Almaguin Spartans

04/04/2026

We’re excited to introduce our Billet Coordinators, Emily and Glenda!

Glenda has been a long-time supporter of the Spartans and has generously served as a billet for almost ten years, showing incredible dedication to our players and program. Alongside Emily, they will play a key role in helping our athletes feel at home this season by connecting them with amazing host families and creating a supportive, welcoming environment off the ice.

This role is such an important part of building the heart and culture of our team, and we’re truly grateful to have both Emily and Glenda leading the way.

Interested in becoming a billet family? Stay tuned, we’ll be sharing more details soon!

Welcome to the team, Emily and Glenda! 💚

03/30/2026

We’re excited to officially welcome Nikita Pecheritcyn back to the Spartans, this time behind the bench!

Nikita is no stranger to our organization, having previously worn the Spartans jersey during his playing career. Now, he returns in a new role as a member of our coaching staff, bringing his journey full circle.

With a wealth of international hockey experience, Nikita has developed and competed across respected programs throughout Europe and North America, including SKA Saint Petersburg Youth, Dynamo Saint Petersburg Youth, Buldogi Saint Petersburg U17, HC Vipers U18, HC Everest, HC Atlanta Capitals, HC Gümüş Patenler, the Spartans, Port Huron Prowlers, and Notre Dame Hawks.

His playing career reflects a deep commitment to high-performance hockey and player development, shaped by experience within multiple elite systems around the world.Nikita has also trained under top-tier development coaches with experience across the NHL, KHL, and numerous championship teams, including Igor Lazarev and Maxim Ivanov. This mentorship has helped shape Nikita’s modern, detail-focused approach to skill development and performance.

Now stepping into coaching, Nikita brings that same passion, knowledge, and professionalism back to the Spartans organization and is focused on developing the next generation.

Welcome home, Nikita! 🟢⚪️

03/26/2026

The Almaguin Spartans are excited to host their first ID Skate for the upcoming 2026 - 2027 season. All registered players will participate in both on ice skill assessments and scrimmages.

If you’re interested in participating please register in the link posted in the comments and our team will reach out to you.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the Ice!

03/24/2026

The Almaguin Spartans are proud to announce our return to the ice for the 2026-2027 GMHL season!

While we may have been quiet on social media over the past season, behind the scenes we have been working diligently to build a strong foundation assembling a well structured organization that is set up for long term success all while staying true to our community first approach.

Over the next few days, we will be announcing key staff signings that reflect our commitment to developing a competitive Junior A program and delivering an exciting brand of hockey that the Almaguin region can be proud of.

We cannot wait to reconnect with our fans and bring Spartans hockey back to where it belongs.

Stay tuned this is just the beginning. 💚

01/19/2026

Announcement for all power skating participants. Tonight’s Power Skating sessions are cancelled due to the weather conditions and highway closure. This missed session will be made up Monday March 9th.

11/24/2025

Spartans Winter Skills!!!

The Almaguin Spartans are excited to announce another 8 week development program with Head Instructor Myles Pepin starting January 5th. This program will run every Monday evening at the Sundridge Strong Joly Arena for 8 weeks (excluding the Family Day Monday). The program is for skaters 6-13 years of age and will focus on skating, while also touching on passing, stick handling and shooting.

Cost: $160 per participant, $140 for multi family children

Contact us at [email protected] to register your child for the program.

09/26/2025

The Almaguin Spartans are excited to announce the return of our youth development programming for another season. Our fall power skating program will be led by renowned power skating instructor Myles Pepin.

This program is 8 weeks in duration and runs on Monday nights at the Sundridge Strong Joly Arena beginning October 20th.

Register today at [email protected]

08/06/2025

Brad Gilson Acquires Majority Ownership of Almaguin Spartans

The Almaguin Spartans proudly announce that Brad Gilson, a lifelong South River resident and long-standing supporter of the organization, has officially acquired majority ownership of the Junior A hockey club. A familiar and respected name in the Almaguin Highlands, Gilson’s leadership signals a new era of hometown pride, purpose, and passion for the Spartans.

Due to the timing of the sale, the Spartans will delay their return to the ice until the 2026–2027 season, allowing for a thoughtful rebuild and a renewed commitment to excellence both on and off the ice.

Brad Gilson has been part of the Spartans family for nearly a decade, having billeted players for over eight years, providing a home away from home for young athletes. At a time when billet housing was scarce, Brad and his family stepped up, opening their doors to more than nine players, many of whom returned throughout their Junior A careers thanks to the strong foundation built under his roof.

As part of this new chapter, the Spartans have signed a lease agreement with the Sundridge Strong Joly Arena, which will continue to serve as the official home for the team. The central location ensures accessibility for fans across the region and reaffirms the organization’s dedication to the broader Almaguin community.

To begin shaping the team’s return, the Spartans are pleased to announce early staff commitments from several key contributors who will help guide the vision and operations of the organization:
• Nikita Pecheritsyn
• Bryan Austin
• Shea Cooper
• Myles Pepin
• Gustavs Stikans

Each brings valuable experience, leadership, and a shared belief in building a strong, sustainable Junior A program rooted in community values.

Additionally, the organization has retained the Spartans’ former General Manager, David Forde, as a Senior Advisor, ensuring continuity and leveraging his past successes to inform the club’s next phase of growth.

Under Gilson’s ownership, the Spartans will focus on community engagement, youth development, and bringing entertaining, competitive Junior A hockey back to the Almaguin region in a way that reflects its values and its people.

For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
🌐 spartanshockey.ca

05/22/2025

2025 Draft Results

Last night the Spartans participated in the 20th Annual GMHL Entry Draft. The Spartans made a total of 11 selections and acquired 2 picks in next year’s draft. The Spartans selected players from 4 different countries. Some of these players will be in the Spartans line up this season and the Spartans are hopeful that others will join the club in future seasons.

04/09/2025

Spartans Return for the 2025-2026 GMHL Season

The Almaguin Spartans are thrilled to announce that they will be returning to GMHL play for 2025-2026 season. This is great news for the entire Almaguin region. Spartan's home games have been a staple in the Almaguin region since 2014 and have provided exciting entertainment and a place for residents of all ages to gather on a weekly basis. We look forward to being able to have that excitement and weekly event return to the community and welcome back all of our great fans. Since entering the league, the Spartans have always been in the top 5 for attendance. Without that level of support, Junior Hockey is not possible in Almaguin. The team has experienced some incredible success over the years, with the biggest moment coming in 2018 when the club won the North Division Regular Season and Russell Cup Playoff Title.

Exciting news and changes will be announced over the coming weeks. The biggest change is that that team will have a new ownership group, which will be formally announced later this month with a press conference and a full media release. The new ownership group is committed to icing a highly competitive team, continuing to build on the strong organization and reputation that has been built over the last 11 years and are committed to being heavily involved in the Almaguin community. This group has put together a great plan and the financial and time investment to make the team successful on and off the ice.

Other announcements that fans can expect over the next month are player signing announcements as the Spartans have already signed 6 players, returning staff, new staff hires and new promotions for the upcoming season. The Spartans will continue to run our youth development programming which includes our 8-session summer skills program, 8-session fall power skating program, 8-session winter skills program and our high-performance small group program which runs for 20 sessions.

For anyone looking for further information on how to get involved with the Spartans as player, volunteer, billet or sponsor, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]

The Almaguin Spartans Junior "A" Hockey Club is proud member of the GMHL. The Spartans began in 2014 and have experienced incredible success since their inception. 2016 North Division Champions, 2018 Regular Season Champions and 2018 Russell Cup Champions

03/18/2025

Spartans Summer Development Program

The Almaguin Spartans are excited to offer our Annual 8 week summer development program. The program will run on Wednesday's at the Burks Falls Arena (with the exception of one Thursday). This program is great for players looking to improve or keep up with their skills over the summer and be prepared for September try outs.

Group #1 is 5:00-6:00 PM and is for 9 and Under
Group #2 is 6:00-7:00 PM and is for 10 and Under

To register your child for the program or for additional information, contact us at [email protected]