By Total Sports Quinte | November 12, 2026
Expansion franchise quickly establishes itself as a contender in the GMHL
BRIGHTON, ON – November 12, 2026
The Brighton Vikings aren’t wasting any time making their mark on junior hockey in the Quinte region.
In their first season competing in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL), the expansion franchise has quickly emerged as one of the league’s most impressive teams, putting together an outstanding 13-1 record through its first 14 games.
With 26 points, Brighton currently sits second in the South Division, trailing only the undefeated Northumberland Stars. The Vikings have also established themselves as one of the league’s most productive offensive teams, finding the back of the net 113 times while allowing just 36 goals.
For a first-year organization, those numbers speak volumes.
A NEW ERA OF JUNIOR HOCKEY IN BRIGHTON
The arrival of the Vikings marked an exciting new chapter for the Brighton hockey community, bringing Junior A hockey back to the municipality and giving local fans another team to rally behind.
Under the leadership of team owner and president Tony Iezzi and head coach Dennis Sicard, the organization has worked to establish a competitive program built around player development, accountability and opportunity.
The team’s home at the newly upgraded King Edward Park Arena has also provided an exciting setting for the franchise’s launch, complete with its distinctive black and Vegas gold colours and a new Vikings logo at centre ice.
The excitement was evident right from opening weekend.
Brighton began its inaugural campaign on September 25 with a convincing 6-3 victory over the Orangeville Blitz. The Vikings followed that performance with a 5-4 win the following night, completing a perfect opening weekend and giving the organization its first two victories in franchise history.
What followed has been an impressive run of success.
OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER LEADING THE WAY
The Vikings have demonstrated that they can score goals in bunches, averaging more than eight goals per game through their first 14 contests.
Leading the offensive charge is Yenri Jibb, who has been nothing short of spectacular. Through 14 games, Jibb has recorded 30 goals and 25 assists for 55 points, establishing himself as the team’s leading scorer.
Matvei Belyanin has been equally dangerous, contributing 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points.
The two have formed a formidable offensive combination, while Timofei Ergardt has added another 30 points with 14 goals and 16 assists.
Lazarus Constant has also made a significant contribution, recording five goals and 25 assists in just 10 appearances.
Other key contributors include Waylon Morris with 23 points and Vitali Letunov with 21.
The scoring depth has been an important part of Brighton’s early success, with contributions coming throughout the lineup rather than relying on a single offensive threat.
STRONG DEFENCE COMPLETES THE PICTURE
While the offensive numbers have attracted attention, the Vikings’ defensive performance has been just as important.
Brighton has allowed only 36 goals in 14 games, placing the team among the league’s strongest defensive clubs.
The goaltending group has also provided consistency, with Yaroslav Gurenkov, Kahne Bettison and Matvei Spichev all contributing between the pipes.
Gurenkov has recorded a .917 save percentage through six appearances, while Bettison has posted a .926 save percentage and Spichev a .924.
That combination of offensive production and dependable goaltending has made Brighton a difficult opponent for teams across the league.
BUILDING MOMENTUM THROUGH NOVEMBER
The Vikings continued their strong November performance with convincing victories over Richmond Hill, Durham and Toronto.
Brighton opened the stretch with a 14-4 win over Richmond Hill on October 31, followed by an 11-2 road victory against Durham on November 2.
The team then travelled to Toronto on November 7, returning home with an impressive 10-2 decision over the Flyers.
In that game, Jibb led the way with two goals and two assists, while Belyanin and Morris each contributed four-point performances.
The three consecutive victories helped extend Brighton’s winning streak to four games and solidified its position near the top of the South Division standings.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Although the Vikings have enjoyed an outstanding start, the competition is only going to become more interesting as the season progresses.
The Northumberland Stars currently occupy first place in the South Division with an undefeated record, making the battle between the two Northumberland County-area clubs one of the most intriguing storylines in the league.
Brighton will have an opportunity to make another statement when the teams meet in their upcoming November 20 matchup in Colborne.
Before that, the Vikings return home to King Edward Park Arena on Saturday, November 14, to host the Richmond Hill Rampage.
With a talented roster, impressive offensive depth and a community beginning to embrace its newest hockey team, Brighton has given its fans plenty of reasons to be excited about the future.
For an expansion franchise in its first year, the Vikings have already accomplished something special.
And if their opening 14 games are any indication, Brighton may be a team to watch as the race for the GMHL championship begins to take shape.
Total Sports Quinte will continue following the Brighton Vikings throughout the 2026-27 season.