As the NOJHL moves forward

The game is played on the ice, in the moment. But the decision makers who are involved with the product and the programs are most often looking ahead. And the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League as it strives to remain neat and tidy while staying in its own lane, is no different.

Right now, there is a torrid race for first place in the NOJHL with six teams still in various forms of contention. Further down, four teams are in a frantic competition for the final two playoff spots.

There are 11 teams in the NOJHL and there is full throttle and there is flicker among them. The bigger market teams may have an advantage but a number of the smaller market teams have a steely resolve that pushes them to over perform.

THE BIG CHEESE

All in all, the league is in good operating condition and has quality, tested leadership with Rob Mazzuca as a fixture in the commissioner’s bunker. Mazzuca is well regarded within Canadian Jr. Hockey League circles as a man of intelligence, reason and “been there, done that.”

Born and raised in northern Ontario himself — in the vintage, mining and tiny railway town of Capreol — Mazzuca protects the NOJHL like a mother bear would guard her young ones.

So, no issues in the front office.

AT THE TOP

As far as the bigger market teams go, there are unshakable operators such as Mark Burgess and his family owned team in Sudbury and Ted Gooch and his assembly in Timmins.

Both the Cubs of Sudbury and the Rock of Timmins are perennial contenders on the ice and are well operated and well supported by community minded sponsors on the all important business side. These two teams — along with the Michigan based Soo Eagles — are among the main ingredients of the NOJHL.

From an attendance stand point, Timmins leads the entire NOJHL with a per game average of 734 fans.

RUNNING ON EMPTY

While Sudbury and Timmins are franchise jewels it is a far different story in Sault Ste. Marie, which is the league’s other big market team.

While the Thunderbirds were in the upper echelon of the league standings through the first half of this season — they are an annual contender — the team certainly appears to be shoddily marketed and poorly promoted by ownership.

Case in point is that the Thunderbirds have an average attendance of a mere 139 fans per game, which ranks 10th among the 11 teams of the NOJHL. Only the French River Rapids — who are the smallest market team in the entire NOJHL — have drawn fewer fans than the rag tag Thunderbirds.

Yikes. Say no more.

FLY WITH THE EAGLES

It says here that president, general manager, athletic trainer, chief cook and bottle washer Bruno Bragagnolo of the Michigan Soo Eagles is one of the best junior A hockey operators in the game. Time honoured and with an old school work ethic, Bragagnolo runs the Eagles like a business and treats his staff, helpers and players with appreciation and respect.

Amazingly, the Eagles are annually among the attendance leaders in the NOJHL despite playing in a small town — and sharing the American Soo market with the Lake Superior State University Lakers of the Division 1, National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Thus far this season, the Eagles are averaging 615 fans per game at venerable Pullar Stadium. The Eagles are second only to Timmins on the NOJHL attendance chart.

SMALL TOWN HEROES

Others who make good with what they have and have managed to win more than they lose while running a competitive program over time — which includes developing players for higher levels of the game — are the small town Blind River Beavers and Espanola Paper Kings.

Both teams are well led on the hockey side, with Kyle Brick running the show in Blind River as head coach and general manager while Espanola is in the capable hands of owner/head coach Jason Rapcewicz and his trusted GM Marc Gagnon.

WHAT ABOUT NEXT SEASON?

Will well intentioned owner Jef Jarmovitch and the Elliot Lake Vikings be able to return from a second leave of absence that was first granted midway through last season due to issues that initially forced the closure of the town’s Centennial Arena back in the fall of 2023?

Will the French River Rapids either relocate, be sold, or fold? Long time owner and coach Paul Frustaglio has kept the franchise afloat for many years now. But attendance is the lowest in the league and corporate sponsorship is minimal. One could hardly blame good guy Frustaglio for moving on from French River.

What about Wawa as a potential addition, either by relocation or expansion? There is a lot of money in the picturesque Highway 101 — via Highway 17 — town and a modern rink that is made for junior hockey.