SUDBURY, Ont. – After missing the playoffs last season for the first time in three years, the Espanola Paper Kings are strategizing to formulate a roster that makes a trip to the 2026 postseason in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.
They ended up ninth in the overall standings during the most recent campaign, going 21-27-3-1. They did sport a 14-9-2-1 record on home ice at the Regional Recreation Complex.
Espanola scored the sixth-most goals in league play last season at 183, but their 237 against was the 10th highest allowed in the NOJHL.
Here’s a glance at some of the Paper Kings’ key returning players along with some of the newcomers the club has brought in for this season:
Head coach: Jason Rapcewicz
Home opener: Friday, September 12 vs. Blind River Beavers
7:30 p.m. – Regional Recreation Complex
KEY RETURNEES
Cameron Menard, Centre
DOB: 01/09/2006
Hometown: West Carleton, Ont.
Menard returns to the Paper Kings after spending the second half of last season with the Niagara Falls Canucks (OJHL). In 26 games with Espanola in 2024-25, he was well over a point-per-game performer with 36 on 19 tallies and 17 helpers. His offensive totals were all single-season bests. Menard also earned a spot and played for Team Canada East at the most recent Junior A World Challenge event.
Coaches’ comments: “Cameron is looking to continue where he left off with us last season. He brings experience, leadership and cohesion to our club immediately as well as adding a definite scoring punch.”
Jack Helkie, Goaltender
DOB: 11/01/2006
Hometown: Aurora, Ont.
As a rookie, Helkie made 25 appearances for Espanola, seeing 1,135 minutes of action while posting an overall record of 7-10-0-1. In 11 of his appearances, he made 30, or more, saves in those games.
Coaches’ comments: “The big 19-year-old goaltender is coming back and is ready for the 2025-26 season. The highly motivated individual will bring his competitive edge for another successful season.”
Jason Galante, Right Wing
DOB: 03/11/2006
Hometown: Buffalo, N.Y.
In his first year in the NOJHL, Galante registered 28 points, including 15 goals for the Paper Kings. Two of his markers were shorthanded efforts. He was especially solid in the final 20 games of Espanola’s season where he collected 10 tallies to go along with eight assists.
Coaches’ comments: “The speedy winger truly blossomed in the second half of the season and is looking to continue his development. He has become an offence threat with the team. The quick forward has also become a leader in the dressing room for the younger players.”
NEW TO THE SQUAD
Owen Smith, Centre/Right Wing
DOB: 09/17/2009
Hometown: North Bay, Ont.
Set to be one of the youngest players in the NOJHL this season, the 15-year-old Smith joins the Paper Kings from the North Bay Trappers U16 AAA program. There he tied for the Trappers scoring lead with 44 points in 30 Great North U18 League outings, including a team-high 30 assists. His fife game-winning goals tied for fifth in the GNU18L.
Coaches’ comments: “Owen was a 2025 OHL draft selection of the North Bay Battalion and was a member of Team NOHA at the OHL Cup. We are very excited to see Owen continue his development to one day play with North Bay.”
Joey Coates, Centre
DOB: 02/16/2005
Hometown: Belleville, Ont.
Coates heads to Espanola from the Frankford Huskies (PJCHL) where he amassed 124 points over the past two campaigns, leading his club in offensive production in back-to-back years. 55 of his point totals were goals.
Coaches’ comments: “Joey brings experience and a scoring touch. He averaged two points per game in his league last season. The 20-year-old will also bring a winning atmosphere.”
Logan Vale, Goaltender
DOB: 01/03/2005
Hometown: Belleville, Ont.
The 20-year-old netminder was a member of the Napanee Raiders (PJCHL) in 2024-25 where he was a solid 20-7-1 with a goals-against average of 2.32 and a .916 save percentage, along with four shutouts. Vale tied for fourth in victories in the PJCHL in 1,680 minutes of game action.
Coaches’ comments: “Logan was named the PJCHL’s Tod Division goaltender of the year last season. The 20-year-old goalkeeper brings experience and will be a good tandem with fellow netminder Jack Helkie.”
Photo credit: Bob Davies
