Blue Jays Wrap Up an Entertaining October — Now, It’s Hockey Time!

Tales from the Timebox with Doug “The Sportshound” Bassett for November 4, 2025

The Blue Jays baseball club sure kept things entertaining throughout October. Even though Canada’s team didn’t win it all in that extra-innings Game Seven, they won over all of us in the process!

Now it’s time to turn the page — minor hockey will be our main focus for the next five to six months. Add in the NHL, and we’ll have plenty to talk about and sideline coach for the next half year (or longer, if one of our Canadian teams makes a run to the finals — here’s hoping!).

This past weekend at the A.G. Ross Arena, a few more re-tiering games took place. Judging by the scores — both for and against — there’s still a bit of work to do by the league to find that perfect balance.

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U11 Avalanche

The U11 Avalanche hosted the Thorhild Titans on Saturday and came out on top 15–10. It looks like both teams will remain in the same tier.

Leading the charge, team captain Cohen “Big Horn” Brousseau lit the lamp seven times and added three helpers. Younger brother Gavin “The Badger” Brousseau chipped in with two goals and three assists.

Defenceman Landon “All Out” St. Arnault went coast to coast for a hat trick, while rookie Blake “The Rattlesnake” Fontaine racked up five assists. Maximus “To the Max” Laliberte had a goal and two assists, and Brady “The Bulldozer” Heathcote added one and one.

Unsung hero Damian “Fog Horn” Ockerman found the back of the net, and Mya “The Magnificent” Lorenson picked up an assist. Birthday boy Tydis “Whiskeyjack” Cardinal was solid between the pipes to cap off the win.

On Sunday, the Avalanche travelled to Cold Lake and lost a tight one 6–4. Big Horn had the hat trick, while To the Max scored once and added an assist. Rattlesnake and The Badger each added an assist. No doubt this team will see Cold Lake again and be ready for the rematch.

U13 Avalanche

The U13 Avalanche had a tough weekend, losing at home to the Lac La Biche Clippers on Saturday and to Provost on Sunday. It’s been a challenge so far this season as the team tries to find their level against comparable competition.

Jace “The Jackal” Malo scored the lone goal on Saturday and added two more on Sunday. Expect some tier movement soon — either the Avalanche move down or their opponents move up. Hopefully, next weekend brings a closer matchup.

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U15 Avalanche

The U15 Avalanche played just one game this past weekend — and it wasn’t close. They blew out the visiting Onion Lake Border Chiefs, with everyone on the roster notching a goal or assist.

Three players — William “Billy Bob” Ballas, Cade “Eagle Eye” Elliott, and Hudson “The Bull” Brousseau — each scored double hat tricks. That’s a whole lot of offence from the Avalanche!

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U18 Avalanche

The U18 Avalanche is a young squad, mostly first- and second-year players, and that makes it tough against veteran-heavy teams in the North East League. Size and experience are big factors at this level.

Still, there’s promise — this group is setting up for a dominant season next year. For now, they’ll take their lumps and learn.

On Saturday, they travelled to Mannville and lost 6–2. “Wild Wyatt” Fontaine scored both Avalanche goals, with assists from Brendon “Buzz Saw” Kadutski and Braylee “Free Willy” Lesyk. “Ollie the Goalie” Owen Grykuliak faced a barrage — 45 shots in total.

Sunday’s home game against Hinton ended in a tough shutout loss, but there’s a silver lining — at least they won’t have to make that seven-hour one-way trip to Hinton again! Then again, if you’re going that far, maybe tie it in with a ski trip to Jasper.