Brick on the Beaver pond
Since taking over as the head coach in Blind River back in 2016, Kyle Brick has built the Beavers into a first rate outfit that is a perennial contender in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
With a knack of securing and getting the most out of the top end talent that he recruits — while sporting a nifty .660 winning percentage as the long time head master of the Beavers — Blind River has an overall record of 273-132-35 with Brick at the helm.
Having yet to finish under the .500 mark in his each of his eight full seasons in Blind River, Brick will head into the ’25-26 season just 27 victories shy of 300 wins as the undisputed bench boss of the Beavers.
Hailing from the gritty town of Thessalon, which is about 52 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie, the 39-year old Brick got his start in the NOJHL as an assistant coach with the Soo Thunderbirds. He apprenticed for two seasons with the Thunderbirds before moving to Blind River to become the main man.
At any rate, following is a look at a few veterans and newcomers that Brick and the Beavers will be expecting big things from come the ’25-26 season.
KEY RETURNEES
Connor Dunham-Fox, Goalie
DOB: 04/24/2005
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
He was named a first team NOJHL all-star goaltender in ’24-25. In over 1,500 minutes of action, Dunham-Fox led all NOJHL twine tenders in save percentage at .931, while making 854 stops along the way. He also finished third in both wins, with 20, and goals against average, at 2.51.
Brick’s comments: “Connor returns for his final year of Jr. A with high expectations. After a breakout season last year and being named a first team all star, Connor will be expected to carry the load this season.”
Jonah McIndoo, Centre
DOB: 07/30/2006
Hometown: Windsor, Ont.
McIndoo is coming off a ’24-25 campaign where he established single season highs in both goals and points with 15 and 34 respectively. Through two years in the NOJHL, he has played in 105 games.
Brick’s comments: “Returning for his third season in the league. Jonah will be heavily relied on in both ends of the ice. As an older player in our program, he will be expected to be a leader on and off the ice.”
Mattis Lafond, Defence
DOB: 04/20/2007
Hometown: Scarborough, Ont.
A solid first year in the league saw Lafond impress with Blind River. He was named to the NOJHL’s all first team rookie squad on defence. He shared the league lead in scoring among rookie rearguards with 30 points while also pacing them in assists with 29.
Brick’s comments: “First team all rookie returns to us in Blind River after a steady first season of junior. Mattis will be relied on to play heavy minutes against other teams’ best players. Look for Mattis to be a top five defender in the NOJHL this season.”
NEW TO THE POND
Caleb Walker, Left Wing
DOB: 06/01/2007
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
The six foot one winger was well over a point-per game producer last season with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds Uunder 18 AAA team. Walker collected 45 points in 32 Great North Under 18 League contests on 25 tallies and 20 assists. Six of his markers came on the power play and he also notched a trio of game winners. He also skated in five regular season games for the Beavers as an affiliate player and suited up in seven more in the playoffs, accumulating seven points in all.
Brick’s comments: “Had a great year with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA team. He is a heavy player with a knack for the net. Caleb also proved himself as an impact forward for us as an affiliate in last season’s playoffs.”
Austin Schultz, Defence
DOB: 01/07/2006
Hometown: Colgate, Wis.
Joins the Beavers after playing his minor hockey with the Madison Capitols U18 AAA program in Wisconsin. Schultz played 130 games of U18 hockey over the past two seasons, scoring eight times and collecting 27 assists on defence.
Brick’s comments: “Austin is a steady puck-moving defenceman who is ready to play junior. He will be able to step in and have an effect in both five-on-five and special teams with us.”
Camden Cowan, Centre
DOB: 02/21/2006
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Cowan heads to Blind River after spending his rookie year with his hometown Soo Thunderbirds. Had five multi-point games with the T-Birds as part of his 19 point campaign, that included five tallies.
Brick’s comments: “Cam was a player we liked all last season in his time with the Thunderbirds. His attention to detail and 200 foot game will be a big part to our success. He also has a scoring touch as we are looking to give him more opportunity.”