SUDBURY, Ont. – Looking to return to the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) playoffs for the first time since 2023, Paul Frustaglio’s French River Rapids will be aiming to make competitive inroads, in doing just that in 2026-27.
French River is aiming on vast improvement at both ends of the ice, looking to boost play by scoring more goals and allowing even fewer, where they finished 11th in the league in both categories last season.
The Rapids are relying on a trio of returning veterans to lead the way for the club in aiding in an enhancement of fortunes and will look to a three-pack of first-year players to boost the team’s rookie corps.
Head coach: Paul Frustaglio
Home opener: Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Kirkland Lake Gold Miners
7 p.m. – Noelville Arena
KEY RETURNEES
PLAYER: Quinn Habermehl, F
DOB: 07/25/2006
HOMETOWN: Palmerston, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Quinn returns after a difficult 2025-26 season in which he was in and out of the lineup with injuries. A strong summer has him prepared to contribute on the scoresheet from the first game and to be a player who sets the standard on and off the ice.”
PLAYER: Noah Saye, F
DOB: 08/02/2006
HOMETOWN: Scarborough, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Noah is a strong two-way forward who brings character, work ethic, and commitment to the group. He stepped up in 2025-26, playing big minutes as a rookie down the stretch. We will look to him again this season, to be a steady presence.”
PLAYER: Nicholas Arbour, F
DOB: 10/14/2007
HOMETOWN: Dryden, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Nicholas is a big presence on the ice that brings physicality and size to the lineup. A player brought in by trade last season, he brings junior experience from multiple teams and we look forward to having him in the lineup from the start of the season.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
PLAYER: Dacey Dupuis, F
DOB: 03/12/2010
HOMETOWN: Sudbury, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Played previously in U16 AAA ranks with the Markham Majors, where he averaged over a point-per-game. Dacey is a player with local ties that brings high level offence and a level of compete and confidence that will see him be a threat every game.”
PLAYER: Calvin Gardner, G
DOB: 04/24/2006
HOMETOWN: Franklin, Tenn.
Coaches’ comments: “Spent last season between the GOHL, with the Caledonia Corvairs, and the PJHL, with the Paris Titans, Cal was an eighth-round pick to the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit in 2022. He provides a steady and experienced presence in net.”
PLAYER: Mathias Moar, F
DOB: 02/11/2008
HOMETOWN: North Bay, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Mathias spent last season with the U18 AAA North Bay Trappers, and was also an affiliate player with us, seeing action in seven games. He brings a high level of physicality to the team as well as showing solid defensive responsibility, for a forward.
Photo credit: Tanner Wallace / Tan Tan Photography
