Marshall McCharles came through in the clutch once again, netting his second goal of the game with just over a minute left on the clock to seal a thrilling 5-3 victory for the Greater Sudbury Cubs over the Powassan Voodoos in Game 5 of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Final.
This crucial win in front of their home crowd secured the best-of-seven series 4-1 for the Cubs, crowning them champions of the NOJHL with the prestigious Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy. Their next challenge? The Centennial Cup, set to take place in Oakville, Ont. from May 9-19.
The action-packed game saw the Cubs take an early lead, with Noah Kohan setting up Nolan Newton for the opening goal. Newton’s tally, his 12th of the playoffs, tied him for the league lead with teammate Hudson Chitaroni. Marshall McCharles then doubled Sudbury’s lead with a powerful wraparound goal.
Despite a valiant effort from Powassan, including a goal from Tucker Shields and another from Zach Turner to level the score, the Voodoos managed to pull ahead briefly thanks to Carson Ricci’s marker.
But the Cubs weren’t to be denied. Ethan Larmand found the back of the net early in the third period to tie the game once more before McCharles delivered the decisive blow, blazing down the left side to score the game-winner.
Oliver Smith’s empty-netter in the final minute put the icing on the cake for Greater Sudbury, securing their victory and the NOJHL championship.
PLAYOFF MVP
Greater Sudbury Cubs goaltender Noah Metiver was named the NOJHL Playoff Most Valuable Player for 2024.
The 20-year-old goaltender hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, ON., emerged as a standout performer in the postseason, leading all netminders in both victories and goals-against average. His remarkable 11 wins and impressive 1.89 goals-against average played a pivotal role in propelling the Cubs to clinch the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy championship.
Not only did he excel in wins and GAA, but he also showcased his ability to shut down opponents, boasting a league-leading three shutouts in the playoffs, with a fourth shared alongside teammate Noah Beaulne. This feat marked the most shutouts seen since the 2016 postseason when Connor Ryckman recorded six for the Soo Thunderbirds.
No stranger to playoff success, Metivier previously earned NOJHL Playoff MVP honors in 2022 while guiding the Thunderbirds to a league title. Throughout his 16 playoff appearances this season, he allowed just 29 goals, maintaining an impressive .931 save percentage, which ranked second overall in the league.
Metivier’s postseason campaign was characterized by his resilience and consistency, including several standout performances with 35 or more saves. With an impressive 11-4 playoff record, his contributions played a crucial role in the Cubs’ journey to championship glory.