SUDBURY, Ont. – With the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s 2026-27 season set to begin Friday evening, all 11 member clubs will commence their respective campaigns across multiple fronts in the coming days.
Those who call NOJHL games on FLOHockey, the league’s official broadcast partner, have plenty of insight on the teams they cover and those other who compete on the ice elsewhere.
The NOJHL reached out to the play-by-play callers and queried the broadcasters on multiple questions entering the season.
Of note, Timmins Rook rookie forward Tanner Adams generated plenty of feedback from the play-by-play personnel, which was received prior to rumours beginning to circulate about a potenntial move that may see his OHL playing rights being dealt by the Brampton Steelheads to the Sudbury Wolves.
Listed further below are their respective responses on the enquiries posed:
THE BROADCASTERS
Soo Thunderbirds: Anthony Valade & Dominic Turco
The deans of NOJHL play-by-play men have been behind the mic for the T-Birds since 2010 and here’s what Valade had to offer on the subjects presented to him:
Question: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
Answer: “I’m going to say that what’s most interesting to me is how wide open the league has become. Over the last few years there’s been teams that have been competitive but could not quite get over the hump.”
“If you’re making me pick two teams though, I’m going to say my NOJHL final right now would be Hearst and Powassan. I think Hearst probably brings back the strongest corps in the league.”
“Powassan to me is a close second and the addition of last season’s NOJHL Rookie of the Year, Owen Smith and the relationship they have with the OHL’s North Bay Battalion keeps them competitive every year. They also probably have a sour taste in their mouth with how last year ended.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: “Owen Smith in Powassan is probably No. 1. He was sensational as a rookie and should have a stellar supporting cast to propel him to greater heights this year. Not that I have any inside information but at the very least he’ll likely be on the top PP unit with players like Caleb Dawson and Owen Head, meaning points might pile up quickly for the reigning ROTY.”
“I also think Cameron Menard should have a great year in Hearst as he’s likely going to be ‘The Guy’. Much like Smith, a strong supporting cast beside him will help. Menard also seems to be a player that will excel with the added pressure of being the main cog.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “To me, it’s Kirkland Lake. This team was pesky last year, and they’ve brought in a seasoned coach and one of the best program builders of the last decade in Jonathan Blier. Add to that some intriguing returnees and this should be a team that builds as the season progresses and might be able to pull off a shocker or two come playoff time.
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: Gavin Killoran of the Thunderbirds might have been the top rookie last year had it not been for Owen Smith. The T-Birds lost a lot of scoring this off season and Gavin might be asked to take a bit of that production on. He’s an effective two-way player and I would not be shocked if at the very least there’s a letter on his jersey this year, if not the ‘C’, as he’s asked to be a leader on this club.”
Goaltenders Nathan Maguire and Cameron Boville were both really good in their first seasons with the team and they seem to feed off one another. At this point it appears it will not be a three-man rotation like last year so both will get a bit more action and should be able to improve of their impressive numbers from Year 1.”
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “I’m really interested to see who takes advantage of it being a wide-open league. Elliot Lake is also back, which is great. That fan base might carry the team to a few victories themselves. There’s a new era in Timmins. I was often vocal at my shock that Brandon Perry did not get an OHL gig, but he’s now moved up to Queen’s University in USPORTS. He leaves behind some big shoes to fill, and it will be interesting to watch that unfold.”
“We’ll see how the new landscape of junior hockey starts to impact the league. Even recent changes to the way OHL handles players could see a potential increase in young OHL picks being assigned to NOJHL clubs. With changes, seemingly each month, it will be interesting to see how the league benefits and reacts to those changes.”
Blind River Beavers: Patrick Malinowski
An up-and-coming broadcaster in the NOJHL, Malinowski offers his own style of calling games, that easily gets one interested in listening to the call.
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: “Two teams that I believe will have successful campaigns are the Hearst Lumberjacks and Soo Thunderbirds, much in part to the strengths of their returnees. With Hearst, having Cameron Menard, the league’s top goal scorer from last season returning it should make Hearst an offensive threat, especially paired up with former Espanola linemate Luc Warner. Goaltender Jack Helkie who was one of the more underrated netminders last season. He’s someone solid enough to steal wins for the Lumberjacks and I expect him to be one of the top goaltenders this season.”
As for the Thunderbirds, it’s nice watching Gavin Killoran and Adam Pszeniczny play on the ice. Last season they both were offensively gifted rookies who picked up large number of points and scored crucial goals when it mattered. Their talents alone help make the Soo an exciting team to watch. In the crease, Nathan Maguire will be a difference maker and why the Thunderbirds will pick up many points this season. Last year, he went 14-1-2, had an incredible .925 save percentage and a goals-against average of 2.21. I predict even more impactful numbers this season.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: “Two other players I really think will have impressive seasons are Powassan Voodoos forward Owen Smith and Blind River Beavers forward Caleb Walker. Smith being named the league’s rookie of the year in 2025-26, will be coming into this season with heavy expectations. I believe he will succeed with his new team. I predict he’ll lead the league in points and potentially be a top MVP candidate.”
“As for Walker, the Beavers will look to him to carry the offensive torch. With two goals in the exhibition season, head coach Kyle Brick is relying upon Caleb to be the Beavers main threat on the powerplay. Walker has the speed and strength to blow by defenders and score clutch goals. He should vastly improve on his 16-goal campaign from last season.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “For surprise teams, I will have to mention my Blind River Beavers. Last season was a major disappointment as the team missed the playoffs for the first time in Kyle Brick’s tenure. With this year being the hockey club’s 25th anniversary, there are heavy expectations from the fans for the team to succeed and to be consistently near the top of the standings this season. With 10 returnees, and the addition of the new players, this team will have the talent to steal games and make Blind River a fun team to watch again, like in many of the past seasons in the franchise’s history.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: “Two players from the Beavers that I expect will have big improvements are forward Camden Cowan and defenceman Austin Schultz. Cowan is one of the top two-way forwards in the league and I expect him to drastically improve on his 41-point campaign from last season as he will see heavy minutes on the top line. As for Schultz, I fully expect him to fulfill the role that defenceman Matis Lafond had last season as the team’s new power play quarterback. He has already shown his promise of improvement in preseason games and will be a threat from the blueline throughout the season.”
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “I’m most looking forward to the return of the Elliot Lake Vikings to the NOJHL. Elliot Lake and Blind River have always had an incredible hockey rivalry whether it be at the Jr. A level or in minor hockey. Elliot Lake has a very passionate and loud fan base, and I am waiting to see their newly renovated Rogers Arena when the Beavers travel there.”
Espanola Paper Kings: Thomas Mercier
Set to commence his 10th year as a play-by-play man in the NOJHL, Mercier brings an impressive statistical knowledge of every team in the league as part of his in-depth broadcasts.
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: “The Hearst Lumberjacks and Timmins Rock. Both teams bring in new coaching staff; one is a new face to the league, while the other is a familiar friend of the North. Marc-Alain Begin is a welcomed return to the Lumberjacks bench and will make them extremely competitive given his long resume as head coach. After coming up short in the semifinals last season, there is unfinished business for Begin and company.”
“As for Timmins, Sheldon Reasbeck will have big shoes to fill with the departure of Brandon Perry. Reasbeck will have a solid roster to keep the Rock as a solid championship contender. The Kapuskasing native is no stranger to Northern Ontario hockey, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see a Hearst vs Timmins league final this season. I’m positive that Timmins will remain ‘Rock Solid’… pun fully intended.”
Q: Are there any couple of players you also expect to have impressive seasons and why?
A: Carter Drigo and Tanner Adams. After an impressive 51-point season last season for the Paper Kings, Drigo will more than likely lead the offensive charge for Espanola. Seeing him in camp earlier this month, his shot and transition speed has improved significantly making him a threat every time he steps on the ice.”
“Adams probably carries the heaviest weight of expectations after being selected third overall in this past spring’s Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection. Even though the Rock got a three-game sampling last season, assisting twice, Timmins hope to get the full-course and given the opportunity, could likely finish in the Rock’s top three scoring list.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: Kirkland Lake. Riding the waves of their first playoff clinching season since 2022, things are looking up for a promising Gold Miners squad. They went through a lot of changes over the course of last season so I’m sure the team is looking for roster stability this year. There’s a lot of promising talent on their lineup this season, so I would expect the Gold Miners to make the playoffs again this season and perhaps go further than the first round.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: Carter Drigo and Warren Farver. As mentioned earlier, I expect Drigo to lead the team in offensive production this season. His game has improved tenfold since entering the league in 2023, so I expect a big push from him this year.”
“Farver is another who impressed me during training camp and exhibition play. Although he doesn’t necessarily produce points, his defensive presence was noteworthy during the 2025-26 campaign. This summer, he seems to have honed in on the defensive upside of his game; blocking shots, cutting off passing lanes and staying true to his end of the ice. If there’s a defender on the Paper Kings that’s expected to have a big season… it’s the ‘Boy from Cheboygan.’
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “I’m sure everyone has shared the same sentiment, but it’s the return of the Vikings. I’m extremely pleased to have Elliot Lake back in the fold this season, as the last we saw of them was December 15, 2024, when they hammered the Thunderbirds 6-2 in Massey before taking a leave of absence. We’ve all been looking forward to seeing their inevitable return and the reopening of the newly refurbished Rogers Arena on September 25. It can’t come soon enough. However, their season will be anything but easy. Much like their home rink, their roster had to be rebuilt from the ground up and start anew. It will be a challenging, working through new systems and a new coaching staff. But most importantly; they will usher in a new era of Vikings’ hockey in Hockeyville. I have the utmost confidence in Jef Jarmovitch and Taurean White to bring Elliot Lake back into the fold with flashing colours.”
Iroquois Falls Storm: Richard Witty
Another veteran broadcaster, Witty has been the play-by-play voice of multiple clubs in his time behind the mic in the league and has also called games previously at the NOJHL Showcase. He was recognized by being named the league’s broadcaster of the year for 2025-26.
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: “I believe that the Timmins Rock will be one of the teams to watch this season. The acquisition of Tanner Adams, the third overall pick in this past spring’s OHL priority selection, is a big reason why. If he stays on the roster, this gives the Rock a bona fide superstar in the making. His presence along with a talented group of veterans returning and a bumper crop of new recruits should place them near the top of the league.”
“I am torn on the second team to watch. Hearst has looked strong in their preseason games and Marc-Alain Begin behind the bench will only make that team a formidable opponent on any night.”
“I also think the Soo Eagles will have a great season. They had a dismal start last year, going 0-8-1, and not getting their first win until the Showcase. They are built to play defence. Gabe Clark brings the epitome of physicality on the back end and Colton Huckson is an offensive threat from the back end every shift. They also return goaltender Dalton Hoornstra. He quietly posted a 3.07 GAA and a .907 save percentage as the backup to Jace Knoerle.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: “Maxx Hamelin of the Timmins Rock. He came to the Rock part way through last season, where he responded, scoring 26 points in 23 games. He topped that off in the playoffs with 29 points in 15 games. Those numbers can only be expected to increase if he gets the chance to play with highly touted Tanner Adams.”
“Caleb Dawson of the Powassan Voodoos. All he did was put up 61 points last season. Now as a 20-year-old and with his stature, I fully expect him to lead the Voodoos all season long and to play a key role in the success of the Voodoos. I also expect him to be in the Top 5 in scoring in the league.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “I think the Iroquois Fall Storm will be a surprise team this year. They re-invented their team and now they play with speed. Veterans Simon Lemieux; Alex St.Pierre and Bryson Villeneuve can all fly. As can newcomers, Jason Cyr; Seamus McCown; Felix Tremblay; Brady Walker, and Niko Lessard. The recent addition of goaltender Keenan Connely is an unanticipated bonus as he is rock-solid between the pipes. The return from injury of defenceman Keegan Fox will help when he returns to the lineup in October. The biggest issue for the lack of success of the Storm last year was their inability to score goals. Only six times did they surpass five goals in a game. They didn’t do it on home ice last season after November 8. It was hopefully a sign of good things to come when they scored five times on home ice in their first home preseason game.
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: “I expect Simon Lemieux to have a big season. He has seemed to come back with a sense of leadership and drive. He now has line mates that can keep up with his speed and can get open. I expect I will be naming him a game star many times this season. I also expect rookie Jason Cyr to have a big year. He has looked very impressive through the pre-season and coach Alex Brisson has trusted him in all game situations, to which he has responded well.”
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “I am looking forward to seeing a return to competitive balance this season, with multiple clubs being in the hunt for the NOJHL title and a berth to the 2027 Centennial Cup in Fort McMurray, Alta.”
Hearst Lumberjacks: Denis J. Puska
A long-time broadcaster of Jr. A hockey, Puska offers a knowledge of the game and shows that nightly during his calling of games, with a vast contribution of the hockey vernacular.
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: “I expect the Powassan Voodoos; Soo Thunderbirds and Hearst Lumberjacks all to rebound this year. All three teams couldn’t really get any flow going in the postseason and I think they will all be better when it matters most.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
Cameron Menard of the Lumberjacks. Menard will be expected to be a team leader for Hearst in his first full season with the team. Tanner Adams of the Timmins Rock was a high OHL draft pick and given the opportunity, should be able to use the Rock as a training ground to get him into the OHL later this season.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: I am curious to see how the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners do with a new coach (Dean DeSilva) and Jonathan Blier at the helm as GM. Will they be able to take that step forward as a franchise and move up the standings, having last won a NOJHL championship back in 2014.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: Hearst’s addition of Owen Kahl gives them over 150 games of junior experience. We’ll see how he will he make an impact, as well as William Fournier.”
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “The NOJHL Showcase is always a well-run and highly scouted event. It provides excitement and gives the players a chance to compete under the watchful eye of scouts from all levels of hockey.”
“It’s also great to see the return of the Elliot Lake Vikings. There is lots of excitement there with their refurbished building, Rogers Arena. I hope they have a great year.”
Powassan Voodoos: Kortney Kenney & Harrison Clements
Continuing to make their mark bringing Voodoos’ hockey to FLOHockey broadcasts, the duo have also been on hand the last number of years calling games at the NOJHL Showcase.
Here’s what Kenney had to offer:
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: I believe the teams that we will see having big seasons are the usual suspects: the Timmins Rock, Hearst Lumberjacks, Powassan Voodoos, and Soo Thunderbirds. I think the Soo Eagles could also rise to that echelon as you can never count them out as evidenced by their first-round upset of the Voodoos last season. Each of these teams made some big additions, along with solid returnees brought back during the offseason. It will be interesting to see how they all come together.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: Trying to stay away from the team I cover for this answer, so here are the ones I have picked from around the league: Tanner Adams, third overall pick in the OHL Priority Selection; enough said. Carter Drigo, the pace he was on to end the season leads me to believe more big things on the way. Cameron Menard, his production dipped slightly since joining Hearst but still has an impressive 139 points in 108 NOJHL games. Simon Lemieux in Iroquois Falls had an underrated start with the Storm. Owen O’Grady is a shifty and speedy player and will look to build off a good season in Kirkland Lake. Nathan Maguire was a rock wall in net last season for the Soo Thunderbirds, and I expect he will only get better.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “I think Kirkland Lake will make some noise this year. I am not sure if they are back to being an upper echelon team, but they seem to be building the right way and have some pieces to make noise. They won’t be an easy out this season, and had some snarl in the preseason, even if their record wasn’t glamorous.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: “Caleb Dawson was second in points for Powassan last year and is one of the highest point getters returning to the NOJHL this season. He brings veteran leadership, an incredible shot and a knack for finding the puck. Owen Smith is another who had an impressive season last year and will look to build off his rookie of the year nod. On the back end, really excited to watch Braeden Begley again as he has a lethal shot and amazing passing ability and can quarterback the powerplay. He’s also a big body who can knock the puck loose in the corners. Lastly, Aidan Duchesne has looked impressive so far during camp and preseason games. I expect he will turn heads as a 16-year-old this season.”
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “Excited for NOJHL hockey to be back. It has been a long offseason, and I can’t wait to see what the 2026-27 campaign brings. Who will win or compete for the championship is truly up in the air and you can feel the excitement when you arrive at the rink. Looking forward to another solid year.”
Soo Eagles: Joey Nolan & Rob Horn
Nolan returns for another year of supplying the play-by-play at Eagles home games at venerable Pullar Stadium.
With colour commentator Rob Horn also back, the duo brings a quality of game-calling in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
Q: Who do you believe will be a team to watch this season?
A: “I expect the Powassan Voodoos to build off regular success from last year. It will be interesting with Coach of the Year Peter Goulet moving on to the OHL, but I believe they’ll start the season hungry after last year’s early exit. Adding the Owen Smith, Rookie of the Year from last year compliments that.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: “Cam Menard from the Jacks should pick up right where he left off. The team did lose some all-time NOJHL talent in Mathieu Comeau, but I see Menard thriving under coach Begin. I also see Luc Warner capitalizing on the opportunity for production replacement.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “I think the Iroquois Falls Storm will jump out of the last in/first out tier of playoff seeding this year. They retained some key players and added some talented pieces. I am not sure how big of a surprise it will be to the Jus Jordan Arena patrons, but I am counting them in for a Top 5 finish.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: “The Eagles have added some size, which is an area I feel they have matched up unfavorably previously. I am excited to watch the newcomers Jacob Kelley & Jayden Rothmeyer tower into the crease this year. I also have to give a shout out the second-year defencemen Colton Huckson, who played all 52 games last year for the Eagles.”
Timmins Rock: Andrew Autio & Jason Kelly
Providing a top-notch FLOHockey broadcast, Timmins rates among the highest in the league for the quality of programming, featuring in-game highlights and replays throughout each contest.
Returning for another year behind the mic for the Rock are Andrew Autio calling the games while Jason Kelly is back providing colour commentary for all of Timmins home matchups.
This is what Autio stated for his part of the NOJHL Broadcasters Info Poll:
Q: Who do you believe will be a couple of teams to watch this season?
A: “My early hunches say that Powassan; Hearst, and Timmins will likely find themselves towards the top of the standings. These teams have all returned some very key contributors and have been perennial contenders for many years. With that said, they all have new bench bosses this season, so the culture and play styles will have to be shaped to fit a new voice.”
Q: Are there any players you expect to have impressive seasons?
A: “I think a player like Nathan Harper of Kirkland Lake could have a real big season. He scored 20 as a rookie last year, and I think he scores more than 30 comfortably in 2026-27. He’s got a huge frame, and is a lot for defencemen to handle, to go along with a great shot. He has looked good in the pre-season as well.”
“Another player who should have a big year is Caleb Dawson of the Voodoos. He is a longtime NOJHL veteran and has been scoring a tonne in the pre-season. He should be among the Top 10 scorers for sure.”
“Then of course there is Cameron Menard of the Lumberjacks. He led the league in goals last season, and if he can develop some good chemistry with his linemates, he should have a great chance at 50 goals.”
Q: Judging by the preseason, or how you feel based on your own research, do you think there will be any surprise teams in 2026-27?
A: “I think the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners could rise in the standings this season. They have a few things to work on in the D-zone, and their goaltending is unproven in this league, but they did return a solid core of players, and they can score goals to keep up in wide open games.”
Q: Is there a player, or two, from the team you broadcast for, that you expect to have big seasons?
A: “If he remains with the Rock, for starters, Tanner Adams will be as dynamic of a player this league has seen in quite some time. His presence is noticeable each and every shift. His combination of speed, skill, and size will be tough for the younger defencemen – and maybe all defencemen – in the league to handle.”
“To compliment that, I think Maxx Hamelin has to be a contender for the scoring title this season. He had an incredible 2026 playoffs and was a tone-setter all throughout camp. Is a lethal shooter. Add the dynamic stickhandling of Matteo Paradiso on the left wing, and that could be the most skilled line in the league.”
Be sure to look for massive seasons from sophomore forward Evan Katic and second-year goaltender Ayden Mullen as well.
Q: Is there anything you look forward to seeing in the NOJHL this season?
A: “The league will be as wide open as it has been in quite a few years and the return of the Elliot Lake Vikings, and Rogers Arena, is something everyone has wanted to see. The people of that community deserve it. That goes beyond just wins and losses.”
Elliot Lake Vikings: Eric Ratthé
Having not played a home game at Rogers Arena since all the way back on September 9, 2023, the Elliot Lake faithful cannot wait to welcome back the Vikings.
It will be pretty much be starting anew for the ‘Voice of the Vikings, Eric Ratthé, who will have not broadcast a league home ice contest on FLOHockey for over three years, as he gets familiar with all the new names and faces the squad will dress on a nightly basis.
Elliot Lake is scheduled to open up at home on Friday, Sept. 25 versus the Espanola Paper Kings with a 7 p.m. start at Rogers Arena.
Kirkland Lake Gold Miners: Mike Jones & Raiden Thomas
With veteran league general manager Jonathan Blier arriving in Kirkland Lake to take over hockey operations, included in his team president’s role, he and new head coach Dean DeSilva bringing plenty of major junior experience behind the bench, there is plenty of optimism for the Gold Miners.
It will be the duo of Jones and Thomas who will be the ones calling the squad’s home games at Joe Mavrinac Community Complex.
French River Rapids: Lou Pisano & Thomas Roy
Hope springs eternal for French River in a quest for improvement in the standings in home games at Noelville Arena following a number of tough seasons in league play.
Pisano returns for an another year of doing play-by-play for the Rapids with Roy on hand to provide colour commentary.
NOJHL GAME DAY: Hosted and produced by Alex Bastyovanszky, Game Day is back for a third-straight season.
It will feature highlights and videos of match-ups throughout the campaign, as well as provide pre-game, player, team and league interviews and information.
Each NOJHL Game Day video will be available on the league website, its YouTube Channel and social media outlets all season long.
