Rapcewicz rolls in Espanola

It could be argued, with considerable conviction, that there might not be junior hockey in the small town of Espanola these days without the presence and persistence of long-time resident Jason Rapcewicz.

The 49 year old Rapcewicz first stepped up to help keep junior hockey in Espanola — a Spanish River town of less than 5,000 residents which is located just off the junction of Highway 17 and Highway 6 — back in 2015 as a co-owner with Chad Clarke and the late Tommy McCarthy. Rapcewicz also served as an assistant coach back then before taking sole ownership of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise in 2019. He then attended to the business and hockey sides as president and general manager before also becoming the head coach in 2022.

And now, from part owner and assistant coach to sole owner, president and head coach, the likeable Rapcewicz recently coached in his 500th NOJHL game for Espanola, which he rebranded as the Paper Kings a few years ago after previously being known as the Express.

Through it all, Rapcewicz has endured the ups and downs of junior hockey in Espanola as well as the town’s economic situation. As team president, he has not only managed to secure precious sponsorship to help keep the franchise in operation but as a head coach — and with the hiring of Marc Gagnon as general manager — Rapcewicz been able to keep the Paper Kings quite competitive as a small market club in the 11 member NOJHL.

And Rapcewicz has not only improved the on ice product in Espanola over the past few years but he and Gagnon have put together a squad for this ’25-26 season that is near the top of the standings of the 11 team NOJHL. Additionally, Rapcewicz has maintained a personal commitment to having an Espanola roster made up anywhere from eight to 10 players from various northeastern Ontario towns.

It is the attention to players from the north that Rapcewicz takes particular pride in.

“We try to make it a priority to have us many northern kids as we can,” Rapcewicz relayed to Hockey News North. “If there is a kid from the north who can play, who is a good fit and — just as importantly — makes the commitment to play in Espanola, we will always have room for him.  That will always happen as long as I have any say around here.”

The ageless David Harrison, an Espanola resident of many decades and a longtime NOJHL statistician and historian, is not one to pass on praise without merit. And Harrison has plenty good to say about Rapcewicz.

“It was a great relief when Jason came on the scene to solidify the Espanola junior hockey scene,” Harrison relayed to Hockey News North. “There have been some ups and downs over the years but it has been great to see junior hockey on a solid footing. We have seen some good years and some not so good, however it has been entertaining and hopefully it will continue for more seasons in the future. The local and area fans have to continue supporting the club and bringing hope for the younger players to have somewhere to play from the area. Good work Jason and crew.”

Meanwhile, Paper Kings goalie coach Bill Vanderleest, a Sault Ste. Marie resident who commutes to Espanola and back for practices and games, is full of good words about Rapcewicz.

“Rapper is one of the most dedicated guys I have ever had the privilege of working with,” said Vanderleest, whose own association to hockey in the north is near half a century. “Rapper’s passion for our game is second to none … and congrats to him on reaching this milestone of 500 games coached.”

Then there is Blaine Smith, former long-time president and general manager of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League and erstwhile managing director of the two time reigning NOJHL champion Sudbury Cubs, who has his own words of appreciation and respect for Rapcewicz.

“Jason is an excellent hockey man who knows his trade and gets the most out of his players,” Smith relayed to Hockey News North. “We have had extensive discussions in the past and the one thing that rings loud and clear is his passion for the game. He has also earned the right to coach at the next level. Hopefully someone gives him that opportunity.”

In the meantime, take a bow, Mr. Rapcewicz. Take a bow, good sir. 500 games coached … and counting.