Greater Sudbury Cubs Forfeit NOJHL Franchise

It is now confirmed that Greater Sudbury will not have a team in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL) for the 2026–27 season. The Greater Sudbury Cubs, operated by 2601202 Ontario Ltd. and owned by Mark and Connor Burgess, announced on July 16, 2026, that they have voluntarily forfeited and self‑terminated their NOJHL franchise, returning their membership to the league effective immediately. The decision by the three‑time reigning NOJHL champions sent shockwaves throughout the junior hockey community.

In a statement, the Burgess‑owned organization emphasized that this was a voluntary move and not one requested by the league. The Cubs cited a changing Tier 2 junior hockey landscape, increased player movement to other leagues for greater exposure, heavy recruitment demands, and rising operating costs as reasons for their decision. They also indicated that they intend to explore opportunities in other men’s and women’s junior leagues beginning as early as the 2026–27 season, while continuing to support minor and local hockey in Sudbury.

NOJHL commissioner Rob Mazzuca responded by confirming that the league will move forward without a Sudbury entry for 2026–27. With the Cubs’ departure, the NOJHL schedule now proceeds without a Nickel City franchise, but the league continues to operate with multiple clubs in communities such as Blind River, Elliot Lake, Espanola, French River, Hearst, Iroquois Falls, Kirkland Lake, Powassan, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Losing a successful team from a larger market is a short‑term setback, but the league’s overall membership and structure remain intact.

Personally, I have known and respected Mark Burgess for more than 30 years, dating back to when he took over ownership of the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League from his late father, Ken. Over that time, we have maintained a straightforward, supportive relationship and have always been upfront with one another. That history makes the decision by the Burgess family and their company to leave the NOJHL notable, even as the league continues on without them.

The Burgess family’s exit from the NOJHL is clearly significant, but it is not a death knell for the league. The NOJHL remains on solid footing with its existing teams and has shown an ability over the years to adapt to franchise changes, relocations and market shifts. While Sudbury will not be represented in the NOJHL for the 2026–27 season, it is reasonable to think the league could attract a new ownership group to reintroduce a team in the Nickel City in a future campaign if suitable conditions emerge.

It is unfortunate that the NOJHL will not have a Sudbury team for 2026–27, particularly given the Cubs’ recent on‑ice success and fan support. However, the long‑term impact on the league is likely to be limited, as most of its markets are stable and have established local support. The NOJHL has navigated previous challenges and “storms” and has continued to operate and grow despite changes in its lineup of teams.

There is also continuity in league leadership. Commissioner Rob Mazzuca, born and raised in Sudbury and still residing there, has led the NOJHL for more than a decade and will begin his 16th season in the role in 2026–27. Mazzuca has served as Chair of the Board of the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) since 2021, underscoring his broader role in junior hockey governance. Under his direction, the NOJHL has expanded from a smaller membership to its current size and has withstood multiple economic and structural pressures.

So yes, there will be no Sudbury team in the NOJHL for 2026–27, and yes, that is a blow in the short term. But based on the league’s track record and stability, this setback should pass as previous ones have, and the league will continue to operate while the broader junior hockey landscape in Sudbury and northern Ontario evolves. As the NOJHL and its supporters say goodbye to the Greater Sudbury Cubs, the focus now shifts to how both the league and the Burgess organization will shape their next chapters in the years ahead.