File photo: Rob Fera – Points North Media
SUDBURY, Ont. – Regular season play in the 2024-25 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League gets underway Thursday with the first of 312 contests.
Each of the NOJHL’s 12-member clubs are forming their opening-night rosters and gearing to compete for a league title and a berth to the Centennial Cup in Calgary this upcoming May.
Here’s a look at the teams, as well as some supplied insight from the respective head coaches, on key returning players, and on newcomers they expect to make an impact:
THE TEAMS
BLIND RIVER BEAVERS
HEAD COACH: Kyle Brick
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 45-12-0-1 (1st overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Wyatt Gibson, (F): Is a two-way center who is great on faceoffs and trustworthy in the defensive zone. … We will look to ‘Gibby’ to provide offence as well this season.
Clark Furman, (F): A big power forward on the right wing, who had his coming out party in the playoffs last season. … We are looking for him to not only to be a force physically, but offensively as well.
Jacob Beemer, (F): A local player, who plays left wing. … He will be leaned on to provide leadership, and a spark, when needed.
NEWCOMERS
Owen King, (F): Comes to us from the Hamilton Kilty B’s (GOJHL). … Owen is a highly skilled player who plays right wing and will provide offence this season.
Jonah McIndoo, (F): Picked up from the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners where he had 22 points as a rookie. … A two-way centre with a great IQ. Will be leaned on in all situations.
Connor Dunham-Fox, (G): Acquired from the Kenora Islanders (SIJHL). … A big-save goaltnder who can handle a huge work load. .. He will bring a calming presence to our young roster.
ELLIOT LAKE VIKINGS
HEAD COACH: Mike Nesbitt (1st season)
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 5-48-1-4 (12th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Matt Kallo, (D): This will be Matt’s third season in the NOJHL and we are hoping he will bring leadership and experience to the group.
Nate Dugwell, (F): He’s heading into his second year with the team. … He brings a lot to the table including speed, skill and a tremendous work ethic.
Carter Carriere, (D): A second-year defenceman with the Vikings, who won’t turn 17 until mid-November. … The coaching staff are expecting a big season from Carter, as he possesses a talent to play at a very high level.
NEWCOMERS
Mason Windsor, (F): Joins the Vikings from the Comox Valley Glacier Kings (VIJHL) in British Columbia. The 20-year-old will be
team captain and play a big role as two-way centre.
Dylan Hendrick, (F): Skated last season for the Twin City Thunder (NCDC). … Enters his third year of Jr. A hockey. … Dylan is a very high skilled player and will be driving force this season for the Vikings.
Justin Pichor, (D): Another recruit from the Comox Valley Glacier Kings (VIJHL) where he played the past two seasons. … Justin is a major shut down defenceman and plays a key role on the PK.
ESPANOLA PAPER KINGS
HEAD COACH: Jason Rapcewicz
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 34-23-1-0 (7th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Aiden Pethick, (D): Entering his third and final season with the Paper Kings. … He brings a wealth of experience and leadership, which has seen him named captain for the club. … Aiden holds players accountable and leads by example will be counted on in all situations.
Graydon Guthrie, (F): A third-year forward in Espanola. … The
power forward is looking to have a break out season offensively. … Graydon is a big strong body who will lead the team with his physical presence. … A quiet and very likable guy in the dressing room.
Liam Rampersad, (D): Liam is entering his second season with the team and third in the NOJHL. … He’s an energetic player and will be utilized in many different situations with the experience he brings. Liam is another who leads by example and brings an energy to the team.
NEWCOMERS
Jack Helkie, (G): Picked up from the Central Ontario Wolves U18 AAA. … Jack is a big goaltender and played very well for us in the
pre-season tournament in Sault Ste. Marie, posting a shutout. … He had a goals-against average of 2.68 in 20 games last season. … His size and athletic abilities will be an asset for the team.
James Meredith, (G): Was with the Toronto Junior Canadiens under-18 programs last season and is a draft pick of the North Bay Battalion (OHL). … Has a calm demeanor and is focused when in net. … We are hoping we can take James to the next level and continue with his development and growth.
Cain Savage, (F): Cain is a power forward who is very physical. … Played for the Sudbury Wolves U18 AAA team and was an AP with the team last season. … He brings his all every night for his
teammates and the coaching staff.
FRENCH RIVER RAPIDS
HEAD COACH: Paul Frustaglio
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 10-46-1-1 (11th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Nolan Masson, (F): Is a third-year vet with the Rapids. … A co-captain with French River, who is coming off a great main camp with the Sudbury Wolves. … Expect him to become a leader on the team and one of the top players in the league.
Dominic Bzdyl, (F): One of the Rapids’ co-captains, who is heading into his second year, after leading the team in scoring last season. … He was on one of the NOJHL Eastern Canada Cup teams and he is expected to lead the team, along with Masson, and also
become a top player in the league.
Daniil Grishachev, (F): Into his second season, he’s coming off a solid rookie year with the club. … One of our assistant captains, he’s a smart playmaker who is a 200-foot player. … He is expected to play a big role in the Rapids success in 2024-25.
NEWCOMERS
Carter Vicente, (G): A first-year netminder in the league after being obtained from the Pelham Panthers (GOJHL). … Put up excellent numbers last season and is expected to help the Rapids back to the playoffs.
Tucker Roberts, (F): A 2024 Sudbury Wolves draft pick. … A dynamic and smart player with great hockey sense. … Outstanding numbers in his U16 year and we hope he can have an immediate impact in Jr A.
Joey Stiles, (F): From the Kitchener Rangers U18 AAA program. … An underrated player who has significant upside. … Had an excellent camp and performed well in preseason games. … Looking to see great things from this future Jr. star.
GREATER SUDBURY CUBS
HEAD COACH: Darryl Moxam
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 43-12-1-2 (2nd overall/Won NOJHL championship)
KEY RETURNEES
Samuel Assinewai, (F): We expect Sam to be one of the driving forces of our offense. … When on his game, he is arguably one of the most offensively gifted players in the entire CJHL. … With the departure of guys like Oliver Smith and Ethan Larmand, he will also be relied upon more often on the defensive side of the puck.
Mason Chitaroni, (D): There will be very high expectations placed on the shoulders of Mason this season. … As one of the best defencemen in the country, he will be relied upon to not only carry a heavy load on ice, but be also to be a leader and mentor to all of the new players off the ice.
Noah Beaulne, (G): Noah’s results over the past two seasons are a direct result of the effort he has put in both on and off the ice. … He is as good a teammate as I have ever coached and as a 20-year-old, he will be expected to be one of the teams leaders both on and off the ice.
NEWCOMERS
Mason Walker, (F): Mason comes from a very good family and we are ecstatic to be able to work with our former captain’s younger brother. … He is a very gifted young man with a work ethic second to none. … Similar to some of our 16-year-old players the last couple of seasons, he is expected to be a forward that will have the opportunity to develop and thrive in situations on both sides of the puck.
Lucas Signoretti, (F): As the reigning league scoring champ and MVP, we are very fortunate to be adding someone to our Cubs’ family with the skills, experience and leadership of Lucas. … He will be relied upon in all situations up front as well as being a very important part of our leadership group off the ice. … He has already seamlessly transitioned into our dressing room and his passion for the game is already wearing off on those around him.
Alex Valade, (D): Alex has an exceptional amount of natural ability and will be given every opportunity to be an important part of our defensive core in all situations. … As a staff, we are thrilled to get the opportunity to work with a young man that we believe has the skills, work ethic, and attitude to play the game at the highest of levels.
HEARST LUMBERJACKS
HEAD COACH: Marc-Alain Bégin
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 36-16-4-2 (5th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Adam Shillinglaw, (D): Will provide leadership and offence as a fourth-year player in our league. … We’ll count on Adam to be an impact defenceman on both sides of the ice and be one of the best defencemen in the NOJHL this year.
Tyler Patterson, (F): He will be playing his fifth season in our league. … Was a third-team all- star and will be looking to have another 30-goal campaign. … Tyler will be a key player for us to provide leadership and offence for our team.
Mathieu Comeau, (F): Mathieu will be playing his fourth year for the Lumberjacks. … He’s a homegrown talent that will be looking to take the next step and be one of the offensive leaders in the NOJHL. … The centre plays a good 200-foot game and will be a key member for our team.
NEWCOMERS
Ryder Gregga (G); Alex Boivin, (G): Fresh faces between the pipes for a team bringing back 14 players. … Ryder has played with Elliott Lake before playing in the KIJHL the last two seasons. … As for Alex, he hails from Blind River and played U18 three years in Kapuskasing, before committing with the Lumberjacks. … We’ll count on both of them to give us a chance to win every night.
Cole Shepherdson, (F): Cole is a 2006-born player coming to us from the highly-touted OHA program in Cornwall. … He plays a 200-foot game and will be a key member of our team this season.
Sam Taylor, (D): Is a 2005 born defencemen who hails from St. Louis, Missouri. … Sam too brings a complete 200-foot game to the Lumberjacks and will be counting on him to be playing big minutes. … He played previously for the Alexandria Blizzard (NA3HL).
IROQUOIS FALLS STORM
HEAD COACH: Tyler Pracek
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 16-39-0-3 (9th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Brayden Hindman, (D): Hard to play against every single game. … Will never take a shift off. … Leads by example with his work ethic. … Has really stepped up leading our dressing room. … A top special teams’ player that contributes well in both ends of the ice.
Andre Cho, (F): Fast paced player, with a strong scoring touch, who elevates the players around him. … Owns the ice he creates with power moves. … Bringing a lot of maturity to the room and leading by example for the younger players coming in.
Max Jugnauth, (F): One of the hardest working players every single day, on and off the ice. … Plays the game with speed and high level of skill. … Very deceptive skater. … Creates a lot of offensive chances at a high pace.
NEWCOMERS
Jordan Mayo, (F): Joins the club from the Greater Kingston Gaels (U16 AAA/OMHA U16). … Plays a 200-foot game. … Defensively responsible, with offensive upside. … Thinks the game fast and plays the game with layers.
Alexandre St. Pierre, (F): Played previously with the FEIA Falcons (CAHS). … Is a 200-foot player that thinks defence first. … Highly competitive mentality. … For a young player, shows a lot of natural leadership qualities.
Jack Jarvis, (F): Comes to Iroquois Falls from the Komoka Kings (GOJHL). … Competes hard at both ends of the ice. … Has high offensive capabilities. … Power forward that plays the game fast, aggressive in the corners and strong around the net.
KIRKLAND LAKE GOLD MINERS
HEAD COACH: Kyle Adams
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 10-41-5-2 (10th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Inde Abresch, (F): As a first-year player in the NOJHL, led the Gold Miners in scoring with 19 goals and 28 assists. … Is dynamic, with speed and skill. … Boasts an offensive upside and leadership qualities.
Marty Brusoe, (D): Back for a second-season in Kirkland Lake. … A stay-at-home style defenceman. … Plays a tough, physical, simple and effective game when on the ice.
Bruce Grey, (D): Set for his second year with the Gold Miners, he shared the team-lead in scoring among defencemen last season. … Is a smart player with skill, awareness and is able to read and predict plays.
NEWCOMERS
Trent Nobes, (F): Played previous with the Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA AAA) under-18 team last season where he served as team captain and was their leading scorer. … Brings a heavy game at forward with speed, skill and physicality. … Will see time on the power play and penalty kill. … Protects the puck and sees the ice well. … Has a good release and is a play maker.
Jordan Fitger, (F): Another forward joining the Gold Miners from the
Central Ontario Wolves (OMHA AAA). … Is a strong skater, who plays a 200-foot game. … Is creative, sees the ice well. … Has good release and is a play maker.
Evan Snyder, (F): Played U18 AAA last season with the Markham Majors (GTHL). … A powerful skater and is a centre, who plays hard at both ends of the ice. … Is boasts solid play-making abilities.
POWASSAN VOODOOS
HEAD COACH: Peter Goulet
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 36-19-1-2 (6th overall/Advanced to NOJHL Final)
KEY RETURNEES
Jackson Smith, (D): Is the Voodoos’ new team captain, who brings experience from the AJHL. … Smith is a great two-way defenceman who leads by example and has done a great job preparing himself for his final year of junior hockey.
Justin Rousseau, (F): Rousseau is one of the hardest working players and he wears his heart on his sleeve.” … Rousseau captained the U18 AAA Trappers to a Great North
U18 championship in 2023. … He was also a key contributor in the Voodoos’ run to the finals in 2024.
Caleb Dawson, (F): The two-way streaky goal scorer who creates turnovers is coming off a great OHL camp with the North Bay Battalion. … Is poised to have a great season with Powassan.
NEWCOMERS
Cayden Kowal, (F): Returns to Powassan after a rookie year in Espanola. … We think the power forward who had a great OHL camp in Barrie will have a breakout season with us.
Owen Kahl, (F): Brings with him some great speed and he sees the ice very well. … Kahl has a great shot and comes from a great family, so we were excited we were able to make a deal to bring him to Powassan.
Riley Misa, (F): The diminutive, speedy forward, with skill, is hoping to bounce back after injuries cut him back last season where he started with the St. Michael’s Buzzers (OJHL). … Finished his season back playing under-18 with the Toronto U18 Jr. Canadiens (GTHL). … Riley is a talented forward who can make plays and create turnovers.
SOO EAGLES
HEAD COACH: Jeremy Rebek (1st season)
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 33-22-1-2 (8th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Lucas Caulfield, (F): Is a hard-working player who is very good in all three zones with scoring ability. … A strong leader on and off the ice.
Tyler Fortson, (F): A second-year forward who had a strong rookie season, which led him to an invite to the Sudbury Wolves main camp, in which he did very well. … A strong, fast skater with scoring ability, which should help us offensively.
Luke Russell, (D): Big strong physical defenceman that should help bring leadership and stabilize our defensive core.
NEWCOMERS
Cole Wreggitt, (D): Played for the Sault Greyhounds (GNU18L) program who was a fourth-round draft pick of the Sudbury Wolves. … Should add some size and mobility to our defence.
Easton Simpson, (F): Played for and was one of the leading scorers for the Oregon Tradesmen (NA3HL) last season. … He brings skill,
speed and a very high hockey IQ to our team which should help us offensively.
Jace Knoerle, (G): Jace had a very solid U18 career with the Madison Capitols AAA program. … He had a very impressive camp in Chicago. … He has shown consistency and is very calm and technical in his game. … Should help stabilize what we feel is a strong goaltending core.
SOO THUNDERBIRDS
HEAD COACH: Cole Jarrett
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 39-14-4-1 (4th overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Jacob Smith, (F): A good two-way centre who has committed to NCAA D-I Lake Superior State. … High compete level and looks to make an impact every shift. … Leads by example and consistently plays the right way.
Jonathan Sonnedecker, (F): Solid at both ends of the ice. … Also brings a high compete level and looks to make an impact every shift. … Will be a big part of our leadership group. … Has a great attitude and mindset.
Harley Wardell, (F): Plays with the identity we want. … Offers a high compete and energy level. … Will play a lot of hard minutes in key situations.
NEWCOMERS
Gage Evans, (D): Joins the Thunderbirds from the LaSalle Vipers (GOJHL). … Big strong and aggressive. … Prides himself on being hard to play against. … Good attitude and mindset and will called upon to be a big part of the leadership group.
Noah Metivier, (G): No stranger to the league after returning to the Soo from the Greater Sudbury Cubs. … A two-time NOJHL playoff MVP. … A veteran goaltender with a great track record, having won multiple championships. … Someone that loves to come to the rink and competes in every situation; practice or games.
James Elliott, (F): Returns home after spending last season with the Barrie Colts U16 program. … Drafted by the Soo Greyhounds (OHL). … Dynamic winger with great speed and a nose for the net. … Will play as a 16-year-old and has the ability to make an impact right away.
TIMMINS ROCK
HEAD COACH: Brandon Perry
LAST SEASON’S RECORD: 41-15-2-0 (3rd overall)
KEY RETURNEES
Dryden Riley, (G): Coming off a fantastic rookie season. … We are looking forward to the Erie Otters (OHL) draft pick carry the load for us in net this season. … We have all the confidence in the world in Dryden. … He is as technical as they come. … Has incredible edges, is ultra competitive and is really hard to beat.
Brant Romaniuk, (F): Is an incredibly skilled player who will be counted on to provide offensive production for our club this season. … He has an incredible shot and vision. … Always find a way to find good areas on the ice. He will be an offensive catalyst for our group.
Tenzin Nyman, (D): Tenzin will be the next captain of the Timmins Rock. … Entering his third season he will be counted on the be a leader on and off the ice. … Will also be counted on to provide for us in all areas. … Is always a top match-up D and will be a big part of our special teams.
NEWCOMERS
Reece Liu, (F): Joins the Rock from St. Georges U18 Prep. (CSSHL West). … He is a dynamically quick player, has great edges and incredible vision.
Braedyn Cyr, (D): Spent last season with the Caledon Bombers (GOJHL). … Braedyn provides size and a solid 200-foot game. … A great defender with high upside offensively.
Zach Secord, (D): Played previously with the Timmins Majors U18 AAA (GNU18L). … Provides leadership and championship experience having won the GNU18AAA League this past season as captain of the Timmins Majors. … Is big and tough and able to play in all situations.
ONLINE BROADCASTS: All 2024-25 league regular season, and playoff contests, including the NOJHL Showcase, will be streamed online via its official broadcast partner, FLOHockey at flohockey.tv.
