(Posted 9:30 a.m., Aug. 27)
East end pair heading to OHL training camp in the Soo
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

Alex Gudbranson and Medric Mercier, left, will be attending the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds training camp this week. File photos

Orléans' own Alex Gudbranson and Medric Mercier from Beacon Hill are headin to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds' training camp this week and neither one of them wants to come back anytime soon unless it's to play the Ottawa 67s.

Mercier, 15, was drafted in the 7th round of the OHL Priority Draft and wasn't expected to get an invite to the main camp until he impressed the Greyhounds' coaching staff at a camp in July.

The defensive-minded defenseman with a hard shot, has an putside shot at making the team, but even if he doesn't the Greyhounds have already lined up a local Junior A team which would be more than happy to take him onboard.

Mercier is coming off a strong camp with the Hawkesbury Hawks of the CJHL. They own his rights, but they have not yet signed him to a roster spot, choosing instead to see how he does in the Soo.

Unlike Mercier, whose status will depend entirely on how well he does in camp, Gudbranson is a shoo-in in the Soo. With two years in the OHL under his belt, he is hoping to follow in his older brother Eric's footsteps all the way to the NHL.

Eric Gudbranson recently completed his rookie season with the Florida Panthers.

Alex was acquired from the Kingston Frontenacs in June where he was a solidifying force on their blueline.

Both players know each other well having played together on the hockey and baseball teams at École secondaire Louis Riel last year.

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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