saultsports 
Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) are proud to announce the return of 17-year-old forward Aiden Atkinson to their roster for the upcoming 2025-2026 season.
Hailing from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Atkinson brings valuable experience and offensive firepower back to the Thunderbirds lineup. During the 2024-2025 regular season, the 5’10”, 160 lbs winger appeared in 45 games, recording 11 goals and 27 assists, including two power play goals and one short-handed tally. He continued to contribute in the postseason, notching three goals and three assists in ten playoff contests.
Atkinson’s standout performance throughout the 2024 – 2025 NOJHL season also drew the attention of the Ontario Hockey League, as he was selected by the Guelph Storm in the 11th round (211th overall) of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection Draft.
Sault Ste Marie’s Atkinson told Saultsports that “I’m excited to represent the Thunderbirds and Sault Ste. Marie again. I aim to bring leadership, experience, and a strong work ethic to the lineup every night. I’m focused on contributing both on and off the ice to help the team succeed.”
“Aiden has the talent and most importantly the drive and desire to play at the next level. If he needs one more season with us to help in his journey he will be relied on in all situations which will be so important to his development. For a young player like Aiden, ice time and responsibility are so important to help him achieve his goal of playing in the OHL. I really think he can be one of the top players in this league,” said Thunderbird general manager Jamie Henderson.
The Soo Thunderbirds look forward to building on last season’s success with Atkinson once again wearing the blue and orange in the 2025-2026 NOJHL season.
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