It took all of three games for the Nickel City U14 AA Cubs to adjust to playing "AA" hockey.

Moving forward with a core of talent that competed with a very strong Nickel City U13 A Cubs crew one year ago and adding a few key components from other area programs, the locals travelled south earlier this month, taking part in their first tournament of the season.

Ultimately, back to back one-goal victories would allow the U14 AA Cubs to return home from the New Tecumseh Fall Harvest Classic with banner in hand, a great start to the new year of hockey.

But that was not before the Cubs dropped a 3-2 decision to the Ajax-Pickering Raiders to open play just south of Barrie, with Jones Paajanen leading the way to a 1-1 record with a three goal - one assist effort in a 4-3 game two triumph.

A 4-1 loss to the Toronto Avalanche in game three left the Nickel City reps seeded third and facing the host New Tecumseh Tornadoes in semi-final action. Nickel City goaltender Felix Kenwell was focused and dialed in, with teammates Tyler Racine and Jonah Gervais finding the back of the net in regulation time to force period number four - a three on three sudden death session.

Hauled down on a breakaway, Jonah Gervais was awarded a penalty shot, making no mistake to lift the Cubs past the Tornadoes by a final score of 3-2.

Facing the powerful Avalanche for a second time, the locals executed their game plan to perfection, playing simple, disciplined hockey and rewarded with a two-goal performance from Austen McNabb, trimming the Toronto side 2-1 in the final.

The balance of the 2025-2026 roster for the Nickel City U14 AA Cubs includes Marcus Demore, Carter Chenier, Colby Clarke, Luca Gauthier, Caleb Gauthier, Jake Jefferies, Jacob Lanteigne, Carter MacNeill, Nolan Maurice, Grayson Quenneville, Parker Roy and Kaleb Salem.

Team staff noted on the scoresheets was comprised of Yves Gervais, Shannon Dow, Clayton McNabb, Kareem Salem and Kurt Paajanen.