North Stars will battle for bronze after semi-final loss

The Soo North Stars saw their chance at another trip to the national championship fade away.

Battling the Waterloo Wolves in the semi-final of the National Midget Hockey Championship Regional Playdowns in Belleville, the North Stars dropped a 3-2 decision to fall out of the gold medal hunt.

The North Stars drop into Sunday's bronze medal game at 10 a.m.

Matt D'Agostini and Zac Torquato scored for the locals while Michael Maulucci took the loss in net.

In a tournament shocker, the Toronto Marlies stunned the unbeaten Gloucester Rangers 3-2 in the other semi-final to setup a gold medal match between the Marlies and Wolves.

After starting the tournament with three straight losses, the Marlies have suddenly won four straight games with a chance for gold.

The North Stars were looking to win their way into this year's national championship after hosting the tournament in Sault Ste. Marie last season.

The victory was a measure of revenge for the Wolves after the North Stars defeated the pre-tournament favourite 4-1 in the round robin.

*** PEE WEE PLAYDOWNS:

Cooper's Crane/Red Star Electric had their bronze medal hopes dashed on Saturday morning as the locals dropped a 5-2 decision to the Ottawa Valley Titans at the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Pee Wee AAA Championships in Sudbury.

The locals snuck into the playoffs after a timely victory over the Sudbury Lakers in their final round robin game on Thursday.

Cooper's Crane/Red Star Electric fell into the bronze medal game after losing 11-0 to the Mississauga Reps in the semi-final round.

In the gold medal game, the Niagara Falls Thunder beat Mississauga 4-3.