Bypassing some mid-season chaos in 2025-2026, the NOJHL (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) and its Board of Directors recently approved the extension of the Leave of Absence that was granted to the Elliot Lake Vikings last Christmas.

With the continuing uncertainties as to when the Vikings' home venue of Rogers Arena, formerly Centennial Arena, in Elliot Lake will open again for use, the league deemed it prudent to extend the LOA through until the end of the upcoming season.

"We just don't know when the club will be able to resume activities as they wait for news on the status of their arena," stated NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca.

"With that, the NOJHL will operate with 11 teams for the 2025-26 season," added Mazzuca. "The league and our member clubs are currently working on the schedule for the upcoming campaign that will be announced in the coming days."

In the meantime, teams have been busy, with the Espanola Paper Kings recently announcing the signings of returning players Ashton Pitawanakwat (associate captain), Lucas Dubois, Jack Helkie and newcomer Nolan Garrard.