Braves Association News

09/10 Minor Atoms GTHL City Champs

2010-04-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 Minor Atom Braves celebrate cap off an amazing season by celebrating their GTHL City Championship.

The Best From the West Win GTHL AA Championship
With two tournament championships, only two losses in the regular season, 17 shutout wins and not a single loss in the playoffs, this year’s Mississauga Minor Atom AA Braves are being referred to as the best Minor Atom Mississauga Braves team EVER. This team showed exceptional skill and depth all year and many nights put on a real show to the delight of the fans. After being crowned the Kraft Cup Champions for winning the West AA Division, these hard working athletes went on to defeat the Toronto Royals in 3 straight, they beat the Mississauga North Stars in the West Semis and then the Humber Valley Sharks in the West Final allowing each team only a single point in each series. The GTHL City Finals would prove to be a very exciting match up against the East Enders Ticats. Although they beat the Ticats in 4 games straight, the Ticats certainly put up a real battle in each of the games. Game 4 was no exception. Defenseman #4 Aidan Merulla would score first for the Braves but the Ticats fought back to tie the game.
The winning goal would come from another defenseman #3 Christian Ialeggio with a shot from the point. Although the Ticats pressed hard in the third, the Braves would hold on to take the victory 2-1 and capture the title on their home ice at The Hershey’s Centre in Mississauga. Playoff MVP’s for the Braves were goalie #29 Harper Stone and forward #8 Andrew Menecola. Congratulations to the players, coaches and parents if this year’s Minor Atom Braves.

2009- 2010 Mississauga Minor Atom Braves AA: # 3 Christian Ialeggio, #4 Aidan Merulla, #7 Jeremy Henderson, #8 Andrew Menecola, #9 Joseph Rupoli, #10 Kyle Hanford, #13 Jacob King, #19 Steven Giansante, #23 Jamie Sparkes, #26 Mitchell LeLiever, #27 David Pontoni, #29 Harper Stone, #33 Zion Miceli, #34 Matteo Ferrari, #44 Lucas Amoroso and #93 Luke Beamish.

Coaching Staff: Head Coach John Ialeggio, Asst. Coaches Steve Richard and Garey Wilson, Trainer Keith Henderson and Manager John Menecola.

GTHL CITY CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Mississauga Braves 3 • East Enders Ticats 2
East Enders Ticats 1• Mississauga Braves 3
Mississauga Braves 2 • East Enders Ticats 0
East Enders Ticats 1 • Mississauga Braves 2

U21 AAA Braves OHF Provincial Champions

2010-04-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves U21AAA hockey team celebrate their OHF Provincial Championship.

The Mississauga Braves U21 AAA journey to the top began in April when the team selected 9 new players from various teams to compliment the ten returning players. Under the guidance of Coaches Joe Zavaglia, Paul Iamundo and Vernon Gallant, the Mississauga Braves U21 AAA steadily progressed and stayed in the fight for the 2010 Kraft Cup. The turning point of the season came in Sarnia where the team travelled to defend its International Silver Stick. Although, the team was unsuccessful in defending its championship, they developed a camaraderie that could not be broken and a commitment to each other for the remainder of the season. The team was fighting an uphill battle all season with many obstacles to overcome throughout the season, but after losing the first game when they returned from Sarnia, the team came together. This group of young men buckled down and went on a 12 game winning streak to end the regular season and a tie for first place with the Leaside Kings in the highly competitive U21 AAA division. The two teams played an exciting one game playoff to see who would emerge as the Kraft Cup Champion. After falling behind 2-0, the tenacious Braves would not be denied. They began firing on all cylinders for the remainder of the game and came out on top 7-4.

The Braves finished as regular season champions with a record of
28-7-2 for 58 points and the Kraft Cup.

The Braves entered the playoffs on a high and a Quarter Final match up with the Goulding Park Rangers. The Braves continued their fine play and went on to win the series 4-0. The Semi Final was against the rival Mississauga Hornets. The Braves hard work and defensive play led to a sweep in 4 games. During the Hornet series a number of players were lost to the Braves for the City Final against the Vaughan Rangers due to injuries and suspensions. The Braves had one call up during the Hornets series, but were in need of a few more. That is where 2 more Midget Jr. call ups stepped in to fill the roster. Being only 16 years old, they were a little reluctant to participate at first, but once they played a few games, they realized they were part of the team and could contribute. Their fine play along with rest of the regular players led to a 4-1 series win in the City Final.

That series victory came with an invitation to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Championship.

The Mississauga Braves (GTHL Champions) entered the OHF Championship as one of the favorites, along with defending OHF Champion Ajax Knights. (OMHA Champions). In the first game, the schedule had the Braves facing off against the Ajax Knights. The teams played to a 2-2 tie. In the second game the Braves played the host East Ender Ticats, a team that had given them trouble all season. The game ended 3-3. With a little something to prove the following day, the Braves came out and defeated the Vaughan Rangers 7-0 and the Peterborough Nationals 6-1 to obtain first place in the round robin and a game against the East Ender Ticats in the Semi Final. The Semi Final was a tight checking affair with great goaltending at both ends. The only goal of the game was scored shorthanded mid way through the third period. That was all the Braves would need in a 1-0 victory and date with the defending champion Ajax Knights. In the Final, both team started the championship game tentatively with no one wanting to make a mistake. Ajax opened the scoring shorthanded with a quick shot from the faceoff circle. The first period ended Ajax Knights 1- Mississauga Braves 0. The Braves came out flying in the second period and tied the score within 2 minutes and followed that up with 3 more goals in the next 5 minutes. Ajax drew to within 1 goal by the end of the second period. The third period had the Ajax Knights throwing everything they had at the Braves. The Braves were hanging on, but a goal midway through the third period gave them some breathing room. Ajax was not about to give up their championship that easy and scored another goal with under 2 minutes to play to bring the score to 5-3. Trying to get back in the game and doing everything possible, Ajax pulled their goaltender and with under a minute to go the Braves scored an empty net goal to seal victory 6-3.

For 6 of the players this marks the end to their minor hockey careers. It was a fitting end for a group of young men who should be proud of themselves for their actions on and off the ice. Great way to finish your minor hockey career!

Congratulations to all the coaches and the young men who are the Mississauga Braves U21 AAA team and thanks to the parents for your support.

Mississauga Braves U21 AAA:

Head Coach: Joe Zavaglia, Assistant Coach: Paul Iamundo, Trainer: Vernon Gallant, Manager: Linda Davies

Defence:
Claudio Savone, Jamie Cormier, Brady Hartwick, Kyle Cecchetto, Sean Willock, Alex Davies, Michael Proszek

Forwards:
Michael Ross, Julian Ilardo, Daniel Clarke, Anthony Levstik, Greg Butt, Paul Zavaglia, Chris Ofield, Jeff Gallant Jordan Hearne, Daniel D’Alleva,

Goalies:
Matthew D’Amario, Chris Stellato

Special Thanks to the Midget Jr. Players for their help:
Jack Pirie, Zachary Millington-Schiller, Brett Nesbitt, Joey O’Brien

94 Braves Three-peat Regular Season and West Champions

2010-03-26T08:30:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves Minor Midget Hockey Team celebrate their Kraft Cup Championship on their way to capturing the GTHL West Division Title.

For the third consecutive season the 94 Mississauga Braves have captured the Kraft Cup regular season Championship and GTHL West Division Playoff Title.

Lead by two time Mississauga Braves Association Coach-of-the-Year Gary Camilleri, the 94 Braves came into the 2009-2010 campaign with high expectations, having captured the 2009 OHF Provinical Bantam AA Championship the season prior. The 09/10 squad comprises nine new players
that have proven hard work, dedication, team play and discipline remain key ingredients to the 94 Braves success. The team captured the Kraft Cup regular season Championship with a record of 31W • 1L• 4T on their way to the west play-off title scoring an impressive record of 10W • 0L • 1T, outscoring their rivals 35 to 9.

2009-2010 Minor Midget Mississauga Braves Roster

Goaltenders
#33 Patrick Maziarz, #40 Adam Stewart

Players
#3 James Dehaas, #5 Ryan Rubino, #8 Kurt Wolff, #9 Michael Tatangelo, #10 Nicholas Cascioli, #11Thomas Skrlj, #12 Brayden Pardy, #14 Seamus Shanahan
#19 Justin Di Tommaso, #44 Dillon Constant, #77 Bobby LaPlante, #83 Daniel Minna, #88 Matt McGrath, #91Tyler Camilleri, #94 Patrick Mooney, #96 Tyler Culbertson

Staff
HC: Gary Camilleri, TR: Andy Dehass, MG: Ed Skrlj, AC: Kevin LaPlante

09/10 U21 AAA Braves Kraft Cup Champs

2010-03-26T07:59:00.000-07:00

The 2009-2010 Mississauga Braves U21 AAA Hockey Team celebrate their Kraft Cup Championship having captured fist place in regular season action.

The Mississauga Braves U21 AAA Hockey Team captured the Kraft Cup with a record of 28W • 7L • 2T for 58 points in a highly competitive 14 team division which ended with a spread of just six points in top five stands; Leaside Kings at 56 points, Vaughan Rangers at 55 and Mississauga Hornets at 53 and Humberview Huskies at 52 points.

The Kraft Cup Championship also qualifies the U21 Braves for competition at the OHF Provincial Championships.

2009-2010 U21 AAA Mississauga Braves Roster

Goaltenders
Matthew D'Amario, Christopher Stellato

Players
Gregory Butt, Daniel Clarke, Jamie Cormier, Daniel D'Alleva, Alex Davies, Jeff Gallant, Paul Gismondi, Brady Hartwick, Jordan Hearne, Julian Ilardo, Anthony Levstik, Chris Ofield, Michael Proszek, Michael Ross, Tyler Saik, Claudio Savone, Tyler Serio, Sean Willock, Paul Zavaglia
Staff
HC: Joe Zavaglia, TR: Vernon Gallant, MG: Paul Iamundo, AMG: Linda Davies

09/10 Minor Atoms West Division Champs

2010-03-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves Minor Atom Hockey Team celebrate their Kraft Cup Championship on their way to capturing the GTHL West Division title.

The 09/10 Minor Atom Mississauga Braves have captured the GTHL West Division Playoff Championship and will face the East Ender Ticats for the GTHL City Championship series.

This achievement marks yet another high point in what is proving to be a very successful season. After winning two previous tournaments and reaching the finals in the regional Silver Stick, the 00 Braves (born in 2000) captured the Kraft Cup as
regular season champions with an impressive record of 32W • 2L• 2T and an amazing 203 goals for and just 24 goals against .

00 Minor Atom Braves 2009-2010 Roster
3 Christian Ialeggio, #4 Aidan Merulla, #7 Jeremy Henderson, #8 Andrew Menecola, #9 Joseph Rupoli, #10 kyle Hanford, #13 Jacob King, #19 Steven Giansante, #23 Jamie Sparkes, #26 Mitchell LeLiever, #27 David Pontoni, #34 Matteo Ferrari, #44 Lucas Amoroso, #93 Luke Beamish, Goalies- #29 Harper Stone and #33 Zion Miceli, Head Coach- John Ialeggio, Asst. Coaches- Steve Richard and Garey Wilson, Trainer- Keith Henderson and Team Manager- John Menecola.

93 Midget Braves Vic Teal Tourney Champs

2010-01-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

The 93 Mississauga Braves Midget Hockey Team celebrate their Championship at the Vic Teal International Tournament.

The Mississauga Braves Midgets are the Champions of the 2009 Vic Teal International Tournament held in St. Catharines over the Christmas holidays.
They recorded 6 wins and no losses with 26 goals for and 4 goals against. Three of the games were shutouts. The players worked hard during all games with the following results:

Braves 9 vs St. Catharines 0
Braves 4 vs Stoney Creek 0
Braves 3 vs Oshawa 1
Braves 3 vs Streetsville 1

Semi-final
Braves 3 vs Fort Erie 2

Championship
Braves 4 and Stoney Creek 0

The most exciting game was the semi-final in which the Braves scored in the first, then Fort Erie tied it up in the second and got the go ahead goal in the third. With 38 seconds remaining in the third, the Braves gave it their all to tie the game forcing play in a five minute overtime period. The Braves scored with 43 seconds remaining in the overtime and held on to win the game and go on to the finals which they won in convincing fashion. Congratulations to Connor on three shutouts (9-0, 4-0, 4-0).

Teammates
Back row: Shane Dumoulin, Christiaan Collarile, Brett Nesbitt, Michael Orzel, Brennan Low, Zach Millington Schiller, Tanner Lee, Sam Ellison, Ryan Messere
Front row: Prateek Jhingan, Cole Castellarin, James Wolfenden, Jack Pirie
Goalies: Joey O’Brien, Connor Moreby
(absent: Robert Miszczuk, Michael Scott, Jeff Walker)

Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Ted Nesbitt
Assistant Coaches: Brad Pirie, Claude Dumoulin (and trainer)
Manager: Jacquie Miszczuk

Alysia Da Silva 96 Minor Bantam Braves Toronto Star GTHL Player of the Week

2009-12-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Alysia Da Silva of the 96 Mississauga Braves Minor Bantam Hockey Team featured as Toronto Star GTHL Player of the Week.

Alysia Da Silva of the Mississauga Braves minor bantam AA team is one of the fortunate players to have been chosen to carry the Olympic torch when the relay passes through Mississauga.

That is certainly special but it is not the only reason she was chosen to be highlighted as The Star's player of the week.

She is loyal and been with the Braves for her five years of competitive hockey and, yes, she is the only female at that level of competition in the minor bantam AA west division. She is an outstanding goaltender and at some point will probably jump to the female game. But so far "is just one of the guys."

Coach Roger Bourbonnais praised her performances as the starting goaltender when his team won the Ontario Hockey Federation gold medal last spring as they had as an atom team two years ago.

"She backstopped two gold-medal games for the Federation championship," Bourbonnais said. "She's doing great. Every year she works extremely hard. She is considered one of the top five, if not the top, goaltenders in her age group. She's a great little athlete and is a pitcher in ball as well."

Alysia calls her chance to carry the Olympic torch "really special" ... a "once in a lifetime chance."

The 13-year-old Appleby College student started skating at age 6 and began her hockey career the next season.

"When I first played house league, we rotated and when I went in net, I just loved it and have loved it ever since," she said. "I like the pressure and I play better under pressure. That one goal can make the difference to whether you win."

The Braves' peewee OHF championship game was a 4-1 win but it was the atom final that she enjoyed most, calling it "a more intense game."

"We were the underdogs and won 4-3," she said.

She also plays basketball for her school. She is also a pitcher on the softball, fast pitch Mississauga North Tigers.

"Last year (Tigers) made Nationals but we played a year up," she said. "This year we are trying to win it all."

She is a diehard Toronto Maple Leafs fan but could not identify a favourite NHL player.

Atom Braves Win Jerry Jacobs Tournament

2009-11-09T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Mississauga Atom Hockey Team show off their 2009 Jerry Jacobs Championship Trophy.

The Atom Braves capped off another successful weekend in capturing the Jerry Jacobs Memorial Tournament in Markham. The team went a perfect 4 wins and no losses to capture the title. Final scores were:

Braves 1 Markham Islanders 0
Braves 7 Toronto Royals 0
Braves 3 Port Credit 1
Braves 2 Markham Islanders 1 (OT)

09/10 Atom Braves Roster
#1 Michael Capizzano, #33 William Jelinek, #4 Matthew Perrotta, #9 Alexander Russo, #12 Max Deacon, #14 Devlin Shanahan, #15 Lachlan O’Hara, #19 Jacob Ervin,

#22 Jackson Oswald, #24 Matthew, Wilkins, #27 Noah Froud, #36 Riley Robinson,

#44 Carter Mills, #71 Cooper Davis, #87 Brooke Bonsteel, #88 Jessica DiGirolamo

Coaching Staff
HC: Dwain Ervin, AC: Brian Shanahan, AC: Jim Bonsteel, TR: Ted Davis, MG: Joe Perrotta

Minor Atom Braves Win the Terry Terrier

2009-10-19T05:58:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves Minor Atom Hockey Team show off their 2009 Terry Terrier Championship hardware.

After starting the season by capturing the Early Bird Tournament and winning their first five games, the Minor Atom Braves played in the Terry Terrier Tournament held over the Thanksgiving weekend in Mississauga. On day one of the tournament, they beat the host team Mississauga Terriers 2-1. In an early morning game the next day the Braves tied 3-3 against the Bulldogs from Sudbury. Later that Saturday they would face the local Streetsville Tigers and defeat them 3-1. The next day would deliver all of the excitement that we would expect from this hard working group of boys. The noon game vs. the Jets at Westwood arena would put a lot on the line for the Braves. Not only would a win give them sole possession of first for the tournament but due to scheduling difficulties, this game also served as a regular season GTHL game where the Braves would attempt to go 6-0 defending a winning streak. The Braves were forced to kill off 4 penalties and had a 1-0 lead until the Jets tied it early in the third. With less than two minutes to play in the game, the Braves’ scored to give them a 2-1 victory, a 1st place finish in the round robin and a 6-0 unbeaten streak in regular season play. This set the stage for a rematch vs. the Sudbury team for the championship back at Erin Mills arena with less than 90 minutes to prepare. And what a game this would be. Holding each other scoreless for most of the game, these two teams were determined to send the other home with a runner up medal. The Sudbury team would take a 1-0 lead midway into the third forcing the Braves to dig deep if they wanted a victory. Then, with just over a minute to play in the third, the Braves scored to force the game into overtime. With only a minute into the 4 0n 4 overtime period the Braves would score to give them their second championship of the season.

Congratulations to this year’s Terry Terrier Champions, Mississauga Minor Atom Braves AA: #3 Christian Ialeggio, #4 Aidan Merulla, #7 Jeremy Henderson, #8 Andrew Menecola, #9 Joseph Rupoli, #10 kyle Hanford, #13 Jacob King, #19 Steven Giansante, #23 Jamie Sparkes, #26 Mitchell LeLiever, #27 David Pontoni, #34 Matteo Ferrari, #44 Lucas Amoroso, #93 Luke Beamish, Goalies- #29 Harper Stone and #33 Zion Miceli, Head Coach- John Ialeggio, Asst. Coaches- Steve Richard and Garey Wilson, Trainer- Keith Henderson and Team Manager- John Menecola.

00 Minor Atoms Mississauga Early Bird Champions

2009-10-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves Minor Atom Hockey Team celebrate their 2009 Mississauga Early Bird Championship, having gone undefeated in Tournament play.

An intense training camp and a hard working attitude by these excited 9 yr old hockey players proved to work to their advantage in this year’s Mississauga Early Bird tournament. With a strong defence, great goaltending and a powerful group of forwards, this team would complete the round robin without allowing a single goal. The first game, a 5-0 win over the Hornets, would set the stage and the benchmark for the work ethic that this talented team would expect from each other as teammates. They followed with a 4-0 win over Brampton, a 6-0 victory over the Canucks and completed the round robin by defeating the Jets a 3-0. These Minor Atom Braves played a well rounded final beating North Toronto 4-1. With both goalies getting 2 shutouts each, this team did not allow a goal against until well into the third period of the final game. With the coaching staff and parents all very proud of these boys, we’re sure to see some real excitement with this hockey team.

Congratulations and good luck to this year’s Early Bird Champions, Mississauga Minor Atom Braves AA: #3 Christian Ialeggio, #4 Aidan Merulla, #7 Jeremy Henderson, #8 Andrew Menecola, #9 Joseph Rupoli, #10 kyle Hanford, #13 Jacob King, #19 Steven Giansante, #23 Jamie Sparkes, #26 Mitchell LeLiever, #27 David Pontoni, #34 Matteo Ferrari, #44 Lucas Amoroso, #93 Luke Beamish, Goalies- #29 Harper Stone and #33 Zion Miceli, Head Coach- John Ialeggio, Asst. Coaches- Steve Richard and Garey Wilson, Trainer- Keith Henderson and Team Manager- John Menecola.

99 Atom Braves Capture Three Rivers Cup

2009-10-14T09:19:00.000-07:00

The Mississauga Braves Atom Hockey Team celebrate their 2009 Three Rivers Cup Tournament Championship.

The 99 Atom Braves completed a very successful Canadian Thanksgiving weekend down in Pittsburgh, PA, capturing the 2009 Three Rivers Cup having gone undefeated in the tournament.

TOURNEY RESULTS
Braves 7 vs Pittsburgh Amateur Penguins 1
Braves 3 vs Reston Raiders 2
Braves 6 vs Shaha Panthers 0

Finals Braves 4 vs Reston Raiders 0

99 ATOM BRAVES ROSTER

Goalies
Michael Capizzano, Will Jelinek

Players
Matthew Perrotta, Alexander Russo, Max Deacon, Devlin Shanahan, Lachlan O’Hara
Jake Ervin, Jackson Oswald, Matthew Wilkins, Noah Froud, Riley Robinson, Carter Mills, Cooper Davis, Brooke Bonsteel, Jessica DiGirolamo

Coaches
Dwain Ervin, Brian Shanahan, Jim Bonsteel, Ted Davis

96 Braves 09 Provincial Champs

2009-04-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

The 96 Mississauga Braves Peewee Hockey Team celebrate their 2009 OHF Provincial Championship at Barrie, Ontario.

For the first time in the Mississauga Braves Association’s 26 year history a team has won back to back OHF Provincial Championships. The 96 Peewee Braves did just that Easter weekend in Barrie. After splitting the round robin with a 2-2 record the Peewee Braves knew Sunday games are what matter. With only 3 roster changes from the Atom Championship team, experience was on their side. This team has always found a way when the time is right to raise their game, and Sunday was no exception, with two inspiring games, starting with the victory over the Host and OMHA champions the Barrie Colts 3-1 in the Semis, and finishing with the win over Orangeville 4-1 in the Gold medal game. The Peewee Braves had an exceptional year, also winning the Mississauga Early Bird, Vaughn Rangers Early Bird, Kraft Cup, and GTHL Championships.

96 PEEWEE MISSISSAUGA BRAVES OHF TEAMMATES
2 Mathew Menecola, 4 Mike Crews, 6 Callan Beggs, 7 Luke Ewach
10 Connor Morrison, 11 Mathew DiGirolamo, 12 Devin Bourbonnais
13 Alysia DaSilva, 14 Kevin Bray, 16 Kevin Mellegers, 17 Joey Molinario
19 Marcel Fatovic, 35 Matthew Pogue, 88 Aaron Nunes, 96 Andrew Pucci
97 Matthew Mustard

94 Braves 09 Provincial Champions

2009-04-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

The 94 Mississauga Braves Bantam Hockey Team celebrate their 2009 OHF Provincial Championship at Sudbury, Ontario.

Having surpassed their 07/08 goals of finishing in the top 4 regular season, and “doing well” in the play-offs, the 08/09 Bantam Braves set the bar high with team goals of winning the GTHL Championship and then the OHF Provincials through hard work, dedication, individual and team skills development, respect and enjoyment.

94 BANTAM MISSISSAUGA BRAVES OHF TEAMMATES
29 Josh Bruzzese, 33 Patrick Maziarz, 2 Drake Tideman (A), 3 David Miskus (AP)
4 Christian Mazzanti (C), 5 Ryan Rubino, 9 Jesse Bruni (A), 11 Thomas Skrlj
14 Seamus Shanahan, 17 Bobby LaPlante, 19 Justin Di Tommaso
21 Vince Camarda (A), 24 Joey Menecola, 44 Dillon Constant, 66 Christian Rivest (AP)
91 Tyler Camilleri, 94 Cory Silva, 96 Tyler Culbertson

COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Gary Camilleri, Assistant Coach Nick Komarnycky,
Asstistant Coach Kevin LaPlante, Assistant Coach Giancarlo Mazzanti,
Trainer Joe Menecola, Manager Harry Tideman

OHF TOURNAMENT RESULTS
Braves 2 vs. Whitby Wildcats 0
Braves 3 vs. London Junior Knights 1
Braves 5 vs. Sudbury Bulldogs 0
Braves 2 vs. North Bay Spitfires 0

Braves 10 vs. North Bay Spitfires 0
Braves 3 vs. Whitby Wildcats 2

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Mississauga Early Bird Finalists • Stoney Creek Tournament Champions
Brampton Silver Stick Qualifier Champions • International Silver Stick Finalists
GTHL West Division Kraft Cup Regular Season Champions (37 Games / 38 Goals Against)
GTHL West Division Play-off Champions
GTHL Bantam AA Champions
OHF Bantam AA Provincial Champions

94 Bantam Braves Repeat GTHL Champions

2009-04-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

In a repeat performance from last season, the 94 Braves capped off another successful run by capturing the 08/09 GTHL Championship over the East Division's North York Nights. Needing only a single point to wrap-up the series, the Bantam Braves battled a determined NYK squad to a 4-4 tie in the final game to take the series 8 points to 2.

94 BANTAM MISSISSAUGA BRAVES TEAMMATES
29 Josh Bruzzese, 33 Patrick Maziarz, 2 Drake Tideman (A), 3 David Miskus (AP)
4 Christian Mazzanti (C), 5 Ryan Rubino, 9 Jesse Bruni (A), 11 Thomas Skrlj
13 Jordan Martin, 14 Seamus Shanahan, 17 Bobby LaPlante, 19 Justin Di Tommaso
21 Vince Camarda (A), 24 Joey Menecola, 44 Dillon Constant, 66 Christian Rivest (AP)
91 Tyler Camilleri, 94 Cory Silva, 96 Tyler Culbertson

COACHING STAFF
Head Coach Gary Camilleri, Assistant Coach Nick Komarnycky,
Asstistant Coach Kevin LaPlante, Assistant Coach Giancarlo Mazzanti,
Trainer Joe Menecola, Manager Harry Tideman

99 Minor Atom Braves GTHL Champions

2009-03-31T07:21:00.000-07:00

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

Braves to Carry Olympic Torch

2009-03-27T12:24:00.000-07:00

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."

Three Braves Teams Vying for GTHL Championships

2009-03-24T07:18:00.000-07:00

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.

THREE-PEAT! 96 Peewee Braves Regular Season Champs

2009-03-05T05:59:00.000-08:00

The 96 Mississauga Braves Peewee Hockey Team are three-peat Regular Season Divisional Champions following an exceptional season of hard work and disciplined play mixed with fun and excitement.

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.

94 Bantam Braves Seamus Shanahan chosen Toronto Star Player of the Week

2009-02-22T12:29:00.000-08:00

Seamus Shanahan of the 94 Mississauga Braves Bantam Hockey Team featured as Toronto Star GTHL Player of the Week.

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.

Braves Association goes Green on CBC Hockey Day in Canada

2009-02-17T08:26:00.000-08:00

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

REPEAT!: 94 Bantam Braves Capture Kraft Cup

2009-02-13T07:38:00.000-08:00

The 94 Mississauga Braves Bantam Hockey Team are repeat Regular Season Divisional Champions following an exciting one game playoff.

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

Minor Atoms Good as Gold at 50th Preston International Tourney

2009-01-19T07:40:00.000-08:00

The Mississauga Braves Minor Atom Hockey Team celebrates their Championship victory at the 50th Annual Preston International Hockey Tournament held January 2009 in Cambridge, ON.

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.

Juvenile AAA Braves International Silver Stick Champions

2009-01-13T07:24:00.000-08:00

The Mississauga Braves Juvenile AAA Hockey Team celebrates their Championship victory at the 36th Annual International Silver Stick Finals held January 2009 in Mooretown, ON.

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

Former Braves Alumni John Tavares Helps Lead Canada to Gold

2009-01-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Hockey phenom John Tavares stands left of Head Coach and Braves Director of Player Development Gary Camilleri in this historic picture of the 1998-1999 Braves Novice Hockey Team. Back Row L/R: Rolly Ravazzolo, Daniel Leclair, Mitchell Harper, Joey Bernardi, John Tavares, Gary Camilleri, Patrick Twohig, Kyle Matthews, Daniel Casaluce, Mario Di Pede. Front Row L/R: Dean Kulla, Logan Palmer-Pendergast, Grant Clark, Adam Di Pede, Roman Mironovic, Jonathan Burke, Nicholas Vassos. Absent: Steve Kosta

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.

Braves Triple Threat at 09 Silver Stick Finals

2009-01-02T10:07:00.000-08:00

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!