Canadians to challenge Hurricanes this weekend

The Fort Frances ‘AA’ Midget Canadians open up their best-of-three challenge series against the Fort William Hurricanes this Friday at 8 p.m. in the ’52 Canadians Arena.
The Canadians are having a banner season so far—playing tournaments the last three weekends and posting a solid 6-4 record against some of the best Junior Gold teams in Minnesota and the Dakotas.
The local squad finished second at the Shattuck St. Mary’s tournament earlier this month, third at the Fasa Invitational tournament in Fargo, N.D. three weeks ago, and won two of three games at the Duluth Junior Gold event Feb. 1-3.
Grade 11 forward Ryan Shortreed, an assistant captain, has carried the hot stick during that tournament stretch—pumping in eight goals in the past 10 games.
Forwards Jared Baker (six goals), Kyle Herr (five), Jordan Sinclair (four), and Brandon Legarie and Devon Ball (three each) also have been firing on all cylinders.
Not a lot is known about the Hurricanes, but their league stats are impressive. The Fort William crew finished atop the five-team Midget ‘AA’ league that plays within the Thunder Bay Minor Hockey Association with a 16-5-3 record for 35 points.
They had a seven-point bulge on the Volunteer Pool Bearcats, who sat in second at 13-10-1 tie.
The Current River Comets, West End Bruins, and Thunder Bay’s own version of the Canadians make up the remaining teams in the city’s Midget ‘AA’ loop.
Through 24 regular-season games, the ’Canes had scored 110 goals, given up just 75, and have averaged 21 minutes in penalties per game—the highest penalty total among the five league teams.
According to their posted lineup, the Hurricanes have 17 players (including goalies) on their roster and are coached by Ed Dzijck, Larry Busniuk, Mike Buzzi, and Jan Kemppainen.
After Friday night’s game, the Canadians will host Fort William on Saturday at 8 p.m. in the ’52 Canadians arena. Game 3, if necessary, is slated for Sunday at 3:15 p.m. in the Ice for Kids Arena.
There is no admission charge for the weekend series.
The series winner will earn a berth at the Ontario Winter Games coming up March 5-9 in Collingwood and surrounding communities.
The Canadians would play their games in the Bayshore Arena in Owen Sound.