SUDBURY, Ont. – As a perennial contender in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Timmins Rock are always seemingly in contention for a NOJHL title.
The league attendance leaders on a yearly basis, Brandon Perry’s squad is coming off a fourth-place finish in 2024-25 after going 33-16-2-1.
Set for his fifth year behind the bench as the head coach and general manager of the Rock, Perry sports an overall record in the league of 152-47-12-5 and an impressive winning percentage of .743.
His resume also consists of guiding Timmins to the NOJHL championship in 2022-23. He also has international experience having served on the Team Canada East coaching staff at the Junior A World Challenge event.
Last season the Rock finished third overall in the league in goals-scored at 214 and were second in fewest allowed at 139.
Number 2 on the power play (25.2%) and third on the P.K. (82%) continually shows why Timmins is in the upper echelon in the standings on a year-to-year basis.
With a solid returning core of talent up front as well as on defence, added with an influx of youthful skill, expect the Rock to once again contend.
Here’s a look at some of those that Timmins expects solid seasons from:
Head coach: Brandon Perry
Home opener: Friday, September 19 vs. Blind River Beavers
7:30 p.m. – McIntyre Arena
KEY RETURNEES
Lucas Lowe, Centre
DOB: 07/23/2005
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Finishing third in offensive production with the Rock last season, Lowe heads into his fourth full season in the NOJHL. He’s fresh off a campaign where he matched a personal-best in goals with 17 in 2024-25 while setting a new mark in both assists and points with 31 and 48 respectively. 18 of his points via the power play with his eight-man advantage markers sharing top spot for Timmins in that department.
Coaches’ comments: ” Ultimate competitor, has a championship pedigree, provides a ton of experience and leadership to our locker room.”
Kaeden McArthur, Centre
DOB: 07/14/2005
Hometown: Timmins, Ont.
Returns for his fourth year with his hometown team. McArthur led the Rock in scoring last season. He finished with 22 tallies in back-to-back years and set new personal numbers in both assists and points with 34 and 56. Also topped Timmins in power play points and man advantage helpers, picking 15 and 22 in each category. Ended last season on a five-game point streak as well as etching his name on the game sheet in 25 of his final 30 regular season contests.
Coaches’ comments: ” Kaeden provides our team with a ton of offensive skill. He is big and fast, has a great shot and has incredible offensive instincts.”
Thomas Beard, Right Wing
DOB: 05/08/2005
Hometown: South Porcupine, Ont.
Another key returning veteran to the Rock lineup is Beard. He picked up 36 points in 41 matchups with the squad in 2024-25 as he scored 14 times and helped set-up 22 others. His eight power play tallies tied for the team lead. Ready for his fourth year in the NOJHL. Through his first 136 league contests, he’s notched 35 markers while picking up 50 assists.
Coaches’ comments: “Another player that was on the roster of our 22-23 championship. Consistent player in all three zones, brings a wealth of experience and compete to our lineup.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Victor Hourtouat, Left Wing
DOB: 12/14/2007
Hometown: Oakville, Ont.
Will begin his rookie year in Timmins after spending last season in the GTHL with the Toronto Marlboros U18 AAA program. Produced at both ends of the ice with the Marlies.
Coaches’ comments: “Big strong power forward with good finish. Protects puck well down low and has good hands around the net.”
Ashton Beriana, Right Wing
DOB: 02/01/2007
Hometown: Coquitlam, B.C.
The 18-year-old winger joins with the Rock from British Columbia where he skated with the North Shore Warriors U18 Prep squad. Averaged just under a point-per-game there with 24 in 25 outings on a pair of tallies and 22 assists.
Coaches’ comments: “Ashton has an incredible motor, and he is always moving. He’ll provide us with a lot of speed, skill and compete.”
Ayden Mullen, Goaltender
DOB: 08/09/2009
Hometown: Kingston, Ont.
Having just turned 16 last month, Mullen is set to become of the youngest goaltenders in the NOJHL this season. Played U16 AAA hockey in the Quinte Red Devils system in the Belleville, Ont., area. The six-foot-stopper saw 772 minutes of action with Quinte going 8-7-0-0 with a 2.56 goals-against average.
Coaches’ comments: “Ayden will provide us with quality starts. He is incredibly calm for a young kid, has great edges and is the ultimate competitor. A technical goaltender with a bright future.”
Photo credit: Thomas Perry / The Daily Press
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