Lakers heading back on the ice in the fall

Jeff Zehr and his Woodstock Lakers will ice a team this season as part of the Northern Premier Hockey League, playing out of the Metropolitan Conference. (Woodstock Lakers image)

Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Woodstock Lakers senior men’s hockey team took the 2024-25 season off but will be back on the ice in the fall with a familiar face holding the reins.

Tavistock native and current Woodstock resident Jeff Zehr ran the team in the Ontario Super Hockey League (OSHL) for several years out of Plattsville and then Woodstock. Zehr didn’t like the direction the league was going but has agreed to become a part of the growing Northern Premier Hockey League based in Ottawa. The team will play in the Metropolitan Conference.

“Right now the league is at four teams but we are expecting that to multiply rather rapidly. It’s senior hockey, the same level we are used to, pretty much the same players and same teams. We are just joining a league whose values and way of thinking align with ours,” added Zehr, a former first-round draft choice of the New York Islanders.

Three teams – the Strathroy Jets, Tilbury Bluebirds and Alvinston Killer Bees - have decided to leave the OHSL in favour of the NPHL. Like Zehr, League co-owner John Zinck expects more to follow suit.

“100 per cent there will be more teams coming in, probably as soon as this week. A lot of guys want to be involved in what we are doing. The other leagues are kind of stale and haven’t really done anything over the past four years.”

He added the league is based on community, giving back and helping out. All the teams do it, whether they are helping out with minor hockey, donating turkeys at Christmas, raising money for charities, our league is all about giving back and creating a network.”

There is strength in numbers and Zinck made it very clear what the league’s ultimate goal is going forward.

“Our goal for this league is to put senior hockey back on the map in the same category as the East Coast Hockey League and American Hockey League.”

The NPHL bills itself as a senior league with the goal of becoming a semi-professional league that serves as a competitive platform for players across Ontario and Quebec. Established in 2019, it was created to provide a higher level of play for amateur athletes while promoting community engagement through local teams.

The league, which is not affiliated with Hockey Canada, is also connected to TSN, one of Canada’s largest sports networks.

“They do our radio broadcasts every week, and we advertise on the network. They help us out as much as possible,” added Zinck.

Zehr explained what he needs now is people in many shapes and forms.

“If that’s investors, sponsors, volunteers, we have open arms for anyone wanting to get involved with the hockey team.”

Zehr came up with a unique idea recently, launching a scavenger hunt where he is hiding one gift per month somewhere in the city over the next five months. Updates and hints will be posted on the team’s social media channels.

“We want to be known as a community-run team, which we are, but I want bigger and more exposure. I want to be known as a year-round franchise. We have a mascot, Woody, and he should be recognized in the city. We really need to put our Woodstock Lakers name and logo on the map and be recognized.”

Zehr explained the team is valued at approximately $50,000, based on both hard assets and community impact. The figure includes team equipment, uniforms, and annual operational revenue from ticket sales and local sponsorships, which together account for a portion of the value.

“More importantly, our team plays a key role in promoting physical activity, community pride, and youth mentorship in our region. We host events that draw hundreds of attendees, engage with schools and local businesses, and contribute positively to the town’s identity. The $50,000 valuation reflects both our existing assets and the goodwill and brand presence we’ve established in the community, making this a strong investment opportunity for sponsors or funding partners,” he added.

The league has scheduled what it is calling an Outlaw tournament in April of 2026.

“We are going to bring all the teams together in Ottawa and see who really has the best team in Ontario.”

The tournament will feature every team in the league as they compete for the Outlaw Cup and a yet-to-be-determined cash prize.

More information is available on the league website at https://www.nphlhockey.ca/home.