Three Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) veterans will be taking the next step in their hockey journeys this fall, each committing to collegiate-level programs in the U.S. and Canada after successful junior careers.
Timmins Rock’s Elijah Pool commits to Temple University
Timmins Rock defenceman Elijah Pool is set to join Temple University’s American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while pursuing his post-secondary education.
The 20-year-old St. Albert, Alta., native leaves behind a two-year NOJHL career that saw him suit up in 87 regular season games and 18 playoff contests for Timmins. A dependable stay-at-home defender, Pool also contributed offensively with 34 points (1 goal, 33 assists) across 105 games.
Notably, the Rock posted a perfect 14-0 record in 2024-25 when Pool recorded at least one point. He also led the team in penalty minutes with 60 that season, after ranking second the year prior with 58.
Temple University’s ACHA D-I team competes in the nine-school Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA).
Espanola’s Connor Hatfield heads West to Logan Lake Miners
Espanola Paper Kings goaltender Connor Hatfield will continue his academic and athletic pursuits in British Columbia, joining the Logan Lake Miners of the British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League (BCIHL).
The 20-year-old from Saskatoon, Sask., split his 2024-25 NOJHL season between Espanola and the Iroquois Falls Storm, appearing in 11 games. Over his two-year junior career, Hatfield also spent time with the Soo Thunderbirds and played in a total of 42 games, logging 2,280 minutes — the sixth-most among all NOJHL goaltenders over the past two seasons.
Hatfield faced the third-most shots league-wide in that span with 1,627 pucks directed his way.
“Thanks to the Paper Kings and my teammates for giving me a great home to end my junior career,” Hatfield said to the NOJHL in a recent interview. “I’m super excited for the journey ahead and this league helped me prepare for success.”
The Miners program features student-athletes from Thompson Rivers University and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology, playing out of the Recreation Centre in Logan Lake, B.C.
Paper Kings’ Jack Anderson to join Oakland University
Also heading stateside is Espanola Paper Kings forward Jack Anderson, who has committed to Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where he’ll skate for the Golden Grizzlies’ ACHA Division I team.
The Waterford, Mich., native had a breakout year in 2024-25, finishing second in team scoring with 45 points on 19 goals and 26 assists — all career highs. His offensive production included six power-play goals, one shorthanded tally, and two game-winners.
Anderson, 20, saw a 27-point improvement over his rookie season with the Timmins Rock in 2023-24. Over 95 career NOJHL games, he amassed 29 goals and 34 assists for 63 points.
“Having the opportunity to play in the NOJHL for the past two seasons was an exceptional experience,” Anderson said to the NOJHL in a recent interview. “I credit the development I made on and off the ice to the strong relationships I made with my teammates, coaches, billets, and staff.”
Paper Kings general manager Marc Gagnon praised Anderson’s leadership: “Jack worked very hard during his time with the Paper Kings, and in the league. He was a leader on and off the ice. We wish him continued success at the next level.”
Oakland competes in the seven-team Great Lakes Collegiate Hockey League within the ACHA D-I conference.
With commitments to programs in the ACHA and BCIHL, Pool, Hatfield, and Anderson continue the NOJHL’s strong tradition of preparing players for the collegiate level — both on the ice and in the classroom.