SUDBURY, Ont. – The much-anticipated return of the Elliot Lake Vikings to Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League game action begins in earnest this week as they play their first match-up since December 15, 2024, with a road trip to Blind River Saturday.
The Vikings’ initial home contest, at the newly refurbished Rogers Arena in Elliot Lake, is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 25 against Espanola, which will mark the initial contest there since back on Sept. 9 of 2023.
All of this comes about largely in part due to the efforts of team president Jer Jarmovitch, who remained vigilant during the extended arena closure in Elliot Lake.
With a whole new line-up being formulated by head coach/GM Taurean White, and his staff, the club will look to build and improve as they go along during the campaign.
Listed further below are some of the players on the squad the organization will be looking at to boost the club’s fortunes in 2026-27:
Head coach: Taurean White
Home opener: Friday, Sept. 25 vs. Espanola Paper Kings
7 p.m. – Rogers Arena
PLAYERS TO WATCH
PLAYER: Armando Rojo-Bolton, F
DOB: 01/30/2006
HOMETOWN: Ajax, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Armando had a strong season last year with the Blind River Beavers. Since acquiring Armando his veteran presence has been on full display for young players to follow suit. Armando has led by example on and off the ice with his intensity and compete.”
PLAYER: Alexsander Duguay, F
DOB: 05/17/2006
HOMETOWN: Sudbury, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Being part of a NOJHL championship-winning team in 2025-26, Alek has come to Elliot Lake with full motivation to have another successful season. He has been a calm and sounding voice in the dressing room for young players to appreciate and follow. Alek has put in a lot of work this off season for his final year and hopes to make it his best year of Jr. A hockey.”
PLAYER: Kieran Pritchett, F
DOB: 05/26/2007
HOMETOWN: Nepean, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Kieran has a great ability to make plays. He has a very strong IQ and is always a threat on the ice. He has also grown into a natural leader both on and off the ice. After a successful season last year in the VIJHL in B.C., with the Lake Cowichan Kraken, Kieran is more than prepared to compete and be a dominant player in the NOJHL. Off the ice Kieran has become a great leader since joining us.”
PLAYER: Jacob Kirstein, G
DOB: 09/22/2009
HOMETOWN: North Bay, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Jacob has been someone we have kept a close eye on, the entire off-season. After recently getting selected by the Owen Sound Attack in the OHL U18 Draft, he has been coming to the rink with great focus and a different attitude. His compete in the net has certainly given his teammates a sense of confidence.”
PLAYER: Toby Johnson, F
DOB: 11/27/2006
HOMETOWN: Smiths Falls, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Is a skilled forward with ability to put the puck in the net. Toby has been a great leader around the young guys and has also been a glue in the Vikings’ dressing room. His ability to make plays and find quiet ice is elite. He had a successful season last year with the Lake Cowichan Kraken (VIJHL).”
PLAYER: Dylan Waduck, F
DOB: 11/10/2007
HOMETOWN: Whitby, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Dylan is everything you want in a young athlete. Great attitude, work ethic, hockey IQ, and more. He makes everyone around him better. Dylan played Junior C last year with the Port Hope Panthers. Even after just one exhibition game he has showed that he can adapt and adjust to the northern style of play and be a contributing factor in games.”
VIKINGS’ WEBSITE
Photo credit: Northern Lights Photography
