SUDBURY, Ont. – One of the hottest Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League clubs down the stretch last season, was the Iroquois Falls Storm.
Finishing 7-2-0-1 surged the Storm into a postseason berth as they snagged a playoff spot where they gave the eventual NOJHL champion Greater Sudbury Cubs all they could handle before eventually coming up short.
They are now aiming to build on that and go even further heading into the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
Iroquois Falls boasts a strong contingent of returning players as well as those who have experience skating in the league. This should bode well in surpassing the 22 wins they had in 2024-25.
Here’s a look and some of those players the Storm are looking at to make an impact this season under first-year bench boss Alex Brisson, himself an alumnus of the NOJHL.
In his Jr. A time, Brisson won a league championship with the Cochrane Crunch in 2018 where he etched his name on the game sheet in each of the final four games of their finals triumph over the Rayside-Balfour Canadians.
Head coach: Alex Brisson
Home opener: Saturday, Sept. 20 vs. Soo Eagles
7:30 p.m. – Jus Jordan Arena
KEY RETURNEES
Justin Sullivan, Goaltender
DOB: 11/03/2005
Hometown: New Richmond, Que.
Had plenty of work in his rookie NOJHL campaign going 7-12-0-3 overall, finishing strong with a 4-0-0-1 mark in his final five starts to help the Storm nab the league’s final playoff spot. Among first-year netminders, Sullivan was fifth in save percentage at .907 and third in minutes played with 1,375.
Coaches’ comments: “The 19-year-old netminder was a cornerstone of our late-season push last year, backstopping the team to a 7-2-1 record in our final 10 games to secure a playoff spot. Known for his calm presence under pressure and ability to steal games. Justin has all the tools to be a true No. 1 goalie in his final junior season. He’s spent the summer putting in the work to build on last year’s success, and we’re excited to see him lead the charge between the pipes for our program.”
Landon Tretheway, Left Wing
DOB: 02/01/2005
Hometown: Fenelon Falls, Ont.
The veteran winger finished second in scoring on the squad last season with 45 points in 49 outings. This included 18 goals and 27 assists. His totals set personal single-season bests in each of those offensive categories.
Coaches’ comments: “Returning for his third season with the Storm, the 20-year-old was one of our offensive leaders last year, finishing second on the team in both points and goals. Landon’s ability to create scoring chances is one of his greatest assets, but it’s his knack for elevating the play of those around him that truly sets him apart. On and off the ice, he knows how to get the best out of his teammates. With an unmatched drive for success coming into this season, Landon is poised to be a key player to the program this season.”
Lucas Peever, Centre
DOB: 05/27/2005
Hometown: Iroquois Falls, Ont.
Another key returnee for his hometown side, Peever’s coming off a year where collected 30 points in 44 matchups. A solid run to cap off the regular season, Peever finished with a seven-game assist and point streak that he’ll carry into this season. He’s seven appearances shy of 100 games in his NOJHL career.
Coaches’ comments: “The 20-year-old forward is back with his hometown team for his third and final junior season with the Storm. After an offseason of unmatched personal effort, Lucas is primed to be at the peek of his game for his last year of junior. Known for his well-rounded 200-foot game, he’s also expected to be one of the team’s offensive leaders. Whether it’s at even strength, on the power play, or the penalty kill, Lucas will be a key contributor in all situations for the program as he looks to make his final season a memorable one.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Colin Chesnut, Defence
DOB: 01/22/2006
Hometown: Wolverine Lake, Mich.
Having NOJHL experience, Chesnut joins the Storm from the Soo Thunderbirds. With the Soo he supplied 19 points from the back end in 43 games as he tallied five times and helped set-up 14 others.
Coaches’ comments: “Acquired from the Soo Thunderbirds, the 19-year-old defenceman from Michigan, brings a powerful blend of physical presence and offensive firepower to the Storm blue line. Coming off a strong rookie season, Colin is a proven player in this league and enters his second year ready to make an immediate impact. His style of play and competitive edge fit perfectly into the Storm’s blueprint, making him a key addition to the program’s defensive core for the 2025–26 season.”
Bruce Grey, Defence
DOB: 10/28/2005
Hometown: West Vancouver, B.C.
Another player with time in the league, he joins Iroquois Falls from the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners where he spent the past two seasons. He led all Gold Miners’ D-men in scoring in 2024-25. Overall, the blueliner has picked up 43 points on defence in 103 NOJHL appearances.
Coaches’ comments: “Hailing from British Columbia, Bruce turns 20 in late October as he enters his third season in the NOJHL. He brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Storm blue line. Known for his high-end two-way game, he combines strong on-ice play with a contagious work ethic off the ice. His professional approach and commitment to excellence make him not only a strong player but a perfect example of what we look for in our program.”
Aiden Beavan, Defence
DOB: 01/05/2005
Hometown: Victoria, B.C.
Returns to the NOJHL after a couple of two-year stints with the Victoria Cougars (VIJHL). There he played 131 games with the Cougars on the backend. Also suited up for Kirkland Lake early in 2023-24 where he had 15 points in 25 outings, with two tallies and 13 helpers.
Coaches’ comments: “The 20-year-old defender is no stranger to the NOJHL, having made an impression as an 18-year-old with his strong point production and sharp defensive IQ. Now returning as a more mature, experienced player, Aiden is expected to bring that same impact to the Storm in his final junior season. With four years of junior hockey under his belt, he will be leaned on as both an on-ice leader and a mentor to younger teammates, helping instill the values and culture that define the DNA of our program.”
Photo credit: Rod Turnbull / Turnbull’s Northern Photography
