The Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League has officially launched its 2026 playoff season, setting the stage for the Soo Thunderbirds in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to compete for the league championship. With the regular season now finished, the tournament brackets are set for the first round of games.
The Soo Thunderbirds will face off against the Blind River Beavers in the quarter-final round of the tournament. This matchup brings together two regional rivals as they begin a best-of-seven series to see who moves forward.
All teams in the league are competing for the right to take home the Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy. The Thunderbirds are regular contenders in the league and are aiming to win the championship title following their performance in the 2025–2026 regular season.
