Joely Angus has had many highlights in her hockey career, but one of the most memorable was her trip with the St. Charles College Cardinals to the OFSAA girls AAA championship in Brooklin, Ont., this past March.
"It was an incredible experience," said Angus, a forward for the Cardinals, who secured a city title and a NOSSA final berth before competing at provincials. "The banquet, the team bonding—everything was amazing. I’m excited to hopefully experience it again."
Angus and her team will have another chance next spring when the Cardinals host the 2025 OFSAA girls and boys championships.
Last week, St. Charles announced they would host the event, expected to draw 32 teams and around 500 participants to Sudbury. "It's a complete honor," said Carter Danyluk, a centreman for the Cardinals boys team, who also won city and NOSSA titles. "There's a deep history for St. Charles in sports, and it’s going to be a fun experience."
The school’s athletic director, Darren Michelutti, emphasized the significance of hosting OFSAA, highlighting the school’s rich athletic history. “Hockey is a large part of our success here,” he said. “Hosting an all-Ontario championship is huge for our school and for Sudbury.”
Despite uncertainties about their future lineup, Michelutti is optimistic about the Cardinals' prospects. "We hope we have a team capable of competing for an OFSAA championship," he said.
Interest in high school hockey remains strong, as seen in the packed arenas for the thrilling SDSSAA boys final between St. Charles and Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.
Danyluk plans to return for a fifth year to help lead his team. “It’s about leadership and developing younger players,” he said. “I hope to win an OFSAA championship.”
Angus is also optimistic about the girls' team, which had a strong performance last season despite including nine ninth-graders. "We’re losing three seniors, but I’m excited because many girls from my team last year are returning," she said. "We’re getting new players, and I’m super excited about that.”
Coach Kristy Hebert, who has been with the girls’ hockey program for 17 years, is thrilled about hosting OFSAA for the first time. “The opportunity for everyone involved is immense,” she said. “To bring this event to our hometown is going to be incredible.”
Hebert believes her young team is ready to compete. “Last year’s experience was invaluable, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity, regardless of our roster's age,” she said.