PJHL Roundup: Firebirds regain first place

By Lee Griffi

New Hamburg’s four-game win streak has them back on top of the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Doherty Division. That streak includes a pair of weekend victories at home, 3-1 over Tavistock on Friday and 3-0 against Dorchester on Saturday.

Keegan Metcalfe’s second-period goal was the game-winner against the Braves. Josh Soulliere and Aydan Burns also scored for the Firebirds. Izac Blum picked up his seventh goal of the season for Tavistock, which outshot New Hamburg 35-29.

On Saturday, Josh Jacklin stopped all 45 shots he faced to earn his second shutout of the season. Justin McManus scored his seventh of the campaign early in the second period after a scoreless first. Jordan Jacobs added a marker and Jack MacDonald also scored for the Firebirds.

The Firebirds recently acquired 19-year-old goaltender Deklan Jermol from the Dorchester Dolphins for a player development fee. The New Hamburg native stopped 34 of 35 shots Friday night to earn the win. Jermol started his PJHL career with the Mitchell Hawks but spent two full seasons and one partial season with Dorchester where he put up impressive numbers including a .914 save percentage and 3.01 goals against average in 2023-2024.

New Hamburg captain Owen Fischer said Jermol is a welcome addition to the dressing room.

“So far, he’s been a very funny and enjoyable person to be around. His play in a big game was awesome and something I’m looking forward to watching him doing more. He’s easy to get along with and a great teammate.”

Goalies are known to have unique personalities, but Fischer said as long as they’re stopping the puck, it’s all good.

“They’re known to be a little odd but all three of our guys are a great fit like a glove. It’s awesome and we are comfortable with all three of them in net saving our bacon.”

Jermol was brought in to fill the void created by the five-game suspension handed out to Liam O’Leary on Dec. 1. O’Leary and Wellesley goalie Brandon Abbot fought last weekend when the pair voluntarily took their masks off at centre ice. Both netminders are eligible to return on Dec. 21. Abbot received the same penalty.

Fischer explained the Firebirds are healthy and playing some darn good hockey right now.

“We’ve had so many injuries this season and we finally seem to be getting fully healthy which is exciting. I think that’s a huge part of it and we are growing so close as a team. Our play is reflecting that.” 

Applejacks take four weekend points

Wellesley started the weekend off with a hard-fought 3-1 win in Norwich. Keenan McGrath’s first goal of the season 13 minutes into the third period proved to be the game-winner. Dimitri Eleftheriadis added an empty net goal while Tyler Wagler scored in the first for the Applejacks.

The game featured four fights in the second period along with two misconducts, one for each side, for disrespectful/abusive behaviour late in the third.