Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Teams
Ice hockey is a sport loved by many, and it's no surprise that there are multiple leagues around the world dedicated to it. In Northern Ontario, Canada, the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) is one of the most prominent leagues. The NOJHL is a Junior A ice hockey league recognized by the Canadian Junior Hockey League and Hockey Canada. In this article, we will explore the different teams that make up the NOJHL, their histories, and their achievements.
The Blind River Beavers
The Blind River Beavers are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 1999. Blind River is a small town located in Ontario, Canada, with a population of approximately 3,500 people. Despite their small size, the Beavers have had a few successful seasons. They made it to the finals in 2016-2017, but ultimately lost to the Powassan Voodoos. The Beavers are known for their hard-working players and their dedication to the sport.
The Cochrane Crunch
The Cochrane Crunch is another Junior A ice hockey team that competes in the NOJHL. The team is based in Cochrane, Ontario, which is a town located in Northern Ontario. The Crunch were founded in 2014, but they have already made a name for themselves in the league. In the 2017-2018 season, the Crunch won the NOJHL championship. They are known for their high-scoring games and their skilled offensive players.
The Elliot Lake Wildcats
The Elliot Lake Wildcats are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2015. Elliot Lake is a small city located in Northern Ontario, with a population of approximately 11,000 people. The Wildcats have had a few successful seasons, including making it to the semifinals in the 2019-2020 season. The Wildcats are known for their skilled players and their ability to work as a team.
The Espanola Express
The Espanola Express is a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2015. The team is based in Espanola, Ontario, which is a town located in Northern Ontario. Despite being a relatively new team, the Express have had some successful seasons. In the 2017-2018 season, they made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The Express are known for their hard-working players and their strong defense.
The French River Rapids
The French River Rapids are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2015. The team is based in Noelville, Ontario, which is a small town located in Northern Ontario. The Rapids have had some successful seasons, including making it to the playoffs in the 2019-2020 season. The team is known for their fast-paced games and their skilled offense.
The Hearst Lumberjacks
The Hearst Lumberjacks are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2015. Hearst is a town located in Northern Ontario, with a population of approximately 5,000 people. Despite their relatively small size, the Lumberjacks have had some successful seasons. In the 2019-2020 season, they made it to the quarterfinals of the playoffs. The Lumberjacks are known for their hard-working players and their strong defense.
The Kirkland Lake Gold Miners
The Kirkland Lake Gold Miners are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2010. Kirkland Lake is a town located in Northern Ontario, with a population of approximately 8,000 people. The Gold Miners have had some successful seasons, including winning the NOJHL championship in the 2013-2014 season. The team is known for their skilled players and their ability to work well as a team.
The Powassan Voodoos
The Powassan Voodoos are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2014. The team is based in Powassan, Ontario, which is a town located in Northern Ontario. The Voodoos have had some successful seasons, including winning the NOJHL championship in the 2016-2017 season. The team is known for their skilled players and their strong offense.
The Rayside-Balfour Canadians
The Rayside-Balfour Canadians are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 1974. The team is based in Chelmsford, Ontario, which is a town located in Northern Ontario. The Canadians have had some successful seasons, including winning the NOJHL championship in the 2018-2019 season. The team is known for their skilled players and their strong defense.
The Soo Eagles
The Soo Eagles are a Junior A ice hockey team that was founded in 2002. The team is based in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, which is a city located in the United States. Despite being based in the United States, the Eagles compete in the NOJHL against Canadian teams. The Eagles have had some successful seasons, including winning the NOJHL championship in the 2012-2013 season. The team is known for their hard-working players and their strong defense.
The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League is filled with talented teams, each with their own unique strengths and histories. Whether you're a fan of the skilled offense of the Cochrane Crunch or the hard-working defense of the Hearst Lumberjacks, there's no denying the passion and dedication of these Junior A ice hockey teams. If you ever find yourself in Northern Ontario during hockey season, be sure to catch a game and see these incredible teams in action!