NSJHL Drops the Puck on 2025–26 Schedule: Rivalries, Road Trips, and the Final Year of the Two-Year Format

The countdown is on, and the 2025–26 NSJHL regular season promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action from coast to coast — or at least from Bridgewater to Membertou.

The league enters Year 2 of its two-year scheduling arrangement, designed to intensify divisional rivalries and limit interdivisional crossover. The full schedule is due to be announced in the next couple of weeks, giving fans time to plan for what promises to be a thrilling campaign starting Friday, September 12, 2025.

Fred Fox Division: Familiar Foes, New Roads

Each Fred Fox team will face divisional rivals five times this season, ensuring that local tensions stay high and standings remain razor-tight.

East Hants, Colts, and the newly rebranded Windsor Oxen will all travel to Eskasoni and Antigonish for marquee away games. On home ice, they'll host Membertou, Strait, and Pictou.

Meanwhile, Sackville, South Shore, and Brookfield will make the long trip to Membertou, Strait, and Pictou, while enjoying home ice against Antigonish and Eskasoni.

Sid Rowe Division: Six Battles, No Love Lost

Over in the Sid Rowe Division, it’s six games against every divisional opponent, and every shift matters. The deep-rooted rivalries here aren’t just tradition — they’re fuel for war on the ice.

But that’s not all.

Antigonish and Eskasoni will host East Hants, Windsor, and Capstone Colts — three teams built to push the pace and punish mistakes. In return, they'll travel to Sackville, South Shore, and Brookfield, three barns known for hostile atmospheres and passionate crowds.

Pictou County, Strait Pirates, and Membertou Jr. Miners will take the opposite route, welcoming Sackville, South Shore, and Brookfield to town, while hitting the road to face East Hants, Windsor, and Capstone.

“The way this schedule is designed, there’s no off night,” said league president Gerard MacDonald. “Every trip, every matchup, every period matters. That’s what makes the NSJHL special — the competition is real, and the passion is local.”

Fans are encouraged to circle key weekends, follow their team on the road, and gear up for what promises to be the most competitive NSJHL season yet.