Beavers, Nickel Barons, Thunderbirds reaffirm commitment to the NOJHL
SUDBURY – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League announced Wednesday that the Blind River Beavers, Sudbury Nickel Barons and Soo Thunderbirds have all reaffirmed their commitment to play in the NOJHL for the 2014-15 season and beyond.
All three franchises have been long-serving members of the NOJHL and the league looks forward to working them and its other participating clubs for years to come.
Blind River Beavers President Bob Hawarth is excitedly looking forward to the upcoming 2014-15 campaign.
“With a strong base of dedicated volunteers and hockey people on board, we are anticipating big things for our franchise next season,” said Hawarth.
“We as a small-market club look to continue to build our presence in the NOJHL that makes us a viable franchise both on and off the ice,” added Hawarth. “The new season should be an exciting one for the hockey fans in Blind River and the league.”
A perennial contender each season, the Thunderbirds are also looking forward to the upcoming season.
“On behalf of the Soo Thunderbirds, it remains business as usual for us as organization and we are steadfast in our support of the NOJHL,” stated team owner Albert Giommi.
“With our operation of the new Thunderbirds major midget program, we have helped solidify our prospect base as we build upon the successes we had this past season as we look to compete with our fellow teams in what is sure to be another competitive season ahead,” added Giommi.
As for the Nickel Barons, they too are welcoming the 2014-15 season and maintaining their Jr. A foothold in the Greater Sudbury area.
“The NOJHL has been the focal point of Jr. A hockey in Northern Ontario for over a half a century and we at the Nickel Barons are extremely delighted to be back for this upcoming year and well beyond,” offered Sudbury owner Mike Mooney.
“Like all leagues right across the country, each organization faces challenges in varying degrees, but the core leadership on the NOJHL executive board and our respective staffs continue to adapt and improve as we look to make each new season even better than the last, in all avenues of the game.”
The NOJHL annual general meeting is slated for June 20-22 with a number of items on the agenda including expansion and scheduling.
