Photo Credit: Kevin Sousa Photography
The annual OHL Cup takes place this week and features 20 of the best U16 AAA teams from across the province. Organized by the Ontario Hockey League, there will be 10 teams from the Ontario Minor Hockey Association competing for a gold medal.
Teams from across the OMHA that are playing include the U16 AAA Champion Peterborough Minor Petes, Southern Tier Admirals, Halton Hurricanes and York-Simcoe Express. The Whitby Wildcats, Barrie Jr. Colts, Burlington Eagles, Ajax-Pickering Raiders, Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs and Central Ontario Wolves will compete in wild card play-in games.
To qualify for the tournament, the top four teams from the OMHA U16 AAA Championships automatically earn spots. The Jr. Bulldogs and Raiders were named as qualifying wild card teams for their finish at Championships while the other four teams were chosen by the Tournament Selection Committee based on performance throughout the 2022-23 season.
The Express won the tournament in 2016 in a thrilling double-overtime victory. Since switching to the U16 age group format in 2003, other OMHA teams to capture the OHL Cup include the Oakville Rangers (2013), Markham Waxers (2006) and York-Simcoe (2004). The Richmond Hill Stars took home a silver medal in 2004.
The action takes place March 28-April 3 at Scotiabank Pond in Toronto. You can find more information about the OHL Cup including the schedule and standings here.
Here is a quick breakdown of each team:
Ajax-Pickering Raiders: The Raiders secured one of the wild card spots by finishing third in their pool during OMHA Championships. They're out to show teams that they're not done yet.
Barrie Jr. Colts: After finishing third in the ETA during the regular season, the Jr. Colts had some bad bounces in the qualifiers that left them at home for Championships. With some time to regain themselves, Barrie is out to show why they finished as highly as they did.
Burlington Eagles: The Eagles gained valuable experience at the Championships and are looking forward to building on that at the OHL Cup.
Central Ontario Wolves: This team is a tough out, and teams should take them lightly at their own risk. They've shown they can hang with any opponent.
Halton Hurricanes: The Hurricanes are no doubt looking to bounce back after a close loss in the semis. The top team in the SCTA all year, they showed why by going undefeated in group play.
Hamilton Jr. Bulldogs: Used to having to battle against the top teams and the OHL Cup will be no different. Are used to winning the pressure games, coming out on top of a play-in to earn their initial spot at Championships.
Peterborough Minor Petes: Proved they are the top U16 AAA team in the OMHA after capturing the gold medal on championship weekend. They are looking to double their hardware by bringing home the OHL Cup as well.
Southern Tier Admirals: After an triple overtime loss in the Championship game, the Admirals are no doubt looking to remove that bitter taste. They've proved why at they are one of the top teams at Championships and are looking to carry that momentum.
Whitby Wildcats: After narrowly missing out on qualifying for the OMHA Championship weekend the Wildcats are eager to prove that they belong in the discussion of being one of the top teams in this age group. They have another shot to do that at the OHL Cup.
York-Simcoe Express: The Express were arguably one of the best teams in the OMHA this season. They will look to rebound from their semi-final loss at the Championships and find their ground again at the OHL Cup.
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