Thirty-two GTHL Top Prospects, three OHL Cup champions, and over 35 OHL prospects make up the forty players selected to represent the GTHL at the 2018 OHL Gold Cup.

Running May 3-6, 2018 in Kitchener, the OHL Gold Cup is an opportunity for scouts to select players for Canada’s three teams that will compete in the World U-17 Hockey Challenge – a tournament which gives many players their first taste of international competition. This year’s tournament will also see a new format which will work to create greater synergy between the OHL and National Under-17 Selection Camp. Players will be exposed to off-ice education sessions, position-specific practices, and a full-team game-day skate.

“It’s going to be fun and competitive playing with and against all the best players in Ontario,” said Erie Otters first-round pick and former Toronto Marlboros captain Jamie Drysdale. “I am also looking forward to learning how to be a professional on and off the ice. The program that Hockey Canada and OHL have organized for that week will be a great learning experience for all of us.”

The two GTHL teams competing in the event will be looking to win a fifth consecutive Gold Cup championship for the GTHL. After not having been involved in game action since March, players like Peterborough Petes prospect Will Cuylle are working on getting their legs back.

“It [game action] will be a bit of an adjustment, but the practices this week have helped.”

After learning he was selected, goaltender Joseph Vrbetic couldn’t wait to hit the ice with some former Don Mills Flyers teammates.

“I was at home when I was selected and was very excited to have the opportunity to play, and was very anxious to get started,” explained Vrbetic. “I’m most looking forward to the  experience on and off the ice and getting to play with and against the top players in the province.”

Visit the official OHL Gold Cup site for information on scheduling, ticketing, and rosters.