The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League has released its 2021-22 regular-season schedule with the 336-games slated to begin on Thursday, September 16.
Of note, all scheduled dates remain tentative, pending approval of a return to play from health authorities as it relates to COVID-19.
Once the go-ahead is received, each of the 12-member NOJHL clubs including Blind River, Elliot Lake and Espanola teams will play a 56-game regular season, with 27 contests apiece at home and away while their other two matchups will be held at the league’s showcase, which will be held in January.
As part of the schedule, league teams will play within their own division only until the Christmas break.
EAST DIVISION
Cochrane Crunch
French River Rapids
Hearst Lumberjacks
Kirkland Lake Gold Miners
Powassan Voodoos
Timmins Rock
WEST DIVISION
Blind River Beavers
Elliot Lake Red Wings
Espanola Express
Rayside-Balfour Canadians
Soo Eagles
Soo Thunderbirds
All inter-divisional games are slotted to be played in the New Year, which will allow the NOJHL flexibility to reschedule regular-season contests if required.
Upon completion of the regular season, which is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, March 13, 2022, the top five teams in each division will advance to the league playoffs.
The NOJHL’s 2021-22 regular season schedule can be found at: https://nojhl.com/stats/schedule/all-teams/29/9?league=1