Ertel family hockey tree
The name Ertel is a familiar one within the history books of the Ontario Hockey League. Long after his playing days, Bob Ertel coached and managed the Kitchener Rangers before being the general manager of the old North Bay Centennials. His son, Tyler Ertel, who was recently hired as the new assistant coach of the Soo Greyhounds, had a lengthy playing career as a high scoring OHL forward.
…[read more]New goalie in Blind River
A day after trading veteran goalie Gavin Disano to the St. Catharines Falcons of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League the Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have signed a free agent net minder from the Minnesota high school ranks.
…[read more]EL Vikings sign Soo goalie
Sault Ste. Marie product Cam Boville has signed with the Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed. The signing becomes official once approved by the NOJHL.
…[read more]Super Smeltzer of Kam River
He has the big time trust of his general manager. Bryan Smeltzer may not be the face of the reigning champion Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League but he certainly holds a significant place.
…[read more]Hard working Walleye
Seasoned skater Ryan Doucette is a returning forward who the reigning Superior International Jr. Hockey League champion Kam River Fighting Walleye can count on for this coming season.
…[read more]There’s a Sellers in Espanola
A grandson of legendary National Hockey League superstar Reggie Leach has signed with the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has learned.
…[read more]Paper Kings have a Booth
Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League and Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League have renewed their affiliation agreement for a second season. And one player who is slated to develop with the Paper Kings this season is 2007 birth year forward Grant Booth.
…[read more]Sudbury Cubs get Chitaroni
He was the first of 11 players from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League to be picked at the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft. Subsequently, 2007 birth year forward Hudson Chitaroni is slated to develop with the Sudbury Cubs of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this season.
…[read more]Nick Marson on a mission
He is back home and getting himself ready for his second season in the Great North Under 18 Hockey League. After moving away from home to play for the Sudbury U16 Nickel Capitals in 2022-2023, goalie Nick Marson is training hard for what his coach feels is going to be a big season as a member of the Soo U18 Jr. Greyhounds.
…[read more]Trappers to the Rapids
Pint size forward Jesse Lefebvre is moving up from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League champion North Bay Trappers to the French River Rapids of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]A ninth Eagle off to school
Defenseman Caleb Cordas has become the ninth member of the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League to secure a school commitment ahead of the 2023-2024 season. Cordas, who has a 2002 birth date, has accepted on offer from New England College, which is a Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association school.
…[read more]Beavers and Vikings
There are team monikers with deep historical roots that should never be messed with. To be sure, they are teams with names that should never change. Such as Blind River Beavers and Elliot Lake Vikings. They are two junior hockey franchises that came into existence together back in 1965.
…[read more]Keene on the EL Vikings
There is new net worth in Elliot Lake. Following the graduation of Sean Guerin to the U.S. college hockey ranks and the trading of Cameron Smith to the Ontario Jr. Hockey League, the rebranded Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League are slated to have a new goalie tandem between the pipes this coming season.
…[read more]My good, old buddy Max
As you might imagine, I have met a number of memorable, noteworthy people through hockey in a media career that officially began in 1975 when I first received a pay cheque for being a sports caster and sports writer. Relative to the Ontario Hockey League alone, I have met and had an association with countless colourful individuals. And one of the most engaging and personable people I have ever met is Wayne Maxner.
…[read more]New coach in Kam River
He is well seasoned as a former player. He has earned his stripes as an assistant coach. And as a bonus, Jesse Messier is a well educated, Canadian university graduate.
…[read more]NOJHL via the Great North
It is a natural transition, based on geography. That is, the Great North Under 18 Hockey League serving as a logical, legitimate feeder system for the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Powassan via North Bay
Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have again stayed close to home to sign a high level forward from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League playoff champion North Bay Trappers.
…[read more]Desbois boys of EL Vikings
Local lad Connor Desbois will be following in his father’s footsteps when he hits the ice for the new Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this coming season.
…[read more]EL Vikings unveil jerseys
As Hockey News North has reported extensively on over the past few days, there is new ownership and a new moniker for the Elliot Lake team of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]EL Vikings need billets
Billet families are one very important essential for junior hockey teams. And the new Elliot Lake Vikings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League are on the look for billet families ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]EL Vikings hire Sault scout
Elliot Lake Vikings owner Jef Jarmovitch and his coaching staff want to keep a close watch on the talent pool in Sault Ste. Marie. To that end, the newly-named Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League team has hired a scout who is based in Sault Ste. Marie to do just that.
…[read more]Return of the EL Vikings
The once vaunted Vikings are back to reclaim their age old junior hockey status in Elliot Lake. Long-time local resident Jef Jarmovitch has taken over operation of the Elliot Lake Red Wings from Paul Noad and rebranded the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise as the Elliot Lake Vikings.
…[read more]New operator in Elliot Lake
Paul Noad said he wasn’t looking to sell the Elliot Lake Red Wings. But when he was approached to sell the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise, the wheels went into motion for what is being returned to old roots as the Elliot Lake Vikings.
…[read more]NOJHL champs have a beer
Timmins Rock of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League has partnered with Full Beard Brewing Co. to launch a new beer, Red Light Lager. The reigning NOJHL champion Rock will debut the light beer at the team’s Don Lever-Steve Sullivan Golf Tournament this weekend.
…[read more]Summer in the hockey towns
Officially, in a given year, the average hockey season runs from September to May. Unofficially, it never really ends. Following is a choice selection of notable junior, college and under 18 hockey happenings — as they relate to the north region — thus far this off season.
…[read more]Kam River looks for a coach
Head coach Geoff Walker has departed the Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League after leading it to a championship in his only season at the helm.
…[read more]Dawson to Powassan
A championship skater from the Great North Under 18 Hockey League who is also an Ontario Hockey League draft pick will suit up for the Powassan Voodoos of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League this coming season.
…[read more]Heading home to Sudbury
Ben Lacroix is in position to finish his junior hockey career at home. The 2003 birth date forward has been obtained by the Sudbury Cubs from the Espanola Paper Kings in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction.
…[read more]Kirkland Lake to Hearst
Hearst Lumberjacks have added a solid, seasoned skater to their lineup by way of a cash transaction with their Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League rival Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
…[read more]Boys of Team Canada North
It has been said. It has been written. That is, hockey season never really ends. And it is true. As an example, for several players from Northern Ontario in the 2011 birth year category, they are spending mid July in Vaughan, Ontario as part of the Sports Illustrated Hockey Prospects All Star Challenge.
…[read more]Jr. Greyhounds v. Soo Indians
A cross-border under-18 hockey rivalry is in position to be rekindled for the 2023-2024 season. Personnel from the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League and the Soo Indians of the USA Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League are upbeat and eager to face off in a series of exhibition matches over the course of the ’23-24 campaign.
…[read more]Paper Kings to Red Wings
Espanola Paper Kings have transferred a 2004 birth year defenseman to the Elliot Lake Red Wings in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction.
…[read more]Net return for Paper Kings
Espanola Paper Kings president and head coach Jason Rapcewicz has confirmed the return of veteran goalie Jake Marois for the 2023-2024 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season.
…[read more]Iron Bridge boy at Northland
Shane Buckley has taken his hockey coaching career to his alma mater. The 33-year old Buckley, who hails from the village of Iron Bridge, which is about 70 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie along Highway 17, has been hired as the new head coach of the Northland College Lumberjacks. Northland is a Division 3, National Collegiate Athletic Association school that is based in Ashland, Wisconsin, a small town of about 8,000 residents on the shore of Lake Superior.
…[read more]Flint inks another draft pick
Flint Firebirds have signed a fourth prospect from the 2023 Ontario Hockey League priority selections draft. Right hand shot defenseman Jack D’Arcy has committed to the Firebirds. D’Arcy was Flint’s sixth round pick at the ’23 draft.
…[read more]Another Eagle off to school
High scoring defenseman Colin Handy is forgoing his final season of junior hockey eligibility to begin his collegiate career, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]U18 AAA Hounds, Indians
They are similar Under 18 AAA hockey programs that are separated by a mere two miles of International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie. One team plays in the Great North Under 18 Hockey League under the umbrella of the Northern Ontario Hockey Association. The other is a participant in the USA Under 18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation League as members of the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association.
…[read more]Nest of Eagles off to school
Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have confirmed the ascension of several graduated players to the American college hockey ranks ahead of the upcoming school season.
…[read more]Paper Kings add some speed
Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have signed two forwards with speed and a scoring touch, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Noah Zeppa to Soo Eagles
He is an established goalie of good repute who starred for the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League and the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Lined up at Sault College
This has the makings of being a good season. Potentially, at the very least. That is, the Sault College Cougars continue to add on to what is being set up as a lusty lineup ahead of the looming 2023-2024 varsity men’s hockey season.
…[read more]Net gain for Sault College
Following a strong showing at their spring skate tryout camp in June, the Sault College Cougars of the Division 2 American Collegiate Hockey Association have since confirmed the commitment of goalie Kaylan Campbell ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]Fighting Walleye to the Eagles
Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have acquired a good size goalie in a trade with the Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Cole Crowder to Sault College
Sault College Cougars have added a huge presence to their lineup ahead of the looming 2023-2024 varsity men’s hockey season. Cole Crowder, a hulking 6-foot-5, 220 pound forward, is headed to Sault College from the Sudbury Cubs of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Iroquois Falls to Elliot Lake
Right-hand shooting defenseman Blake Menard is now a member of the Elliot Lake Red Wings after being acquired in a recent Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction with the relocated Iroquois Falls Storm.
…[read more]Sargent of Fighting Walleye
Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League has stayed true to local roots with the signing of 2005 birth year forward Sam Sargent.
…[read more]Kam River deals for local lad
Reigning champion Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League has added another homegrown product in a cash exchange trade with the Hearst Lumberjacks of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]VIJHL to Blind River
Blind River Beavers of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have acquired a seasoned forward via trade with the Kerry Park Islanders of the Vancouver Island Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]NOJHL to NHL draft picks
Teammates with the Soo Thunderbirds during the 2021-2022 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League season, Andrew Gibson and Cooper Foster have since become National Hockey League draft picks.
…[read more]Beavers of the area ponds
As Blind River Beavers head coach and general manager Kyle Brick goes coast to coast in search of players he continues to pay close attention to area talent as he constantly strives to keep the small market Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League franchise combative and competitive.
…[read more]Pool lands on the Rock
Elijah Pool is headed east from the Dryden Ice Dogs of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League to the reigning Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League champion Timmins Rock in a cash transaction.
…[read more]Hearst to Kam River
Reigning Superior International Jr. Hockey League champion Kam River Fighting Walleye has acquired a homegrown defenseman from the Hearst Lumberjacks of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League in a cash transaction.
…[read more]Fueled up in Flint
Flint Firebirds have been a model of steadiness and stability over the past two Ontario Hockey League seasons. Flint has registered respective regular season records of 42-21-5 and 35-28-5 and won two of its four playoff series over the past two OHL campaigns. The Firebirds have playoff series wins over the Owen Sound Attack and Soo Greyhounds. And the two playoff sets that Flint has lost have both been seventh and deciding game setbacks to higher seeded teams, namely the Windsor Spitfires in 2022 and the Saginaw Spirit in 2023.
…[read more]Brothers of Sault College
There will be a brother act among the brotherhood of players on the 2023-2024 edition of the Sault College Cougars varsity men’s hockey team. Following the earlier commitment of 21-year old defenseman Jackson Jacques, 19-year old forward Jeremiah Jacques will line up with his older brother at Sault College this coming season.
…[read more]Nyman returning to Rock
Dogged defenseman Tenzin Nyman is in a pole position to upgrade from depth defender to regular role with the reigning Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League champion Timmins Rock in 2023-2024.
…[read more]Paper Kings add goalie coach
Sault Ste. Marie resident Bill Vanderleest is taking his goalie instructor skills a few hours down the highway. The affable, ageless Vanderleest has been hired as the goalie coach for the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Nickel Caps net tandem
Sudbury U18 Nickel Capitals of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League now have their goalie partners in place ahead of the 2023-2024 season.
…[read more]U18 Soo goalie to Sudbury
Sudbury U18 Nickel Capitals of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League have signed a 2007 birth year goalie from Sault Ste. Marie, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Kam River signs OHL draft pick
Homegrown goalie Travis VanderZwaag has signed with the reigning champion Kam River Fighting Walleye of the Superior International Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Underdogs of the Great North
Gone is the stacked team that blew through the Great North Under 18 Hockey League regular season with a record of 26-2-0 and then won its first four games of the playoff tournament only to lose in the championship match. While the 2022-2023 Soo Jr. Greyhounds were top dogs, the 2023-2024 edition is already being cast as underdogs.
…[read more]Registered at Sault College
Smooth skating, free wheeling, right-hand shooting defenseman Jackson Jacques is another player with high level junior hockey seasoning to recently commit to the Sault College Cougars of the American Collegiate Hockey Association for the 2023-2024 school year.
…[read more]Captain of the Rock
Felix “Freddy” Cadieux-Fredette has already played in more than 140 career games as a steady, ever ready defenseman for the Timmins Rock of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Boivin returning to Rock
Timmins Rock is poised to defend its 2022-2023 Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League championship in 2023-2024 with its ace goalie between the pipes for another season.
…[read more]Rock development camp
Reigning Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League champion Timmins Rock will be holding a July 7-9 development camp in Whitby, Ontario. See below for full details.
…[read more]Lumberjacks to Paper Kings
Seasoned defenseman Liam Rampersad is on the move in a Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League cash transaction.
…[read more]Captain of the Paper Kings
Strong, steady defenseman Liam McDonald has been named the new captain of the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, Hockey News North has confirmed.
…[read more]Hopefulness for U18 Hounds
Anticipation. Aspiration. Belief. Desire. Faith. Optimism. Promise. They are but a smattering of synonyms that somewhat define and depict the transition of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League from one regime to another.
…[read more]Five for the Thunderbirds
Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have signed five players who were with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League in 2022-2023.
…[read more]Hey all the way to Hearst
Hearst Lumberjacks of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have added 2005 birth year forward Owen Hey by way of the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
…[read more]Tersigni joins U18 Hounds
Morgan Tersigni, who is a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist, has joined the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League as the associate coach under new head coach Sean Gagnon.
…[read more]Carricato to assist U18 Hounds
Sean Gagnon is adding an accomplished, seasoned hand to the bench of the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League in the person of newly-named assistant coach Pat Carricato.
…[read more]Local lads are for the Birds
Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have signed a pair of Ontario Hockey League draft picks who played for the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League in 2022-2023.
…[read more]Nickel Caps to Elliot Lake
Carter Carriere is moving up to the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League as a 15-year old defenseman who will not turn 16 until November.
…[read more]Soo boy to Elliot Lake
Solid size defenseman Sam Verbonac is joining the Elliot Lake Red Wings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League via the Huntsville Otters of the Provincial Jr. C Hockey League.
…[read more]