Photo credit: Bob Davies
SUDBURY, Ont. – The winningest Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League franchise over the past two decades, the Soo Thunderbirds, will once again look to return to title-winning glory in the upcoming 2025-26 campaign.
This summer, the Thunderbirds celebrated the 10th anniversary of their 2015 NOJHL championship as well as their Dudley-Hewitt Cup Central Canadian Jr. A crown, which earned them a berth to the National Jr. A event.
Last season, Sault Ste. Marie finished sixth overall in the league standings with a record of 26-23-1-2.
Here’s a glance at the Thunderbirds in terms of key returning players along with some quality newcomers the club has brought in, and other assorted information:
Head coach: Jamie Henderson
Home opener: Friday, Sept. 26 vs. Timmins Rock
7 p.m. – John Rhodes Community Centre
KEY RETURNEES
Callum McAuley, Centre
DOB: 07/06/2006
Hometown: Timmins, Ont.
Averaged just under a point-per-game last season with the T-Birds, collecting 41 in 42 contests on 18 tallies and 23 assist.
Coaches’ comments: “Callum brought his game to another level in the playoffs last year. He has the potential to be an electric player in this league. As a veteran now, the key will be leading this group daily, on and off the ice.
James Legler, Right wing
DOB: 03/31/2005
Hometown: Beaconsfield, Que.
Shared the scoring lead on the Soo with 42 points in 44 outings and topped the team with 33 assists.
Coaches’ comments: “As the only third year returning player on the roster, James will be looked upon to carry a big load offensively. He has a tremendous mind for the game, and he makes players around him better. He had great chemistry with McAuley last season, and we are looking for much of the same from them this year.
Carter Carriere, Defence
DOB: 11/15/2007
Hometown: Sudbury, Ont.
Joined the Thunderbirds from the Elliot Lake Vikings roster in early January and wrapped up the regular season on a four-game point streak from the back end. In 18 outings Carriere had 11 points on defence. Also chipped in with a goal and four helpers in eight playoff matchups.
Coaches’ comments: “Carter can lead our back end this season with his skating and offensive talents. He ran into some health issues last season which slowed him down, but we are hopeful a great summer of training will allow him to reach the level we know he is capable of.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Gavin Killoran, Left Wing/Centre
DOB: 03/01/2008
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Paced the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 side last season in offensive production. Notched 18 goals and dished out 32 helpers for a 50-point campaign.
Coaches’ comments: “Gavin showed in his brief playoff appearances how effective he will be this season, using his size and speed to really make a difference. He thinks the game well and was one of the top players in the Great North U18 Hockey League last year. He has worked tremendously hard this summer, and we expect big things. He has the talent and work ethic to reach the OHL one day.”
Brayden Gosselin, Defence
DOB: 03/26/2006
Hometown: Summerland, B.C.
Hails from British Columbia where he played last season. The six-foot-two-inch stay at home type blueliner helped man the point for the Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL).
Coaches’ comments: “Brayden comes to us from B.C. He has some experience and will add to the group along with the attitude we are looking for this year. He is very motivated to come in and be a force on the back end for us. With his size and strength, we are excited to see his physical approach this season.
Brady Real, Defence
DOB: 03/27/2008
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
At six-foot-two, the 17-year-old Real returns home after spending 2024-25 with the Waterloo Wolves U18 AAA program. The D-man had 10 points in 34 games with Waterloo. Was an eighth-round pick of the Niagara Ice Dogs in the 2024 OHL Priority Selection.
Coaches’ comments: “Brady is one of several OHL draft picks with our team who are very motivated to do what it takes to get the opportunity to play in that league one day. He does what it takes on and off the ice and he will be relied on more as the season goes on. We are excited to see where his game can grow as we work with him.”
Submitted photo: Members of the 2015 NOJHL & Dudley-Hewitt Cup championship winning Soo Thunderbirds team celebrated the 10th anniversary of their titles with a golf outing in Sault Ste. Marie earlier this summer.
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