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Express Win Minor Midget AAA Gold

By Ontario Minor Hockey Association, 03/05/18, 9:00AM EST

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York-Simcoe edges Guelph in thrilling final game


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

The York-Simcoe Express successfully defended home ice to capture the OMHA Minor Midget AAA Championship powered by Under Armour, beating the Guelph Jr. Gryphons 3-1 in the gold medal game.

This marks the third year in a row that this group of Express has won gold, winning in Bantam and Minor Bantam AAA the last two years.

The Oakville Rangers topped the Barrie Jr. Colts in the bronze medal game.

The championship weekend was filled with back and forth action every game and the medal games took until the last matchups in the round robin to be determined.

Congratulations to all five teams on a weekend filled with great hockey!

Final Standings


Preview

The Minor Midget AAA Championship powered by Under Armour field is set and now five teams from across the Ontario Minor Hockey Association will battle it out for the championship crown and the coveted #RedHats. This will be the last chance for players to showcase their talents in the OMHA before the 2018 OHL Priority Selection. The championship weekend takes place March 2-4 at St. Andrew’s College in Aurora.

The five teams will face each other in a round robin. From there, the top two teams will square off in the gold medal game and the third and fourth place teams will play for bronze.

Partners for the OMHA AAA Championships powered by Under Armour include Gatorade, Axe, Muscle MLK and Force.

Below is a breakdown of the competing teams.

Barrie Jr. Colts


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

One of the most consistent teams all year, the Colts have always been a threat to win it all. This group has already been battle-tested in the post-season which will only help them moving forward. They've been a top team all season.

Perhaps the most impressive trait of the Colts that they have displayed lately is the ability to win the one-goal games and stay in every contest the play. This is a crucial trait this time of year and it gives them a shot at a win in every game they play.


Guelph Jr. Gryphons


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

Another team on a hot streak, the Gryphons can light the lamp in a hurry and any team that fails to keep the pace with them can fall behind early. That’s not a spot teams want to find themselves in during the championships.

Guelph has always been in the discussion as one of the top teams in this age group and have proven they can hang in with any opponent they are up against. Teams that underestimate them could be in for a rude awakening.


Oakville Rangers


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

Perhaps the top team all season, the Rangers boast an undefeated record and are bringing that pedigree into the weekend. Led by offensive threats on nearly every line, the Rangers are also solidified on the backend by a strong defensive group and great netminding.

It won’t be easy to score against the Rangers so opposing teams will need to bring all they’ve got against them. There’s a reason that Oakville has been as good as they have all season long and they haven’t shown any signs of slowing down.


Quinte Red Devils


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

Momentum is on their side after winning a winner-take-all to earn the final spot in this championship. They’ve shown all year that they will take opponents to their limit and can win the big games when they count which is a perfect setup for this weekend.

The Red Devils tend to play in low-scoring games but are up against some heavy offensive powers. That being said, a defensive battle could put Quinte right where they want to be.


York-Simcoe Express


Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography

The host team of the championship weekend, the Express didn’t need to use that excuse to earn their spot in the competition. This group is looking to defend their championship after winning it all last year in Bantam.

After an up and down season, the Express are clicking again at the right moment. Now winners of 10 straight games dating back to the regular season, it will be tough to stop this group that boasts three of the top five scorers in their league.



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