Kevin Jeffrey

The Dryden GM Ice Dogs and Thunder Bay North Stars both swept their quarterfinal series against the Red Lake Miners and Ironwood Lumberjacks respectively while the Kam River Fighting Walleye knocked out the Sioux Lookout Bombers in five games.

The Fort Frances Lakers earned the regular season championship and a bye directly to the semifinals.

DRYDEN GM ICE DOGS vs. THUNDER BAY NORTH STARS

The Ice Dogs and North Stars will meet three years after a rare feat in any level of playoffs.

The North Stars erased a three games to one deficit in the 2023 semi-final, winning Game Seven in Dryden 3-2 in overtime.

Ice Dogs Captain Elias Eisenbarth says that the team leans on the experience of the entire coaching staff, in particular Assistant Coach Ben Hackl, who played in that series.

“We all know and trust whatever they say and have us do,” Eisenbarth notes. “Top to bottom we believe in the team we have this year. There’s lots of experience, and we’re going to use all of it we can get to help guide us through the playoffs.”

The Ice Dogs franchise has won four Bill Salonen Cup Championships, capturing their last one in 2018.

The North Stars have won six championships with their last one coming in 2019.

Seven members of the North Stars collected at least a point in all four games during the first round (Mitch Vanderwey, Matthew Lysak, Easton Glousher, Cohen Tangedal, Chance Loke, Acoyen Fehr and Matthew Bertolin).

“Being consistent is the biggest thing come playoff time,” noted Glousher, the North Stars Captain. “I’m always trying to contribute as much as I can offensively and defensively and have been getting awarded with a couple points lately.”

Payton Hu and Ryder Marks hit the scoresheet at least once in every quarterfinal game against the Miners.

These teams both won four head-to-head games during the regular season with the North Stars outscoring the Ice Dogs 34-25.

“The Ice Dogs have always been hard to play against. They are a very strong team on both sides of the puck,” Glousher noted. “If we play how we are supposed to, there aren’t many teams that will be able to stop us. That said, we can’t give up at any point of the series.”

“[The North Stars] score goals and they make you pay if you aren’t ready to play or are sloppy out there. It’s going to be a great series. I’m sure everyone on both sides are excited to get it started,” Eisenbarth added.

Since the 2022 playoffs, the Ice Dogs sport a record of 9-8 in the semifinal round while the North Stars are 5-15.

FORT FRANCES LAKERS vs. KAM RIVER FIGHTING WALLEYE

These franchises will meet for the first time in the playoffs.

The Lakers last played a game on Friday March 13^th, but Captain Pierce Gouin isn’t worried about his team not being ready for game action.

“We’ve mentally and physically prepared for round 2, and I think everyone is ready to jump into our first game,” said Gouin. “Obviously playoff hockey is different from regular season hockey, but I believe everyone on our team is hungry to win and ready to do whatever it takes for the guys on this team.”

The Lakers had a run of three consecutive seasons where they not only clinched the top spot after the regular season but were also able to win the Bill Salonen Cup (2013-2016). They have not been able to win a round in the playoffs since 2018.

Four Fighting Walleye skaters registered at least a point in all five games during the quarterfinal win against the Bombers (Edwin Liang, Evan Lachimea, Logan Hanna and Kaden Goodwin).

Fighting Walleye Captain Max Wright was happy to see some of his teammates get their first goals in the opening round.

“It definitely brought me back to my first playoff goal. You always remember those types of moments and it’s amazing to be a part of theirs,” Wright added. “With them stepping up and generating offense, it’s very important in these types of games. Everyone is relevant on the team and brings something to the table.”

The Lakers outscored the Fighting Walleye by a slim 22-20 margin and won six games during the regular season series.

Gouin feels Kam River will be a hard team to play against.

“They are strong offensively and defensively and use each other well on the ice,” mentioned Gouin. “We need to be defensively sound and confident that everyone on the ice can do their job. We need to be ready right when the puck drops and capitalize on opportunities. We’ve done it all year and now we just need to bring the same game we’ve played all regular season to the playoffs.”

Wright isn’t overly concerned with not having home ice advantage against the Lakers.

“We have our goal every game no matter where we are or who we are playing,” mentioned Wright. “Obviously it would be nice to be at home to start off the series, but we have the mindset of we will play anyone, anytime, anywhere. We keep taking it one day at a time and are looking forward to this next series.”

The Fighting Walleye have made the finals in four consecutive years, winning it all in 2023 and 2025.

They have also collected sixteen wins out of seventeen total games in the semifinal round.

SEMIFINAL SCHEDULE

Friday April 3rd

North Stars @ Ice Dogs
Fighting Walleye @ Lakers

Saturday April 4th

North Stars @ Ice Dogs
Fighting Walleye @ Lakers

Monday April 6th

Ice Dogs @ North Stars

Tuesday April 7th

Ice Dogs @ North Stars
Lakers @ Fighting Walleye

Wednesday April 8th

Lakers @ Fighting Walleye

BELOW GAMES ARE IF NECESSARY

Friday April 10th

North Stars @ Ice Dogs
Fighting Walleye @ Lakers

Sunday April 12th

Lakers @ Fighting Walleye

Monday April 13th

Ice Dogs @ North Stars

Tuesday April 14th

North Stars @ Ice Dogs
Fighting Walleye @ Lakers

That’s the goal of the Fort Frances Lakers, who earned the regular season championship and a bye directly to the Bill Salonen Cup semifinals.

“We’ve had breaks throughout the season and every time we’ve came back, we’ve had energy and ready to play,” said Lakers Captain Pierce Gouin. “This break is no different and I know we will be ready to go for our first games.”

The Lakers had a run of three consecutive seasons where they not only clinched the top spot after the regular season but were also able to win the Bill Salonen Cup (2013-2016). Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Lakers have failed to get out of the Quarterfinals.

“We have a great group of guys this year that are driven to win,” Gouin added. “Obviously there’s been ups and downs throughout the year, but we’ve always been able to bounce back and stay on the right track.”

“I believe we are ready to just play hockey and win and that’s the only thing that’s on our minds.”

The Lakers will match up against the lowest remaining seed following the first round, which is scheduled to begin this weekend.

Gouin was asked how his group will prepare for an unknown opponent in the semifinals.

“Watch video, practice hard, and just have fun. There’s not going to be any change in what we do to prepare. We just have to play our game,” Gouin answered.

Gouin is one of six players that will graduate after the season:

Forward Daniel Tokariwski
Forward Nickolas Fagnilli
Defenceman Nolan Barker
Defenceman Bradyn Rowsell
Defenceman Justin Gelderland

Gearing up for playoff hockey should be easy for those Lakers who haven’t played in the post-season before.

“We will prepare just as we always do,” Gouin repeated. “There’s not going to be any change in what we do to prepare. We just have to play our game.”

There are two games on the schedule Friday as the North Stars host the Lumberjacks while the Fighting Walleye play host to the Bombers.

The Ice Dogs and Miners will kick off their best of seven series in Dryden on Sunday.

The Bill Salonen Cup champion will represent the SIJHL at the Centennial Cup in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. Here’s what the round robin schedule looks like for that event:

Friday May 8^th vs. Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) champions
Saturday May 9^th vs. Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) champions
Monday May 11^th vs. Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) champions
Tuesday May 12^th vs. Summerside Western Capitals (HOSTS)

Six Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) teams kick off their quest for the 2026 Bill Salonen Cup this weekend.

The Fort Frances Lakers clinched the regular season crown and a bye directly to the semi-finals.

Here is a preview of the quarterfinal matchups:

DRYDEN GM ICE DOGS vs. RED LAKE MINERS

The Ice Dogs are searching for a return trip back to the Bill Salonen Cup Final after losing in six games to the Fighting Walleye in 2025.

“Everyone in the room wants to get back to the league final,” states Ice Dogs Captain Elias Eisenbarth. “Regardless of whether guys were here last year or not, there is a feeling of responsibility that we all owe it to the organization to get back and change the result.”

The franchise has won four Bill Salonen Cup Championships, capturing their last one in 2018.

The Miners finished with five wins in the regular season and were winless in eight head-to-head games with the Ice Dogs this season.

“We are a younger team with only two graduating players,” notes Miners Captain Elliot Kuprash. “The sense of drive and competitiveness from them is definitely pouring into the whole group to try and make the season go as long as possible.”

Both Captains know that getting to the semifinals won’t be easy.

““Dryden will be a tough team to compete against,” Kuprash added. “They had the top three point leaders in the regular season. We will have to respect them and do our best to limit their options throughout the series, by playing our game.”

“[Playing the Miners] will be a good test for our team,” notes Eisenbarth. We know that they’re going to be physical and try to capitalize on our mistakes. We have to come into every game focused and ready to go from the drop of the puck if we want to have success in this series.”

The Miners won the Bill Salonen Cup in 2022.

These franchises have met twice in the post-season in recent memory. The Miners have won both previous meetings (2022 semi-final, 2024 quarterfinal).

THUNDER BAY NORTH STARS vs. IRONWOOD LUMBERJACKS

The North Stars reeled off six consecutive victories to wrap up the regular season and are looking at having a long playoff run.

“From the 17-year-olds to the 20-year-olds, we all want to play meaningful hockey for as long as we can,” said North Stars Captain Easton Glousher. “Going through the grind of playoff hockey together builds a bond that lasts long after the season ends. It’s the kind of experience that brings a team closer than anything else.”

The North Stars franchise has won six championships with their last one coming in 2019.

Even though they collected seven wins against the Lumberjacks this season, Glousher stresses that they are a skilled team with strong goaltending.

“They have a good power play, work hard, and compete for the full sixty minutes,” Glousher noted. “There’s never a game where they’re just going to give up—they play until the very end every single night. If we want to win, we need to make sure we’re matching their work ethic and executing our game the right way.”

The North Stars have quarterfinal wins against the Lumberjacks in 2022 and 2024.

The Lumberjacks franchise last made it out of the first round in 2023.

KAM RIVER FIGHTING WALLEYE vs. SIOUX LOOKOUT BOMBERS

The Fighting Walleye are looking to become the first back-to-back league winners since the Dryden GM Ice Dogs in 2017/2018.

They dropped to fourth place after back-to-back regulation losses to the North Stars to conclude the regular season.

Despite the setbacks, Captain Max Wright feels the games were a good taste of what to expect in the post-season.

“I think we just need to have that mental fortitude to come out with the results that we need. This was a good test for us going into the playoffs,” Wright said after their 2-1 loss on March 13th.

The Fighting Walleye outscored the Bombers 23-17 and won six games during the regular season series.

The Bombers won their last two games of the regular season and have victories in six of ten entering the Bill Salonen Cup Playoffs.

“We were in a lot of games during the season,” said Captain Kaden Veller. “Yes, we didn’t have as many wins as we would’ve liked, but we have a lot of confidence in ourselves after having a lot of one goal games with the top teams in the league. I don’t think not having home ice will affect us.”

The Fighting Walleye have made the finals in four consecutive years, winning it all in 2023 and 2025.

“The Bombers are a hardworking team,” Wright added. “They don’t give up. They’re physical, but it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. I’m confident in the group of men we have in that room that we can go to the distance.”

The Bombers won the Bill Salonen Cup in 2024, which was their second year as a franchise.

“Kam River is definitely more of a skilled team. I think if we play are structured and physical game, I’m confident that we will be able to shut them down,” Veller stated.

These franchises went toe to toe in the 2024 league championship with the Bombers sweeping the Fighting Walleye in four games.

The lowest remaining seed following the quarterfinals will play the Lakers in the semifinals.

QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE

Friday March 20th

Lumberjacks @ North Stars
Bombers @ Fighting Walleye

Saturday March 21^st

Lumberjacks @ North Stars
Bombers @ Fighting Walleye

Sunday March 22^nd

Miners @ Ice Dogs

Monday March 23^rd

Miners @ Ice Dogs
Fighting Walleye @ Bombers

Tuesday March 24^th

Fighting Walleye @ Bombers

Wednesday March 25^th

North Stars @ Lumberjacks
Ice Dogs @ Miners

Thursday March 26^th

North Stars @ Lumberjacks
Ice Dogs @ Miners

BELOW GAMES ARE IF NECESSARY

Friday March 27^th

Bombers @ Fighting Walleye

Saturday March 28^th

Lumberjacks @ North Stars

Sunday March 29^th

Fighting Walleye @ Bombers
Miners @ Ice Dogs

Monday March 30^th

North Stars @ Lumberjacks

Tuesday March 31^st

Bombers @ Fighting Walleye
Ice Dogs @ Miners

Wednesday April 1^st

Lumberjacks @ North Stars

Thursday April 2^nd

Miners @ Ice Dogs

There may still be snow on the ground in northwestern Ontario, but all seven SIJHL teams are thinking about the playoffs and the right to go to Summerside, Prince Edward Island for the 2026 Centennial Cup.

The defending champion Kam River Fighting Walleye has just three games remaining in their regular season:

Tuesday March 3 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Thursday March 12 @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Friday March 13 @ Thunder Bay North Stars

The highest the Fighting Walleye can finish is second place, which would mean a quarterfinal match-up with the Red Lake Miners.

They started play this week tied in points with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs. The Ice Dogs, coming off an 8-0 win last night against Ironwood, have five games remaining and all are against teams in the bottom half of the standings.

Tuesday March 3 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday March 6 vs. Sioux Lookout Bombers
Saturday March 7 vs. Sioux Lookout Bombers
Tuesday March 10 vs. Red Lake Miners
Friday March 13 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers

The Ice Dogs find themselves six points behind the Fort Frances Lakers for the regular season crown and the first-round bye to the semifinals. The Lakers have four remaining games:

Friday March 6 @ Red Lake Miners
Saturday March 7 @ Red Lake Miners
Thursday March 12 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday March 13 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks

The Thunder Bay North Stars will look to hold off the Sioux Lookout Bombers and clinch home ice in the quarterfinals. The North Stars are nine points ahead of the Bombers.

North Stars remaining schedule:

Friday March 6 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday March 7 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Tuesday March 10 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Thursday March 12 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Friday March 13 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye

Bombers remaining schedule:

Tuesday March 3 vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Friday March 6 @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Saturday March 7 @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Thursday March 12 vs. Red Lake Miners
Friday March 13 vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs

The Red Lake Miners have seven games remaining in their season:

Friday March 6 vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Saturday March 7 vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Monday March 9 vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Tuesday March 10 @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Thursday March 12 @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Monday March 16 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Tuesday March 17 @ Ironwood Lumberjacks

The top team in the regular season advances directly to the semifinals while the quarterfinal matchups will look like this:

2^nd seed vs. 7^th seed
3^rd seed vs. 6^th seed
4^th seed vs. 5^th seed

The Bill Salonen Cup Playoffs are scheduled to begin on Friday, March 20.

All seven teams within the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) will be represented for the All-Star Weekend in Dryden.

40 players were selected by both Head Coaches (Larry Wintoneak of the Kam River Fighting Walleye and Jake Gushue of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs) with each bench boss featuring a heavy presence of the players that they get to guide during the season.

In all seven players were selected from both the Sioux Lookout Bombers and Fort Frances Lakers. The Dryden GM Ice Dogs, Thunder Bay North Stars and Kam River Fighting Walleye each had six players picked. Finally, the Red Lake Miners and Ironwood Lumberjacks will take part in what the league is referring to as a two-day celebration of junior hockey excellence.

The festivities begin on Friday, February 6^th with the Skills Competition and 3-on-3 Showcase. The All-Star Game will happen on Saturday February 7^th.

TEAM WHITE

Head Coach Larry Wintoneak (Fighting Walleye)

Goalies (2)

Sam Keene (Fighting Walleye)
Brady Cates (Lakers)

Defenceman (6)

Edwin Liang (Fighting Walleye)
Caleb Labelle (Fighting Walleye)
Michael Casey (Bombers)
Olan Norton (Bombers)
Carter Anton (North Stars)
Zack Green (Lakers)

Forwards (12)

Carter Poddubny (Fighting Walleye)
Kaden Goodwin (Fighting Walleye)
Evan Lachimea (Fighting Walleye)
Evan Simeoni (North Stars)
Easton Glousher (North Stars)
Daniel Tokariwski (Lakers)
Pierce Gouin (Lakers)
Tie Schumacher (Lakers)
Timothy Hanulik (Lumberjacks)
Will Porter (Lumberjacks)
Reid White (Miners)
Hayden Seib (Miners)

TEAM RED

Head Coach Jake Gushue (Ice Dogs)

Goalies (2)

Matthew Ofukany (Bombers)
Mavric Welk (Ice Dogs)

Defencemen (6)

Kaden Veller (Bombers)
Chance Loke (North Stars)
Jake Scott (Lumberjacks)
Judd Pesch (Lakers)
Carter Welke (Ice Dogs)
Nicholas McCallen (Ice Dogs)

Forwards (12)

Payton Hu (Ice Dogs)
Elias Eisenbarth (Ice Dogs)
Adrian Mendoza (Ice Dogs)
Lucas Bertolin (North Stars)
Mathew Bertolin (North Stars)
Nickolas Fagnilli (Lakers)
Jacob Boekelder (Miners)
Elliot Kuprash (Miners)
Jack Carruthers (Lumberjacks)
Owen Cotter (Bombers)
Brodie Wood (Bombers)
Ty Love (Bombers)

Defenceman Kaden Veller, like many 20-year-olds, is reflective in his final year of junior hockey.

The Macklin, Saskatchewan native is one of eight players on the Bombers that will graduate from the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) following this season.

“I have definitely not taken any minute of it for granted and am just trying to enjoy every day of being at the rink with the guys because it goes by fast,” Veller said. “And being a captain has been more of a responsibility of course, but I’m just trying to lead by example on and off the ice to the best of my ability.”

The Bombers began the season with a 4-1 record in September which was followed by a 6-2-1-0 mark in October. The team struggled in November with two victories in seven games and head into the New Year with a 15-9-1-0 record (3-1-0-0 December).

“We have faced some adversity and learning how to overcome lots of it. There have been a couple of upsetting losses, but we don’t take them as a loss, we take them as a learning experience. That approach has had a big impact on us since the start of the year.”

Veller also pointed to the fact that just ten points separates five teams in the standings entering 2026, noting “this has been the tightest the league has been in the three seasons I’ve been here. It just shows how you can’t expect anything. You have to work for everything no matter what team you are playing because every team in this league can beat every other team on a single night.”

Veller has pointed to a pair of teammates who have had good years.

“Draeden Bear has been a great addition to the team as a 20-year-old and is one of are hardest workers every game and every morning at practice,” Veller added. “Olan Norton has also had a big impact on the team as a rookie. He’s been playing some big minutes and has impressed all of us.”

Veller dressed against the Thunder Bay North Stars on November 21, 2025 for his 100^th regular season game. He also made his Bombers debut on September 22, 2023 against the North Stars.

Veller admits “Reaching that mark made me think ‘wow this has flew by fast’. It also made me think back to the first time I put on a Bombers jersey, and how special the last three years have been to me.”

Veller has hopes to continue playing at the College level while furthering his education in business.

JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE

Friday 9^th @ Red Lake Miners
Saturday 10^th @ Red Lake Miners
Friday 16^th @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Saturday 17^th @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Tuesday 20^th vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Friday 23^rd @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday 24^th @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday 30^th vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Saturday 31^st vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye

Justin Gelderland has been involved with the Red Lake Miners since he was a kid.

The hometown defenceman is in his last year of junior hockey and says that his family began billeting players when the team moved to Red Lake.

“Being the captain has been both fulfilling and stressful, and it’s made this year feel even more personal,” said Gelderland. “It has definitely come with extra responsibilities that have pushed me to take a more mature and responsible approach to my final season.”

“Leading such a young team has been challenging with the adversity we’ve faced, but it’s also been rewarding. There have been a lot of teaching moments where guys need some guidance to adjust their play style. Seeing how quickly they’ve developed and how much confidence they’ve gained has been impressive.”

The Miners only two victories came away from Red Lake: October 11^th against the Ironwood Lumberjacks and October 17^th versus the Thunder Bay North Stars.

Each team in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) will make the Bill Salonen Cup Playoffs with the regular season champions earning a bye into the semi-finals.

“We hired a new head coach in August, and because of that we got a later start to the season than we would have liked,” Gelderland added. “That naturally created some issues with preparation and execution.”

Billy Keane, older brother of former NHLer Mike Keane, is the fourth Head Coach and General Manager for the Miners since the 2015 campaign (Derek Sweet-Coulter 2015-2019, Geoff Walker 2019-2022 and Lee Stone 2022-2025).

Gelderland was quick to compliment Thunder Bay defenceman Graeme Tenhunen.

“Graeme has taken full advantage of the opportunities that have been provided to him. He plays a solid defensive role for us, and regularly logs 25 minutes including power play and penalty kill,” mentioned Gelderland. “He has already secured himself as a top 3 defence man in our lineup, and with the experience he’s gaining now, I have no doubt he’ll make a strong impact in every game he plays when he is the regular age of a junior hockey player.”

Gelderland suited up in regular season game number 100 against the Thunder Bay North Stars on November 8, 2025. His first game with his hometown team came against the Dryden GM Ice Dogs on December 10, 2022.

“Hitting that milestone definitely made me think back to my first game as a Miner,” reflected Gelderland. “It reminded me of how much I’ve grown as a player and a person, and all the experiences along the way. It was a cool milestone to reach, and it gave me a moment to appreciate every step of the journey.”

Gelderland is hoping to work towards getting his pilot’s license while also playing college hockey next season.

JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE

Friday 9^th vs. Sioux Lookout Bombers
Saturday 10^th vs. Sioux Lookout Bombers
Tuesday 13^th @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Friday 16^th vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Saturday 17^th vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Friday 23^rd @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Saturday 24^th vs. Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Tuesday 27^th vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Saturday 31^st vs. Thunder Bay North Stars

The early success of the Fort Frances Lakers can be perhaps tied to chemistry.

With just four players on the roster that are playing their final year of junior hockey, Captain Pierce Gouin (International Falls, Minnesota) feels that the younger players have adapted to the rigors of junior hockey in a timely manner.

“We’ve been working really hard on building chemistry both on and off the ice, and I believe that it shows in our performance,” says Gouin. “We’ve had different challenges to overcome, but each game has presented an opportunity for us to improve and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far.”

“This year has been all about teamwork and supporting each other through difficult situations. I think it’s important to have a team that will do anything for one another and that is what we have this year.”

The other three graduating players on the Lakers are forwards Daniel Tokariwski (Winnipeg, Manitoba) and Nickolas Fagnilli (Kenora, Ontario) along with defenceman Nolan Barker (Hermantown, Minnesota).

Gouin notes it a huge honour to be the captain of the Lakers in his final season.

“I’ve tried to embrace the role and set the standard every day,” he added. “I wouldn’t say I’ve treated this year any differently, but I’ve definitely been more intentional about my leadership just by communicating with the boys, staying level in tough moments, and just making sure the team is always moving in the right direction.”

Last season, the Lakers hit one of their highest regular season win totals since the 2019/2020 season with 20. Heading into 2026 the franchise already has 18 victories.

With hockey being a team game, Gouin had a hard time singling out players that have performed well. He did acknowledge the efforts of goaltenders Nolan Koethler and Brady Cates along with forward Dax Laplante.

“Our goalies have truly been the backbone for us this year. They give us a chance to win every night, and that consistency has been huge for the team,” mentioned Gouin. “Our young players have stepped up in a big way. Being only 16 years old, playing junior hockey and fitting right into the competition is something that you don’t see every day. Dax Laplante has done that and is one of the hardest workers on the ice. He’s been getting better every day that I see him perform.”

The Lakers have also had to adjust to a new but familiar face behind the bench. Luke Judson was promoted to Head Coach and General last Spring following the resignation of Tyler Miller.

Gouin notes that Judson has been a big supporter of his since his first game as a Laker.

“I’m grateful for all the support he’s given me and the team. He creates an environment where you want to work hard and win. Even on our workday Mondays, when none of the boys are really jumping out of bed to be there. But he still gets a good effort out of us on those days,” Gouin added.

Gouin made his debut with the Laker franchise on September 22, 2023 against the Dryden GM Ice Dogs. Following a brief stint with the Virden Oil Capitals of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL) in September 2024, he came back to the Lakers to finish the season.

Game number 100 in a Laker uniform occurred on October 31, 2025 against the Ice Dogs.

“I know that I’m only going to be able to play junior hockey once in my life, so I try to make every moment count,” reflected Gouin. “I didn’t realize it would go by this fast from playing my first game, to playing my 100th game. I’m thankful for all of the memories that have been made over these last three years.”

Gouin is exploring college hockey opportunities in 2026/2027.

JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE

Friday 9^th vs. Thunder Bay North Stars
Saturday 10^th vs. Thunder Bay North Stars
Tuesday 13^th @ Kam River Fighting Walleye
Tuesday 20^th vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Friday 23^rd vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Saturday 24^th vs. Kam River Fighting Walleye
Tuesday 27^th @ Thunder Bay North Stars
Friday 30^th @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday 31^st @ Ironwood Lumberjacks

Elias Eisenbarth knows his days in a Dryden GM Ice Dogs uniform are limited, but he’s enjoying the ride while he’s on it.

The Medicine Hat, Alberta forward is in his final year of junior hockey and considers it an honour to serve as the Captain during the anniversary season of the Ice Dogs franchise and the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL).

“It’s been super fun, the guys are absolutely amazing and eager to play everyday. I wouldn’t say that I have been treated any differently. The city and the team have been so supportive and welcoming, its made the transition smooth,” said Eisenbarth.

The Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2025-2026. Similarly, the Dryden GM Ice Dogs are commemorating their 25th year as the league’s oldest and most decorated franchise.

“As players we absolutely think about it,” Eisenbarth acknowledged. “It’s definitely something we take pride in as an organization. We are looking to represent the city of Dryden to the best of our abilities and make the people here proud. It’s such a loyal and welcoming fanbase who deserve nothing less than that.”

Eisenbarth points to his team hitting it’s stride in October (8-0-2-0) and November (5-2-0-0) and finished December with a 4-1 record, good for first place in the standings heading into the New Year.

Eisenbarth notes that it’s hard to pinpoint a few guys that have helped the Ice Dogs get to where they are at this moment, adding “Everyone on the team has been amazing and has brought something to the table that helps us as a group. It allows everyone to play their game and be successful within their roles. I’d just say that as a team we have had a good season so far and look to keep building upon it.”

Eisenbarth hit the 100-game mark in the regular season against the Fort Frances Lakers, collecting three points (1G, 2A) in a 6-5 overtime victory.

His regular season debut was also against the Lakers on September 9, 2023.

Eisenbarth acknowledged that hitting the milestone made him reflect on his first game with the Ice Dogs on September 9, 2023.

“It has been an awesome ride for the past three years,” Eisenbarth noted. “I’m just trying to cherish and enjoy the games that are remaining. It really puts the amount of time that’s been spent at the rink and with the guys into perspective. I’m fortunate and grateful that all 100 games have been in an Ice Dogs jersey. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”

Eisenbarth would love to continue playing hockey in 2026/2027 and has been looking into post-secondary options that will allow him to do that.

JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE

Tuesday 13^th vs. Red Lake Miners
Friday 16^th vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday 17^th vs. Ironwood Lumberjacks
Tuesday 20^th @ Dryden GM Ice Dogs
Friday 23^rd vs. Red Lake Miners
Saturday 24^th @ Red Lake Miners

One Bill Salonen Cup Championship isn’t enough for Kam River Fighting Walleye Captain Max Wright.

The Colorado Springs, Colorado product is playing his final year of junior hockey and is on an exclusive list that includes defenceman Zach Fortin as well as forwards Jeremy Dunmore, Anthony Oviedo and Daxton Lang.

Wright admits being the captain is a big responsibility, adding “it’s big shoes to fill with the pedigree (of leadership that) we’ve had here, I don’t take it lightly at all. It’s a large job and task to take on, but I’m honoured to be the captain of these guys. I love all of them.”

“The guys in the room want to be here. We want to win, and we have a vision in mind to go win Bill, and that’s our goal. The work began in August, and some things may have not gone our way, but it’s a New Year, and that means we get a new opportunity.”

The Fighting Walleye began the regular season with just one win in three September games and then reeled off a 7-3 record in the month of October. The team went .500 in the month of November (3-3-1-2) and head into the New Year sitting in third place (15-9-2-3).

“Everybody on the team plays a role,” answered Wright, when asked about any standouts. “You could look at the standings, you could look at the points, but it doesn’t matter. Everyone has value, whether your first line or fourth line player, not in the lineup on a given night, you’re the starting goaltender or the backup. Everybody plays a part in this, and I think that’s what makes our team so special.”

The Fighting Walleye feature nine local players and seven players born in the United States.

“It’s funny because when I first came up here, I thought it was going to be a big stigma around Americans, but it’s all love in that locker room,” Wright noted. “That’s not just from me; everyone in the room makes everyone else feel welcome, especially the new guys. And, you know, it’s a good culture, it’s a good atmosphere.”

The Red Lake Miners were the opposition for a pair of milestones for Max Wright. He hit the 100-game plateau in the regular season on Friday, December 12^th and made his debut with the Fighting Walleye on Friday September 22, 2023. He registered an assist in a 6-3 Red Lake victory.

“You don’t take things for granted as a 20-year-old,” Wright reflected. “When I wake up in the morning, I know I only get one shot at the day which involves putting your best foot forward. I don’t think I’ve taken any days for granted, so I’m going to keep that going.”

The Fighting Walleye are the defending Bill Salonen Cup Champions, which is their second league title since playing their first full season in the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) in 2021-2022.

JANUARY 2026 SCHEDULE

Friday 9^th @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Saturday 10^th @ Ironwood Lumberjacks
Tuesday 13^th vs. Fort Frances Lakers
Friday 16^th @ Red Lake Miners
Saturday 17^th @ Red Lake Miners
Friday 23^rd @ Fort Frances Lakers
Saturday 24^th @ Fort Frances Lakers
Friday 30^th @ Sioux Lookout Bombers
Saturday 31^st @ Sioux Lookout Bombers