12 team roster for NOJHL 2015-2016 season largest ever

The NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) will feature a total of 12 teams for the 2015-2016 following announcements involving three new or returning franchises this week. That total marks the largest grouping of squads the league has ever iced in a single season.

Earlier this week, NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca confirmed the return to the fold of two towns with previous experience in the league, as the Soo Eagles (Sault Ste Marie, Michigan) and the Espanola Express completed their recent hiatus.

The Michigan-based Eagles return to the NOJHL following a three-year stint in the North American Hockey League, while Espanola was away for just one year, as the experiment that was the CIHL (Canadian International Hockey League) was terminated after just a singular disastrous season.

Later in the week, it was announced that former NHLer Moe Mantha will serve as coach and GM of the French River Rapids, a team that will be based out of the Noelville Arena. With team president Allan Donnan at the helm, the Rapids return to a venue that housed a provincially competitive intermediate team back in the 1970's.

"Its an exciting time for the NOJHL as we move forward,” noted Mazzuca in a league issued release. “The commitment and support given by all our member clubs, our communities, fans and corporate partners bodes well for the future.”