By Muskoka Bears Junior C Hockey Club
Last night, the Muskoka Bears faced off against their rival, the Huntsville Otters, in a thrilling game at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. As predicted, the match was intense from start to finish, living up to the expectations of both teams’ passionate fanbases. Despite the Bears’ relentless effort, the Otters emerged victorious, adding the first chapter to this undoubted rivalry.
A record-setting home crowd filled the arena, with Muskoka fans showing up in droves, creating an atmosphere that hasn’t been seen in Muskoka Jr Hockey in 41 years.Though the Bears came up short, the electric energy from the stands showcased the undeniable spirit of hockey in Muskoka!
The Muskoka Bears and Huntsville Otters were tied after two hard-fought periods in a game filled with historic moments and intense action. Tyson Jennings etched his name into Muskoka Bears’ history by scoring the franchise’s first-ever home goal at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, with an assist from his brother, Jacob Jennings, a former Otter turned Bears’ Assistant Captain.
Jacob Budney added to the excitement by netting a thrilling penalty shot, sending the crowd into a frenzy that echoed like something out of Scotiabank Arena. However, the Otters took the lead with a late third-period goal and sealed their victory with an empty-netter in the final seconds, ending the night with a hard-earned win over their rivals.
This is the start of something magical. Though the Battle of the North goes to Huntsville for now, the Muskoka Bears are far from finished. If the Bears were ablaze with determination before, this loss just poured gasoline on the fire. The intensity of the game, the historic moments, and the energy of the home crowd have ignited a fierce drive in the Bears that promises even more thrilling encounters ahead. This rivalry is only heating up, and the next chapter is bound to be unforgettable.
Goals:
*Tyson Jennings (Jacob Jennings)
Jacob Budney (Unassisted – Penalty Shot)
*Franchise First Home Goal – Muskoka Lumber Community Centre
HUGE THANK YOU’s:
O’Canada – Boots and Hearts Performer, and Recording Artist Cam Galloway
Lake of Bays Brewery – Keeping it real as always and making sure the libations were flowing!!
Muskoka Bears Fans – What a night!!!! Thank you for always having our backs and supporting us with such passion this inaugural season!!!
Huntsville Otters Fans – Thanks for making the trek, and making this night unforgettable! We will see you at the Summit Centre next month and try to return the favour!
Next face off is Saturday, September 28th in Orillia against the Terriers at 7:30pm, then back at home on Sunday September 29th to face the Stayner Siskins at 2:00pm at the Lumber Yard!
Don’t miss out on Doppler!
Sign up here to receive our email digest with links to our most recent stories.
Local news in your inbox so you don’t miss anything!
Click here to support local news
Join the discussion: