Greater Sudbury starts Centennial Cup with 6-2 win over Grande Prairie

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Sudbury Cubs aiming at national title

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The Greater Sudbury Cubs kicked off their Centennial Cup campaign with a 6-2 victory over the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) on Friday at Calgary’s Max Bell Centre, powered by two-goal performances from Daks Klinkhammer and Lincoln Moore.

The Cubs opened the scoring about midway through the first period when Ben Harris set up Ryan Rubic for a shot from the left circle that beat Storm goaltender Nicholas Jones. Greater Sudbury netminder Karsen Chartier preserved the lead with a key stop on Kaiden Bugera, keeping the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) champions ahead despite Grande Prairie’s shot advantage.

In the second period, Noah Kohan extended the lead on the power play, scoring a pass from Alexandre Valade. The Storm responded with two quick goals – Colin Doherty converting a Chayse Laurie pass and Alec Hall burying a one-timer – to tie the game.

Klinkhammer restored Greater Sudbury’s lead 30 seconds later, capitalizing on a rebound for what proved to be the game-winner. He added his second of the night with a strong individual effort, driving to the net and firing high past Jones.

Moore sealed the win in the third period with two goals – a sharp finish off a cycle play and a rebound marker that forced Grande Prairie to replace Jones with backup Keagin Kelln. Chartier made 35 saves in the victory, while the Cubs recorded 22 shots against the Storm.

“Earning player of the game honours were Klinkhammer and Doherty,” said NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca in a news release on Friday.

The Cubs return to action Saturday at 9:30 p.m. ET against the Northern Manitoba Blizzard (MJHL).