The Minor Atom Braves capped off a very successful 08/09 season going 14-1 in the playoffs to capture the GTHL Championship over the East Division's Leaside Flames.  "A strong work ethic and an overall commitment to a team game were the keys to our success" said Head Coach Dwain Ervin, adding "The chemistry on the team and among the parents was what kept this team strong and focussed all year and helped them get to their overall 68-9-7 record". Congratulations to the team, coaching staff and families for a very successful season. 
 
99 MINOR ATOM MISSISSAUGA BRAVES TEAMMATES
1 Michael Capizzano (G), 33 Will Jelinek (G), 4 Matthew Perrotta, 8 Jacob Ervin,
9 Alexander Russo, 12 Max Deacon, 14 Devlin Shanahan, 15 Lachlan O'Hara,
19 Nicholas Isaacson, 22 Jackson Oswald, 24 Matthew Wilkins, 27 Noah Froud
44 Carter Mills, 71 Cooper Davis, 87 Brooke Bonsteel, 91 Riley Robinson
 
COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Dwain Ervin, Assistant Coach  Brian Shanahan,
Asstistant Coach Jim Bonsteel, Trainer  Ted Davis, Manager Joe Perrotta

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.