SUDBURY, Ont. – Coming off a solid 32-17-0-3 record in his first season behind the bench as head coach of the Soo Eagles, Jeremy Rebek will look to build on that in the 2025-26 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League campaign in search of another postseason berth.
Under Rebek’s tutelage, the Eagles showed improvement at both ends of the ice. They jumped four places up to fourth overall in goals-scored (209) while improving from eighth to a tie for third in the fewest goals allowed in the league (143).
Special teams also had a bump as well as the Michigan Soo went from ninth in the NOJHL on the power play in 2023-24 to fourth in 2024-25 (21%).
The Eagles meanwhile boosted their work on the penalty kill slightly as well, moving from sixth to fifth (80.6%) overall over the course of a year.
The Eagles also saw six of their players make commitments to further the education and continue playing in the U.S. college ranks.
A stern early test for this year’s edition of the squad will see them open the season with a five-game road slate.
Here a glance at some of the club’s key returning players, along with some of the new faces that will look to make an impact.
Head coach: Jeremy Rebek
Home opener: Friday, September 26 vs. Hearst Lumberjacks
7:30 p.m. – Pullar Stadium
KEY RETURNEES
Trent Hoppe, Defence
DOB: 11/26/2006
Hometown: Dayton, Ohio
Not turning 19 until late November, Hoppe is back for his third season with the club. His first career NOJHL goal was a game-winner against the rive Soo Thunderbirds. He also dished out 10 assists for a single-season high 11 points from the back end.
Coaches’ comments: “A third-year veteran returnee has the ability to help anchor and be a shutdown defenceman for us. Trent is quick to the puck and plays a physical game. He has been working this past off-season to add more offense to his game. Extremely hard worker with grit who leads by example.”
Gabriel Clark, Defence
DOB: 10/06/2007
Hometown: Hampshire, Ill.
Back for his third campaign with the Eagles, Clark should once again bolster the team’s defensive corps. The six-foot-one, 200-pound rearguard led all D-men on the squad in goals with five. Also added eight assists while setting career highs in goals, helpers and points.
Coaches’ comments: “Another third year returning veteran D-man with great size and long reach. He will add more physicality to our backend along with some good offensive ability. Reads plays well and will help anchor our defensive corps with his veteran experience. Gabe has worked hard this off season to elevate his game and be a force on the ice.”
Anden Marceau, Forward
DOB: 06/27/2005
Hometown: Alpena, Mich.
In his first 45 NOJHL games, Marceau scored 11 times and dished out 17 assists for 28 points. Eight of the contests were multi-point performances. Three of his markers came on the power play, another was notched shorthanded and he had a pair of game-winners to his credit.
Coaches’ comments: ” A returning veteran forward who has the capability of putting up some points for us this season. He is physical and hard to play against. He’ll be ready to lead us on and off the ice.”
Nolan Nemecek, Forward
DOB: 02/24/2005
Hometown: Hudsonville, Mich.
Split the 2024-25 campaign with the Eagles and Soo Thunderbirds, playing 23 games apiece for each club. Picked up 25 points in all by scoring 12 times and helping set-up 13 others. Three of his overall tallies were game-winning efforts.
Coaches’ comments: ” Performed very well for us after coming over from the T-Birds. Plays a hard physical game and we’re looking for him to be among our leaders throughout the season.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Michah Seery, Defence
DOB: 05/01/2008
Hometown: Bloomingdale, Ill.
The 17-year-old blueliner is a graduate of the Team Illinois minor hockey system. He gradually worked his way up from there beginning at U13, eventually moving to U16 where he played last season.
Coaches’ comments: “Comes to us from the Team Illinois AAA U16 program where he was one of their top D-men. Strong skater with great hockey IQ. Micah is a good puck moving defenceman with strong offensive skills. We are expecting him to put some points up for us from the backend. Looking forward to watching his progress.”
Dominic Cicco, Forward
DOB: 07/19/2006
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Mich.
The local product joins the Eagles after three full seasons with the Soo Indians U18 AAA program. There he saw action in 155 contests where he tallied 24 times and chipped in with 25 assists. Also played five games with the Eagles as an affiliate and had a couple of helpers.
Coaches’ comments: “Dom was an affiliate player for us last season and performed well in the games that we needed him. He is a hometown boy that plays a gritty, physical game who also has scoring ability. Extremely hard player to play against. Hometown fans will enjoy watching him play.”
Ethan Hoff, Forward
DOB: 08/19/2007
Hometown: Murrysville, Penn.
Split last season with two clubs in the USPHL, the Boston Jr. Bulldogs and the Worcester Jr. Railers. In a combined 45 contests, Hoff collected 23 points, including 11 goals.
Coaches’ comments: ” Ethan’s hometown is Murrysville, Penn. As an ’07, he has two years of junior hockey under his belt from playing in the USPHL. Ethan is a lanky good skating forward who has good skill and offensive ability. He also plays extremely hard and has a very good hockey IQ. We are looking forward to watching his play and progress throughout the season.”
Photo credit: Justin Cairns
