SUDBURY, Ont. – Falling just short in a thrilling seven-game Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League championship series that went the distance last season, the Hearst Lumberjacks will enter the 2025-26 campaign looking to take it one step further.
Still boasting plenty of talent throughout the their lineup, you can expect the Lumberjacks to ice yet another formidable squad.
The major change in Hearst is seeing a new head coach taking over the reigns.
With previous bench boss Marc-Alain Bégin having to step away from his head coaching duties with Hearst due to work commitments, an experienced Guy Losier takes over for the Lumberjacks.
Last season’s squad boasted the second-best record in the NOJHL at 39-11-1-1 where they led the league in goals with 258.
Special teams saw them end up second on the P.K. (83.4%) and third while on the man advantage (24.4%).
The Jacks’ 14 shorthanded goals led the way in that department.
Going 3-1 in preseason play, Losier saw his team outscore their opponents by a 22-8 count as they look to maintain their high-powered offense this season.
Here’s a look at some of the key components, both new and old, Hearst will look to rely on once the puck drops:
Head coach: Guy Losier
Home opener: Friday, September 19 vs. Soo Eagles
7 p.m. – Claude Larose Recreation Centre
KEY RETURNEES
Mathieu Comeau, Forward
DOB: 09/27/2005
Hometown: Hearst, Ont.
Among returning players in the entire NOJHL this season, Comeau is the highest scoring of this group. Through 210 NOJHL career games, the veteran Hearst forward has collected 214 points on 78 tallies and 136 assists. Tied for fifth in NOJHL playoff scoring with 22 points. Six of his nine postseason markers came shorthanded. Has produced three straight 50-plus point campaigns. He was named the league’s Top Overall Player award recipient for 2024-25. Had 18 multi-point outings with the Lumberjacks, who went an impressive 34-5-0-1 in games in which he picked up at least one point. Was named a 2nd Team NOJHL All-Star.
Coaches’ comments: “One of the top forwards in this league. Entering his fifth year, we expect great leadership from Comeau and for him to be a driving force every game. Possesses elite hockey IQ and exceptional offensive instincts. We believe he can lead the way offensively for our team and in this league, all the while providing a strong, reliable two-way game.”
Chase Thompson, Forward
DOB: 01/12/2005
Hometown: North Bay, Ont.
No stranger to the NOJHL, Thompson was acquired by the Lumberjacks in late November after a stint in the OJHL. Picked up 16 points in 19 outings for Hearst on eight goals and as many assists. Was also close to a point-per-game performer in the club’s run to the league final with 14 in 16 playoff contests. A veteran of 170 NOJHL matchups, Thompson has registered 132 points in that time, having scored 53 times while assisting on 79 others.
Coaches’ comments: “Another player entering his fifth year in the NOJHL. We expect leadership and grit, along with a strong game on both sides of the ice. A proven leader in the statistical department for our team and in the league. Possesses elite hockey IQ and will be an exciting player to watch this season.”
Alexandre Boivin, Goaltender
DOB: 07/07/2006
Hometown: Blind River, Ont.
Made 32 appearances in his first season in the league. Boivin led all NOJHL netminders in wins (22) while playing the second-most minutes of any goalkeeper (1,852). Sported an overall record was 22-6-1-1. Was named to the NOJHL’s 1st All-Rookie team in net as well as the league’s 3rd All-Star Team squad.
Coaches’ comments: “Coming off a stellar rookie season, Alex is a fierce competitor. We believe he forms a top goaltending duo with Owen Bonthuis and expect him to lead again with his “no-lose” attitude. We’re anticipating a big season from him — and it always helps when your net is rock solid from the start.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Théo Bourdon-Lemoyne, Forward
DOB: 01/13/2009
Hometown: Hearst, Ont.
The 16-year-old Bourdon-Lemoyne joins his hometown junior team after playing the past couple of campaigns with the Kapuskasing Flyers in the Great North U18 Hockey League. With the Flyers he finished one point shy of a share of the team scoring lead last season. He tallied 20 times and dished out 19 helpers in 29 contests.
Coaches’ comments: “An 11th-round OHL draft pick of the London Knights with incredible upside. A big player with a lot of skill. He stands out as one of the top 16-year-olds in the North. We expect a steep improvement curve and believe he’s a young player capable of accomplishing big things.”
Martin Brassard, Forward
DOB: 01/24/2008
Hometown: Capreol, Ont.
Led the North Bay Trappers U18s in scoring in Great North League play. With the Trappers he banged in 32 goals and supplied a GNU18L-best 40 assists. Finished the 2024-25 season on a 12-game point streak. Also etched his name on the game sheet in 26 of his final 27 contests being held pointless only once from late October on.
Coaches’ comments: “A young forward from Capreol, this 17-year-old was among the top scorers in the GNU18L. He has great instincts, plays with an edge, and is a fierce competitor. We expect a great season from him as he makes the jump to our lineup.”
Royce Abraham, Defence
DOB: 02/14/2007
Hometown: Long Lake, Ont.
Will suit up with Hearst after skating with the Kapuskasing Flyers in the GNU18 loop. Finished second on the squad in scoring among defencemen with 14 points in 32 games on a pair of tallies and 14 helpers. Eight of his points came on the power play.
Coaches’ comments: “A young defenceman from Long Lake who plays with an edge and has plenty of upside in his game. Possesses great hockey instincts and spent last season with the Kap Flyers U18 AAA. We’re excited to watch his game evolve here in ‘Jacks Nation.”
Photo credit: Northern Lights Photography
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