July 23, 2024
Meet the Northern Manitoba Blizzard.
Well known as the OCN Blizzard since their inception in 1996, the organization has updated their name and logo effective immediately, and will now operate as the Northern Manitoba Blizzard.
“We wanted to show the inclusion and unity that we have in the Northern region of our province,” shared Blizzard co-owner, Rob White. “I’m originally from Churchill, and have close ties with many communities throughout Nor-Man. The Blizzard crest means so much to all of Northern Manitoba; and it’s so fitting, because if you’ve ever been in a true Northern Manitoba Blizzard, you’ll know just how menacing it is.”
Ownership felt the change was necessary to reflect the shift and new direction of the franchise.
“The last few seasons the team felt like it was ‘in limbo. After Opaskwayak sold the team, and especially once it moved to be based from the Roy H Johnston in The Pas; it was more evident we needed to show the new direction of the club. However, the Blizzard name is so strong, and invokes such passion and emotion for Northern hockey. It felt like this was honouring the essence of the Club’s founding,” White concluded.
Since 1996, the Blizzard have made eight trips to the Turnbull Cup Final, winning five straight MJHL Championships from 1998-2003. During the 2001-02 season, the Blizzard defeated the Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) to win the ANAVET Cup before they would go on to lose in the national final.
Last season, the Blizzard skated to one of their best records in franchise history. Head coach, Eric Labrosse was named MJHL Coach of the Year, Goaltender Tomas Anderson was named MJHL Goaltender of the Year and the team fought their way to game seven in the second round of the post season.
