Photo Credit: Freeze Frame Photos
The Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) are proud to announce the signing of 17-year-old hometown forward Gavin Killoran for the upcoming 2025–2026 season.
Killoran, a Sault Ste. Marie native, brings size, skill, and strong offensive instincts to the Thunderbirds lineup. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 160 lbs, Killoran had a standout season with the U18 AAA Soo Greyhounds in the 2024–2025 GNU18HL campaign. Over 32 regular season games, he recorded an impressive 18 goals and 32 assists for a 50-point season, while accumulating just 24 penalty minutes.
He also contributed at the GNU18HL playoff tournament held in Timmins, Ontario, adding one goal and three assists in five games. Killoran’s consistent offensive production and two-way play earned him call-ups with the NOJHL’s Thunderbirds during the season, where he showed poise and promise at the junior level.
In April, Killoran was selected by the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) in the second round, 27th overall, of the 2025 U18 OHL Priority Draft—further testament to his talent and potential.
Thunderbirds head coach Jamie Henderson expressed his excitement: “‘Gav was part of the 08’ birth year who had tremendous success as a group. They were very well coached and Gav had carved out a niche with his almost old school approach. He plays with energy and he is a factor every shift. He will be a good player for us this season and we are thrilled to have him join us.”
Killoran now looks to build on his momentum and take the next step in his hockey journey with his hometown junior ‘A’ hockey club.
