Greater Sudbury Cubs crowned NOJHL champions

SUDBURY, Ont. – Marshall McCharles’ second goal of the game, coming with just 67 seconds remaining in regulation, proved to be the game-winner as the Greater Sudbury Cubs went on to defeat the Powassan Voodoos 5-3 in Game 5 of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League Final.

With the victory, the Cubs take the best-of-seven series 4-1 to capture the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy NOJHL championship and will now advance to compete in the Centennial Cup, May 9-19, in Oakville, Ont.

Generating chances in the opening 10 minutes of the contest, Greater Sudbury opened the scoring as Noah Kohan came down the left wing and put a play into the slot where Nolan Newton spun and whipped a shot over the blocker of Powassan netminder Daniel Dirracolo.

The tally for Newton was his 12th of the playoffs, which tied him with teammate Hudson Chitaroni for the league lead.

Going up by a pair, the Cubs’ McCharles powered his way along the boards and after cutting out from behind the net, stuffed in a wraparound to extend the home side’s lead.

The hosts picked up a double minor that allowed the Voodoos an opportunity to cut into the deficit prior to the first intermission, however Greater Sudbury goalkeeper Noah Metivier did his part to keep it 2-0 after one period of play.

Heading to the second stanza, Powassan did convert on another man advantage after Tucker Shields corralled the rebound off an attempt from the left point by Reyth Smith and scored on a backhand from the top of the crease at 5:23.

Coming right back, the Voodoos drew level with an even strength effort just 28 seconds later as Zach Turner knocked in a loose puck off an Alexander Case shot that had hit off the shoulder of Metivier.

Not done there, the visitors took the lead moments later when Carson Ricci fired one through a maze of bodies in front, off a Shields set-up, that found its way in.

A couple of late big point-blank saves from Dirracolo, including one by sweeping a free puck away off the goal line with the paddle of his stick, kept Powassan in the lead after 40 minutes.

In the third, Greater Sudbury tied it early when Ethan Larmand’s harmless looking chance from the left circle slid through the pads of Dirracolo at 2:22.

Then with overtime looming, McCharles blazed down the left side and while driving to the net, ripped in the decider from a sharp angle.

Capping off the home ice triumph, Oliver Smith scored into an empty net in the final minute to secure the NOJHL title for the Cubs.

NOJHL Final
Powassan Voodoos vs. Greater Sudbury Cubs
Greater Sudbury wins best-of-seven series 4-1

Game 1: Voodoos 5 Cubs 2
Game 2: Cubs 2 Voodoos 0
Game 3: Cubs 5 Voodoos 0
Game 4: Cubs 4 Voodoos 3 (OT)
Game 5: Cubs 5 Voodoos 3

Hockey Operations

Mark Burgess

President & CEO

A name that is synonymous with Junior hockey in Northern Ontario, is Mark Burgess. Bringing a wealth of junior experience, Mark purchased the Rayside Balfour Canadians in 2019 setting the standard for Junior A hockey. For 30 years, the Burgess family owned and operated the Sudbury Wolves up until 2016. Mark has a deep hockey heritage, being active at all levels and looks to continue to build another JR A. championship team.

Blaine Smith

Managing Partner

With ties deep-seated into junior hockey, Blaine Smith is as versatile as they come. Serving over 31 years in Junior hockey, Blaine has worked in a multitude of roles with the Sudbury Wolves. Starting off as director of hockey operations, he then transitioned into general manager. Finalizing his time with the wolves, was his 11 year role as President. Responsible for the successful rebranding of the Sudbury Cubs, Blaine has been able to provide experience and hockey knowledge from the highest level.

Coaching Staff

Darryl Moxam

Head Coach

Serving as associate coach for the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) for the past 6 seasons. Darryl Moxam has held the reigns at the OHL level, the CIS level and the Jr. A level. Bringing a tremendous level of experience and player development, Coach Mox is looking forward to building off the solid foundation the Sudbury Cubs have already established. No stranger to success behind the bench, winning the NOJHL championship with the Sudbury Northern Wolves in 2006. Darryl will look to continue the success he has already captured at the NOJHL level.

Dave Clancy

Associate Coach

Bringing a wealth of experience, Dave Clancy has over 20 years of coaching. Spending three seasons with the Laurentian Voyageurs (Usports) as an assistant coach, Dave has served as a scout for the Sudbury Wolves (OHL) and Head coach in the NOJHL. Bringing a winning pedigree to the Cubs Dave has experienced two NOJHL championships in 2006 as an assistant with the Sudbury Northern Wolves and 2008 as head coach for the Sudbury Jr. Wolves. All of Dave’s hard work paid dividends, when he was named NOJHL coach of the year in 2019.

Kerry MacLennan

Assistant Coach

A true staple in the hockey community, Kerry has spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach with the Laurentian University Voyageurs (Usports). Kerry brings with him experience, knowledge and the ability to bring new strategies and in-game adjustments to help develop and shape players.

Everett Bona

Assistant General Manager & Game Night Operations

A Sudbury local, Everett Bona started his career in 2019 with the Rayside Balfour Canadians (NOJHL). A student of the game, he has participated in a variety of roles over his tenure. Everett’s passion and commitment for the team has effectively drawn attention to the new brand, and successfully added beneficial partnerships for the last four years. Everett has served as equipment manager, trainer, game night operations and promotions and has now Assistant General Manager. Everett has a true understanding of all aspects behind the scenes for the Sudbury Cubs his drive and determination helps him to continue to climb the latter.

Eric Navarro

Goaltending coach

Drafted in the 6th round of the 1998 OHL draft by the Kitchener Rangers. After his playing career, Eric spent three seasons scouting for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. Eric has a passion for building confidence, teaching preparation, and positive mindset in young goaltenders.

Jason Stos

Skill Development Coach

OHL veteran Jason Stos brings an accomplished resume with over 238 OHL games, rookie camp with Montreal Canadians, and a season with Toledo Storm(ECHL). Coach Stos looks to implement a plethora of knowledge and development at the Junior A level.