By Matt Stefano
After trading goaltender Alex Bugeja to the Powassan Voodoos on Friday, the Soo Thunderbirds wasted no time as they went out and brought in another goalie on Saturday.
The Soo Thunderbirds have announced on Saturday that they have signed 2004-birth-year netminder Noah Metivier for the upcoming season.
“We are excited to welcome Noah and his family to the Thunderbirds. We know he is motivated to play at the next level and it will be a great opportunity for him to continue his development at home with the Thunderbirds,” said Soo Thunderbirds general manager Jamie Henderson.
Metivier, who stands 5’10 and weighs 158 pounds, played the past two seasons with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under-18 Hockey League.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to be playing in the city that I grew up in for yet another season,” said Metivier. “I’m really looking forward to playing in front of my family and friends once again and I’m glad they can support me through another year of hockey.”
In his first season with the Jr. Greyhounds in 2019-2020, the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native had a 2.94 goals against average and 1 shutout in 27 regular season games.
“I thought I had a good year with the Hounds during my first season with them. However, I felt as if I didn’t show my full potential to compete at the level I wanted to. I still believe that with every year I’m improving my skills and am continuing to grow in the game of hockey,” said Metivier.
In the 2019-2020 season, Metivier also helped the Jr. Greyhounds finish first in the Great North Under-18 Hockey League regular season standings.
“It felt great to win the regular season title with the guys. However, we didn’t get a chance to finish the season in the playoffs. But that season, my teammates became my family and I will always remember that great year we had,” said Metivier.
After a successful regular season with the Jr. Greyhounds in 2019-2020, Metivier then suited up again with the club during the 2020-2021 season, in what was a different season due to COVID-19.
“This past season was rough because we only had a little amount of games, but we pushed everyday during practices and scrimmage games,” said Metivier.
Metivier becomes the fifth player out of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds program to sign with the Soo Thunderbirds this offseason, joining blueliners Michael Beltrano, Creo Solomon and Kolby Fellinger and forward Samuel Lake.
“It’s truly an honour to be playing with some of my family from the Jr. Greyhounds once again. I think we’re going to light up the NOJHL and have another great year,” said Metivier.
With the signing of Metivier, the Thunderbirds still have one more goaltender position available as they lost 2000-birth-year netminder Scott Young due to graduation this past season.
(Photo of Noah Metivier credit to Bob Davies)