SUDBURY, Ont. – Since taking over at the helm as head coach of the Blind River Beavers back in 2016, Kyle Brick has built his club into a premier on-ice team in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
With a knack of securing and getting the most out of top-end talent, while sporting a .660 winning percentage in his time behind the bench with the Beavers, Brick’s side has gone 273-132-25-10 overall, which excludes the 2020-21 campaign that was interrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Having yet to finish under .500 in his each of his eight full seasons in Blind River, Brick’s current charges will aim for another successful run as he enters the season 27 victories shy of 300 wins in his tenure there.
Here’s a look at some of the veteran keys and skilled newcomers the Beavers are looking at to boost overall team success:
Head coach: Kyle Brick
Home opener: Saturday, September 13
7 p.m. – Blind River Community Centre
KEY RETURNEES
Connor Dunham-Fox, Goaltender
DOB: 04/24/2005
Hometown: Edmonton, Alta.
Named a 1st Team NOJHL All-Star goaltender last season. In over 1,500 minutes of action, Dunham-Fox led all NOJHL netminders in save percentage at .931, while making 854 stops along the way. He also finished third in both wins (20) and goals-against average (2.51) while posting two shutouts. Hails from Edmonton, Alta.
Coaches’ comments: “Connor returns for his final year of Jr. A with high expectations, after a breakout season last year and being named a 1st team all-star. Connor will be expected to carry the load this season.”
Jonah McIndoo, Centre
DOB: 07/30/2006
Hometown: Windsor, Ont.
McIndoo is coming off a 2024-25 campaign where he established single-season highs in both goals and points with 15 and 34 respectively. Through two years in the NOJHL, he has played in 105 games.
Coaches’ comments: “Returning for his third season in the league. Jonah will be heavily relied on in both ends of the ice. As an older player in our program, he will be expected to be a leader on and off the ice.”
Mattis Lafond, Defence
DOB: 04/20/2007
Hometown: Scarborough, Ont.
A solid first year in the league saw Lafond impress with Blind River. He was named to the NOJHL’s all 1st team rookie squad on defence. He shared the league-lead in scoring among rookie rearguards with 30 points while also pacing them in assists with 29.
Coaches’ comments: “First team all-rookie returns to us in Blind after a steady first season of junior. Mattis will be relied on to play heavy minutes against other teams’ best players. Look for Mattis to be a Top 5 defender in the NOJHL this season.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Caleb Walker, Left Wing
DOB: 06/01/2007
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
The six-foot-one winger was well over a point-per-game producer last season with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA team. Walker collected 45 points in Great North U18 League 32 contests on 25 tallies and 20 assists. Six of his markers came on the power play and he also notched a trio of game-winners. Also played in five regular season games for the Beavers as an affiliate and suited up in seven more in the playoffs, accumulating seven points in all.
Coaches’ comments: “Had a great year with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds U18 AAA team. He’s a heavy player with a knack for the net. Caleb also proved himself as an impact forward for us as an affiliate in last seasons playoffs.”
Austin Schultz, Defence
DOB: 01/07/2006
Hometown: Colgate, Wis.
Joins the Beavers after playing his minor hockey with the Madison Capitols U18 AAA program in Wisconsin. Schultz played 130 games of U18 hockey over the past two seasons, scoring eight times and collecting 27 assists on defence.
Coaches’ comments: “Austin is a steady puck-moving defenceman who is ready to play junior. He will be able to step in and have an effect in both five-on-five and special teams with us.”
Camden Cowan, Centre
DOB: 02/21/2006
Hometown: Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
Heads to Blind River after spending his rookie year with his hometown Soo Thunderbirds. Had five multi-point games with the T-Birds as part of his 19-point campaign, that included five tallies.
Coaches’ comments: “Cam was a player we liked all last season in his time with the Thunderbirds. His attention to detail and 200-foot game will be a big part to our success. He also has a scoring touch as we’re looking to give him more opportunity.”
Photo credit: Helene Rancourt
