Road to the OHL Cup: GTHL final four bound for annual showcase

 

By Raine Hernandez/OHL

One more sleep until the OHL Cup finally makes its return to the minor hockey scene. Tuesday night the 10 teams that were awarded wild card spots will look to officially book their ticket to the prestigious event with five spots up for grabs.

With the four ALLIANCE teams and four OMHA teams already previewed, it is time to take a look at the four teams that will be representing the GTHL this upcoming week at Scotiabank Pond:

 

Toronto Marlboros

The 2006 Marlboros continued their tradition of U16 dominance by winning the regular-season title in what was a chaotic race at the top with the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Mississauga Senators. Shortly after clinching the regular season crown, the Marlies swept through the GTHL round robin playdown to secure their spot in the OHL Cup.

The Marlboros will wield one of the most well-balanced rosters in the entire age group, with a loaded forward corps led by Beckett Sennecke, Carter Lowe, Luc Warner, Leo Serlin, and Justin Bottineau. The blue line features a pair of minute eaters in Sam Dickinson and Parker Von Richter. In between the pipes, be on the lookout for Marko Bilic.

 

Markham Majors

Consistently among the best of the best in the U16 age group this season, the Markham Majors play an extremely effective style that can really give an opponent fits. Finishing fourth in the regular season, the Majors finally hit their stride come playoff time, finishing the round robin undefeated, finishing first and clinching their spot in the OHL Cup. The Majors will have a shot at taking the GTHL crown tonight against the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.

With Andrew Gaulton in between the pipes, the Majors have a talented forward corps led by Liam Greentree and Jack Dean. Defensively, be sure to circle Zayne Parekh’s name as a player to watch heading into this week’s tournament.

 

Toronto Jr. Canadiens

The Toronto Jr. Canadiens are considered heavy favourites to win the OHL Cup, following their victories at the Sylvia Jacobs Tournament and the Whitby Silver Stick. Finishing third in the regular season, JRC will have the opportunity to add another championship to their trophy case tonight against the Markham Majors for the GTHL crown.

The lines of Porter Martone, Jack Van Volsen, and Antonio Tersigni, followed by Michael Hage, Jacob Battaglia, and Aidan Russell form one of the most formidable offences in the province. Henry Mews, Anthony Cristoforo, and Andoni Fimis lead a very capable blue line.

 

Don Mills Flyers

The last organization with an OHL Cup title, the Don Mills Flyers pulled off one of the most impressive wins of the entire U16 season, defeating the Mississauga Senators in the GTHL playoffs and ultimately solidifying their spot in the OHL Cup.

The Flyers are led by defenceman Mason Taylor while Luca DiFelice provides a consistent presence in the crease.  The Flyers will look to build on their momentum and aim to make some more noise in the OHL Cup later this week.