Maddox Gedanitz played the hero for the St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Bears, scoring a dramatic overtime winner to lift his team to a 5-4 victory over the Chippewa Raiders in the NDA hockey championship at West Ferris Arena on Thursday night. With the win, the Bears secured the best-of-three final series 2-1, adding yet another title to their storied history.
Austin O'Shell was an offensive force for the Bears, netting a hat trick in regulation, while Justin Bouffard added a goal of his own. Between the pipes, Carson Berry delivered a clutch performance, making key saves to keep his team in the fight.
Chippewa put up a fierce battle, with Hayden Casey scoring twice, and Gavin Thibodeau and Ben Mason each adding a goal. The Raiders had come into the final riding momentum after defeating the Algonquin Barons in the semi-finals and had taken Game 1 of the championship series.
The game was marred by a frightening incident when Chippewa defenseman Grayson Bradley was hit from behind and knocked unconscious after crashing into the boards. Play was delayed as an ambulance arrived to transport Bradley to the North Bay Regional Health Centre, where he was treated, released, and diagnosed with a concussion.
This championship win holds special significance as the Bears celebrate their 90th season of hockey, a legacy that began in 1934. With this triumph, they claim their 27th NDA Nugget Shield, further cementing their dominance in high school hockey.
The team is led by head coach Tyler Miller, with assistant coaches Dylan Staples, Devan Turcotte, and Mario Chitaroni providing valuable guidance behind the bench.
2024 NDA Champion Bears Roster:
Noah Backer, Brennan Bertoncello, Carson Berry, Colton Booth, Justin Bouffard, Lucas Caciagli Rocha, Sidney Comeau, Maddox Gedanitz, Hunter Goulais, Cameron Grainger, Seth Grawbarger, Will Hanselman, Charlie Hayne, Ashton Millette, Austin O'Shell, Jack O'Shell-Szczygiel, Jackson Rivet, Hudson Landry, and Ryan Clark.
Congratulations to the Bears on their incredible championship run!
