Around the NOJHL


By
November 7, 2016

Here ‘n there in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League as we head into the second week of November.

T-BIRDS ON TOP

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Despite undergoing a major roster overhaul from last season to this, the two-time defending champion Soo Thunderbirds are perched atop the West Division standings with an impressive 15-6-0 record.

And leading the points parade for the Thunderbirds are four forwards with considerable junior eligibility remaining after this season.

Matt Caruso is leading the way with 10 goals, 17 assists, 27 points followed by Mark Tassone at 10-12-22, Zachary Senecal at 13-6-19 and Gage Stephney at 7-8-15.

Caruso has a 1997 birth date, Senecal was born in 1998 and Tassone and Stephney both have 1999 birth dates.

BRICK AND THE BEAVERS

Buoyed by the coaching and leadership skills of first-year bench boss Kyle Brick, the Blind River Beavers already have 11 wins in 20 games — which is one more victory than they had all of last season.

Recruited players Zak Lambrecht and Yianni Liarakos are leading the Beavers with 13 and 11 goals, respectively. The American-born Lambrecht is from Minnesota while Liarakos hails from Toronto.

Meanwhile, first-year goalie Myles Hektor from the Chicago area has been in net for all 11 Blind River wins.

And homegrown rookie Caleb Serre, who has a 1999 birth date, has been a Beaver bonus with 7 goals, 11 assists, 18 points — which puts the youngster fourth on the team in scoring.

ESKIS FOR SALE?

Rumours are rampant that Iroquois Falls Eskis owner Allan Donnan is open to selling the team.

Donnan, who hails from the Toronto area, is in his second year as owner of the Eskis. He also owned the French River Rapids of the NOJHL for one season before selling them to Jessy Landry over the past summer.

Should Donnan decide to sell the Eskis, there is apparently a potential buyer in Iroquois Falls who is interested in a purchase — for the right price, of course.

EXPANSION TO MICHIGAN?

Sources are saying that two groups representing towns in northern Michigan have communicated with NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca about joining the league.

As of now, the Michigan-based Soo Eagles are the only American team in the 12-member NOJHL.

MANTZ IS THE MAN

1997 birth-year forward Gary Mantz has proven to be a shrewd off-season acquisition by Powassan Voodoos general manager Chris Dawson.

Obtained by Powassan from the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Mantz is fourth in the NOJHL in scoring with 15 goals, 16 assists, 31 points in 19 games.

PHOTO: Soo Thunderbirds forward Mark Tassone. (Photo by Ali Pearson.)


What you think about “Around the NOJHL”

  1. North Bay Battalion Fan16: Allen Donnan is a business man. Its his business if he wants to buy and sell teams … its not your business what so ever.

  2. There’s nothing like talk about your home team going up for sale just two months into the season. This should really work wonders for attendance, good job Mr. Donnan.

  3. A team sale in Iroquois Falls would be a great thing for the town, as long as the new owner keeps the team in Iroquois Falls. It’s unfortunate that the town ended up with an owner like Allan Donnan, yes he is a business owner, but a “used car salesman” type business man. Completely full of of himself and full of $&!+

  4. All a you “bashers” on here seem to forget that Alan Donnan saved Junior Hockey in Iroqois Falls. There was to be no Team after Scotty Marshall moved the Eskimos to Timmins. Then Donnan “saved the day” when he moved his Mattawa team to Iroqois Falls. Give the guy credit instead of “chirping” him.

  5. So typpical of fans in Iroquois Falls!!
    First they turned on Paul Gagne and Scott Marshall who are both from Iroquois and now they are turning on the new Owner! !
    Suprise Suprise!!

  6. This is actually an unfortunate release. I haven’t heard the team is for sale, not from mr donnan, not from the coach, not from gameoperationd not from anyone really.

    Thank you CKSO, ur right, we had nothing and Mr Donnan gave us jr a hockey. I’m in the rink a lot, I hold a season ticket, and although I’ll be the first mr donnas hasn’t been a around much this year, I think I’ll speak as the silent majority in the community, but we’re pretty happy, we feel as you think we should feel. This year the team is more competitive, local people are running game day, coaching the team, volunteering in the dressing room and helping wherever we can. For those iroquois falls fans on here throwing jabs, have you actually heard the rumour the team is for sale? Or did you read it first? I’m not knocking randy, but to our local fans, is it a reliable source? This news of being for sale is news many. And to be clear, EVERYTHING has a price tag but I don’t believe Mr Donnan is actively shopping it, he has bought a home here, he’s renovating, he’s given us all we ask for other than a league leader, but that takes time and most fans realize we are better than last year, we compete on a night to basis. Yes some bad games, but some great ones.

    Although he’s not your typical northern lad, it hasn’t perfect, We owe him the benefit of the doubt at this point. From my end, I give my thanks Mr Donnan,. thank you for believeing in hockey here, I hope you can a generate a profit that makes it worthwhile, or at least that you do not lose money. I hope you will continue to allow your staff to make the team stronger. Thank you for allowing the commmunity to run the team year this year.

    Eskis players, if you read HNN, I don’t believe you have to fear anything. Iroquois Falls always had 2 mills, one made paper and the other was rumours. We only have one left. The good people and the real hockey fans appreciate that you’re here playing and entertaining us and those same good people of Iroquois falls will continue to ensure your treated well here.

  7. Great write-up.
    Thank you for including our very much improved Beavers.
    We are so proud of them all, coaching staff and players.
    Good luck to Team NOJHL next week.

  8. Ok then, the questions must be asked. Randy, with respect to the rumour about the Eskis being for sale, as per this article, is your source reliable? Has this rumour been confirmed by Mr. Donnan?

  9. I wasn’t doubting RR, he just didn’t mention where he heard it. I just know if it came from the league, or another team owner, he would said that.

    My question was more to abitibian or blue liner, have you guys heard this in town?
    And did it all come back to one person with a old bone to pick?

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