THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Kings began the all-Ontario AAA bantam championship Monday at the Fort William Gardens by skating to a 1-1 come from behind tie vs. the Ottawa Jr. 67’s.
Ottawa opened the scoring 11:50 into the contest on a Vincent Labelle marker.
The Kings drew level during a man advantage opportunity early in the middle stanza as Michael Stubb connected on the power play at 3:10 on an assist by Matthew Halushak.
Both clubs tightened up from there as the remainder of the contest was scoreless with the teams settling for one point in their respective openers.
Shots on goal favoured the Thunder Bay by a 19-18 count.
Kings’ netminder Stephan Bourgeois was named the player of the game for his squad while Labelle earned the honours for the 67’s.
Thunder Bay returns to the ice tonight as they take on the Northern Ontario Hockey Association champion North Bay Trappers at 7:30 p.m.
Thunder Bay Kings all-Ontario AAA bantam championship schedule
All games at the Fort William Gardens
Monday, March 27
Kings 1 Ottawa Jr. 67’s 1
North Bay Trappers (NOHA) vs. Kings 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 28
Kings vs. Cambridge Hawks (Alliance) 4 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29
Kings vs. Toronto Marlboros (GTHL) 1 p.m.
Fort Frances Canadians (HNO) vs. Kings 7 p.m.
Thursday, March 30
York-Simcoe Express (OMHA) vs. Kings 6 p.m.
Friday, March 31
Semifinal 1: 4th round robin vs. 1st round robin 9 a.m.
Semifinal 2: 3rd round robin vs. 2nd round robin 11:30 a.m.
Bronze Medal Game: 5:30 p.m.
Gold/Silver Medal Game: 8 p.m.
