The Elliot Lake Vikings franchise remained on an indefinite leave of absence due to the protracted closure of Rogers Arena, the team's official home in Elliot Lake. The team was forced to vacate the building, which is owned by the City of Elliot Lake, due to "structural concerns" at the beginning of the 2023–24 season. As a temporary solution, the team relocated to the Massey and District Community Centre some 45 miles (72 km) away in Blind River. In December 2024, after the Elliot Lake city council delayed the reopening of its arena until the 2025–26 season, the league placed the Vikings on leave for the rest of the 2024–25 season. In May 2025, the Vikings extended its leave of absence through the 2025–26 season. League commissioner, Robert Mazzuca, stated "We just don't know when the club will be able to resume activities as they wait for news on the status of their arena." On 19 March 2026, the NOJHL announced the Vikings' immediate reinstatement and expected return for the 2026–27 NOJHL season.
The league debuted a new logo that was designed by Paul Ainsworth, a graphic designer and NOJHL alumnus.
The regular season ran from 11 September 2025 through 15 March 2026. Each team played 52 games, including 25 at home, 25 away and two as part of the annual NOJHL showcase, which was held 7–8 October at the Gerry McCrory Countryside Sports Complex in Sudbury. The top eight teams advanced to the playoffs.
Rank
Team
GP
W
L
T
OTL
Pts
1
Greater Sudbury Cubs
52
39
8
3
2
83
2
Powassan Voodoos
52
36
13
1
2
75
3
Hearst Lumberjacks
52
36
13
0
3
75
4
Timmins Rock
52
34
14
0
4
72
5
Soo Thunderbirds
52
32
15
3
2
69
6
Espanola Paper Kings
52
27
21
1
3
58
7
Soo Eagles
52
23
26
2
1
49
8
Kirkland Lake Gold Miners
52
17
28
0
7
41
9
Blind River Beavers
52
17
31
0
4
38
10
Iroquois Falls Storm
52
15
32
2
3
35
11
French River Rapids
52
4
46
0
2
10
Copeland Cup – McNamara Trophy
8
Greater Sudbury Cubs
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2026 NOJHL playoffs
The top 8 teams in the regular season advanced to the playoffs. Each round of the playoffs is a single-elimination best-of-seven series.
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