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Best Hockey Moments of 2016

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 12/31/16, 9:30AM EST

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Remembering the best moments from the hockey world this year

As the calendar gets ready to turn to 2017, there are many great moments to remember in the hockey world from this past year. Across all levels of hockey there are events that stand out that are worth revisiting and enjoying for a second time. We have complied a list of some of our favourite hockey memories from 2016 below.

Crosby wins another Stanley Cup

One of the greatest players and ambassadors of his generation, Sidney Crosby added a second Stanley Cup to his resume after his Pittsburgh Penguins topped the San Jose Sharks in the finals. A mid-season coaching change sparked the team up the standings and the Penguins never looked back, capturing their first championship since 2009. How many more does ‘Sid the Kid’ have in store?

York-Simcoe Express win the OHL Cup

It was a banner year for the York-Simcoe Express Minor Midget AAA team, winning the OMHA Championships, Silver Stick and the OHL Cup. Rhys Forhan scored both goals in the overtime victory as the Express were crowned the best Minor Midget team in the province.

Launch of Home Ice

This year the OMHA proudly launched a new video web series called Home Ice powered by Under Armour which follows the lives of the Whitby Wildcats Minor Midget AAA team on and off of the ice. Each episode provides a new perspective on how the players handle the balance between hockey, school, family and other off-ice responsibilities.

Celebration of #RedHats

Every team battles all season long to secure their spot in Playdowns for the shot at the coveted #RedHats. There were 95 champions that were victorious in the end, each rewarded with a team trophy and Red Hats to mark their championship victories.

Grads selected in OHL and NHL Drafts

The OMHA continued its tradition of developing players for the next levels of hockey by having five players chosen in the first round of the OHL Draft and 86 players selected overall. In the NHL Draft, there were 15 players drafted by teams. We wish all of our graduates the best of luck in their futures on and off the ice.

Canada wins the World Cup of Hockey

The World Cup of Hockey made its return to the hockey world and Team Canada put together another strong effort to secure a championship in front of the home crowd. Led by a team that featured OMHA grads like Matt Duchene, Corey Perry and Steven Stamkos, the team never lost in the tournament and was punctuated it with a two-game sweep over Team Europe in the finals.

Auston Matthews drafted first overall by Leafs, has incredible debut

The Toronto Maple Leafs won the draft lottery, selecting forward Auston Matthews first overall and the rookie lived up to the hype immediately, scoring four goals in his NHL debut. Matthews continues to have a strong season as the franchise celebrates its centennial year in the league.

OMHA Essay Contest

With over 200 essays submitted, the OMHA Essay Contest continued to have a strong showing in participation. Lawson McCann of Brighton Minor Hockey won the top prize of Leafs tickets after describing the lessons he’s learned from hockey. The contest just launched for a third year with a chance at a Pro Hockey Life shopping spree up for grabs to the winner.

Respect Video created by the OMHA

‘Respect in Hockey’ is a concept that receives considerable attention in both minor hockey and in community sport. The OMHA released the Respect in Hockey video in an effort to re-emphasize the importance of fairness, integrity and mutual respect so that these standards will continue to be held in the highest regard.

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