After 40 years, the Jr C hockey resumed play back in South Muskoka on the weekend, as the Muskoka Bears Jr C Hockey Team started their exhibition season. Playing in front of a capacity crowd at Graeme Murray Arena in Gravenhurst, the Muskoka Bears took on the Orillia Terriers in an afternoon game on Saturday.
The veteran squad from Orillia snuck out to a 4-0 lead, before the Bears got a goal from Jacob Jennings, then fell behind 7-1, before the Bears played a great 3rd period, outplaying Orillia and getting goals from Tyson Jennings, and Jacob Budney, to make the final 7-3 for Terriers. Though the scoreboard didn’t reflect a win, the Bears skated with passion, grit, and unity that spoke volumes about their potential.
Sunday, the Bears had their first road trip, travelling to Hanover to play the Barons. The Bears got goals from Ryan Warwick, Mason Taylor-Wood, and Aiden McDonald to jump out to a 3-1 lead, only to see Hanover tie it with 19 seconds left in the game. Nothing was solved in overtime but the Bears persevered in the shootout as Aiden Mc Donald scored the winner and the Bears secured their first ground breaking win of the 24-25 Exhibition season !!
Bears are in action next this Thursday when they travel to Midland for 730 game, and ten host their first home game at MLCC Saturday at 730 vs Penetang.