Elliot Lake Vikings leave of absence extended for 2025-2026 season, amid arena repairs
Social Sharing
There will be no junior hockey played in Elliot Lake come this fall.
The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) and its board of directors announced May 30 they have extended the leave of absence for the Elliot Lake Vikings through the 2025-2026 season, citing ongoing uncertainties with the city's arena.
The Vikings were first granted a temporary leave of absence in December 2024.
Elliot Lake's arena and the home venue of the Vikings, Rogers Arena - formerly Centennial Arena - has been shut down since September 2023 and continues to undergo extensive repairs.
The NOJHL had been told earlier this spring the city was hopeful the arena would be ready by late July 2025, but a reopening date has yet to be confirmed.
"Unfortunately, with the ongoing delays as to when the arena will be back in operation, the Vikings have been granted their extended leave," said NOJHL commissioner Robert Mazzuca in a news release.
"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."
Mazzuca added the NOJHL will operate with 11 teams instead of 12 for the upcoming 2025-26 season, and the league's schedule will be announced in the coming days.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Toews signing with Winnipeg Jets
Toews signing with Winnipeg Jets Jonathan Toews is signing a one-year deal with his hometown NHL team.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
London celebration of Solidarity Day
A celebration of Solidarity Day was held on The Green in Wortley Village. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual A celebration of Solidarity Day was held on The Green in Wortley Village. Today's event included a sunrise ceremony, grand entry, traditional food, dance and crafts. This all precedes National Indigenous People's Day tomorrow. Organizers say its about allowing First Nation communities and allies to celebrate together. Ira Timothy, Solidarity Day planning committee member said it allows people to share from each community and nation. 'It shows that we're all related. We're all together underneath a great tree of peace,' said Timothy.
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Flames appoint Brett Sutter as head coach of AHL's Wranglers
Calgary Flames centre Brett Sutter, right, celebrates his goal with teammate forward Blake Coleman during second period NHL pre-season hockey action against the Edmonton Oilers in Calgary, Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. Sutter, who is the son of Darryl Sutter, was named head coach of the American Hockey League's Calgary Wranglers on June 20, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh Brett Sutter has been named the head coach of the Calgary Wranglers, which is the American Hockey League affiliate of the NHL's Flames. The son of Darryl Sutter, who was twice head coach of the Flames and once the team's GM, moved into the coaching ranks last season after appearing in 1,090 AHL games and 60 NHL games. 'This is an organization that I am very familiar with having history as both a player and coach,' Brett Sutter said Friday in a statement. 'Having spent a lot of time at this level, I understand the role in developing players and have firsthand knowledge of what a great group we have here to work with. I can't wait to get started.' The 38-year-old from Viking, Alta., was drafted by the Flames in the sixth round (179th overall) in 2005. He scored in his NHL debut with the Flames on Dec. 23, 2008. Sutter ranks fourth in all-time AHL games and recorded 198 goals, 265 assists and 893 penalty minutes. He had two goals and eight assists in the NHL with stints with Calgary, the Minnesota Wild and Carolina Hurricanes. 'We feel that Brett is the right coach to continue working with our young players, and we are excited to be able to have him guide their development,' said Wranglers GM and Flames assistant general manager Brad Pascall. 'Brett's knowledge of our players, years of experience at this level and familiarity with our organization made this a great fit for both sides.' Previous Wranglers head coach Trent Cull was promoted to assistant coach of the Flames. Darryl Sutter was head coach of the Flames from 2002 to 2006, and 2020 to 2023. He was also Calgary's general manager from 2003 to 2010. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 20, 2025.
