Submitted by Tara Davis
The U18 Bruce Peninsula Predators delivered exciting playoff hockey as they battled through a hard-fought semi-final series against Walkerton, showcasing resilience, teamwork and strong community support at the Lion’s Head Arena.
The series opened with a tight defensive battle that saw the Predators fall just short in a 2–1 loss. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated determination throughout the night.
The Predators responded in Game 2 with a strong performance on home ice during Alumni Night. The team played with poise and confidence, moving the puck effectively and applying pressure in all zones. Their efforts paid off as Bruce Peninsula earned a big win to even the series.
During this game we honoured the players who are aging out of the U18 program and closing an important chapter in their minor hockey careers. The moment served as a reminder of the dedication, hard work and passion these players have brought while wearing the Bruce Peninsula Predators jersey. Asher Simpson, Blake Davis, Clover Cunningham and Shiloh McNair – even though their time in minor hockey may be coming to an end, their contributions to the Bruce Peninsula Predators program will not be forgotten.
The Predators continued their playoff push with an impressive offensive and defensive display and Ben McNair continuing to be solid between the pipes. The strong showing highlighted the team’s depth and ability to capitalize on opportunities when it mattered most.
The game also served a greater purpose. During the Predators’ Think Pink Night, fans packed the barn and helped raise $400 in support of breast cancer awareness and research. The initiative demonstrated how the team and community rallied together for causes beyond the game.
The team travelled to Simcoe to participate in the Simcoe Warriors vs Breast Cancer tournament. They wore their pink jerseys in support of breast cancer and donated the $400 raised from the local Think Pink night to the tournament in support of their initiative to raise money for breast cancer research. The team won the U18 team spirit award from the tournament.
The Bruce Peninsula Predators carried their playoff momentum straight into the championship round, delivering a thrilling two-game sweep to secure the WOAA title over the Wingham Ironmen.
Game 1, played in Wingham, set the tone for the series as the Predators erupted offensively in an 8–5 victory. The high-scoring affair showcased the team’s depth and ability to capitalize on key opportunities, giving Bruce Peninsula an early edge in the series.
Back on home ice in Lion’s Head for Game 2, the atmosphere was electric, with a strong show of community support filling the arena. However, the Predators found themselves in a deep hole, trailing 3–0 late in the second period.
That’s when the comeback began.
With time winding down in the second period, Blake Davis sparked life into the bench with a highlight-reel, bar-down goal to get the Predators on the board thanks to the assist from Braxton Purser and Alexis Liverance.
Riding that momentum into the third, Asher Simpson buried two goals to tie it up, with assists from Blake Davis, Drake Migwans and Tegan Ashkewe-Jones. With less than 2 minutes left in the third, Davis found the back of the net, giving Bruce Peninsula their first lead of the game. From there, the team pushed hard and Ben McNair continued to stand tall between the pipes in the final moments to preserve the dramatic 4-3 comeback victory and clinch the title of WOAA Champions.
Shiloh McNair, Gregor Nadjiwon, Clover Cunningham, Eden Weatherhead and Asher Simpson were relentless on defence, holding the line with grit and precision, shutting down the opposition’s attacks and forcing turnovers at every opportunity. Meanwhile, Clinton Cunningham, Alexis Liverance, Parker Campbell-Storey, Drake Migwans, Cole Catley, Braxton Purser, Blake Davis, Takoah Jones, Tegan Ashkewe-Jones all on the offensive end were dynamic and aggressive, constantly pressuring the puck and driving plays in deep towards the net. Everyone’s speed, skill and persistence created scoring chances and kept the pressure on, making it clear that both the defence and forwards were fully committed to dominating every shift.
The win capped off an incredible playoff run for the Predators, combining resilience, teamwork, skill and determination when it mattered most. Backed by a passionate hometown crowd, the team’s unforgettable Game 2 comeback will go down as a defining moment.
We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the coaching staff (Jim McNair, Tom Cunningham, James Scott and Rob Purser) for their unwavering commitment, leadership and support throughout the season. Your passion, patience and belief in the team helped shape not only great players, but great teammates.
