Paper Kings eyeing playoffs
After narrowly missing the playoffs by a mere two points in ’24-25, the Espanola Paper Kings will be out to make a return to the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League post season in ’25-26.
The Paper Kings ended up in ninth place in ’24-25 with 46 points from a record 21-27-4. Espanola’s 46 points were only two fewer than the eighth place Iroquois Falls Storm and just three back of the seventh seed Powassan Voodoos.
Espanola scored the sixth most goals in the NOJHL in ’24-25 with 183 but its 237 goals against was the 10th most allowed in the league.
At any rate, following is glance at some of the Paper Kings’ key returning players along with some of the newcomers that general manager Marc Gagnon and head coach Jason Rapcewicz have brought aboard.
KEY RETURNEES
Cameron Menard, Centre
DOB: 01/09/2006
Hometown: West Carleton, Ont.
Menard returns to the Paper Kings after spending the second half of last season with the Niagara Falls Canucks of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League. n 26 games with Espanola in ’24-25, he was well over a point per game performer with 36 on 19 tallies and 17 helpers. His offensive totals were all single-season bests. Menard also earned a spot and played for Team Canada East at the most recent Junior A World Challenge event.
Rapcewicz’s comments: “Cameron is looking to continue where he left off with us last season. He brings experience, leadership and cohesion to our club immediately as well as adding a definite scoring punch.”
Jack Helkie, Goalie
DOB: 11/01/2006
Hometown: Aurora, Ont.
As a rookie, Helkie made 25 appearances for Espanola, seeing 1,135 minutes of action while posting an overall record of 7-10-1. In 11 of his appearances, he made 30, or more saves in those games.
Rapcewicz’s comments: “The big goalie is coming back and is ready for the ’25-26 season. The highly motivated individual will bring his competitive edge for another successful season.”
Jason Galante, Right Wing
DOB: 03/11/2006
Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.
In his first year in the NOJHL, Galante registered 28 points, including 15 goals for the Paper Kings. Two of his markers were shorthanded efforts. He was especially solid in the final 20 games of Espanola’s season where he collected 10 tallies to go along with eight assists.
Rapcewicz’s comments: “The speedy winger truly blossomed in the second half of the season and is looking to continue his development. He has become an offensive threat with the team. The quick forward has also become a leader in the dressing room for the younger players.”
NEWCOMERS
Owen Smith, Centre/Right Wing
DOB: 09/17/2009
Hometown: North Bay, Ont.
Set to be one of the youngest players in the NOJHL this season, the 16 year old Smith joins the Paper Kings from the North Bay Trappers Under 16 AAA program. There he tied for the Trappers scoring lead with 44 points in 30 Great North Under 18 Hockey League outings, including a team high 30 assists. His five game winning goals tied for fifth in the GNU18L.
Rapcewicz’s comments: “Owen was a 2025 (Ontario Hockey League priority selections) draft pick of the North Bay Battalion and was a member of Team NOHA at the OHL Cup. We are very excited to see Owen continue his development to one day play in the OHL with North Bay.”
Joey Coates, Centre
DOB: 02/16/2005
Hometown: Belleville, Ont.
Coates heads to Espanola from the Frankford Huskies of the Provincial Jr. C Hockey League where he amassed 124 points over the past two campaigns, leading his club in offensive production in back to back years. 55 of his point totals were goals.
Racewicz’s comments: “Joey brings experience and a scoring touch. He averaged two points per game in his league last season. The 20 year old will also bring a winning atmosphere.”
Logan Vale, Goalie
DOB: 01/03/2005
Hometown: Belleville, Ont.
The 20 year old netminder was a member of the Napanee Raiders of the PJCHL in ’24-25 where he was a solid 20-7-1 with a goals-against average of 2.32 and a .916 save percentage, along with four shutouts. Vale tied for fourth in victories in the PJCHL in 1,680 minutes of game action.
Rapcewicz’s comments: “Logan was named the PJCHL’s Tod Division goaltender of the year last season. The 20 year old goalkeeper brings experience and will be a good tandem with fellow netminder Jack Helkie.”