On Thursday, April 2, the Soo Eagles and Greater Sudbury Cubs will open up a NOJHL best-of-seven semi-final series at 7:00 p.m. at the T.M. Davies Arena in Lively, Ontario. Both clubs come into the matchup riding momentum after sweeping their respective quarter-final series, with the Eagles dispatching the Powassan Voodoos and the Cubs eliminating the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in four straight games.
The Greater Sudbury Cubs enter the series as the top seed after an outstanding regular season that saw them post a 39-8-3-2 record. Meanwhile, the Soo Eagles, who finished seventh overall with a 23-26-2-1 record, have proven they are far more dangerous than their standings position suggests after a dominant opening-round performance.
Season Series Favors Cubs
During the 2025–2026 regular season, the Cubs held the edge in the head-to-head matchup, winning three of four games. Sudbury earned a split in Sault Ste. Marie with a 4-2 victory before falling 4-1, then dominated on home ice with back-to-back 6-1 and 6-2 wins.
Despite those results, the Eagles’ recent form indicates this could be a much tighter series than the regular season numbers suggest.
Cubs Rolling with Offensive Firepower
Greater Sudbury showcased explosive scoring in their quarter-final sweep over Kirkland Lake, including a commanding 10-3 victory to close out the series.
Leading the way offensively is Briir Long, who has been nothing short of dominant with four goals and four assists in four games, averaging three points per game. Mason Walker has been equally effective as a playmaker, recording two goals and seven assists, while Daks Klinkhammer chipped in with three goals and four assists.
Between the pipes, the Cubs have been rock solid. Iain Wintie has been nearly unbeatable, posting three wins, a stellar 1.00 goals-against average, and a .964 save percentage. Matthew Vahramian also contributed with a win, and together the duo has combined for an impressive 1.50 goals-against average.
Eagles Battle-Tested After Gritty Sweep
While the Eagles also swept their series, their path was far more hard-fought. Two of their four wins over Powassan came in overtime, including a double-overtime thriller, showing both resilience and composure in high-pressure moments.
Offensively, Logan Stawizyrski has led the charge with four goals and five assists in four games. He’s been supported by Anden Marceau, who recorded two goals and five assists, and Micah Seery, who added six assists.
In goal, Jace Knoerle has been a backbone for the Eagles. Playing all four games, he posted a perfect 4-0 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and an outstanding .947 save percentage, including heavy minutes totaling 269.
Clash of Champions
This series features the league’s reigning powerhouse in the Cubs, who captured both the 2024–2025 regular season and playoff championships, as well as the 2025–2026 regular season title. The Eagles, however, arrive as a surging underdog with confidence and momentum after knocking off Powassan.
Series Outlook
The matchup presents a classic contrast: Sudbury’s high-powered offense and structured dominance against Sault Ste. Marie’s resilience, timely scoring, and elite goaltending.
If the Cubs can continue their offensive pace and strong defensive play, they will be tough to stop. However, if the Eagles can lean on their playoff-tested grit and the steady presence of Knoerle in net, they have the tools to push — and potentially upset — the top-seeded Cubs.
Game one is set for Thursday night in Lively, where the stage is set for what promises to be an intense and highly competitive NOJHL semi-final series.
