Soo Greyhounds hold practice in Smiths Falls Saturday

Posted Nov 3, 2011 By Ryland Coyne

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EMC Sports - Jeff Carroll of the Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears powers his way past Gloucester Rangers' Miguel Laurin during last Friday's 4-0 victory at the Memorial Community Centre.

Jason Code, Smiths Falls EMC

EMC Sports - Jeff Carroll of the Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears powers his way past Gloucester Rangers' Miguel Laurin during last Friday's 4-0 victory at the Memorial Community Centre.

EMC Sports - Smiths Falls and area fans will get a taste of Major Junior hockey this weekend.

The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League will hold a practice at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre on Saturday, Nov. 5 starting at noon.

The OHL club, off to a solid 16-10-0-0 start, will be in the midst of a lengthy road trip, having played the Kingston Frontenacs on Friday before heading off to Ottawa to play the 67's on Sunday.

Kyle Dubas, Greyhounds general manager and nephew of Smiths Falls Jr. A Bears assistant coach Walter Dubas told the Record News EMC the team will participate in a full practice after which their players will be available to meet with fans and sign autographs.

"It's a good opportunity for our team," he said. "We have a lot of ties to eastern Ontario."

In addition to his own family connections to the area, Dubas says head coach Mike Stapleton played his junior hockey in Cornwall and right winger Corey Durocher hails from Ottawa.

The GM says he's pleased with the Greyhounds start in 2011-2012. Despite the fact this year's roster features 12 new players from a year ago, they have adjusted well under Stapleton's direction. He's looking forward to see how they fare on their current six-game road swing.

"I'm happy with where things have gone," he said.