PJHL Roundup: Highly anticipated Braves vs. Applejacks matchup will have to wait

New Hamburg Firebirds’ goalie Deklan Jermol makes a save and covers the puck as Tavistock Braves’ forward Jacob Reid-Brant rushes the net. Reid-Brant contributed a goal in the second in Tavistock’s 3-2 win on Oct. 10, which held up as the game-winner. Alec Richard photo

By Lee Griffi

It was supposed to be the game of the season to date in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Doherty Division. What it turned out to be was a disappointment, as ice issues at the relatively new Bill Gies Recreation Centre led to the postponement of the Tavistock versus Wellesley matchup, with first place on the line.

Witnesses told the Gazette that a large hole had formed in the ice before the game, and Wellesley Township staff were unable to repair it. As a result, the game was called off and will be rescheduled at a later date.

“Saturday was disappointing for everybody,” said Tavistock captain Marc Dionne. “It was a big game to get up for coming off a big win in New Hamburg Friday night. We were excited to have a chance to take over first place in the division. Everyone was focused and energized, but (it’s) one of those things we have to forget about.”

The Braves will have to wait until Saturday, Nov. 1, to get their shot at the Applejacks. Tavistock already has six wins this season after only managing 12 regular-season victories during the entire 2024-2025 regular season. Dionne said the biggest difference is mental toughness.

“We don’t quit. We don’t hang our heads and count ourselves out early. We’re in the game all 60 minutes and we’ve done a really good job scoring goals and playing offensively. Our powerplay has been doing well and, with the early signs of what we could potentially look like at the end of the season, it’s pretty exciting.”

On paper, the Braves have the best offence and defence in the division and have a goal differential of plus 18. Despite having an offensive blueline core, the captain said there is a focus by all players on taking care of their own end.

“We are very strong at both ends of the ice. A big thing for all of us is blocking shots, laying our bodies on the line. That’s an aspect of my game I love. I’ve broken a bone doing it, but it’s the aspect of getting the boys hyped up because of it.”

He added the team’s early season success is a result of doing the small things like being first in the corner and taking a big hit when necessary.

“It’s having the heart and the grit when needed. Our goaltenders have also done an amazing job so far this season. They are standing on their heads every night and it gives us confidence and a boost, and makes us want to play stronger in front of them.”

Dionne’s first cousin is 17-year-old netminder and Baden native Andrew Torchia, who is sporting a goals-against average of 2.00 and a .944 save percentage in two starts this season.

Dionne also credited an increased focus on discipline, something lacking with last year’s team.

“It’s been a big issue since I started with the team four years ago. Trying to understand that retaliation isn’t the answer all the time,” Dionne said. “It happens during a game and tempers flare, but retaliation penalties were a big problem last year. It’s something we haven’t been doing so far this year. It allows us to win more hockey games.”

Dionne added his role as captain is to lead the pre-game warmups on and off the ice, as well as talking to his teammates once the coaches have completed their pre-game instructions.

“There have been times I have spoken up about things we need to improve during games. I hold people accountable, but I also love when people hold me accountable. If you don’t communicate with your teammates, then improvements aren’t going to happen.”

Dionne is employed at Crescent Ridge Services in Tavistock, an electrical company that does a lot of solar projects in the agricultural, commercial and residential sectors both locally and out of region.

“For something that I didn’t really expect myself to be in, I was given the opportunity to work there last year and I’ve been loving it ever since.”

The Braves did travel to New Hamburg on Friday and came away with a 3-2 victory. Tavistock jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the 7:25 mark of the second period on goals from Dionne, Blair Stokes and Jacob Reid-Brant.

The game turned a bit ugly at the 6:14 mark of the third period when Tavistock’s Nolan Miller dropped the gloves with New Hamburg’s Justin McManus, while the Braves’ Blair Stokes tussled with the Firebirds’ Connor Varley. Stokes and Varly were hit with a second fight during the same stoppage penalty, while McManus was hit with an instigator/aggressor minor. New Hamburg’s Zachary Rolson also picked up a five-minute major for boarding late in the first period.

The fights turned the momentum around as Owen Sculthorp and Kayden Livingston scored two minutes apart for the Firebirds but a scoreless third period carried Tavistock to its fifth win in a row.

The Braves have a pair of games next weekend as they travel to Norwich on Friday and Dorchester on Saturday. The Applejacks also have two road games coming up, Friday in Woodstock and on Saturday in Paris.

New Hamburg bounced back on Saturday with a 5-2 victory in Norwich. The Firebirds jumped out to a 2-0 lead by the 12-minute mark of the second period, but the Merchants scored twice in 29 seconds to tie it up. New Hamburg scored the next three goals to earn the win. Josh Sulliere scored twice to lead the attack while Evan Wallace added a goal and an assist.

The Firebirds host Dorchester on Friday night for their lone weekend matchup.

League announces 50/50 draw

The PJHL is excited to announce the launch of its Online Top Shelf 50/50 Draw, giving fans the chance to win while supporting grassroots hockey across the province.

“Every ticket purchased offers a shot at the grand prize, with all proceeds going directly back into the PJHL. Funds raised will help support more than 1,500 players, fund league initiatives, strengthen local communities and create opportunities for the next generation of PJHL hockey stars,” a league press release stated.

“Every dollar raised helps grow our league and ensures young athletes have the resources to excel both on and off the ice,” said Terry Whiteside, PJHL commissioner.

Tickets are available online throughout the entire season via the PJHL website at www.thepjhl.ca, participating team sites and other digital channels. Fans can follow the PJHL’s official platforms for updates and prize announcements, and draws will take place throughout the season.