The 2024-2025 Eastern Ontario Super Hockey League will see a significant change with new teams, new divisions and new owners. League founder Mitch Gagne has stepped away to take care of his mother who is battling Alzheimer’s disease. Ottawa businessmen Jon Zinck and Joshua Rowlands are now at the helm.
Also the new season will see some new teams gunning for the league title. The Lindsay Barncats and Westport Lumberjacks will join the teams in the west this year while Cornwall has moved to become the Manotick Mariners. Also new divisions have been announced. The east and west will see two divisions. The east will feature the Capital and Seaway divisions and the west will be split into the Lakes and Highlands divisions.
Defending league champion Gananoque Islanders will be part of the Lakes Division and will hold their first game of the year this Friday, as they take on the Frontenac Phantoms. The Islanders will play their first home game of the new year on October 5th against the Madawaska Valley Wolves at the Lou Jeffries Arena.
Division Names and Justification
Division Names
Capital Division (East A)
Teams:
Arnprior Rivermen
Bytown Royals
Manotick Mariners
Paugan Falls Rapids
Seaway Division (East B)
Teams:
North Dundas Rockets
Glengarry Pipers
South Grenville Rangers
South Stormont Mustangs
Lakes Division (West A)
Teams:
Frontenac Phantoms
Gananoque Islanders
Smiths Falls Rideaus
Westport Lumberjacks
Highlands Division (West B)
Teams:
Deseronto Bulldogs
Lindsay Barncats
Madawaska Valley Wolves
Tweed Oil Kings
Justification
Capital Division:
This division name reflects the proximity of the teams to Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. The region is known for its vibrant hockey culture and historical significance, making “Capital Division” a fitting name.
Seaway Division:
Named after the St. Lawrence Seaway, which is a significant waterway in the region. This name highlights the geographical and historical importance of the Seaway to the communities along its path.
Lakes Division:
This name is inspired by the numerous lakes in the region, particularly the Rideau Canal and the Thousand Islands area. The teams in this division are located near these water bodies, making “Lakes Division” an appropriate choice.
Highlands Division:
This division covers teams in areas known for their highlands and scenic landscapes, such as the Madawaska Highlands and the areas around Tweed and Lindsay. The name reflects the natural beauty and rugged terrain of the region.
(By: Tim Baltz)
