NEWS

Four former OJHL players were members of Team Canada that won the Olympic Gold Medal on Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Sweden at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Former Kingston Voyageurs netminder Mike Smith (pictured with Phoenix Coyotes - photo credit: Norm Hall Photography/Phoenix Coyotes) and former Milton Icehawks forward John Tavares, as well as former Icehawks affiliate Rick Nash and former Peterborough Bees affiliate Corey Perry, all captured an Olympic Gold Medal.

Mike Smith (Phoenix Coyotes) - Kingston Voyageurs, 1998-10
The native of Kingston, Ontario joined his hometown Vees for the entire 1998-99 and part of the 1999-00 season, which he split with the OHL's Kingston Frontenacs.  Smith would post a 3.51 goals against average in 16 games played during his full season as a 16-year old and would later play three seasons in the OHL before turning pro.

John Tavares (New York Islanders) - Milton Icehawks, 2004-05
Playing for the Toronto Marlies midget teamr, John Tavares would record 91 goals (his NHL number) and 158 points, but as a 14-year old phenom.  He also made his foray into junior hockey as a member of the Icehawks, notching 11 goals and 23 points in just 16 games played with the club, finishing tied for sixth in goal scoring.  Receiving exceptional player status that summer, Tavares joined the OHL's Oshawa Generals and ultimately went on to be selected 1st overall in 2009 by the New York Islanders.

Former OJHL Affiliated Midgets:
Rick Nash (New York Rangers) - Milton Icehawks, 1999-00
Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks) - Peterborough Bees, 2000-01

Congratulations to all four OJHL graduates on living out their dreams as Olympic Champions!