By Chris Clay, The Mississauga News
March 26, 2009 - The Mississauga Braves Hockey Association is the first group in Canada chosen to participate in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay. It's the first time groups have been allowed to carry the Olympic flame. The hockey organization was selected by sponsor Coca-Cola Canada, on the recommendation of WWF-Canada, as the first team of environmentally conscious Olympic torchbearers.

The Braves' association was recognized for the efforts of its executives, coaches and players in reducing their environmental footprint through initiatives such as car pooling, washing uniforms in cold water and hanging them to dry, and donating old equipment.

It's estimated the organization, comprised of 10 teams, is saving about 105,366 kilograms in greenhouse gas emissions each year through its efforts.
"We're committed to environmental responsibility," said Braves' president Barry Carroll. "We're thrilled that our actions have been rewarded and that we have the chance to carry the Olympic flame. We hope our efforts help inspire other Canadians to do their part when it comes to energy conservation."
The date and location of the Braves' leg of the torch relay has yet to be determined.

Devin Bourbonnais, a right winger with the Peewee AA Braves, said he's still having trouble wrapping his head around the fact he and his teammates will have a chance to carry the torch. "It's such an amazing feeling and a great honour," said the 12-year-old Lorne Park resident. "It really wasn't hard at all (being environmentally conscious). It was just small steps anyone can take. It doesn't seem that big and it's very easy to be eco-friendly."

Coca-Cola Canada spokesperson Dave Moran said the company is holding up the Braves as an example to all Canadians."Through our support of...the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay we hope to inspire people of all ages to take steps to reduce their environmental impact," said Moran. "We hope the Mississauga Braves serve as an example to all Canadians of how simple it is to carry the Olympic flame and live more environmentally sustainable lives."

The Mississauga Braves Association placed eight of ten teams into the Play-offs for the 2008-2009 season, with three teams winning their West Division Series and advancing to GTHL Championships against the East.

99 MINOR ATOM BRAVES
The 2008-2009 Minor Atom Braves defeated the Mississauga Jets 8-0 in the first-to-eight-points West Division Finals and will now face the Leaside Flames in the eight-point GTHL Championship Series.

96 PEEWEE BRAVES
The 2008-2009 Peewee Braves defeated the Mississauga Hornets 8-0 in the first-to-eight-points West Division Finals and will now face North Toronto in the eight-point GTHL Championship Series.

94 BANTAM BRAVES
The 2008-2009 Bantam Braves defeated the Mississauga Jets 9-3 in the first-to-eight-points West Division Finals and will now face the North York Knights in the eight-point GTHL Championship Series. The Bantams are the defending 94 GTHL AA Champions, having beat NYK 8 to 2 last season.

For the third season in a row, the 96 Braves were crowned GTHL Regular Season Divisional Champions. In a remarkable display of consistency, the 96 Braves total points have only varied by 2 over the last three years. The Braves have never given up more than 46 goals against and had an impressive 11 shutouts this season — proving "Defense" wins championships.

Seamus Shanahan of the Mississauga Braves scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over the Mississauga Jets in a tiebreaking game for the west division bantam AA Kraft Cup and is the Star's player of the week. Read more.

The Mississauga Braves Association will be featured during the Saturday, February 21 Tim Hortons Hockey Day in Canada broadcast on CBC. The "Green Team" segment deals with the Braves efforts to reduce global warming in conjunction with the WWF Canada Goodlife program. VIEW CBC VIDEO HERE

For the second season in a row, the 94 Braves were crowned GTHL Regular Season Divisional Champions. The season-long campaign came to a climax in a one-game playoff match verses the venerable 94 Mississauga Jets, who were tied at 62 points with the Braves following the regular 36 game schedule. The Mississauga Braves managed to hold the Jets scoreless in their final two meetings, including a 0 - 0 tie and, finally, a 1-0 victory in the Kraft Cup Championship game. The Braves defensive style of play resulted in an impressive regular season record of just 38 goals against in 37 games.

94 BANTAM BRAVES PLAYERS and STAFF
Goaltenders: Josh Bruzzese, Patrick Maziarz Forwards: Jesse Bruni (A), Tyler Camilleri, Tyler Culbertson, Justin Di Tommaso, Jordan Martin, Christian Mazzanti (C), Ryan Rubino, Seamus Shanahan, Cory Silva. Defense: Vince Camarda (A), Dillon Constant, Bobby LaPlante, Joey Menecola, Thomas Skrlj, Drake Tideman (A). Bench Staff: HC: Gary Camilleri, AC: Nick Komarnycky, AC: Kevin LaPlante, AC: Giancarlo Mazzanti, TR: Joe Menecola, MG: Harry Tideman

The Minor Atoms were at it again, winning their third tournament of the season, going undefeated at the 50th Annual Preston International — including a very exciting 2 - 1 victory verses a stubborn Markham Islanders squad in the 4th Overtime period of the Championship game.

After suffering a loss in Game 1, the Juvenile AA Braves went undefeated through the finals to capture the coveted 2009 Juvenile AAA Silver Stick title. Congratulations goes out to the players, coaches and families.

SILVER STICK CHAMPION ROSTER (Birth Year)
Players: Frank Crupi (90), Jonathan Degennaro (90), Gregory Butt (89), Derek Carter (88), Daniel Clarke (89), Jamie Cormier (89), Kevin Gale (90), Jeff Gallant (90), Robert Gartley (88), Brady Hartwick (90), Jordan Hearne (90), Michael Holt (90), Matthew Iamundo (88), Michael Kelly (90), Andrew P. Kramar (89), Anthony Levstik (90), Christopher Ofield (90), John Ohashi (90), Michael Proszek (89), Matthew Zavaglia (88), Paul Zavaglia (90).
Staff: Head Coach: Joe Zavaglia, Trainer: Vernon Gallant, Manager: Paul Iamundo.

GAME RECAP
Game 1: Richmond Hill Stars 5 - Mississauga Braves 3
Game 2: Mississauga Braves 8 - Windsor Spitfires 3
Game 3: Mississauga Braves 3 - Welland Tigers 2
Semi Final: Mississauga Braves 7 - Humberview Huskies 6
Championship Final: Mississauga Braves 3 - Vaughan Rangers 1

OHL star forward John Tavares, who once proudly donned a Mississauga Braves jersey, was named the most valuable player at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship scoring 15 points in during Canada's drive for five campaign. Upon his return from World Junior competition the six-foot, 200-pound centreman from Oakville, Ontario was traded from the Oshawa Generals to the London Knights.

The Mississauga Braves Hockey Association is proud to announce that the Juvenile AAA, Bantam and Atom teams will be representing the Braves in Silver Stick International Finals competition in January 2009. Each of these teams displayed true grit in winning their respective qualifying tournaments over the weekend. GO BRAVES GO!