New coach for EL Vikings
Hopefully this is a breath of fresh air for Elliot Lake. That is, there is a new head coach and general manager on board with the Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed.
Mike Nesbitt has agreed to as two year contract with Vikings’ owner Jef Jarmovitch to take the helm in Elliot Lake. Originally from Oshawa, the 48-year old Nesbitt has spent the past several seasons as the head coach and GM with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings of the Vancouver Island Jr. Hockey League.
Jarmovitch, who is entering his second year as the owner and operator of the NOJHL Vikings, commented to Hockey News North on the hiring of Nesbitt.
“Mike looks forward to coming to Elliot Lake and the opportunity to get things back on track. Mike’s connections out west and with (newly hired Vikings assistant general manager) John Buchanan’s work here in Ontario I believe that we are finally heading in the right direction towards building a competitive team here in Elliot Lake,” said Jarmovitch.
“Speaking to Mike over the past few days, we are both on the same page in regards that the Vikings aren’t in a rebuilding mode. With the return of key younger players as well as a newly recruited mix of veteran and young players, we are hoping to bring exciting hockey back to Elliot Lake,” added Jarmovitch.
Elliot Lake finished last overall in the 12-team NOJHL in 2023-2024 under the coaching of both Chris Keleher and Jon Campbell.
Let’s hope they have an arena too play in.