SUDBURY, Ont. – There is plenty of optimism building within the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners supporters heading into the 2026-27 Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) campaign.
Much of the enthusiasm revolves around a pair of offseason moves that has helped solidify Kirkland Lake’s hockey operations department.
Headlining this was the appointment of Jonathan Blier as the club’s new team president and general manager.
Blier arrives after a lengthy stint as GM of the Hearst Lumberjacks who he was with since back in 2017.
Hearst was an elite side throughout his tenure where he earned multiple Joe Drago Trophy’s as NOJHL executive of the year, along with garnering league all-star laurels on numerous occasions.
One of Blier’s first moves with the Gold Miners was helping bring Dean DeSilva on board as their new head coach.
He brings with him vast experience in the major junior ranks, along with time associated with Hockey Canada and Team Ontario programs at national and international levels.
A busy summer has seen the new Kirkland Lake duo re-sign several key returnees, as well as bring in some solid newcomers who will look to bolster the squad in all aspects of the lineup.
Head coach: Dean DeSilva
Home opener: Friday, Sept. 18 vs. Blind River Beavers
7 p.m. – Joe Mavrinac Community Complex
KEY RETURNEES
PLAYER: Nathan Harper, F
DOB: 09/11/2007
HOMETOWN: Markham, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Nathan is a strong presence up the middle and in the face-off circle. After scoring 20 goals as a rookie last season, he is the club’s highest returning scorer. His vision and hockey IQ, along with his commitment to continually grow his game, will provide a positive impact for the club this season.”
PLAYER: Fynn Manttari, D
DOB: 10/28/2008
HOMETOWN: Wawa, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Fynn, a tall rangy defencemen, had a tremendous rookie season with the Gold Miners and is looking to build on that success on both sides of the puck. He is a smooth-skating, puck-moving player who reads the game well and anticipates plays quickly. Fynn, makes an excellent first pass and has strong instincts on the offensive blue line.”
PLAYER: Mavrick Boucher, F
DOB: 01/23/2007
HOMETOWN: Timmins, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Mav joined the club part way through last season as a fast-skating winger and made an immediate impact. His speed, quick release and goal-scoring instincts make him a constant threat every game. He brings high intensity and strong work ethic to every practice, serving as a natural leader and role model for younger players to learn from on and off the ice.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
PLAYER: Morgan Hyndman, G
DOB: 02/22/2008
HOMETOWN: Peterborough, Ont.
Coaches’ comments: “Morgan is coming off a tremendous U18 season with the New Liskeard Cubs and looks to bring the same success to the Gold Miners. Morgan brings size and calm presence in the crease backed by a fierce competitive edge. Teamed with Ahsher Ammann, the duo gives the Gold Miners a formidable tandem in net.”
PLAYER: Ethan Roy, D
DOB: 11/22/2008
HOMETOWN: Temiscaming, Que.
Coaches’ comments: “Ethan is a big, smooth-skating defenceman who pairs great size with sharp offensive instincts. After an outstanding season with the New Liskeard Cubs U18 program, he looks to continue his development at the junior level with the Gold Miners.”
PLAYER: Yosef Pievsky, F
DOB: 06/02/2007
HOMETOWN: Rego Park, N.Y.
Coaches’ comments: “Yosef joins us from the NA3HL where he averaged over a point per game. He brings a powerful combination of size, skill and speed but his commitment to team-first culture is what truly sets him apart. A proven leader on his previous clubs Yosef excels at building off-ice chemistry while leading by example on the ice. His high hockey IQ along with being strong on the puck will create time and space for him and his teammates.”
Photo credit: Allyson Demers
