Sudbury Cubs Lead the Pack as the NOJHL Enters 2025 -

Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos

As the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) heads into 2025, the defending Copeland McNamara Cup champions, the Sudbury Cubs, remain the team to beat. With an impressive record of 27-2-1-1 and 56 points through 31 games, the Cubs have firmly established themselves atop the standings. Their dominance has been spearheaded by league-leading scorer Lucas Signoretti and standout performances between the pipes by Noah Beaulne.

Standings Snapshot
The Sudbury Cubs’ closest competition comes from the Hearst Lumberjacks, who sit in second place with 47 points in 30 games and a record of 23-6-0-1. Hot on their heels are the Soo Eagles, the league’s only U.S.-based team, holding third place with 44 points and a record of 21-6-0-2 in 29 games. The Blind River Beavers (42 points, 20-9-1-1) and Timmins Rock (40 points, 20-12-0-0) round out the top five, while the Powassan Voodoos cling to the sixth spot with 31 points in 28 games (14-11-0-3).

Further down the standings, the Soo Thunderbirds are in seventh with 28 points (13-16-1-1), led by new head coach Jamie Henderson. The Iroquois Falls Storm (24 points, 11-18-1-1) and the French River Rapids (23 points, 10-18-1-2) are battling for position in the lower half. The Espanola Paper Kings are in tenth with 21 points (9-17-2-1), while the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners sit in eleventh with just six points (2-27-0-2). The Elliot Lake Vikings, who were granted a leave of absence on December 31st, finish their abbreviated season with 15 points in 28 games.

Scoring Leaders
Sudbury’s Lucas Signoretti has been a force to be reckoned with, tallying 34 goals and 31 assists in 31 games to lead the NOJHL in scoring. Teammate Samuel Assinewai is not far behind, sitting second with 25 goals and 29 assists in 30 games. Soo Eagles’ forward Alex Povorozniouk rounds out the top three with 15 goals and 33 assists in 28 games.

Goaltending Excellence
In net, Timmins Rock’s Dryden Riley has been outstanding, boasting a 2.13 goals-against average (GAA) in 1,097 minutes played, with a 13-6 record and one shutout. Sudbury’s Noah Beaulne ranks second with a 2.16 GAA in 1,056 minutes, a 14-1-1-1 record, and 38 goals against. Blind River’s Bronx Bodnar has also impressed, with a 2.39 GAA in 677 minutes and a 6-4-1 record.

What Lies Ahead
As the second half of the season unfolds, NOJHL fans can expect fierce competition as teams jockey for playoff positioning. The Sudbury Cubs will aim to maintain their dominance, while the Hearst Lumberjacks and Soo Eagles look to close the gap. With rising stars, dynamic scorers, and elite goaltending on display, the race for the 2025 Copeland McNamara Cup promises to be as thrilling as ever. Fans should keep an eye on key matchups and emerging players who could make a significant impact as the playoffs approach.

Stay tuned for another exciting chapter in NOJHL hockey as the league heads deeper into 2025.