Battles are being won and lost in the NOJHL. Here's a quick
look at the league and how some of the clubs with local players
competing for them are faring.
Kal Tire Sudbury Junior Wolves
The Junior Wolves remain in first place in the NOJHL standings
thanks to a 6-4 win over the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds on
Sunday night. The Wolves own a slim one-point lead over their
bitter rivals, North Bay. Sudbury has played two more games
than the Skyhawks though.
Sudbury also leads the league in goals for, torching the
opposition for 67 goals. One of the main reasons has been
forward Brenden Biedermann, who has 16 goals and 23 points in
just 12 games.
Biedermann has scored in his last nine games, recording 13
goals during that span. He has no doubt become a big addition
to the Junior Wolves offensive attack.
"He's a strong boy," said head coach Tom Faganely. "He's
getting better and better everyday. He gets four to five
scoring chances per game just by his sheer strength and speed.
He has a very hard shot and he's a factor in every game.
Brenden is scoring at over a goal-per-game pace...what more can
I say about that?"
Sudbury could also soon have another sniper in the lineup. As
confirmed last week, former OHL player J.F. Houle is now
practicing with the club.
"He hasn't signed a card yet," said Faganely. "We're waiting
for a few more things to clear. We'll see how it goes over the
next few weeks...hopefully, once he gets back into shape, he'll
be on board full time."
The squad has also said goodbye to assistant coach Ryan
Hastings, who played the last five seasons with the Sudbury
Wolves and was brought in to help mentor the defence this year.
It didn't take long to find a replacement.
"Ryan left the team...for his own reasons," said the bench
boss. "We have added John McGarry as an assistant coach...he
will join Rob Restoule. John fits right in and will do
well."
John is the father of former Junior Wolves star Brian McGarry.
 
North Bay Skyhawks
North Bay is where it usually is at the top of the NOJHL
standings, holding down second place. North Bay has a record of
10-3-0-0. Val Caron native Scott Faulkner continues to be an
instrumental cog in the North Bay machine. The 17-year-old
winger has shown a consistent effort so far this season,
picking up nine goals and 14 points in his first 13 games.
North Bay has won three straight games and next plays against
Blind River on Nov. 3
Blind River Beavers
The Beavers have won two straight games and a big reason has
been the play of Blezard Valley native Shawn Sirman, who plays
goalie. Sirman made 14 saves and allowed one goal in a relief
appearance to help the Beavers beat Manitoulin 5-4. Sirman was
named the first star of the game during a recent 3-1 win over
the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds. Sirman stopped 25 shots. The
16-year-old puck stopper has a record of 4-3-2, with a 2.67
goal-against-average (fourth best in the league) and a .925
save percentage (second best in the NOJHL.)
Fellow Blezard Valley native Andre Gauvin, who plays defence
for the Beavers, has continued to be the dishing magician,
racking up 16 assists, for 16 points, in his first 14 games.
He's second on the team in scoring. The Beavers are back in
action on Nov. 3 when they take on North Bay.
Manitoulin Islanders
Times are tough on the island. Manitoulin has dropped 11
straight games, which has them alone in the basement of the
NOJHL standings. The Islanders have a record of 2-12-0-3, good
for seven points. Their last win was on Sept. 30 when they beat
Blind River 4-3. Manitoulin has several local players
competing, most notably is forward Justin Hogan. The
16-year-old has eight goals and 19 points in his first 17
games, which leads the team. The Islanders hit the ice for
their next game against the Sault Ste. Marie Thunderbirds on
Nov. 10.
