The NOHA Show is your inside look at minor hockey in Northern Ontario.
Hosted by the Northern Ontario Hockey Association’s Executive Director Jason Marchand and Director of Hockey Operations Jacob Brown, the show explores everything that shapes the game in the North.
From player development and coaching support to officiating, parent education, and growing the game at every level, this podcast goes beyond the rink boards.
You’ll hear honest conversations about the challenges facing minor hockey today, the work happening behind the scenes, and the programs designed to support athletes, volunteers, and families.
The show also features interviews with players, coaches, and hockey leaders who share their journeys and insights, including those who have advanced to the highest levels of the sport.
Rooted in community and driven by development, The NOHA Show celebrates the passion, pride, and unique hockey culture of Northern Ontario while working to make the game stronger for the next generation.
Episode 1
In this debut edition, Director of Hockey Operations Jacob Brown and Executive Director Jason Marchand dive into what development really means in Northern Ontario hockey.
It goes far beyond skating drills and scoring goals. From first shifts and late entry into the game, to supporting coaches, volunteers, and officials, this episode explores how the NOHA is working behind the scenes to grow and protect the game across the North
A major highlight of the episode is a special interview with NHL forward Justin Brazeau of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Justin reflects on growing up in Northern Ontario, staying home to develop, overcoming adversity, and why having fun as a kid was the foundation of his journey to the NHL.
This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead. Honest conversations about minor hockey, real challenges, real solutions, and real pride in playing the game in Northern Ontario.
The Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), in collaboration with its four Ontario Minor Hockey Members, has received approval from Hockey Canada to continue and refine the Under-9 (U9) Full-Ice Hockey pilot for an additional two-year period.
This approval reinforces a structured, evidence-informed approach to player development — one that balances long-term athlete development principles with operational realities across Ontario’s minor hockey system.
The pilot applies exclusively to U9 Minor Development (MD) or Select teams — the highest tier within each Member.
U9 MD / Select (Highest Tier) Programming
Under the approved framework:
· U9 MD or Select teams will participate in full-ice play following a defined development phase.
· The total number of approved MD/Select teams will remain consistent with the 2025–2026 pilot season, with no expansion at this time.
· Playing up continues to be governed by the OHF “Playing Up for Players 8 and Under” Policy. All eligibility and approval requirements remain in effect.
· Within NOHA, the Nipissing District Hockey League will continue its additional pilot, maintaining modified ice for U7 and U8 participants for the full season, while U9 teams transition in alignment with the established October timeline.
For full seasonal calendar details specific to MD/Select teams, please refer to Appendix A: U9 Seasonal Calendar – MD and Select.
All Other U9 Categories
All other U9 teams will continue within the established half-ice development pathway, with an identified transition point to full-ice programming later in the season.
For complete scheduling and programming details, please refer to Appendix B: U9 Seasonal Calendar.
A Unified Provincial Approach
This staggered, skill-based transition model allows the OHF and its Members to continue assessing
developmental outcomes while preserving the foundational principles of Hockey Canada’s long-term development philosophy.
The 2026–2027 framework reflects a unified, collaborative approach across Ontario — ensuring transparency, consistency, and alignment in how U9 programming is delivered throughout the province.
Appendix A and Appendix B are attached for full seasonal calendar details.
North Bay, ON — The Northern Ontario Hockey Association (NOHA) is proud to officially announce the roster for Team NOHA set to compete at the prestigious OHL Cup, taking place March 30–April 4, 2026, at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto.
The selected players represent the top talent from across Northern Ontario and have undergone an extensive evaluation process that began in August 2025. Throughout the season, athletes were consistently monitored and assessed by NOHA evaluators to ensure a comprehensive and fair selection process.
Prospects had the opportunity to showcase their skills at two regional showcase events, competing against elite peers while demonstrating their commitment, development, and performance under pressure. The evaluation phase concluded with a final selection camp, where players competed at a high level before the final roster was determined.
“The depth of talent across Northern Ontario continues to grow each year,” said NOHA President, Steve Lawrence. “The players selected for Team NOHA have earned this opportunity through dedication, performance, and character. We are excited to see them represent our region on this stage.”
The OHL Cup is widely regarded as one of Ontario’s premier minor hockey events, drawing top U16 talent from across the province and providing significant exposure to scouts and organizations at the next level.
Team NOHA will look to build on its strong regional identity and compete with pride as it represents Northern Ontario against the province’s best.
For more information, please contact:
NOHA Director of Hockey Operations – Jacob Brown
