Oliver Paipoonge, ON – The Kam River Fighting Walleye are excited to host the Hearst Lumberjacks this Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st for Games one and two of the 2024 Teleco Cup at NorWest Arena.
This annual pre-season event is in it’s fifth year, and for the first time ever the coveted Teleco Cup will be awarded away from Thunder Bay/Oliver Paipoonge. This year’s format sees a 4 game series with Hearst, members of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), with the first two games being played at NorWest Arena and the final two games taking place at the Aréna Claude Larose in Hearst.
The team with the most wins at the end of the 4-game series will be declared the Teleco Cup champion. In the event that the series is tied at two wins apiece after game 4 in Hearst, the Cup will be decided by a sudden-death, 3-on-3 overtime period.
Both teams are currently in the middle of their respective training camps and are preparing for Games 1 and 2 at the Pond in Oliver Paipoonge this weekend. “We are excited to compete against our friends from Hearst in the Teleco Cup,” said Fighting Walleye general manager Kevin McCallum. “It gives both organizations an opportunity to see what they have and a good test for both programs who are always at the top of the standings. I expect them to come in here fast and game-ready,” McCallum said.
“It’s always fun to match up with Kam River for the Teleco Cup before the start of our Regular Season,” said Jonathan Blier, general manager of the Hearst Lumberjacks. “Kam River is ran very well and the product they put on the ice is always good, so we have fun competing against them right off the get go since we don’t see them again unless we both qualify for the Centennial Cup.”
The Fighting Walleye are very grateful for the continuing support of Teleco, who’s generosity in sponsoring this event, and many other team initiatives since season one of the franchise, has been instrumental in the organization’s success. “At Teleco, we are incredibly proud to sponsor the Teleco Cup Junior A Hockey Tournament,” said Penny Belluz, Director of Operations for Teleco. “We’re excited to see our local youth in Thunder Bay compete, and we extend a warm welcome to the Hearst Lumberjacks. Sports have a unique way of bringing communities together, and we are honoured to be a part of an event that promotes dedication, hard work, and camaraderie. Best of luck to all the players!”
The full schedule and past winners of the Teleco Cup can be found below. Tickets for the event can be purchased at www.fightingwalleye.com, or at the door.
Game 1 – Saturday, August 31st – 7:05 PM @ NorWest Arena – Oliver Paipoonge, ON
Game 2 – Sunday, September 1st – 1:00 PM @ NorWest Arena – Oliver Paipoonge, ON
Game 3 – Friday, September 6th – 7:00 PM @ Aréna Claude Larose – Hearst, ON
Game 4 – Saturday, September 7th – 1:00 PM @ Aréna Claude Larose – Hearst, ON
Year – Winner
2020 – Thunder Bay North Stars
2021 – Kam River Fighting Walleye
2022 – Soo Eagles (NOJHL)
2023 – Hearst Lumberjacks (NOJHL)