SUDBURY, Ont. – The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) Board of Directors announced Wednesday it has approved the membership transfer of the Elliot Lake Red Wings from Paul Noad to life-long Elliot Lake area resident Jef Jarmovitch.
The new-look club will also be rebranding, going back in time to recognize its historical roots.
With that, they will be dubbed the Elliot Lake Vikings for the 2023-24 NOJHL season.
“The NOJHL extends a hearty welcome to Jef in taking over hockey and business operations in Elliot Lake,” offered league commissioner Robert Mazzuca. “We look forward to working with him, as part of the transition, and seeing the return of the historical Vikings name to Jr. A hockey in the community.”
“We’d also like to express our thanks to outgoing Red Wings’ director Paul Noad, and his partners, for their efforts, commitment and contributions to the NOJHL during their tenure in the league,” added Mazzuca.
No stranger to the organization, Jef Jarmovitch has served as an assistant coach with the team over the past couple of seasons, working together with head coach and general manager Chris Keleher.
During the 2022-23 campaign, the club reached the 20-win plateau, which was three more than they had the previous year, and also had a seven-point overall improvement in the standings.
In taking over the team membership, Jarmovitch said: “I am looking forward to the upcoming season as the newly re-branded Elliot Lake Vikings. The Vikings have deep roots to the community of Elliot Lake dating back to the 1970s. My commitment is to rebuild a program that will entice players to consider Elliot Lake as a top destination to play their Junior A hockey.”
Further information on the Elliot Lake Vikings, including its new website, along with ticketing and sponsorship options, etc., will be announced in the coming days.
