to an already loud barn. Fans were treated to a strong anthem performance by Matt Saddler, setting the stage for an exciting start to 2026. The Will Marshall Insurance Broker Three Stars were Riley Pitt (1st), Ryan Young (2nd), and Andrew Best (3rd).
Elmvale hit the road on Saturday, January 10, closing out their regular-season away schedule with grit and determination. Battling through a blustery bus ride and a late-night return home, the Harvesters delivered a confident 4–1 road win, proving their resilience and depth. The Will Marshall Insurance Broker Three Stars went to Noah Featherstonhaugh-Gowe (1st), Ryan Young (2nd), and Dave Pearce (3rd).
The team returned to home ice on Sunday, January 11, for a packed afternoon matchup against the Minto 81’s. The atmosphere was electric as the HCES Choir delivered a show-stopping rendition of the national anthem. Despite strong effort, the Harvesters fell 5–2, with all three Will Marshall Insurance Broker stars awarded to Minto players.
Elmvale responded in a big way on Saturday, January 17, when the Georgian Bay Apple Kings rolled into town. With the stands painted red and the crowd roaring, the Harvesters rose to the occasion, skating to a convincing 5–2 victory. The Will Marshall Insurance Broker Three Stars were Owen King (1st), Jacob Kelly (2nd), and Riley Pitt (3rd).
January also saw the Harvesters strengthen their roster ahead of the playoff push, welcoming goaltender Adam Redgate from Midhurst. The team was also excited to add three affiliate players from the Midland Flyers, hometown talents Garrett Fay, Caleb Dorion, and Cam Robertson further boosting depth and local pride.
The Harvesters organization also paused this month to extend its heartfelt condolences to the Belcourt family following the passing of Linda Belcourt, owner and editor of the North Simcoe Springwater News. Linda was a passionate supporter and a familiar face at Harvesters games. As our official newspaper, the North Simcoe Springwater News played a vital role in sharing the Harvesters story, and the organization will continue to stand with the Belcourt family, valued supporters and sponsors of the team.
The regular season comes to a close on Saturday, January 31, with an 8:00 p.m. puck drop in Elmvale, and the countdown to playoff hockey is officially on. The season may have flown by, but the biggest games are still ahead. Fans are strongly encouraged to secure playoff tickets early, as sell-out crowds are expected. Following the conclusion of the regular season, and once our playoffs schedule is determined; season ticket holders and sponsors should watch their email inboxes for early access codes and ticket details. Stay locked in by following the Elmvale Harvesters on social media and visiting the team website for all playoff updates.
Adrianna McGinnis
Kings Remain in 4th Place After Winning Two of Three Games- Submitted by Jamie Robillard
The Penetang Kings played three games between January 2nd and 10th winning two and dropping one contest to remain firmly in fourth place in the Provincial Junior Hockey League Carruthers Division.
The Kings opened the New Year on Friday January 2nd at home and put in a solid all-around effort to beat the Innisfil Spartans by a score of 6-1. Penetang scored three goals in both the first and second periods to cruise to the win with Landon Simec making 26 saves in goal. Penetang managed 43 shots on Spartans netminders Ethan Lawrence and Luke Rockburne. Scoring single goals for the Kings were Caiden Pattenden, Carter Wilson, Ty Hutton, Wyndam Brownlee, Camron Hutchinson and Spencer Walker. Cole Rumbolt had two assists while 10 Kings had one assist each. Hutton was selected as the Kings Canadoor Garage Door Kings player of game.
On Sunday January 4th the Kings travelled up the highway to face off against the Huntsville Otters and came away with a tidy 4-1 victory. Lucas Dubois, Rumbolt, Brownlee and Walker each chipped in with a single goal. Adien Pethick, Pattenden, Logan Tucker, and Camron Hutchinson added assists.
Owen Moreau turned aside 34 of the 35 shots fired his was in the Kings goal. While the Kings had 24 shots on Huntsville netminder Darian Willis. Trevor Hutchinson was named the Kings Canadoor Garage Door player of the game.
On Saturday January 10th the Kings were at home to face off cross-town rivals, the Midland Flyers, and fell to the Flyers by a 6-3 score. Before a large crowd of 484 spectators as part of the Magna’s Employee Appreciation Night, Midland goaltender Kevin Pearson played a strong game making 38 saves in preserving the win for the Flyers. Simec made 31 stops in the Penetang goal.
Scoring for Midland were Sam Thurston with two markers while Garrett Fay, Josh Underwood, Ben Armatage and Seth Goble each scored one goal each. Penetang goal scorers were Blake Weicker, Wilson and Hutton with single tallies. The Kings Canadoor Garage Door player of the game was Camron Hutchinson who collected a pair of assists.
Notes: Penetang has a busy weekend ahead with three games in three days beginning at home on Friday January 16th vs the Orillia Terriers at 8:00 pm followed on Saturday January 17th with a game in Innisfil against the Spartans at 7:30 pm and concluding in Midland on Sunday January 18th in Midland at 2:30 pm when they meet the Flyers. On Friday January 23rd the Kings travel to Alliston to clash with the Hornets and then on Saturday January 24th they are at home for an 8:00 pm start against Innisfil.
Alliston continues to lead the division with 48 points in 33 games followed by Stayner with 45 points in 31 outings. Orillia is third with 43 points out of 30 games and Penetang now sits in fourth spot with 40 points out of 30 games. Midland is in 5th place with 25 points in 29 games; Muskoka sits in 6th with 20 points while Huntsville and Innisfil with 17 points each round out the standings.
The Kings leading scorers are Camron Hutchinson with 42 points on the strength of 17 goals and 25 assists followed by Wyndam Brownlee with 15 goals and 22 helpers for 37 points and Cole Rumbolt with 31 points.
The Kings have added both Ty Hutton, from Minor Hockey and Gavin Pich from the Orillia Terrier via a trade to their line-up.
Four Kings represented the Carruthers Division in the North Conference All-Star Game that was played on Sunday January 11th in Mount Forest. Goaltender Landon Simec, defenseman Caiden Pattenden and forwards Cameron Hutchinson and Wyndam Brownlee participated in the contest which saw the Carruthers’s Division all-stars come back from a 4-1 deficit to defeat the Pollock Division stars 5-4. Simec who played the second half of the game got credit for the win allowing only one of the 16 shots he face get past him in goal.