2025-26 Season Preview: Thunderwolves Hockey
The Lakehead Thunderwolves enter the 2025-26 campaign with high expectations, building on one of the most consistent three-year stretches in recent history. After falling one-win shy of a Queen’s Cup and U SPORTS Nationals berth in 2022-23, securing a top-four seed in 2023-24, and advancing to the second round of the playoffs last spring, the Wolves are poised to once again be a contender in the OUA West.
New Leadership, Same Identity
While the program bids farewell to key graduating veterans in Spencer Blackwell, Joe Mack, Ben Badalamenti, and the Massie brothers, Dylan and Noah, the Thunderwolves remain deep, experienced, and hungry. Leading the charge is newly named captain Josh Van Unen, the 2022-23 OUA Rookie of the Year, who brings a blend of skill, two-way responsibility, and leadership to a lineup that continues to evolve.
Van Unen is supported by an experienced forward corps, including proven producers Olivier Pouliot, Nick DeGrazia, Keighan Gerrie, and Malte Hasselgren. Their ability to create offense in key moments will be central to Lakehead’s attack this season.
Backbone on the Blue Line and in Net
The Thunderwolves also boast stability on the back end with returning defensemen Liam Whittaker and Wil Murphy, while the goaltending tandem of Christian Cicigoi and Carson Cherepak gives Lakehead one of the most reliable one-two punches in the conference.
The new-look defensive unit will also feature impact recruits, highlighted by Naaman Hofer, the reigning MJHL Defenseman of the Year, and Marko Stojkov, who arrives after a strong BCHL season in Sherwood Park. The Wolves suffered a setback with the loss of Tait Ross to a season-ending training camp injury, but the group remains confident in its ability to handle heavy minutes.
Fresh Faces Up Front
Lakehead’s incoming class of forwards adds depth and promise to an already skilled roster. Dalton MacGillivray, Caden Drury, Josh Lehto, and Luke Janus are set to push for immediate ice time, while Austin Peters and Zane Rowan are expected to join the lineup closer to November as they recover from early injuries.
October Sets the Tone
The Thunderwolves will be tested early, opening the season with a heavy October schedule that features seven home games at Fort William Gardens. With their home slate wrapping up by November 1, the Wolves will look to capitalize on early-season energy from their fans and establish momentum before the grind of the second half.
Looking Ahead
With an established core, promising newcomers, and a culture built on hard work and accountability, the Thunderwolves once again find themselves in the mix among the OUA’s elite. The road to the Queen’s Cup is never easy, but this year’s group is determined to take the next step in the program’s championship pursuit.