SUDBURY, Ont. – After finishing middle of the pack last season in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL), the Espanola Paper Kings will be looking to improve on that as they’ll attempt to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight year.
Under head coach Jason Rapcewicz, the Paper Kings were sixth in the overall league standings in 2025-26, while also finishing sixth in both goals-scored and tallies-allowed.
Espanola was also sixth-best in the NOJHL on the power play, but they were a solid third among all clubs on the penalty kill, just one percentage point off a share of top spot, while however leading the league in penalty minutes incurred.
The club will get their initial test on the ice this weekend with a home-and-home preseason set against the Blind River Beavers.
Here’s a look at the trio of returnees the Paper Kings will be relying on heavily to pace the squad offensively, along with a three newcomers brought in to boost their defensive play.
Head coach: Jason Rapcewicz
Home opener: Friday, Sept. 11 vs. Soo Eagles
7:30 p.m. – Espanola Regional Recreation Complex
KEY RETURNEES
PLAYER: Carter Drigo, F
DOB: 04/25/2007
HOMETOWN: Lively, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “The big 19-year-old is looking to continue from where he left off from last season, where he had a career year in offensive numbers, collecting single-season bests in goals, assists and points with 32, 19 and 51. The big winger will also be attending the Windsor Spitfires OHL camp.”
PLAYER: Cain Savage, F
DOB: 11/24/2006
HOMETOWN: Chelmsford, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “The 20-year-old will be wearing the “C” this season for the Paper Kings. He’ll continue to hold players accountable and be the leader, on and off the ice. The physical forward will be looking to make a mark in his final season of junior hockey.”
PLAYER: Colton Loiselle, F
DOB: 03/08/2008
HOMETOWN: North Bay, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “The power forward winger is coming into the season with more responsibilities and expectations while playing a bigger role with the team. Colton is attending the Guelph Storm OHL camp.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
PLAYER: Mason Janicki, G
DOB: 05/15/2007
HOMETOWN: Milton, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Mason joins us from the Blind River Beavers where he was in the Top 10 in the league in minutes played, goals-against average and save percentage. He is an experienced netminder who will also mentor our other goaltenders.”
PLAYER: Luke Boggio, D
DOB: 02/07/2006
HOMETOWN: Toronto, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Arrives in Espanola after playing defence last season with the Waterloo Siskins (GOJHL). The veteran 20-year-old brings a wealth of experience and will be counted on to be a leader on and off the ice.”
PLAYER: Isaac Bandoo, D
DOB: 03/15/2006
HOMETOWN: Milton, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Skated on defence last season with the Brantford Titans (GOJHL). The big left-handed blueliner will bring a scoring touch and leadership as well. The puck moving defenceman can play at both ends of the ice.”
Photo credit: Tanner Wallace / Tan Tan Photography
