Victories in three of four tournament games and a silver medal performance to close things out constitutes a very nice start to the season for coach Benoit Douillette and the Sudbury U15 Rockhounds.

Part of the six-team grouping in their age bracket that contested the Conrad Rollings Memorial C/D Tournament in Newmarket last weekend, the locals wasted little time flexing their offensive muscle, blasting the Orangeville Northmen 9-4 in their opening encounter.

The talented troika of Malik Jakubo (4 goals), Koda Peltier (3) and Jackson Mead (2) accounted for all of the Sudbury scoring, with the northern crew improving to 2-0 after doubling the Nepean Knights 8-4.

"The players executed their strategies effectively, demonstrating defensive strength and offensive efficiency," noted coach Douillette as Jakubo (5 goals) once again led the charge, with Peltier, Mead and Tucker Johnson chipping in with one goal each.

The Rockhounds trampled the Barrie Bombers 9-2 in semi-final action, jumping out to a 6-0 first period lead as Koda Peltier paced the attack with a four goal effort. Malik Jakubo potted a hat trick in lending a helping hand while Jackson Mead and Braeden Thibault capped off the offense for the proud representatives of the GSLA.

In tough against the undefeated host team in the final, the Rockhounds trailed the Newmarket Redbirds 3-2 after one but could not sustain the pace, beaten 9-4 and settling for second place.

A three goal performance by Jackson Mead was a highlight for the Sudbury side, with Malik Jakubo adding his 13th and final goal of the weekend as the Rockhounds prepare to host the out-of-town contingent in late June with the return of the Nickel City Shootout (June 28th - 30th).

Rounding out the Sudbury U15 Rockhounds roster are Evan Couling, Wyatt Williams, William Gouchie, Braydon Wabano, Leo Gerhardt, Jordan Biszak, Aidan O'Coin, Mikko Leinala, Ryder McKee, Alexandre Rainville, Shkwaandem-ninii Osawamick, Joel Simerson, Cayden Depatie, Liam Ramalho and Wyatt Pradal.

Joining coach Douillette on the team staff were assistant coaches Dan Mead, Gilles Thibault and Steve Gouchie as well as team manager Jody Jakubo.