A dozen teams for the NOJHL next season

There’s three more teams coming to the NOJHL, bringing the league total to 12.

The 2015-16 season will see new teams take to the ice in Noelville, Espanola and Sault Ste Marie, Michigan.

The league recently approved the addition of the French River Rapids, with former NHL defenceman Moe Mantha the teams Head Coach and GM.

In a release, NOJHL Commissioner Robert Mazzuca says, “Under the leadership of team president Allan Donnan as well as head coach and GM Moe Mantha and their team staff and the community of Noelville and surrounding area, the signs are already there that French River will make a quick and positive impression in the NOJHL right off the bat.” 

The Soo Eagles will be joined by the Espanola Express in the NOJHL, pending final approval from the Northern Ontario Hockey Association, the Ontario Hockey Federation, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey.

The league says the Michigan-based Eagles return to the NOJHL following a three-year stint in the North American Hockey League.

As for Espanola, the community will see the NOJHL back playing out of the Regional Recreation Complex after a one-year hiatus as members of the league.

Mazzuca says, “Both franchises already have solid footings in their respective communities and we look forward to working with them heading into the upcoming campaign.”