Five AAA Hockey Programs Set to Battle in Timmins for 2025 GNU18HL Playoff Tournament

The stage is set for an exciting week of elite hockey action as five AAA programs converge on Timmins for the 2025 GNU18HL Playoff Tournament, running from March 12 to 16. The North Bay U18 Trappers, Soo U18 Greyhounds, Sudbury U18 Wolves, Soo U16 Greyhounds, and the host team, the Timmins Majors, will hit the ice in a showdown to crown the league playoff champion.

North Bay U18 Trappers (1st Place)
The Trappers enter the tournament as the top seed after a dominant regular season, finishing with an impressive record of 28 wins, three losses, and one shootout loss. Their offensive firepower was on full display, scoring 194 goals while allowing 92 against. Special teams discipline will be key, as they accumulated 707 penalty minutes over the season. With 57 points, they are the team to beat.

Timmins Majors (2nd Place)
As the host team, the Majors will have the home crowd advantage and are coming off a strong season with 21 wins, 10 losses, and one overtime loss. Their balanced attack produced 146 goals for and 129 against, securing 42 points. They’ll rely on their physical presence, with 645 penalty minutes, to push for a championship on home ice.

Soo U18 Greyhounds (3rd Place)
The Soo U18 Greyhounds are a well-rounded squad that finished the season with 17 wins, seven losses, and seven overtime losses. Their ability to force games beyond regulation earned them critical points, finishing tied with Timmins at 42 points. They netted 148 goals while conceding 127 and maintained discipline with 558 penalty minutes. Their experience in tight games could prove invaluable in playoff competition.

Sudbury U18 Wolves (4th Place)
With a record of 20 wins, 11 losses, and one shootout loss, the Wolves clinched fourth place with 41 points. They had a solid offensive showing, tallying 158 goals, but had 113 goals against. However, their discipline will be an area of concern as they amassed a league-high 894 penalty minutes. Staying out of the penalty box could be crucial for their success in this tournament.

Soo U16 Greyhounds (5th Place and Play-In Qualifier)
The Soo U16 Greyhounds earned their spot through a play-in tournament, where they defeated the New Liskeard Cubs and North Bay U16 Trappers with two wins and one tie. They scored 12 goals while allowing seven, finishing with five points. During the regular season, they held their own with 17 wins, 13 losses, and two shootout losses, scoring 136 goals while conceding 132. With 492 penalty minutes, their ability to stay composed under pressure will be key.

With five competitive teams, the 2025 GNU18HL Playoff Tournament promises high-intensity hockey. The North Bay U18 Trappers enter as favourites, but the home-ice advantage for the Timmins Majors could be a game-changer. Meanwhile, the Soo U18 Greyhounds and Sudbury U18 Wolves are poised to challenge for the title, and the Soo U16 Greyhounds will look to prove they belong after their successful play-in run.

The action kicks off in Timmins on March 12, and by March 16, one team will emerge as the 2025 GNU18HL playoff champion.

GNU18HL SCHEDULE (03/12/25 – 03/16/25)
Wednesday, March 12th
5:30 p.m North Bay U18 Trappers vs Soo U18 Greyhounds
8:00 p.m Timmins Majors vs Sudbury U18 Wolves

Thursday, March 13th
9:30 a.m Soo U16 Greyhounds vs North Bay U18 Trappers
12:00 p.m Timmins Majors vs Soo U18 Greyhounds
5:30 p.m Sudbury U18 Wolves vs Soo U16 Greyhounds
8:00 p.m North Bay U18 Trappers vs Timmins Majors

Friday, March 14th
9:30 a.m Soo U18 Greyhounds vs Sudbury U18 Wolves
12:00 p.m Soo U16 Greyhounds vs Timmins Majors
5:30 p.m Sudbury U18 Wolves vs North Bay U18 Trappers
8:00 p.m Soo U18 Greyhounds vs Soo U16 Greyhounds

Saturday, March 15th
10:30 a.m 1st vs 4th
1:30 p.m 2nd vs 3rd

Sunday, March 16th
11:00 a.m Highest Seed vs Lower Seed