SUDBURY, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League’s Soo Eagles will be looking for a solid start to their 2026-27 campaign and secure a playoff berth for a third consecutive year.
After beginning last season winless in their first nine games, the Eagles rebounded from there to comfortably secure a playoff spot, that included a first round upset of the second-seeded Powassan Voodoos, despite finishing 26 points in arrears of them in the NOJHL standings.
Leading the squad to the postseason, the previous two seasons was Jeremy Rebek, who returns behind the Sault Ste. Marie bench for a third straight campaign.
Looking for solid production from their defensive corps in all areas of the ice, including a solid group of veterans, as well as some recruited talent on the back end, to go with quality goaltending and talent up front offensively, the Michigan Soo aim to start strong from the get-go.
Here’s a look at some of their players the Eagles will be looking at to lead the way:
Head coach: Jeremy Rebek
Home opener: Friday, Sept. 25 vs. Blind River Beavers
7:30 p.m. – Pullar Stadium
KEY RETURNEES
PLAYER: Colton Huckson, D
DOB: 12/18/2008
HOMETOWN: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “An elite all around defenceman that plays at both ends of the ice. A power horse than can escape opponents, skate, attack and defend.”
PLAYER: Gabriel Clark, D
DOB: 10/06/2007
HOMETOWN: Hampshire, Ill.
Coaches’ comments: “A big physical defenceman. He’s strong defensively who prioritizes position over possession. He consistently makes smart decisions with the puck. A versatile skater that places both offense and defence, who will provide a veteran presence.”
PLAYER: Dalton Hoornstra, G
DOB: 07/02/2008
HOMETOWN: Brimley, Mich.
Coaches’ comments: “Has a strong game with situational IQ. Great posture in net. Focuses on tracking pucks. Stays square to shooters with quick lateral movement while remaining calm and poised under pressure.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
PLAYER: Jacob Kelley, F
DOB: 01/22/2019
HOMETOWN: Elburn, Ill.
Coaches’ comments: “A key acquisition for our team from Team Illinois U15 AAA’s. Has a specialized set of skills that can exploit the opposition. He is a two-way forward that will push the pace offensively. He executes when needed with a deceptive release. His D-Zone exit is another asset.”
PLAYER: Jayden Rothmeyer, F
DOB: 01/30/2008
HOMETOWN: Elmhurst, Ill.
Coaches’ comments: “A big strong skating winger that uses his frame to drive to the net. He protects pucks and gets to the hard areas. Jayden is heavy in the forecheck with high tactical intelligence and is tireless on the backcheck.”
PLAYER: Matthew Zaharias, D
DOB: 03/03/2008
HOMETOWN: Prairie Grove, Ill.
Coaches’ comments: “An exceptional skating defenceman. Holds the dual responsibility of shutting down the opponent’s offensive transition, while controlling our team’s offensive attack. Matthew manages space well and aggressively closes the gap.
Feel free to provide your teams sports scores and roundup to sports@eupnews.com when your game is completed.
- NOJHL Team Previews: Soo Eagles - September 5, 2026
- ONTARIO MEN’S JUNIOR HOCKEY DEVELOPMENT PILOT APPROVED FOR 2026-27 SEASON - August 27, 2026
- NOJHL announces preseason schedule - August 18, 2026
