Injuries, a suspension, in essence a very short bench, nearly took its toll on the Copper Cliff Midget "AA" Redmen on TOC (Tournament of Champions) weekend earlier this month in Hearst.

After posting four straight wins to top the standings at the NOHA Midget "AA" playdowns, the Redmen needed a goal midway through the third period from affiliated call-up Cole Kennedy to help secure a 2-0 win over the Hearst Lumberkings in the gold medal enconter, and with it, a trip to the OHF (Ontario Hockey Federation) Midget "AA" Championships in Toronto April 13th to 15th.

Noah Lagrandeur added a late empty-net tally and Dylan Federowicz continued the strong play of the Copper Cliff goaltending tandem (partnered with Kam McCue), registering the shutout in the final.

The local midgets had beaten Hearst twice in round robin play, with scores of 4-2 on both occasions, and also swept their two-game set with the Sault Majors Mrs. B's Bruins, 8-1 and 6-3.

"It was a solid effort by all of the players this weekend," noted Redmen head coach Brian Stagg. "We got back to using our team speed and puck movement this weekend, which was lacking in the last few games of the NDMHL (Nickel District Minor Hockey League) playoffs. The players were determined to make it to OHF's this year."

The 2017-2018 Copper Cliff roster includes Alexander Barry, Joshua Boucher, Eric Bourassa, Ethan Bronicheski, Bryce Brunet, Brennan Charbonneau, Jakob Fahey, Dylan Fedorowicz, Ethyn Kaboni, Chase Kanasawe-Jacko, Noah Lagrandeur, Cody Lauzon, Kameron McCue, Lindon Shanks, Nathan Stagg, Jamie Wahamaa, and affiliates Cole Kennedy and Ethan Corcoran.

The team staff is comprised of head coach Brian Stagg, assistant coaches Bobby Brunet and Ray Jones, manager Darren Bronicheski, and trainer Sam Merotto.