All posts by Randy Russon
Matthew Kallo to Elliot Lake
Elliot Lake Vikings have added a veteran presence to their blue line via trade with their arch-rival Blind River Beavers.
…[read more]Soo boys make their points
First pucks have dropped on the 2023-2024 Ontario Hockey League regular season. And several skaters with a link to Sault Ste. Marie picked up points in their respective team’s season opening games.
…[read more]EL Vikings explore Massey
Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League will continue to be without use of its shut down, home arena for the foreseeable future. In the meantime, the Vikings are holding practice sessions 40 miles from Elliot Lake at the Massey and District Community Arena. As for where Vikings home games will be played while Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake is closed, Massey is a possibility.
…[read more]Espanola to Iroquois Falls
Big defenseman Brayden Hindman is on the move in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League trade between the Espanola Paper Kings and Iroquois Falls Storm.
…[read more]Captain of the Firebirds
Northern Ontario product Zacharie Giroux will wear the ‘C’ on his jersey this season as the new captain of the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.
…[read more]Leading the Soo Indians
So far, so good. They are already 11 games into the 2023-2024 season as members of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association. And it has been a strong showing thus far for the Soo Indians, who have a record of 8-3-0.
…[read more]Spirit extends GM and coach
Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League has extended the contracts of general manager Dave Drinkill and head coach Chris Lazary through the 2026-2027 season.
…[read more]Notes from the OHL West
It was just a short time ago that the Soo Greyhounds were not only finishing atop the five team West Division of the Ontario Hockey League with regularity but were annual contenders among the 10 members of the Western Conference.
…[read more]Favourite Windsor Spitfires
As previously noted, my adopted home town has always been Windsor. I have first cousins who were born there. My uncle owned a bar there for decades. I have a son who is a criminal lawyer in Windsor. And next to the thousand or so Ontario Hockey League games that I have watched in Sault Ste. Marie over the years, I have probably taken in a couple of hundred more in Windsor.
…[read more]Leader of Fighting Walleye
Reigning champion Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League has named homegrown product Jeremy Dunmore as team captain for the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]Vikings add veteran forward
Seasoned skater Liam Bridgeman will continue his Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League career with a new team after being acquired by the Elliot Lake Vikings from the Espanola Paper Kings in a cash transaction. Bridgeman becomes the latest player with northern Ontario roots to suit up for Elliot Lake.
…[read more]SIJHL pre-season rankings
It is set to begin a new season of play with eight teams. Which is the most that the Superior International Jr. Hockey League has had since its 2001 inception. Meantime, following are the Hockey News North rankings ahead of the 2023-2024 regular season which is slated to begin this week.
…[read more]Cubs lead the NOJHL pack
Four wins in as many outings have the Sudbury Cubs off to a perfect start to the 2023-2024 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League regular season.
…[read more]Working OT in Iroquois Falls
This is the early season feel good story in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League. The new Iroquois Falls Storm has a perfect 3-0 record through three home ice victories that all came in overtime.
…[read more]Leaders of the Hounds
Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League have chosen their captain and assistant captains for the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]EL Vikings take to the road
Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League are without a home, at least for the next while. The City of Elliot Lake recently decided to — until further notice — close Centennial Arena, which is where the Vikings of the NOJHL play their home games.
…[read more]Young pups of the Great North
It was a powerhouse Soo Jr. Greyhounds squad that raced to a 2022-2023 regular season record of 26-2-0 to finish first in the eight-team Great North Under 18 Hockey League by a wide margin only to somehow lose to the North Bay Trappers in the title tilt of the playoff championship tournament. And while a breath of fresh air has enveloped the 2023-2024 edition of the Jr. Hounds of the Great North, there are only three players who remain from the ’22-23 team.
…[read more]U18 Indians v. Jr. Hounds
It will be a cross-border, home and home exhibition set of games between the Soo Indians of the USA Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League and the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League.
…[read more]Opening week in the NOJHL
All 12 teams in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League saw action as 2023-2024 regular season play began over the past few days.
…[read more]Jameus to Sault College
Sault College Cougars of the Division 2 American Collegiate Hockey Association have added a local lad as a late recruit ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]NOJHL news and views
Tried. Tested. True. Twelve teams strong. Following is a seasoned writer’s selection of just some of what to consider, contemplate and envisage over the course of the 2023-2024 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season.
…[read more]Fellinger signs with Flint
Talk about a quick, improbable ascent to the Ontario Hockey League. That is, 2007 birth year defenseman Rylan Fellinger has signed with the Flint Firebirds after being a distant 13th round pick at the 2023 OHL priority selections draft from the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League.
…[read more]Rock on the clock
Reigning champion Timmins Rock will officially begin defense of its Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League crown when 2023-2024 regular season play begins this week.
…[read more]Indians sweep Green Bay
Michigan Soo Indians capped a perfect exhibition series weekend to begin the 2023-2024 hockey season today with a decisive 5-1 drubbing of the visiting Green Bay Bobcats.
…[read more]Soo Indians open with a ‘W’
Nathan Maguire made 25 saves and fellow Ontario Hockey League draft pick Deven Jones McDonald scored a goal as the Soo Indians of the USA Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League began the 2023-2024 season on Saturday with a 5-3 win over the visiting Green Bay Bobcats.
…[read more]Vikings at Hounds camp
There are a good number of players who are signed to play in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League for this season who are attending Ontario Hockey League training camps either as draft picks or as free agent invitees.
…[read more]Another NOJHL season ahead
It remains 12 teams strong. Yes, there has been an off season ownership change and the relocation of a franchise — but both for the good, it would seem. And, to be sure, the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League is durable, well rounded, well grounded, set, stable, sound and valid ahead of the emerging 2023-2024 regular season.
…[read more]Hudson Martin to the Cubs
Sudbury Cubs of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have added a second player with a 2007 birth date who was picked by the Sudbury Wolves at the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft.
…[read more]Calling all 60 plus players
Sault Senior Men’s Hockey League is looking to add a 60 and over division for the looming 2023-2024 season, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Vikings add to north talent
Another week, another player from the north signed up. As Hockey News North was first to report, Sudbury area product Anthony Bertrand is the latest lad from the north region to sign with the Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]NOJHL pre-season rankings
Opening face-off to the 2023-2024 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League regular season is less than two weeks away. And following is an abridged — and non-analytic — Hockey News North ranking of the 12 NOJHL teams ahead of the looming ’23-24 campaign. Please note that a number of teams have yet to finalize their rosters and that not a single exhibition game has been played.
…[read more]Bertrand to EL Vikings
Small size forward Anthony Bertrand is moving up from the Sudbury U16 Nickel Capital Wolves of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League to the Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Sudbury U18 captains
They are back for another season with the Sudbury U18 Nickel Capital Wolves of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League. Not only that, forward Alek Duguay and defensemen Felix St. Onge will wear letters of leadership on their jerseys.
…[read more]Jeremiah is in Kenora
He was originally committed to join his older brother Jackson Jacques and go to school and play hockey for the Sault College Cougars this coming season. But the opportunity to sign with the expansion Kenora Islanders of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League is the route that 2004 birth year forward Jeremiah Jacques has opted to take for the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]BR to EL to Espanola
They are three small market Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchises in towns with a combined population of about 20,000 residents. Blind River Beavers, Elliot Lake Vikings and Espanola Paper Kings form a three team NOJHL rivalry separated by a mere 60 miles of Highways 17 and 108.
…[read more]SIJHL set for ’23-24 season
A record high eight teams will compete as the Superior International Jr. Hockey League gets set to take to the ice for its 22nd season of competition.
…[read more]Soo Eagles sign 3 goalies
Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have settled on a trio of American born goalies ahead of the looming 2023-2024 season, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Marson as an Espanola AP
Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have confirmed that goalie Nick Marson of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League is in their plans to once again be an affiliate player for the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]Vikings of the north country
Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League will not be short on local talent and ones from other regions of the north when they take to the ice for the looming 2022-2023 season.
…[read more]Ertel family hockey tree
The name Ertel is a familiar one within the history books of the Ontario Hockey League. Long after his playing days, Bob Ertel coached and managed the Kitchener Rangers before being the general manager of the old North Bay Centennials. His son, Tyler Ertel, who was recently hired as the new assistant coach of the Soo Greyhounds, had a lengthy playing career as a high scoring OHL forward.
…[read more]New goalie in Blind River
A day after trading veteran goalie Gavin Disano to the St. Catharines Falcons of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have signed a free agent net minder from the Minnesota high school ranks.
…[read more]EL Vikings sign Soo goalie
Sault Ste. Marie product Cam Boville has signed with the Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed. The signing becomes official once approved by the NOJHL.
…[read more]Super Smeltzer of Kam River
He has the big time trust of his general manager. Bryan Smeltzer may not be the face of the reigning champion Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League but he certainly holds a significant place.
…[read more]Hard working Walleye
Seasoned skater Ryan Doucette is a returning forward who the reigning Superior International Jr. Hockey League champion Kam River Fighting Walleye can count on for this coming season.
…[read more]There’s a Sellers in Espanola
A grandson of legendary National Hockey League superstar Reggie Leach has signed with the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has learned.
…[read more]Paper Kings have a Booth
Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League and Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League have renewed their affiliation agreement for a second season. And one player who is slated to develop with the Paper Kings this season is 2007 birth year forward Grant Booth.
…[read more]Sudbury Cubs get Chitaroni
He was the first of 11 players from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League to be picked at the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft. Subsequently, 2007 birth year forward Hudson Chitaroni is slated to develop with the Sudbury Cubs of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this season.
…[read more]Nick Marson on a mission
He is back home and getting himself ready for his second season in the Great North Under 18 Hockey League. After moving away from home to play for the Sudbury U16 Nickel Capitals in 2022-2023, goalie Nick Marson is training hard for what his coach feels is going to be a big season as a member of the Soo U18 Jr. Greyhounds.
…[read more]Trappers to the Rapids
Pint size forward Jesse Lefebvre is moving up from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League champion North Bay Trappers to the French River Rapids of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]A ninth Eagle off to school
Defenseman Caleb Cordas has become the ninth member of the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League to secure a school commitment ahead of the 2023-2024 season. Cordas, who has a 2002 birth date, has accepted on offer from New England College, which is a Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association school.
…[read more]Beavers and Vikings
There are team monikers with deep historical roots that should never be messed with. To be sure, they are teams with names that should never change. Such as Blind River Beavers and Elliot Lake Vikings. They are two junior hockey franchises that came into existence together back in 1965.
…[read more]Keene on the EL Vikings
There is new net worth in Elliot Lake. Following the graduation of Sean Guerin to the U.S. college hockey ranks and the trading of Cameron Smith to the Ontario Jr. Hockey League, the rebranded Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League are slated to have a new goalie tandem between the pipes this coming season.
…[read more]My good, old buddy Max
As you might imagine, I have met a number of memorable, noteworthy people through hockey in a media career that officially began in 1975 when I first received a pay cheque for being a sports caster and sports writer. Relative to the Ontario Hockey League alone, I have met and had an association with countless colourful individuals. And one of the most engaging and personable people I have ever met is Wayne Maxner.
…[read more]New coach in Kam River
He is well seasoned as a former player. He has earned his stripes as an assistant coach. And as a bonus, Jesse Messier is a well educated, Canadian university graduate.
…[read more]NOJHL via the Great North
It is a natural transition, based on geography. That is, the Great North Under 18 Hockey League serving as a logical, legitimate feeder system for the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Powassan via North Bay
Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have again stayed close to home to sign a high level forward from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League playoff champion North Bay Trappers.
…[read more]Desbois boys of EL Vikings
Local lad Connor Desbois will be following in his father’s footsteps when he hits the ice for the new Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this coming season.
…[read more]EL Vikings unveil jerseys
As Hockey News North has reported extensively on over the past few days, there is new ownership and a new moniker for the Elliot Lake team of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]EL Vikings hire Sault scout
Elliot Lake Vikings owner Jef Jarmovitch and his coaching staff want to keep a close watch on the talent pool in Sault Ste. Marie. To that end, the newly-named Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League team has hired a scout who is based in Sault Ste. Marie to do just that.
…[read more]Return of the EL Vikings
The once vaunted Vikings are back to reclaim their age old junior hockey status in Elliot Lake. Long-time local resident Jef Jarmovitch has taken over operation of the Elliot Lake Red Wings from Paul Noad and rebranded the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise as the Elliot Lake Vikings.
…[read more]New operator in Elliot Lake
Paul Noad said he wasn’t looking to sell the Elliot Lake Red Wings. But when he was approached to sell the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise, the wheels went into motion for what is being returned to old roots as the Elliot Lake Vikings.
…[read more]NOJHL champs have a beer
Timmins Rock of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League has partnered with Full Beard Brewing Co. to launch a new beer, Red Light Lager. The reigning NOJHL champion Rock will debut the light beer at the team’s Don Lever-Steve Sullivan Golf Tournament this weekend.
…[read more]Summer in the hockey towns
Officially, in a given year, the average hockey season runs from September to May. Unofficially, it never really ends. Following is a choice selection of notable junior, college and under 18 hockey happenings — as they relate to the north region — thus far this off season.
…[read more]Kam River looks for a coach
Head coach Geoff Walker has departed the Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League after leading it to a championship in his only season at the helm.
…[read more]Dawson to Powassan
A championship skater from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League who is also an Ontario Hockey League draft pick will suit up for the Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this coming season.
…[read more]Heading home to Sudbury
Ben Lacroix is in position to finish his junior hockey career at home. The 2003 birth date forward has been obtained by the Sudbury Cubs from the Espanola Paper Kings in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction.
…[read more]Kirkland Lake to Hearst
Hearst Lumberjacks have added a solid, seasoned skater to their lineup by way of a cash transaction with their Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League rival Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
…[read more]Boys of Team Canada North
It has been said. It has been written. That is, hockey season never really ends. And it is true. As an example, for several players from Northern Ontario in the 2011 birth year category, they are spending mid July in Vaughan, Ontario as part of the Sports Illustrated Hockey Prospects All Star Challenge.
…[read more]Jr. Greyhounds v. Soo Indians
A cross-border under-18 hockey rivalry is in position to be rekindled for the 2023-2024 season. Personnel from the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League and the Soo Indians of the USA Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League are upbeat and eager to face off in a series of exhibition matches over the course of the ’23-24 campaign.
…[read more]Paper Kings to Red Wings
Espanola Paper Kings have transferred a 2004 birth year defenseman to the Elliot Lake Red Wings in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction.
…[read more]Net return for Paper Kings
Espanola Paper Kings president and head coach Jason Rapcewicz has confirmed the return of veteran goalie Jake Marois for the 2023-2024 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season.
…[read more]Iron Bridge boy at Northland
Shane Buckley has taken his hockey coaching career to his alma mater. The 33-year old Buckley, who hails from the village of Iron Bridge, which is about 70 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie along Highway 17, has been hired as the new head coach of the Northland College Lumberjacks. Northland is a Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association school that is based in Ashland, Wisconsin, a small town of about 8,000 residents on the shore of Lake Superior.
…[read more]Flint inks another draft pick
Flint Firebirds have signed a fourth prospect from the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft. Right hand shot defenseman Jack D’Arcy has committed to the Firebirds. D’Arcy was Flint’s sixth round pick at the ’23 draft.
…[read more]