With 28 weeks in the books since the puck dropped on September 11, the 2026 NOJHL season is rapidly approaching its most intense stretch, as the league heads toward February 27 with the postseason picture nearly set. Seven teams have officially clinched playoff positions, while the eighth and final spot remains hotly contested, setting the stage for a dramatic finish to the regular season.
Sitting atop the standings are the Sudbury Cubs, who have once again established themselves as the league’s benchmark. Through 45 games, the Cubs have compiled an impressive 35–6–2–2 record for 74 points, leading the league in both wins and goal production with 259 goals scored, while allowing just 102 against. After finishing first at the end of the 2025 season and being crowned league champions, Sudbury enters the 2026 postseason as the team to beat.
Right behind them are the Hearst Lumberjacks, who have maintained their place among the elite following a second-place finish in 2025. The Lumberjacks have earned 69 points in 44 games on the strength of 33 wins and a balanced attack that has produced 221 goals. Their physical style of play is reflected in their 570 penalty minutes, making them a difficult matchup as the playoffs approach.
The Timmins Rock have climbed the standings this season, moving up from fourth in 2025 to third overall in 2026. With 31 wins and 65 points in 46 games, Timmins has combined offensive depth with timely scoring, posting 218 goals for while allowing 134 against. Their six overtime wins highlight a team comfortable in tight, playoff-style games.
One of the biggest jumps in the standings belongs to the Powassan Voodoos, who have surged from a seventh-place finish last season to fourth overall. The Voodoos sit at 63 points with 30 wins in 45 games, boasting a strong goal differential with 218 goals scored and just 130 conceded. Their disciplined play, shown by 457 penalty minutes, could be a key factor in a long playoff run.
Rounding out the top five are the Soo Thunderbirds, who have taken another step forward after finishing sixth in 2025. The Thunderbirds have collected 58 points in 45 games, pairing solid team defense with timely offense, allowing only 137 goals against. As a team built on structure and consistency, they remain a dangerous opponent in a best-of-seven format.
The Espanola Paper Kings currently hold sixth place with 52 points through 46 games. Known for their physical edge, the Paper Kings lead the league in penalty minutes at 755, while still finding ways to score with 192 goals on the season. Their ability to manage discipline could play a major role once the playoffs begin.
Claiming the seventh and second last spot are the Soo Eagles, who have secured 45 points in 46 games. After finishing fifth a year ago, the Eagles have battled through a competitive season, scoring 169 goals while giving up 176. With playoff experience in their lineup, they remain a team no opponent will overlook.
The race for the eighth and final playoff position remains wide open, who is the dark horse to take the eighth position for the 2026 postseason. The Kirkland Lake Gold Miners currently hold the inside track with 36 points, but face pressure from the Blind River Beavers and the Iroquois Falls Storm. Blind River, last season’s third-place team, has endured a difficult campaign, while Iroquois Falls continues to battle despite sitting near the bottom of the standings.
As the NOJHL heads into the final weeks of the regular season, the playoff matchups are beginning to take shape, but with one spot still undecided, urgency and intensity will define every remaining game. With momentum, rivalries, and postseason positioning all on the line, the road to the 2026 NOJHL championship is officially underway.
