School is in for Soo Eagles
Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League are without peer when it comes to advancing players to the American college ranks. Indeed, in the 16 years that the venerable Bruno Bragagnolo has led the program as president, general manager and in various coaching roles, the Eagles have sent in the neighbourhood of 150 players to college hockey programs.
The latest players to graduate from the NOJHL Eagles to various colleges ahead of the ’26-27 season are as follows.
Anden Marceau. Hailing from the nearby northern Michigan town of Alpena, Marceau has committed to attend school and play for the Grand Valley State University Lakers, who are a Division 1, American Collegiate Hockey Association program.
Marceau, who has a 2005 birth date, led the Eagles in goals during the ’25-26 season with 32 and was second in points with 53.
Appearing in 104 career NOJHL games — regular season and playoffs included — the productive forward netted 48 goals, 47 assists, 95 points for the Eagles.
“The Eagles provided me an opportunity to develop my game, build confidence and compete at a high level,” Marceau relayed from his two full seasons in Sault Ste. Marie. “The support I received from the coaching staff and from management played a huge role in helping me reach my goal of playing college hockey.”
In discussing Marceau moving on to the university ranks, aforementioned Eagles general manager Bruno Bragagnolo noted that, “as our leading goal getter, Anden was one of those players who had that ability to score at key times during the past season. He has a very strong compete level and for opponents, was a hard player to go up against. Grand Valley State will be getting a very good player who should improve their lineup offensively.”
Based in Allendale, Mich., Grand Valley is one of seven schools in the Great Lakes Hockey Conference as members of the ACHA.
Nolan Nemecek. A 2005 birth year forward and a native Michigander, Nemecek is headed to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division 3 ranks to play at Southern New Hampshire University in the fall.
Over two full NOJHL seasons with the Eagles, playoffs included, Nemecek skated in 106 games and potted 39 goals, 49 assists, 88 points.
“Playing with Eagles shaped me into the player and person I am today,” relayed Nemecek. “The organization taught me what it takes to compete at a high level and gave me the confidence and opportunity to pursue my dream of playing NCAA Division 3 hockey at Southern New Hampshire University.”
From his end, Eagles general manager Bruno Bragagnolo noted that “Nolan is a very hard working player with grit and scoring ability which will serve him well at the collegiate level. He’s a strong character individual who loves to work and has goals for success.”
Ethan Hoff. A Pennsylvania product, the 2007 birth year forward will be joining Nolan Nemeck at Southern New Hampshire University.
In his lone NOJHL season with the Eagles, Hoff came through with 16 goals, 12 assists, 28 points in 52 games.
Hoff said that despite his younger age, he feels he is ready for the college hockey ranks.
“Playing for the Eagles really helped me develop my game and prepared me for the jump to college hockey,” said Hoff. “Coach (Jeremy) Rebek and all the staff pushed me to be my best, day in and day out.”
In discussing Hoff, Eagles GM Bruno Bragagnolo noted that “Ethan worked hard all season, both on and off the ice, to reach his goal. He was a player who kept get better throughout the season and has a ton of potential to be a top D3 player.”
C.J. Zaharias. A big defenseman, Zaharias has committed to attend NCAA Division 3 Beloit College of Wisconsin in ’26-27 where he will further his education and continue his playing career with the Buccaneers.
Hailing from Prairie Grove, Illinois, the 2005 birth year defender skated in 109 career NOJHL games, playoffs included, and had six goals, 26 assists 32 points from his blue line post.
“It was an incredible experience being a member of the Eagles and playing in the NOJHL,” Zaharias said. “I am excited for the road ahead where I’ll be continuing my hockey career at Beloit College. I can’t wait for this next chapter.”
Eagles head coach Jeremy Rebek likes what Zaharias has as part of his overall makeup.
“C.J. is a dedicated, no-nonsense type athlete and person. His work ethic is second to none. Beloit is getting a very strong, focused, gritty D-man with a good feel for the game,” said Rebek.
