Solid as a Rock in Timmins
Timmins Rock is an annual contender for championship status in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League. The NOJHL attendance leaders on a yearly basis, head coach Brandon Perry and the Rock are coming off a fourth-place finish in ’24-25 with 69 points from a record 33-16-3.
Set for his fifth year behind the bench as the head coach and general manager of the Rock, Perry sports an overall record in the NOJHL of 152-47-17 and an ultra impressive winning percentage of .743.
Perry’s resume also consists of guiding Timmins to the NOJHL championship in ’22-23. He also has international experience having served on the Team Canada East coaching staff at the Junior A World Challenge event.
With a solid returning core of talent up front as well as on defence, added with an influx of youthful skill, expect the Rock to once again contend.
Following is a look at some of those who Timmins expects solid seasons from.
KEY RETURNEES
Lucas Lowe, Centre
DOB: 07/23/2005
Hometown: Toronto, Ont.
Finishing third in offensive production with the Rock last season, Lowe heads into his fourth full season in the NOJHL. He’s fresh off a campaign where he matched a personal best in goals with 17 in ’24-25 while setting a new mark in both assists and points with 31 and 48 respectively.
Perry’s comments: ”Ultimate competitor, has a championship pedigree, provides a ton of experience and leadership to our locker room.”
Kaeden McArthur, Centre
DOB: 07/14/2005
Hometown: Timmins, Ont.
Returns for his fourth year with his hometown team. McArthur led the Rock in scoring last season. He finished with 22 tallies in back to back years and set new personal numbers in both assists and points with 34 and 56.
Perry’s comments: ”Kaeden provides our team with a ton of offensive skill. He is big and fast, has a great shot and has incredible offensive instincts.”
Thomas Beard, Right Wing
DOB: 05/08/2005
Hometown: South Porcupine, Ont.
Another key returning veteran to the Rock lineup is Beard. He picked up 36 points in 41 matchups with the Rock in ’24-25 as he scored 14 times and helped set up 22 others. His eight power play tallies tied for the team lead. Ready for his fourth year in the NOJHL. Through his first 136 league contests, Beard has notched 35 markers while picking up 50 assists.
Perry’s comments: “Another player who was on the roster of our ’22-23 championship. Consistent player in all three zones, brings a wealth of experience and compete to our lineup.”
NEW TO THE ROCK
Victor Hourtouat, Left Wing
DOB: 12/14/2007
Hometown: Oakville, Ont.
Will begin his rookie year in Timmins after spending last season in the Greater Toronto Hockey League with the Toronto Marlboros Under 18 AAA program. Produced at both ends of the ice with the Marlies.
Perry’s comments: “Big strong power forward with good finish. Protects puck well down low and has good hands around the net.”
Ashton Beriana, Right Wing
DOB: 02/01/2007
Hometown: Coquitlam, B.C.
The 18 year old winger joins with the Rock from British Columbia where he skated with the North Shore Warriors U18 prep squad. Averaged just under a point per game there with 24 in 25 outings on a pair of tallies and 22 assists.
Perry’s comments: “Ashton has an incredible motor, and he is always moving. He’ll provide us with a lot of speed, skill and compete.”
Ayden Mullen, Goalie
DOB: 08/09/2009
Hometown: Kingston, Ont.
Having just turned 16 last month, Mullen is set to become of the youngest goaltenders in the NOJHL this season. Played U16 AAA hockey in the Quinte Red Devils system in the Belleville, Ont., area. The six foot puck stopper saw 772 minutes of action with Quinte going 8-7-0 with a 2.56 goals-against average.
Perry’s comments: “Ayden will provide us with quality starts. He is incredibly calm for a young kid, has great edges and is the ultimate competitor. A technical goaltender with a bright future.”