The Blizzard Jr. A Hockey Club has a new name and logo.

Well known as the OCN Blizzard since their inception in 1996, the organization has updated its name and logo effective immediately and will now operate as the Northern Manitoba Blizzard.

“We wanted to show the inclusion and unity that we have in the northern region of our province,” said Blizzard co-owner, Rob White.

“I’m originally from Churchill and have close ties with many communities throughout Nor-Man. The Blizzard crest means so much to all of northern Manitoba and it’s so fitting, because, if you’ve ever been in a true northern Manitoba blizzard, you’ll know just how menacing it is.”

Ownership felt the change was necessary to reflect the shift and new direction of the franchise.

“The last few seasons the team felt like it was in limbo. After Opaskwayak sold the team and especially once it moved to be based from the Roy H. Johnston (Arena) in The Pas; it was more evident we needed to show the new direction of the club. However, the Blizzard name is so strong, and invokes such passion and emotion for northern hockey. It felt like this was honouring the essence of the club’s founding,” White said.

Since 1996, the Blizzard have made eight trips to the Turnbull Cup final, winning five straight MJHL championships from 1998 to 2003. During the 2001-02 season, the Blizzard defeated the Kindersley Klippers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to win the Anavet Cup before they would go on to lose in the national final.

Last season, the Blizzard skated to one of their best records in franchise history. Head coach Eric Labrosse was named MJHL Coach of the Year, goaltender Tomas Anderson was named MJHL Goaltender of the Year and the team fought its way to game seven in the second round of the post season.