The annual OHL Cup takes place next week and features 20 of the best U16 AAA teams from across the province. Organized by the Ontario Hockey League, there will be seven 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 Barrie Jr. Colts, the Peterborough Minor Petes, Oakville Rangers and Oshawa Generals. The Niagara North Stars, York-Simcoe Express and Halton Hurricanes 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 North Stars were named as a qualifying wild card team for their finish at Championships while the Express and Hurricanes and  were chosen by the Tournament Selection Committee based on performance throughout the 2023-24 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 25-30 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:

Barrie Jr. Colts: 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.

Halton Hurricanes: The Hurricanes were one of the top teams in the West for a reason, and they will look to rebound from their Championships result and find their ground again at the OHL Cup.

Niagara North Stars: The North Stars gained valuable experience at the Championships and are looking forward to building on that at the OHL Cup.

Oakville Rangers: The Rangers showed they are one of the strongest defensive teams at Championships, allowing just two combined goals over three games. Combined with a strong offensive attack, they will be a tough out.

Oshawa Generals: The Generals are no doubt looking to bounce back after a close loss in the semis. Their strong play in recent games will be good momentum to carry into the OHL Cup.

Peterborough Minor Petes: Won close games all throughout Championship weekend and have shown they can hang with any team they are up against. Will be looking to improve on their silver medal from this past weekend.

York-Simcoe Express: Despite a tough weekend at the Championships, the Express were recognized by the Selection Committee for their strong play this season and earned themselves a wild card spot.