The Saultsports Midseason Soo Thunderbirds NOJHL Report, brought to you by True North Radio, finds the Thunderbirds sitting strong in second place with a 17-8-1-1 record heading into the midseason break. Through the first half of the season, the team has combined high-end skill with a determined work ethic, producing key victories and establishing themselves as a serious contender in the league. While the Thunderbirds have shown consistency on both ends of the ice, the second half of the season will be about tightening up details, maintaining momentum, and pushing to stay at the top of the standings as the playoff race heats up.

The Thunderbirds are much more focused here on really trying to maximize each player’s path and development. They have had some great wins, some real strong weekends, and with all younger teams some moments when they aren’t quite as prepared as they would like to be to compete.

“I think the depth of the group as a whole has led to the success. We have I think 18 players who average a half a point per game and as I mentioned we have had some strong play from the goalies. We know the level of play will only rise here in the second half so we need to stick to our work in practice and off the ice,” said Soo coach Jamie Henderson

“I think every team and coach is looking for consistency. Special teams are so important. Our PK has been much better this year, and our PP at times has been really good, but we just need to find that consistency with our odd man situations,” added Henderson.

The expectations haven’t changed as a group. The Thunderbird staff never discussed at camp where they might finish, or looked at what others thought. The staff knew they had some good players returning, a strong leadership group, and despite being really hurt by a ton of injuries once again this year, the group has found a way most nights. That’s maybe the biggest key in the second half, can they stay healthy?

When asked about looking back at the first half of the season, which player or players have surprised the coaching staff with their performance or development, and what has stood out about their contributions, Jamie said “I think Nate Maguire of course stands out given his record. In front of him we only had one D-man play junior hockey prior to this season, so they have given us a great effort every night. It’s never going to be perfect, but they really want to improve and want to learn the game.”

Nathan Maguire of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has been a standout in net this season, appearing in 10 games and recording nine wins along with one overtime loss. Over 601 minutes played, he has faced 291 shots and allowed just 22 goals, posting an impressive 2.20 goals-against average and earning one shutout. Maguire’s consistency and composure between the pipes have been key to his team’s success, giving the Thunderbirds confidence in high-pressure situations and helping anchor their defensive game.

“Nathan works so hard. His energy and positive attitude is something we can all learn from. We are so happy he has had success. It reminds me a bit back early on in his U18 days we didn’t know much about him, but he just worked and worked and had a great season. He seems to be calm in the net and reads the play well, so he is very seldom out of position.” (coach Jamie Henderson)

Ryan Hicks of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, has been a reliable presence in goal this season, appearing in 12 games and recording five wins, five losses, and one tie. Over 658 minutes played, he has faced 380 shots and allowed 38 goals, posting a 3.46 goals-against average along with 1 shutout. Hicks’ resilience and ability to make key saves in crucial moments have been valuable to the team, providing depth in the crease and helping keep games competitive throughout the season.

“Hicksy has given us an opportunity to win pretty much every start he has had. The three of them push each other in practice and most importantly they all seem to get along well, in an otherwise difficult situation sharing the net with the three of them. Our netminding has been huge for the early success and we know it will continue to need to be.” (coach Jamie Henderson)

Cam Boville of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has shown promise in his seven appearances this season, posting a 3-3 record. Over 359 minutes played, he has faced 203 shots and allowed 23 goals, resulting in a 3.85 goals-against average. While still early in his season workload, Boville’s performances have provided important depth in goal, giving the team flexibility in the crease and opportunities to stay competitive in tight games.

“Cam works incredibly hard on and off the ice. He’s in the gym every day, he prepares off the ice like a pro and he wants to save every puck.” (coach Jamie Henderson)

James Legler of Beaconsfield, Quebec, leads the Thunderbirds in scoring this season as of December 3, 2025, appearing in 27 games and recording 12 goals and 24 assists for a total of 36 points, averaging 1.33 points per game. He has contributed two power-play goals and shown discipline with just 6 penalty minutes. Legler’s playmaking ability, vision on the ice, and consistent offensive production have made him a key driver of the Thunderbirds’ attack, helping set the tone for his teammates and keeping the team competitive in every game.

“James has certainly taken his game to another level. You see it in practice every day, and the early success is no surprise whatsoever given the work he has put in. He really wants to be a difference maker for us and we are excited to see where his game will continue to climb as the second half begins.” (coach Jamie Henderson)

Garden River, Ontario’s Deven Jones-MacDonald has been a key contributor for the Thunderbirds this season, appearing in 27 games and posting 13 goals and 21 assists for a total of 34 points, averaging 1.26 points per game. He has added three power-play goals and accumulated 14 penalty minutes, showing both offensive skill and a competitive edge. Jones-MacDonald’s combination of scoring ability and playmaking has made him a reliable presence in the lineup, helping drive the Thunderbirds’ offense and create opportunities for his teammates.

“Dev is a physical specimen! He is so strong, and really thinks the game well. There are nights where he overpowers teams. The exciting thing for Dev and the team is we all know there is another level he can get to here in the second half.” (coach Jamie Henderson)
Aiden Atkinson of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, has been a consistent offensive contributor for the Thunderbirds this season, appearing in 27 games and recording nine goals and 20 assists for a total of 29 points, averaging 1.07 points per game. With ten penalty minutes, Atkinson combines skill with discipline, providing reliable play in all situations. His playmaking ability and hockey sense have been key in generating scoring chances and supporting the team’s attack throughout the first half of the season.

Aiden cares a lot and is really driven. We forget sometimes he is only 17 years old with the minutes and responsibility he carries already with this team. It’s not easy to play 20 mins a night as a forward, but he has really excelled in all areas of the game, but similar with Dev we know there is another level we feel he can get to as he hopes to play at a higher level one day. When he plays with an edge, and with pace, he is a real difference maker! (coach Jamie Henderson)

The Soo Thunderbirds are gearing up for a big matchup as they host the Timmins Rock on December 6th at the John Rhodes Centre, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m. Fans can expect a fast, hard-hitting battle as two NOJHL rivals collide, each looking to set the tone as the season heats up. With the Thunderbirds aiming to defend home ice and the Rock coming in hungry for points, this Saturday night showdown promises energy, intensity, and plenty of excitement for hockey fans across Sault Ste. Marie.