canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:01 AM Page 1

OFFICIAL PROGRAM

December 26-31, 2008 • WFCU Centre • Windsor,

Presented By: Alliance Hockey of Ontario • • • MidgetAAACanada.com • Windsor AAA Zone canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:01 AM Page 2 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:01 AM Page 3

OFFICIAL SPONSORS OF THE 2008 MIDGETAAACANADA.COM CUP

WE’RE LOCATED AT 7540 TECUMSEH RD. W. JUST A BLOCK FROM THE WFCU CENTRE, SO CHECK US OUT IN BETWEEN GAMES FOR GREAT EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL SPECIALS FOR ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS. SIMPLY SHOW YOUR OFFICIAL 2008 MIDGETAAACANADA.COM CUP TEAM TOURNAMENT PASS!"

7540 TECUMSEH ROAD WEST • (519) 974-8081 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:01 AM Page 4

Official Ring Sponsor of MidgetAAACanada.com Cup

www.jostens.com canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:01 AM Page 5

MidgetAAACanada.com Cup December 26-31, 2008

A WARM WELCOME TO ONE AND ALL!

On behalf of the organizing committee and all the volunteers of the 1st Annual MidgetAAACanada.com Cup, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all players, coaching staffs, family members, scouts and hockey fans who will be attending our innaugural tournament, December 26-31, 2008.

And welcome to beautiful Windsor, Ontario and the new and incredible Windsor Family Credit Union Centre, home of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. We are extremely pleased and proud to have partnered with the Windsor Spitfires and the local Windsor AAA Hockey Zone in staging this prestigious tournament, one that we are thrilled to say is set to become one of the top AAA hockey tournaments in North America!

Indeed, for the next week, we are all in for a highly competitive brand of midget major hockey featuring teams from Ontario, the US midwest and as far away as California and Alaska. This prestigious Hockey Canada and Alliance Hockey sanctioned tournament will be witnessed by scouts from every sector of high level hockey including Canadian Major Junior, NCAA, USHL, and Tier 2 Junior A. We thank all of our guest scouts for making the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup part of their scouting plans over this holiday season.

Players, Coaches, families and fans: we hope you enjoy all the action in the new, state-of-the-art, WFCU Centre, and we thank you all for being part of our innaugural tournament. And to our participating teams: all the best for a rewarding and success- ful tournament. We look forward to watching your excellent play and intend to make your tournament experience at the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup one of the most memorable hockey experiences you've ever had.

Rick Virag Brad Belland

President Vice-president MidgetAAACanada.com MidgetAAACanada.com

4050 Walker Road, Suite 103, Windsor, Ontario N8W 3T5 Canada Phone: 888 MAAC 60 (622-2260) • Fax: 888 249-8697 Email: [email protected] canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 6

December 26, 2008

Dear MidgetAAACanada.com Cup participants,

On behalf of the ownership group and executive staff of the Windsor Spitfires major junior hockey club, we take great pleas- ure in welcoming you to the 1st Annual MidgetAAACanada.com Cup. We are excited to be a premier sponsor of such a great event and are proud to be part of "the team" that is making Windsor the home for this tournament. We welcome all players, coaches and families to our great city, and also welcome our many friends in the junior scouting community who will be in attendence during this great week of Midget AAA hockey.

As part of our sponsorship support we are excited and proud to be making our new state of the art facility - the WFCU Centre - available to help host the tournament. Windsor has always been a hotbed for advancement in hockey because it is central- ly-located for many scouts representing the OHL, NCAA, OUAA and CIS, and Tier 2 Junior A leagues and programs. Our in being part of this great tournament is the same shared by everyone involved in hockey: help continue its growth at every level. With that being said, we know that our team of professionals will be a great asset in gaining exposure for the tourna- ment and players to aid them in moving onto higher level opportunities for many years to come.

We are committed to doing everything we can to make this a world class Midget AAA tournament, and we thank you all for being part of this innaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup event. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 7

Windsor welcomes you and your teammates the the first annual MidgetAAACanada.com Cup tournament!

Our city has a long and successful history of playing host to athletic events of local, regional, and international calibre, and so we are especially proud to be the host of this new and exciting tournament: the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup!

I know you don't need to be reminded of the prestige of the event. With 16 teams competing in this year's innaugural tour- nament, the excitement that has been generated throughout the Midget AAA hockey community thanks to the efforts of the tournament organizers - MidgetAAACanada.com, our own Windsor Spitfires, and the Windsor AAA Zone - has been huge. There is already significant interest from as many as 60 more Midget AAA teams for the 2009 event! They will find, as you will this year, that the hockey fans of our region are among Canada's most knowledgeable. They recognize excellent talent when they see it and there is no doubt that these games will be eagerly received and enthusiastically supported. The new type of player evaluation known as "Next Testing" will also be used, and the tournament will give you an opportunity to observe this state of the art assessment technique first hand.

We invite you to enjoy our brand new WFCU Centre, which we proudly feel is the finest junior hockey arena in Canada! We also invite you to enjoy our outstanding hospitality, featuring intriguing and varied attractions and activities away from the rink. All and all, we think your time with us this week will be an occasion to remember!

I and my colleagues on and our sports-minded community thank the Windsor Spitfires, the premier spon- sor Printer Cartridge Canada, the Windsor AAA Zone, Sun County AAA Hockey and the Windsor Minor Hockey Association - along with all other tournament sponsors and volunteers, who have made the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup possible; and we are particularly delighted by something in addition: the opportunity this tournament has presented to fundraise for such excel- lent causes - such as Jake's House.

Again my friends, Welcome to Windsor! We are pleased to have you and your families as our guest this week!

Sincerely, canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 8

December 24, 2008

Dear Midget AAA Hockey Community,

The Windsor AAA Zone and the Sun County AAA Hockey Association are proud to be a part of the 1st Annual MidgetAAACanada.com Cup.

As co-hosts of this new and exciting event, we are thrilled to know that the tournament promises to provide exciting, high-tempo competitive hockey for all to enjoy. Scouts from the OHL and several other junior and university organizations will be in attendance this week, which contributes to our respective organizations' goal of helping develop hockey and life skills of all players.

We welcome all teams who have joined us for this innaugural event and wish you all the best of luck in putting your collective skills to the test against one another. This is indeed an exciting opportunity for Windsor and on behalf of the Windsor AAA Zone, and the Sun County AAA Hockey Association, we are pleased to support this event and look forward to a positive hockey experience, for one and all, at the city's new WFCU Centre.

Yours in Hockey,

Fred Baldwin Richard Ofner President President Windsor AAA Zone Sun County AAA Hockey Association canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 9

December 24, 2008

On behalf of the Windsor Minor Hockey Association I would like to welcome you to the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup hockey tournament, taking place this week in the great city of Windsor!

I was more then thrilled when asked by the tournament organizers if we would be interested in working with the Windsor AAA Zone and the Windsor Spitfires to help make this event come to life. The WMHA has always done everything possible to bring top notch hockey events to Windsor and I think we have hit the jackpot here and can't wait to see this tournament become bigger every year from here on in.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the WMHA I wish you all the best of luck and hope you enjoy your time here during the holidays.

Keep Hockey Growing!

President Windsor Minor Hockey

Dean Lapierre

Windsor Minor Hockey Association P.O.Box 713 Station 'A' Windsor, Ontario N9A 6N4 Phone: 519-254-1739 • e-mail: [email protected] canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 10

On line with MidgetAAACanada.com

hat's that time-tested adage about "taking the creating 11 direct links to the website through their Official Telus boy out of the country...?" In the case of Cup website." W Montreal native Rick Virag, it can clearly be That support was further evidenced in 2004, when Virag was changed to the "country of hockey!" given the honour of dropping the ceremonial opening-game puck at Virag left his hometown of Montreal as a teenager, when his the National Midget Championship (formerly known as the Air father, a lawyer, took an opportunity with a Southern California Canada Cup, and now the ). And at the 2006 Telus Cup, firm. Virag was a competitive travel hockey player at the time, he and the MidgetAAACanada.com site were highlighted in a fea- and he continued to play at a high level upon moving to the Los ture article in the official Hockey Canada Telus Cup program. In Angeles area. Later, through his years in the music and recording the two years since, website traffic has grown exponentially, with business and then through various other business interests, he MidgetAAACanada.com now receiving millions of hits annually remained closely tied to the game; coaching minor hockey for with visitors from over 40 countries. Indeed close to ten years in the Southern California area. Six years ago, MidgetAAACanada.com has quickly become a household name while still coaching, Virag identified an opportunity that would play and valuable resource for players, coaches, scouts and fans in the to his love of hockey and his growing knowledge of the internet. minor hockey community. "I had noticed, through my hockey travels, that there was an In 2007, Rick’s business partner from another endeavour, Brad incredible demand for news and information about travel hockey Belland, became his hockey partner too when the latter joined teams across the continent," says Virag. "But certainly nowhere MidgetAAACanada.com as its COO. Not that Brad wasn't famil- was this more the case than in Canada. I was more involved at the iar with hockey; Indeed, as a four-year OHL Alumnus who spent midget AAA level at that time and that's the age group that really 11 years playing pro hockey in Europe and with the San Diego Gulls seemed to be screaming out for that kind of information source." of ECHL, and who upon retiring assumed the vice-presidency of the With that in mind, Virag decided to set his sights on develop- Gulls (at the time, a affiliate), Brad brings vast ing and launching a web-based network that could be used as a hockey knowledge to the MidgetAAACanada.com team. comprehensive and free resource for Midget AAA hockey in "Brad’s experience and network from his playing career and Canada. After 18 months of research and design, Virag intro- that of vice-president of a professional hockey team has been an duced MidgetAAACanada.com in 2003. Within two years, the invaluable asset to MidgetAAACanada.com," says Virag. "In fact, fledgling site had established itself as Canada’s national resource Brad was instrumental in our deciding to base our inaugural tour- for Midget AAA hockey, the country's only minor travel hockey nament in Windsor." division with a national championship. Just as significantly, Before embarking on his OHL career with the Sudbury around that same time the site was contacted by Hockey Canada Wolves, the Windsor born Belland played his minor hockey with var- and received praise for the impact it was creating in the minor ious local organizations in Windsor and Essex County. When he and hockey community in providing a national grass roots resource to Virag began floating the idea around for a MidgetAAACanada.com help highlight the exciting division of Midget Major AAA hockey. tournament, Windsor immediately sprang to Belland's mind as the "Hockey Canada recognized what we were doing for Midget ideal place to launch and grow such a tournament. hockey and Canada and were immediately supportive and com- "The thought of bringing a tournament like the mended our efforts," says Virag, of the huge endorsement boost. MidgetAAACanada.com Cup to my hometown was an attractive "And they've continued to show their support for the network by and very do-able endeavour," recalls Belland. "In particular, since canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 11

Popular website now leading source of Midget AAA hockey info in Canada

it meant teaming up with some old childhood friends and former everything we have to offer the minor hockey community and wel- hockey teammates in guys like Warren Rychel, Bob Boughner and Peter come your input, photos, news stories, videos, suggestions and sup- port in the name of all of the hard working, dedicated student ath- Dobrich." Indeed, not a bad group to approach about being involved letes, growing the game of hockey and providing resources for in a tournament to showcase top 16-year old AAA hockey players. advancement and plain ‘ol fun of everyone who makes up our minor "It didn't take the five us long to realize that Windsor was the hockey family." absolute perfect place to stage a tournament like this," says Belland. "The response we've received from the Midget AAA hockey com- munity has been phenomenal. It already appears that the tourna- ment is going to be three or four times as big next year. People are excited about what we're doing here in Windsor, and why not? The location is great for Ontario teams and teams from the US Midwest, we've a great new facility to use in the WFCU Centre and a great hockey community to help make this tournament be a success. We're excited about the future of the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup in Windsor." Support for the tournament in Windsor has been unanimous across the board, with strong and immediate endorsements from the Hockey Canada, the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario, the Windsor AAA Zone and the Mayor of Windsor all excitedly announcing sanctioning and community support of the event. Since then, the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup Executive Committee has been working hard with the OHL Spitfires, Alliance Hockey, Windsor AAA Zone, Sun County Minor Hockey, and the Windsor Minor Hockey Association to make the inaugural tournament a spectacular and memorable event. Jake’s House for children with autism has been designated the company's "Charity of Choice" with proceeds from this inaugural event going to the wonderful things that this program enacts. With the company readying to put its first tournament effort under its belts, Virag says there are many exciting avenues the grow- ing company plans to pursue on the hockey front. Among these are a MidgetAAACanada.com North American Fall Classic Tournament, a MidgetAAACanada.com Scouting NetworkTM, a MidgetAAACanada.com Annual Scout Camp, MidgetAAACanada.com High Level Development Camp, National Bulletin Board, National Blogs, Junior/College Resource Center and much more. "There are a lot of exciting things we're going to be launching for Midget AAA hockey and other levels of AAA hockey across Canada, says Virag. "We invite everyone to take advantage of canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 12

Good Times In Spitsland

The new WFCU Centre and the top-rated major junior team in the country make for a great combination

What do you get when you combine the number-one ranked one with big feet and the size of a heart two sizes too small! major junior hockey team in Canada with the country’s best new Diehard Spitfire fans and casual fans alike are saying the junior hockey arena? One heck of a fan experience, as followers of same kinds of things about the new WFCU Centre: awesome, the Windsor Spitfires OHL franchise are discovering since the new incredible, amazing, hugely impressive. Even those who were in WFCU Centre opened in early December. the building on a near daily basis, since the foundation was first The hockey club’s marketing gurus came up with the slogan: poured more than eighteen months ago, have marvelled at their “Gotta Be There,” and they weren’t kidding. With all the fanfare finished product full of people. “A lot of us have imagined what and hoopla a building half-a-century in the waiting deserves, this moment would be like,” said one worker at the WFCU Windsor’s latest, and many would say greatest, civic jewel has Centre’s opening night. “But this beats even the best of what any opened to rave reviews. Indeed, if you’ve something bad to say of us could think of.” about the Spitfires new home then, in the spirit of the season, you Those sentiments certainly are in abundance in could say you’re like that green-skinned character; you know, the Spitfire land these days. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 13

“This new building and the hockey club playing in it is very has been a year we knew we could compete for an OHL champi- rewarding for everyone,” said co-owner and Spits governor Peter onship, and hopefully a Memorial Cup. We like the make-up of our Dobrich. “For the fans, for the city, for everyone; I can tell you, we team, the effort our guys put forth every night, and we’re excited are one lucky group to have this kind of support.” about what lies ahead for the rest of the season.” The “lucky group” Dobrich is referring to is the Spitfire own- The Spits brass are also excited to be playing a leading role ership consisting of himself, club president and head coach Bob with the staging of the inaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup, Boughner, and club vice-president and general manager Warren something Rychel says is a “win-win” situation for the hockey club, Rychel . But to those who’ve closely followed the progress of the midget major AAA hockey across Canada and the United States, and Spits’ trio group they purchased the club three years ago, “luck” has certainly for local hockey fans. had very little to do with it. Indeed, less than three full seasons “We have a great opportunity here to really build this tourna- after they assumed ownership of a club that was, by most ment into a first class event that rivals the very best minor travel accounts spinning its wheels, the three close hockey tournaments in the world,” says friends and business associates have Rychel. “With the new WFCU and the great used astute hockey acumen and busi- central location of Windsor and Essex ness savvy to quickly turn the Windsor County, we agree with the Spitfires into one of Canadian junior MidgetAAACanada.com people that this is hockey’s model franchises. going to be a tournament the best Midget “We were hard workers when we AAA teams are going to want to play in for played the game and we’ve simply tried to years to come. We’re proud and exciting to take that same approach in running the hock- be a part of the team bringing such a high ey club,” says Rychel, who like Boughner level of amateur travel hockey to our area.” crafted a lengthy Teams in the MidgetAAACanada.com career, which included a champi- Cup are surely in for a treat playing their onship in 1996 with the Colorado Avalanche. games at the WFCU Centre. The new arena’s Tayler Hall “This was something the three of us thought design is very modern and brings to mind a we could really make a difference with. We smaller version of many of the major sports wanted to re-establish the Spitfires as a thriving franchise. We’ve domes and arenas used in professional sports. Visitors are greeted been fortunate to have drafted some really great kids and picked inside by an ultra-modern concourse, featuring specially designed up some other pieces along the way that now has us poised to ceilings, flat screens on every post, and huge space for people to walk make a run at a championship. We haven’t won a thing yet, but around. Walking inside the arena is like walking into an NHL rink with a solid team that we all think can go far, and with events in miniature, very much like or the ACC minus like the OHL All-Star Game were hosting in January, well, you their upper bowls. The steps are purposefully steep so as to keep can say these are exciting times around our hockey club and for the atmosphere fans loved about , the venerable Spitfire fans these days.” “Barn” where the Spits played home games for more than 75 years The Spitfires rocketed out of the gate at the beginning of the – that being the feeling of being right on top of the action. The 2007-08 campaign, stringing together two consecutive winning arena features 4,484 regular seats, 1,394 upholstered premium seats, streaks of more than 10 games and presently sitting at 28-4-0-1 at 97 restaurant seats overlooking the ice, 31 private suites with the Christmas break. With top stars like Canadian Junior team capacity for 14 guests, and a pair of group-sales suites with member Ryan Ellis and current OHL scoring leader Taylor Hall, and 30-person capacity. The arena’s show piece asset is quite a strong cast of third and second-year players, the Spitfires are poised for a deep OHL play-off run next spring. Rychel for one possibly its jumbotron scoreboard, easily the best in the says the club will be a tough play-off opponent for anyone. entire OHL. The 8-sided video board is fully equipped for “We made some huge strides last year with our hockey club,” hockey and basketball and has made a huge impression on he says, commenting on a season of highs and tragic lows in 2007- Spitfire fans since the new building opened. 08, a campaign that saw the team craft its greatest single-season Great team, great arena, great ownership. Yes indeed, these turnaround in club history but also experience the sudden passing of are good times for the Windsor Spitfires. And very much likely to beloved team captain, the late Mickey Renaud. “This year though get even bigger and better in the months ahead! canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 14

Trophies With A History Hardware at the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup crafted after family with ties to original Stanley Cup

When the championship team and other tro- Little Chantal, England. "It was actually my great phy winners at the inaugural MidgetAAACanada.com uncle Frederick who donated the silverware after he Cup hoist their respective wares, they'll be raising was appointed to a senior government post in Canada hardware with a distinctive link to that grandest of all and his sons fell in love with the sport. Of course, hockey prizes: the Stanley Cup. the game was unheard of this side of the pond. We That's because the manufacturers of the beau- also a few years before this had a horse race, The tiful and elaborately-crafted MidgetAAACanada.com Derby, named after another relative; so not a bad Cup trophies, Birkdale Trophies of England, has a link record for one family to have such a renowned story itself to the family that got the "holy grail of hockey" Lord Stanley of Preston and horse race names after." all started. hardware Paul Green of Birkdale While generations and 115 years removed from Trophies is the brother-in-law to Nicholas Stanley-Pounce. And the donating of the trophy that would become a Canadian icon, who is Nicholas Stanley-Pounce you ask? Why none other than the Stanley-Pounce says his family still takes great pride in what the great nephew of Lord Stanley of Preston, the 16th Earl of Darby Stanley Cup has become. who later served as Governor General of Canada from 1888 to "It has been a trophy that the family, 1893. Oh yeah, he also donated a lit- now much-diluted, has held in great tle thing called the Dominion esteem," he says. "And to see how it Challenge Cup, a little bowl of a trophy has grown into a world recognised he intended to bestow on the top ama- teur hockey team in Canada at the event would I am sure have pleased time. Of course, we recognize that and amused the old boy," trophy today as the Stanley Cup. The irony that another bud- "That is true, my family donated ding hockey idea - the the original trophy way back in 1893," MidgetAAACanada.com Cup - is tap- says Stanley-Pounce, from his home in ping the trophy-making skills of the family is not lost on Stanley-Pounce. "Yes, I understand some of you have formed a new event and that could it seems funny and a huge coincidence that you have asked someone else in the family to take a hand in producing your trophies. I would say that given this, the future success of your tourna- ment seems assured! Good luck for the growth and popularity of such a fine idea and concept!" canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 15

Proud sponsor of the innaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup

2009 Lincoln MKS 2008 Lincoln MKX Whether you are looking for a New Vehicle, something from our Pre-Owned inventory, or would like to Schedule Service for your current vehicle, you'll find excellent customer service from Victory Ford.

Southwestern Ontario’s fastest growing Ford Lincoln dealership! 370 Richmond Street., Chatham 1-866-356-5111, www.myvictoryford.com Take advantage of our Home Pick-up to service your vehicle. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 16 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 17

Hockey training for players aspiring to play Junior, College or Pro.

Year-round, in-residence, hockey training programs for men, women and youth. (800) 905-0270 (519) 925-9989

Let us entertain you & Best of Luck your family tonight!" to all MidgetAAACanada.com Cup teams!

PALACE CINEMAS Kipping Tire 300 Ouellette Avenue Windsor, ON & Automotive 519 977.1300

1197 Ouellette Ave. 3600 Tecumseh Rd. Windsor Windsor LAKESHORE CINEMAS Ph: (519) 256-8261 Ph: (519) 948-4158 164 Lakeshore Blvd. Fx: (519) 948-4190 Fx: (519) 948-4190 Lakeshore, ON 519 979.2461 Best of Luck to All Teams." canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 18

Developing A Labour Of Love

Like many of his colleagues, the best part of coaching for South Central's Dusan Kralik is the chance to develop players at this "greatest of games"

Dusan Kralik’s hock- ly competitive ey playing career was not a Czechoslovakian Elite lengthy one, although it was League. By age 19 Dusan eventful and prosperous. was a full-time player and As a coach and trainer how- he found himself part of the ever he has had a dramatic Czech national junior team impact on, and helped competing at the 1986 World changed the lives of, all who Junior Championships in have worked with him. Hamilton. For this alone Dustin Kralik As time passed, has left his mark as hockey Dusan was plagued with a icon to be proud of. series of injuries that took a Growing up in the brutal toll on his playing former Czechoslovakia, career. At age 22, after Dusan Kralik played hockey for the passion of simply being on the recovering from a groin injury, he was diagnosed with osteoarthri- ice. He may not have had the facilities, crowds and general sup- tis. Dusan didn’t let arthritis slow him down and kept playing for port that Canadian and American hockey players enjoy, but that a while before deciding to take a shot at playing in the German didn’t stop him from chasing his competitive hockey dreams. Elite League. However in his first practice he tore his ACL and Kralik realized the first of one such aspiration when he scored his decided, at just 24, that it was time to bid farewell to hockey and first goal in his first game as a 17-year-old defenseman in the high- focus on his school studies. Kralik returned to Czechoslovakia and earned his Masters degree in Economics. However, hockey still had a considerable grasp on him. He didn’t know what future there was for him in hockey, but he had a sense that that future – whatever it was – was in Canada, the motherland of the game. So with that, Kralik immigrated to Canada where he soon began his career as a coach in a local Midget AA league, and John Tavares where he also began working in hockey Sam Gagner development programs. Although he liked coaching, Kralik canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 19

found his greatest passion in player development. Soon he created his own player development program called “Creative Hockey” and began getting recognition for his amazing work and dedication to the program. With only word-of-mouth as a marketing tool to pro- mote his program, Kralik was able to attract the attention of coach- es, teams and players throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Kralik’s development philosophy has always encouraged his players to be persistent, hard-working and never give up. “If you stay diligent in doing whatever you want to do,” he says, “you can overcome adversity, learn and eventually become the best at it.” Kralik practices what he preaches, by continuing to devel- op himself as one of the top hockey development trainers around. He helps his players to realize that “size doesn’t matter” and that even the smallest player can succeed at high levels if they “work on their skills and never quit pursuing their dream.” Through his positive enthusiasm and highly effective training techniques Kralik has been able to help players move on to profes- sional level leagues, including the NHL. Players like Sam Gagner, Matt Stajan, Stefan Legein, Daniel Carcillo, John Tavares and others have been trained by Kralik. Dusan has also trained female greats Kerry Weiland and Karen Thatcher, who were part of the US Women’s team that beat Canada in the World Championship last year. Kralik’s success in helping his players prosper is fueled by the gratifying feeling of watching them excelling as they follow their dreams. “I am truly inspired by the kids and the love and passion they exhibit for the game,” says Kralik. “It doesn’t matter if I’m teaching a 5-year-old how to skate or helping a 19-year-old acquire the skills necessary to play in the NHL. It’s all the same rewarding feeling.” Being a huge supporter of Midget hockey, the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup is something that Kralik is very excit- ed to be part of. “This tournament will really give players a chance to show what they are made of,” he says. “It will also give these young players the chance to get exposure and will boost their con- fidence by distinguishing themselves amongst others in the Midget AAA hockey world.” 7525 County Rd. 42 Comber Dusan Kralik would love nothing more than to stay in hock- (519) 687-2438 ey for the rest of his life. “The chance and opportunity to continue to develop youth Good Luck to all Midget AAA Teams! hockey players for years to come is what I would l love to do with my life,” he thinks. “That is what my life is about: teaching young kids this great game of ours!” canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 20

“Uncle Jesse” Of The LA Hockey Club

Coach J.F. Jomphe has played

and coached hockey for a very long

time. He has seen a lot and met many

during his career but nobody has made

as deep an impression as an inspiring

young man named Matt.

Matt Cobrink, brother of LA

Hockey Club’s team manager Jane

Cobrink and uncle to Selects forward

Ben Suchin, has made this same

impression on a team, organization and

community. Matt was born with

Downs Syndrome and because of his

condition was unable to participate in athletic activities such as joking, that’s just the type of relationship they have.

competitive hockey. However Matt has never let the fact of not At the arena, Matt is ubiquitous, and takes an ``older brother

being able to play get in the way of being ``part of the game.`` type role`` with the players on the team.

Indeed, Matt`s spirits never get down and he has devoted numer- “He is always around,`` says Matt`s sister Janet. ``I mean he

ous hours of his life helping the LA Hockey Club organization never misses a game. He calls himself ‘Uncle Jesse’ (referencing

and coach J.F. Jomphe. Full house) and plays the role pretty well. He is just very funny and Before games, players and coaches can find Matt on the knows how to cheer people up.” bench, cracking jokes with the players and on the ice helping He also knows how to be loud. Attend any LA Selects game Coach Jomphe collect pucks and run warm-up drills. and you`re sure to hear Matt cheering his boys on from the stands. “I don’t have any assistant coaches,`` says Jomphe. ``It’s Living life day by day, Matt appreciates every sunrise and sunset. He pretty much just me and Matt out there running the show! He’s makes the most out of his situation and lives life as if there is no an incredible human being and an inspiration to the players. He challenge. A person like this can be as valuable to a team as a coach makes them realize how lucky they are and that, in life, nothing or player, and is truly an inspirational leader. We commend Matt for should be taken for granted.” Matt`s also a great sport: in the

few losses the club has suffered this season, Jomphe has joked his dedication to helping the LAHC organization and wish him the

that the reason for the loss was that Matt was too slow getting best now and in the future.

the warm-up pucks to the bench. Of course Matt knows he’s “Hope to see you at the tournament Matt!” canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 21

Looking to raise Money for your community organization?

We can help, Big Time!

Printer Cartridge Canada's "Community Care" program helps not only amateur and minor hockey clubs but also schools, health related organizations, and many other types of community non-profits. This dynamic program is very simple, yet powerful because it partners with businesses in our local communities, saving them money on their printing supplies, while generating generous portions of proceeds for participating non-profits. We currently have over 50 hockey teams participating in the Community Care Program which has the potential to raise upwards of tens of thousands of dollars each and every year for teams andclubs with very little effort. Learn today how we can help your team, club or organization raise the money it needs - year, after year, after year. Call a Printer Cartridge Canada rep today. You'll be glad you did.

www.printercartridgecanada.com canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 22 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 23 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 24

Jr. Canadien Playing For Charity Close To His Heart

James Bodanis, his teammates, and tournament competitors play hard for Jake's House

For his first 14 years, James Colaiacovo and Ben Ondros, Durant saw Bodanis never had the opportunity to drive and passion in James. A hockey play the sport that he loved. neophyte when they first met due to his Although an avid hockey fan, he was familial obligations, Durant spent extra only able to watch his favourite game time personally instructing James and on television, or on occasion at local driving him to practice for nearly 3 arenas. While many of his friends months. “As I would start with a had busy lives going to hockey prac- seven year old kid, I did it with him. tice, games at night, and tournaments James told me that home life is most on weekends, James watched and lis- important, and I thought that was tened intently, learning everything he pretty cool that he would do that and could about the strategy and skills he would need in the future to sacrifice a lot of things.” excel at his beloved game. After years watching his friends enjoy the game he loved, When James was still a child, his younger brother Jake was James put every spare effort he had into making up for lost time, but diagnosed with autism. Now regarded as the most commonly never regretted the time he spent helping his brothers and parents. diagnosed neurological disorder among children, autism affects “It was disappointing because all my friends were playing, but I more than 1 out of every 160 children born today. In its sever- knew I had to do it.” At close to 6’4” and 250 lbs as a 14 year old, est forms, it can make the affected child’s ability to effectively he would seem to be an ideal athlete to excel on the ice, yet he was communicate with others extremely difficult and can require only now getting a chance to play the sport he so loved. near 24 hour supervision. Jake’s condition required constant Now in his third year of hockey, James is a member of the care from his parents, David and Irene. When a third brother Midget AAA Junior Canadiens. His father, David, recalled in 2007, was born, Jonathan, much of his care responsibilities fell to some of the early reluctance some people had when James was James. While difficult, James understood that family needs pushing himself to reach the upper levels of hockey. “A couple of come first, and never complained. his buddies didn’t even want him to go to the select tryouts. They Two years ago, James stepped on the ice to play organized said, ‘James, you’re not ready.’ Six months later, he’s a AA player hockey for the first time. Initially, he needed to use the boards to with a legitimate shot at reaching AAA in a couple years”. Even steady himself and assist in his ability to stop or turn. However, James himself thought it would take a couple years to reach AA. “I with the same dedication that he showed to helping his family, he didn’t think I could do it so fast. The fact that I did it in 6 months persevered and put in extra time and effort in order to be the best was really surprising.” player and teammate that he could. Less than a year later, James and his teammates are playing In the words of his first coach, Carey Durant, “Nothing was with some of the top Midget AAA players in the world at the first smooth about him, except his personality.” As a coach for 21 annual MidgetAAACanada.com Cup, an event that will honour years, and having worked with future NHLers such as Carl Jake’s House for Children with Autism. Through the openness of canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:02 AM Page 25 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 26

the tournament organizers, Rick Virag, Brad Belland and with support from the Windsor where they can receive local support and Spitfires, Bob Boughner, Warren Rychel and Peter Dobrich, a coincidental contact was respite. After the organizers approached made to Jake’s House. A relatively new charity founded only 5 years ago by James’ par- David Bodanis about the potential for ents, David and Irene Bodanis, Jake’s House was started to help families affected by Jake’s House to be the recipient charity of autism. Initially the goal was to create awareness as to the impact that autism has proceeds and awareness from the tourna- on families, and provide a network of support for these families. The long term goal ment, both the Jake’s House board and of Jake’s House is to provide trained support personnel for customized respite and the tournament committee saw the support to these families, as well as to have physical locations for these families potential for a unique union for both organizations. As all of the participants chase their hockey dreams and the glory of victory Invest where the pros do! over the next few days, a few things can be Best of Luck to all MidgetAAACanada.com Cup participants remembered for all participants. As James Bodanis has shown us all, simply playing in

Peter Dobrich - President this tournament is a dream for many, and he reached this point through hard work, dedication, and passion. Every player in this tournament has exemplified qualities of hard work, dedication, and passion in order to be some of the best players at their age and reach the AAA level. The coach- es, referees, and families behind the players represent the qualities that Jake’s House stands for – selfless dedication to support those close to us, and a willingness to dedi- cate our own time to make a difference in the lives of others. For everyone involved in this excel- lent tournament, there are many individual stories of inspiration before anyone steps on the ice. From the time that the first puck is dropped in game one until the last seconds of the final game, there will Corporate Wealth Management undoubtedly be more stories of on-ice and Corporate insurance and investments. off-ice inspiration. And for some players, Discover the integrity, clear vision and powerful resources of Private Financial Group. this tournament will be a time when they We offer timeless values for managing wealth in today’s marketplace. will achieve what they had previously Helping businesses build wealth for over 15 years. thought was impossible. However, for Isn’t it time we talked? every family raising an autistic child, and for every James Bodanis who was told that he wouldn’t be playing AAA hockey Private Financial Group against international teams less than 3 years “Quietly Managing Wealth” after stepping on the ice, impossible is sim- ply a challenge to face with determination www.privategroup.cc and passion. (519) 973-9073 For further information, please visit www.jakeshouse.ca ” canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 27

THE TEAMS canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 28

ANCHORAGE NORTH STARS

ROSTER: About the North Stars: 2 Jack Cronin F 5 Trace Strahle F 6 Chris Feller F Hockey in Alaska can't be beat. Living in Alaska is a dream from which you 8 Daniel Markstrom F never wake up! It’s a dream that takes you for a ride across the vast glaciers, 11 Eric Wichorek D 13 Dylan Solberg F the sky high mountains, and the abundance of wild life all around you. Alaska 15 Arin Olson D is a place where the summer sun never sets, the winter stars are always bright, 16 Nic Beischer F 17 Jeremy Moss F and we see wildlife every day of the year. In the winter months, we are sur- 18 Matthew Dixon D rounded by mountains and endure temperatures well below freezing but we 19 Hayden Trupp F get to do the thing we love most: we play hockey! 20 Codey Hansen F 21 Spencer Brodt F 22 Devin Lamothe F Anchorage is our city and is special in the fact that we can skate indoors and 29 Chase Van Allen D outdoors at least six months out of the year. Since most of our team lives in 31 Cody Gongora G 39 Jeff Thomas G the same city we are able to bond and spend more time with each other. This 81 Casey Bailey F enables us to build a small hockey community among us as a team. One play- 91 Ian Nicoll D 92 Casey Hill D er drives to Anchorage 150 miles each day to practices and games to be part of our Tier 1 program. Alaska boasts five players in the NHL. We are very Head Coach Rick Trupp proud to be Alaskan hockey players, representing the North Star Hockey Asst. Coach Fred Braden Asst. Coach Dana Larson Association. Enjoy the tournament everyone! Manager(s) Neil Lamothe Stacey Roy ANCHORAGE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, ALASKA, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 29

BARRIE COLTS

ROSTER: About the Colts: 4 Jordan Bailey F 7 Scott Baker F 3 Alex Botten F This season’s Colts Midget AAA team boasts the majority of its players being born 17 Dakota Brooks F in 1992 with only a few 2nd year veterans to round out the roster. The Colts com- 12 Ryan Cook D pete in the OMHA's – ETA (West Division) and after a slow start to the season, 4 Garrett Graves D 11 Josh Graves F Coach Caldwell and his staff feel the club has turned the corner and are looking 19 Jeff Hamm F to bring this momentum “south” to Windsor. 18 Ben Holtman F 5 Jeffrey Livingston F 21 Jack Meher D Midget hockey in Barrie has strong roots, with the likes of Mike Gartner, Shayne 16 Joseph Morano F Corson, Dan Maloney and Doug Keans having graced the NHL ranks. This tradi- 10 Chris Reid D tion of hard work and pursuing their hockey dreams is alive and well with this group 9 Jason Seeley D of Colts. Coach Caldwell and his staff are proud of the discipline and character 6 Krystian Yorke F 1 David Emond G their team displays on and off the ice, and encourages their education and hockey 30 Brandon Motz G careers as they develop into respected members of their community.

Head Coach Steve Caldwell Asst. Coach Steven Graves The players, coaching staff and dedicated followers and fans of the Colts wish all Asst. Coach Bruce Hamm competitors at the 1st Annual 2008 MidgetAAACanada.com Cup the best of luck. Manager Pat Yorke ``We would like to express our appreciation to the Tournament Committee for all Trainers Denyse Beaumont their hard work in putting together this event,`` says Coach Caldwell. We look for- Derek MacPherson ward to a great week of hockey!``

BARRIE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 30

CHATHAM-KENT CYCLONES

ROSTER: About the Cyclones: 1 Nick Trudell G 2 Bree Polci F 3 Greg Koestler D This is the Chatham-Kent Cyclones 14th year of offering midget major AAA 4 Aidan Orbinski D hockey to players in the Chatham-Kent region. Over this time, many players 5 Cam Purdy D 6 Dylan Bonner D have moved on to the Junior B and OHL ranks, with still others having com- 7 Jesse Martin F peted in the NHL and at the Olympics. Some of these include Meagen 8 Eric Gutpell F 9 Jeremy Griffore F Agosta, TJ Broadie, Jason Mission, Ryan Jones, Tyler Rozler, and Kyle 11 Josh Laird F Nishazaki. 14 John Ristovski F 15 Jon Woelk F 17 Matt Milkovic D The Cyclones thank would like to thank the organizers of this 1st 18 Dylan Mertz F MidgetAAACanada.com Cup and wish all teams the very best of luck during 19 Cam Ross F the tournament. 21 Greg Lyle F 35 Brandon Cowell G 12 Jason Eichenberger F

Head Coach Wade Clubb Asst. Coach Ryan Gore Asst. Coach Fred Polci Manager Greg Gore Trainer John Dugal Trainer Eric Harvey

CHATHAM MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 31

CHICAGO YOUNG AMERICANS

ROSTER: About the Young Americans: 2 Max Batjes D 4 Louis Morici F 6 Bradley Mueller D The Chicago Young Americans Amateur Hockey Association is based in 8 Jakob Batcha F Lincolnwood, Illinois. The organization is committed to the pursuit of excel- 9 Jason Brown F 10 Greg Major F lence in both athletics and academics, and believes that ``teamwork, commit- 11 Matt Jensen F ment, and desire are the bedrock to achieving`` their goals. The club is proud 13 Nick Kazmer F 14 Brandon Adams F of the work ethic, dedication, and achievements of the players that participate 15 Nick Sall D in the Chicago Young Americans Tier 1 AAA Hockey programs. 16 Steven Phillips F 17 Dan Fetzer F 18 Bryan Drazner D This year’s U16 team is comprised of 1992, 1993 and 1994 birth year play- 19 Kevin Salinas F ers from the Chicago metropolitan area and Southern Wisconsin. The team 21 Casey Duffy D competes in the Tier 1 Mid-West Elite Hockey League. 23 Evan Frank F 24 Tony Martinez D 28 Taylor Zike F 30 Mack Skarzynski G 82 Jared Rutledge G

THE CHICAGO YOUNG AMERICANS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, ILLINOIS, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 32

LAMPTON JR. STING

ROSTER:

2 Steve Farlow D About the Jr Sting: 4 Zach Anderson D 5 Duncan Innes D The Lambton Jr. Sting AAA Midgets hail from Lambton County in 6 Jake Currie D 7 Colin Epps F Southwestern Ontario, and compete in the Ontario Hockey Alliance. The club 8 Ryan Dayman F plays out of the Sarnia Sports & Entertainment Centre, home of the OHL`s 9 Taylor Wilson F Sarnia Sting. 10 Ben Arseneault D 11 Joey Burt F 12 Cody Stout F The Jr. Sting had ten players move on to Junior Hockey from last year`s midget 14 William Brandon D minor team, and as such expectations were not significantly high at the start 15 Kalvin Thornton F 16 Cody McPhail F of the season, when the team began with a 6-game winless streak. However 17 James Pursell F the Jr. Sting began to turn things around at the Ottawa Senators Showcase 19 Brent Sauve F in October, going undefeated in round robin play and bringing home the bronze 20 Zack Wood D 21 Jordan Belanger F medal. The team continues to improve as the season goes on and are 23 Kody Ryan F presently locked in a tight battle with the Huron-Perth Lakers and Kitchener 24 Kyle Limb (AP) D Rangers for an Alliance play-off spot. The club is looking forward to contin- 27 Ryan Hunt F 29 Jordan Gladwish G uing their improved play and to making a statement in Windsor at the innau- 30 Darren Foubister G gural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup. The Jr. Sting thank the tournament organizers for putting on this great event and wish all their competitors the Head Coach Jason Nisbet Asst. Coach Jay Allison best of luck this week. Asst. Coach Jason Brown Asst. Coach Cal Innes For more on the AAA Midget Jr. Sting, visit their site at www.jrsting.com. Managers Dwight Anderson Doug Foubister Trainer Meaghan McLachla LAMPTON JR. STING MINOR HOCKEY ALLIANCE OF ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 33

LANSING CAPITALS

ROSTER: About the Capitals: 2 Mark Fleming D 5 Adnre Rakas D The Lansing Capitals are a member of the Greater Lansing Amateur Hockey 8 Daniel Swink F 9 Emerson Auvenshine F Association (GLAHA) of Michigan and an affiliate of the Wichita Wildcats of 10 Bobby Chapman F Texas NAHL team. The program has both Midget Major and Midget Minor 13 Chasen Gentile F teams directed by Head Coach Dean Dixon with assistant coaches Ray 14 Reid Boucher F MacKenzie, Rick Sprague, Jay Laing and Marty Musser. 15 Ryan Brown F 16 Grant Dixon F Coach Dixon says the mission of the Capitals’ program is to develop and promote 17 Zack Paulakovich F players to the junior ranks and beyond. “We try to create an atmosphere that is 18 Trevor Campbell D/F challenging yet enjoyable,” says Coach Dixon. “We want players who are eager to 20 Robert Cathcart F 26 Derek Johnston F get to the next level of hockey; athletes who recognize personal goals are depend- 30 Brennan Knoblock G ent on team success and team success is dependent on a positive, cooperative, 51 John Wiegman F unselfish atmosphere. Ultimately, we want players who have a strong will to com- 55 Sam Hadar D pete, on and off the ice, with and without the puck.” 71 Karl Beckman D Some of those goals are being realized this season, including Reid Boucher Head Coach Dean Dixon committing to play for the MSU Spartans after his high school days are com- Asst. Coach Ray McKenzie pleted. Boucher will be joining the likes of former Capital Sean Duddy, who Asst. Coach Jay Laing recently played his first CCHA game for the Ohio State Buckeyes. On the ice Asst. Coach Rick Sprague Asst. Coach Marty Musser the Capitals are enjoying much success this season. Their current record of 21- Manager Raj Wiener 10-3 includes winning the Little Caesars Motor City Cup in September and a semi-final showing at Chicago Fury Autumn Invitational in October.

GREATER LANSING HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, MICHIGAN, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 34

LA SELECTS

ROSTER: 7 Robert Rodgame D About the LA Selects: 10 Austin Palmore F 11 Parker Conant F 14 Justin Hopkinson F The LA Selects Hockey Club Midget U18 team is made up of a group of 16 Jarrett Allan F extremely determined young men, with a very confident coach who truly 17 Jordan Simpson D 18 Brett Menton F believes in his team. The boys are primarily from Southern California, where 19 Ben Suchin F they can go surfing before they go to hockey practice. The team also counts 23 Eric Farrell F 24 Trevor Neable G a goalie imported from Pittsfield, Massachusetts and a ``cowboy`` from 26 Cort Adler F Oklahoma among their group. Coach Jomphe's motto of "you look good, you 27 Matthew Finlayson D feel good, you play good" is something the boys genuinely believe; just as they 30 Justin Spagnuolo G 44 Ricky May F do their coach as well. 55 Trevor Harris F 58 Tyler Smith D LAHC is honored to represent SCAHA and CAHA in this year's 71 Carson Walsh D 77 Chad Barros F MidgetAAACanada.com Cup. From the team, parents and coach, we want to 5 Kevin Hardy D wish all the teams good luck and a big thank you to the tournament for includ-

JF Jomphe Head Coach ing us in this awesome experience. Billy Huard Asst Coach Janet Kobrink Manager

CALIFORNIA, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 35

LONDON JR NIGHTS

ROSTER: About the Jr. Nights: 2 Dan Bryan D 15 Aaron Dartch F 5 Cam Downie F The London Jr. Knights Midget AAA team play in the Minor Hockey Alliance 12 Mitch Furlonger F of Ontario. After a very successful season last year in 2007-08, which includ- 6 Patrick Gardner F 20 Sam Gray F ing winning a Silver Medal at the Telus Central Championships, many of the Jr. 11 Steven Grimminck D Knights players made the jump to Junior B, Tier 2 and OHL ranks. 8 Taylor Hayman F 17 Brendan Heffernan F 3 Colin MacDonald D With 4 returning veterans and a talented crop of new players the Jr. Knights 16 Mtich McGuffin F look to compete hard in every game they play including league, tournament 19 Scott Mitchell F and playoffs. So far the club`s game plan is working, as they lead the Alliance 18 Jake Monaghan D 7 Harrison Scarfone D standings heading into the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup, with a 16-3-1-2 4 Alex Sworik D record, good for a three point lead over the Hamilton Reps. The team is look- 14 Blake Thomas F ing to continue to improve on their play at this great tournament and look 10 Dean Zapishnv F 30 Taylor Edwards G foward to competing with other top teams. 1 Jackson Teichroeb G Thanks to the organizers at this innaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup and for the support of Midget Major AAA hockey in Canada and the United States.

Best of luck to all teams this week in Windsor.

MINOR HOCKEY ALIANCE OF ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 36

OAKLAND JR GRIZZLIES

ROSTER: About the Jr. Grizzlies: 2 Andrew Huckleby D 4 Bill Moenart F The U-18 Oakland Junior Grizzlies are a member of the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 5 Chad Braun F Hockey Organization which has teams ranging from the `99 Squirt A level up to 6 Matt Topolewski F the U-18 AAA level. It is the philosophy of all of board members, coaches, play- 8 Shane Johnston D ers, and their families to provide an environment where all of of the teams` ath- 9 Anthony Kurland D letes have an opportunity to compete against the best teams and players at their 11 Tyler Bandurski D respective levels, while instilling good life lessons through involvment in the 12 George Costopoulos F/D 14 Michael Denison F "Great Game of ." 16 Nick Potter D 18 Ben Globke F The Grizzlies are an independent team, playing out of the Great Lakes Sports 19 Garrett Guibord D City Ice Arena in Fraser, Michigan. The club`s schedule features games against 21 Brandon Morganroth F some of the top teams in North America midget AAA hockey including the St. 22 Brenden Higgins F Louis Blues, Honeybacked, Detroit Victory Honda, and the Vaughn Kings. 17 Justin Garofalo F 66 Aaron Gonzales F “We are hopeful that the players on the U-18 Grizzlies will all have an opportu- 94 Nick DeWitt F nity to move up in their careers and compete at the junior level some day,” says 34 Josh Labarge G head coach Terry Christensen. “As a coaching staff we have always tried to sell 28 Matt Zawadzki G our players on the team concept. When the team has success, more individu- als reap the rewards and have an opportunity to move up in their careers.” Head Coach Terry Christensen Asst. Coach Ken Paraskevin The Grizzlies wish to thank the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup organizers for invit- Asst. Coach Keith Kurland ing them to this exciting tournament, and also wish all teams the best of luck this Asst. Coach Pat Mayer week in Windsor. Manager Andy Costopoulos

OAKLAND JR. GRIZZLIES HOCKEY ORGANIZATION, MICHIGAN, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 37

PITTSBURGH PREDATORS

ROSTER:

4 Alec Shields F About the Predators: 5 Jake Betzner D 7 Spencer Svoboda F The Pittsburgh Predators Hockey Club was founded in 2000, when it iced 18 teams at the tier- 10 Brian Rousseau F two level from beginner Mite to Midget Major U18 AA. Two years later the Predators formed their 14 Matt Quigley F first tier-one AAA Midget Major team. The AAA Midget Major program quickly recognized success 16 Jack Stump F winning the Western Pennsylvania State Championship three of the next five years and advanc- 17 Anthony Sabilla D ing to the Mid-American District Playdowns. In 2007, the organization`s midget major team 18 Bryan Waldron F advanced all the way to the national championship in Fraser, Michigan. In its six short years 21 Nilan Nagy D of play, the Predators have advanced more than fifty young hockey players to various lev- 24 Jeremy Hepler D els of higher hockey including the NHL, OHL, USHL, NAHL, OPJHL, EJHL, AJHL and 26 Brooks Behling F more. As well, Predator alumni have secured NCAA division one scholarships and positions 27 Matt Dipippa D at a wide variety of colleges. 29 Jeremy Pell F 30 Matt Wregget G The 2008-09 Predator Midget Major AAA team has only four returning players from last season’s 33 Mason Murovich G squad and seven total that previously participated at the Midget Major AAA level. However, the 34 Brandon Rohall F 45 Cam Zappi F team does have an extremely talented group of first time tier-one players. While the group has 51 Vinnie Nicollella F had its growing pains, recent play has confirmed that they will be a force to be reckoned with down 68 Mitch Faust F the stretch. The club`s head coach is Pittsburgh Predator founding father Ralph Murovich, who is joined by Pittsburgh coaching legends Chuck Kelly and Rick DiPippa, as well as 17-year NHL veteran and Stanley Cup winner Ken Wregget. NHL veteran Warren Young also assists with the team on occassion.

The Pittsburgh Predators are honored to attend the inaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup and extends its best wishes on a successful tournament to all those involved.

PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 38

PITTSBURGH VIPER STARS

ROSTER: About the Viper Stars: 6 Todd Kacin D 7 Eugene Mack III F 8 John Miller F/D The Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of the North Hills Amateur 9 Paul Henney F Hockey Association and USA Hockey. 11 Zack Taylor G 13 Timothy Kinter F 17 Mario Dalesandro F The Viper Stars program is designed to showcase players for junior and aolle- 18 Eric Bogden F giate placement. By offering advanced level coaching, yearly participation in 19 Anthony Maroadi F several premier Canadian and U.S. tournaments, a sixty game schedule and 21 Tommy McConnell F more, the Viper Stars afford its players an advanced opportunity to define and 23 Shane Gallagher F 24 Steven Tracy D present their skills against the best in North America. 29 Matt Madore G 32 Drew Troy G For over 20 years, the Viper Stars program has played across both the United 33 EJ Stepano D State and Canada, as well as the European countries of Finland, Sweden, 40 Alex Galbraith F 54 Luke Kopchak D Switzerland, Austria, Norway and the Czech Republic. In each instance the 82 Matt Batis F club has been able to provide players an opportunity to both showcase their 91 Jacob Thomas Robash F skills and build memories of a lifetime. 94 Bryan Szostak F

Head Coach David Kobick Past graduates of the Viper Stars program have gone on to play hockey at Asst. Coach David Ers every level, including professionally in the NHL and ECHL, NCAA division I & Asst. Coach Scott Gallagher III, and Junior A hockey at the NAHL & EJHL levels. Asst. Coach Yuri Kuvokhia Asst. Coach Todd Stepke Manager Todd Kacin NORTH HILLS AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, PENNSYLVANIA, U.S.A. canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 39

SOUTH CENTRAL COYOTES

ROSTER:

2 Tyler Ferry About the Coyotes: 6 Thomas Hunt 7 Zach Woloschuk This is the inaugural year for the Coyotes under their new name. AAA travel 8 David Leblanc 9 Dylan Page hockey followers knew the organization previously as the Richmond Hill Stars. 10 Matt McGuckin One of the biggest things in hockey is having team chemistry, and the best way 11 Daniel Mazour 18 Michael Best to build this is by spending day after day with each other on and off the ice. 19 Michael McKee Most midget teams have their entire team selected as late as September and 22 Luke Vanderkooy the Coyotes are no different. The club consists of mostly 92-aged players, 23 Christian Weidauer (AP) 24 Alexandre Robichaud although there are two 91’s as well). The Coyotes have been playing togeth- 27 Conner Blasby er since the beginning of April, and as such have established excellent team 51 Adam Moody (AP) chemistry. This has allowed the Coyotes to surprise some higher-ranked 30 Sam Mantini 48 Shawn Clark teams with their play this season. The club looks forward to continue surpris- 52 Daniel Barker ing some of the best teams in the MidgetAAACanada.com Cup, and thanks 77 Michael Apreda 81 Trevor Zingg the tournament organizers for inviting them to this great week of hockey. 92 Carson Bird Best of luck to all of our competitors!

Head Coach Dusan Kralik Asst. Coach David Best Manager Leslie Vanderkooy Trainer Carl Vanderkooy Parent Liason Debbi Clark canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 40

TORONTO JR CANADIENS

ROSTER:

2 Rob Hunter D 8 Collin Neveroff D About the Jr. Canadiens: 10 Nikita Mandrik F 13 Alexander Soutsos F The Jr. Canadians play out of the highly competitive Greater Toronto Hockey 15 Cam Bernier D 17 Rob McEwan D League. Due to the successful advancement of players from last season’s 21 Harry Ben-Howlett F minor midget and midget teams to the junior A hockey ranks and other junior 23 Andrew Wells F 33 Thomas Cody G programs, this year the Toronto Jr Canadiens midget major club is comprised 36 Adam Hall G of 17 new players and only three returning vet’s from last year’s midget team; 44 Mike Pavan F with the composition of the team made up of twelve players born in 1992 and 55 Marko Brelih D 67 Troy Borlinha F eight in 1991. 77 Skyler Mota F 87 Tyler Pendergrast F With so many players advancing to Jr A this year, it has opened the path for 89 Justin Pereira F 90 Navot Kantor D many of the better AA players in the region to make the jump to our AAA pro- 91 Kyle Merman F gram this year. While the transition from AA to AAA is substantial the play-

Head Coach Chris Brennan ers on our team have steadily been improving their basic fundamentals while Asst. Coach Brad Williams simultaneously understanding structured team play philosophies. Asst. Coach Jeff Pendergrast Manager Fred Skogland Trainer Robin Bird

THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE, ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 41

VAUGHN KINGS

ROSTER: 4 Franco Loparco F 5 Derek Perl D About the Kings: 6 Thomas Nosella D 8 Jordan Merante F 10 Manny Gialedakis F The Vaughan Kings Major Midget AAA Team is honored to represent the Greater Toronto Hockey League at this year’s 2008 Midget AAA Canada Cup Tournament. 11 Sean Levac F 18 Justion Colussi D This season’s edition of the Kings is comprised of 16 players - all 1992 born, young 24 Alex Cord D men representing the Greater Toronto area. Our focus is to encourage and prepare 25 Dennis Fontyn F these student-athletes to continue their education and hockey careers through com- 30 Devin Golets G prehensive on and off-ice training and high-caliber competition, while creating well- 33 Adam Scully G rounded individuals off the ice. 44 Julian Luciani D 55 Brandon Pitts D While providing this quality coaching and instruction in hockey, strength and mental 66 Kelby Lorenz F conditioning, we recognize the importance and commitment required by our Coaching 93 Nicholas Scamurra F Staff to advise, assist, prepare and increase our players’ visibility by showcasing their 96 Daniel Holt F hockey skills to scouts at the next level including The , The Ontario Junior Hockey League, The United States Junior Hockey League, and the Head Coach Louie Gialedakis NCAA. Asst. Coach Angelo Donia So far this season, the Kings have compiled a record of 20 wins, 6 losses and 3 ties. Asst. Coach Matthew Iannetta We have competed in 3 tournaments, winning two while losing in the semis in the other: Manager Rick Scully Champion - Northern Cyclones Midget Invitational in New Hampshire Trainer Peter Cormier Champion - Indiana Ice USHL Midget Showcase Invitational in Indianapolis Semi – finalist – Green & Gold AAA Classic in London The players, parents and coaching staff wish all the competitors the best of luck and would like to express our thanks to the year’s 2008 Midget AAA Canada Cup Tournament hosts officials and committee for providing our team with the opportunity to participate in the year’s Tournament. THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE, ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 42

WHITBY WILDCATS

ROSTER: About the Wildcats: 2 Jack Cronin F 5 Trace Strahle F 6 Chris Feller F For the past 3 years the boys on this team have been involved with "Adopting 8 Daniel Markstrom F a Family" for Christmas. What we do is every family donates money and the 11 Eric Wichorek D 13 Dylan Solberg F boys personally shop for other families that are in need at Christmas. Yes, 15 Arin Olson D this group of 16/17 year old boys went shopping for moms and dads, and 16 Nic Beischer F 17 Jeremy Moss F children ranging from ages 9 months to 16 years old, and picked out what they 18 Matthew Dixon D thought would help brighten another family's Christmas morning! 19 Hayden Trupp F 20 Codey Hansen F 21 Spencer Brodt F On the ice, the Wildcats are presently in second place in the OMHA's ETA East 22 Devin Lamothe F division for Major Midget play, with a 12-8-3 league record, two points back of 29 Chase Van Allen D Peterborough. The Wildcats look to build on their first-half winning record by 31 Cody Gongora G 39 Jeff Thomas G a solid showing at the innaugural MidgetAAACanada.com Cup in Windsor this 81 Casey Bailey F week. Best of luck to all teams! 91 Ian Nicoll D 92 Casey Hill D

Head Coach Rick Trupp Asst. Coach Fred Braden Asst. Coach Dana Larson Manager(s) Neil Lamothe Stacey Roy ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 43

WINDSOR JR SPITFIRES

ROSTER: About the Jr. Spitfires: 4 Spencer Van Buskirk 5 Dylan Solecki 7 Joel Pierce The Windsor Jr. Spitfire Midget Major “AAA”- 2008/2009 player roster was 8 Josh Tremblay again selected from players who previously played for The Windsor AAA Zone 9 Ryan St. Louis 10 Andrew Synnott and The Sun County AAA Hockey Association. 11 Marco Canzoneri We believe we have a very dynamic and talented group of young men that 13 Koddi Quick 16 Kyle Nelson have shown us their dedication, enthusiasm and commitment to AAA hockey. 17 Evan Rutckyj These qualities, combined with a positive hockey playing attitude, will drive this 19 Sammy Banga team to success. 21 Taylor Mackie 23 Evan Mascaro 29 Trevor Besse We have many experienced AAA players on this roster and believe we will be 33 Curtis Martinu very competitive to meet the many challenges that will confront this team from 55 Mike Ditty 88 Luke Lefler our competition. Our team defensively is very strong and mobile with several 93 Branden Larocque experienced two-way players that can provide a quick offensive attack. Our

Head Coach Ted Pryun goaltending tandem will provide the team with solid goaltending and maintain Asst. Coach Scott Walsh consistency under pressure. Offensively we should be quick and agile to pro- Asst. Coach Matt Livingston vide a dynamic offence with sufficient power to dominate in front of the net Asst. Coach Tom Mollard Manager/Trainer Frank Baggio and in the corners.

WINDSOR MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, ONTARIO, CANADA canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 44 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 45 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 46 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:03 AM Page 47 canda cup page layout 12/23/08 1:04 AM Page 48