Inside the 2009 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament

Two days and 26 games are complete at the 2009 OHL Cup and the field of 20 teams still have many things in common.  Although the competitiveness of the games and the races for playoff contention are quickly differentiating the pack, hockey players at this event still share many of the same goals, opinions, and perspectives when it comes to high performance hockey at this level and the next.

There is no question that the OHL Cup is circled on the calendars of all Minor Midget AAA teams when the season begins.  “Throughout the year we talked about this tournament and its importance, winning here is just as important as winning our league playoffs” said Mississauga Senators forward Reid Jackman. “This tournament is great and has the highest caliber players and the games are extremely fast, guys are a lot quicker than most of our other games” said Elgin-Middlesex captain Boone Jenner.   

For Jenner and his Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs, they were fortunate enough to enter the tournament through the front door as ALLIANCE Champions, but for teams like the Mississauga Senators, it is about finding the right motivation to take advantage of the unique opportunity that an invitation to the tournament presents.  “It was disappointing to be out of the playoffs so quick” Jackman said.  “We need to start over and play simple hockey and increase our pace as the games go on.  Now we are here and want to show people that we belong” Jackman added.

Getting lots of exposure is another opportunity this tournament presents, in particular to some of the well-travelled team invites that now get a closer look at a potential future in the OHL.  “We are thankful to be one of only two American teams in the tournament” says TPH Thunder forward Jordan Cosby.  “When you think about the OHL you think about pro hockey, it is a great league, very fast paced, if I get drafted it will be a great opportunity” added Cosby.

The OHL Priority Selection is a realistic goal for so many players at this event and this concept enters the minds of many when they step onto the ice.  “It is amazing to play in such a great tournament when you look into the stands and see a bunch of scouts” said Cosby.  Although the thought of playing in front of scouts can be exciting, Jenner says “you can’t think too much about the draft and the scouts while you are on the ice.  You need to think about the team, pass the puck as a team, and keep everybody focused on the team.”

The challenges of high performance hockey bring forward a demanding schedule and routines that most athletes can relate to.  “Always stick to the regimen, chicken pasta salad and stay nutritious” says Carter Sandlak of the London Jr. Knights.  Balancing many priorities is important for players that want to succeed at the next level.  “School comes first, when I get home I do homework and after hockey I come home and do more homework.”
 
Yet two days and 26 games into the tournament, the most consistent thing players have in common is their desire to win.  “In order to win at this tournament you can’t sit back, you need to compete each and every shift” says Jenner.  Entering Friday at 3-0 Jenner, who is tied for the tournament lead with five points, and the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs are on the right track.