NEWS

Four former OJHL players will begin their quest for hockey's ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup, tonight during game one of the Stanley Cup Final between the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks.

Chris Kelly (pictured in 2011 during his Day with the Cup - photo credit: Howie Borrow/Hockey Hall of Fame) and Rich Peverley of the Boston Bruins and Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers of the Chicago Blackhawks will square off over the next week and a half to take home Lord Stanley's Mug.

Chris Kelly would split the 1996-97 season between the Vaughan Vipers and Aurora Tigers as a 15-year old.  The Toronto, Ontario native would play five games for the Vipers (of the then OPJHL) and would spend the majority of the season with the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League's Tigers, recording 34 points in 49 games.  Following one underage season of Junior 'A' hockey, Kelly would play four seasons in the OHL as a member of the London Knights and Sudbury Wolves.

A 17-year old Rich Peverley joined the Milton Merchants for the entire 1999-00 OPJHL season.  The native of Guelph, Ontario was one of the Merchants top players, recording 17 goals and 45 points in 45 games played to finish fifth on the club in scoring.  Peverley then accepted a full scholarship to attend St. Lawrence University, playing four season as a member of the Saints before turning pro.

Before joining the OHL's Sarnia Sting, Daniel Carcillo played his first season of junior hockey as a 16-year old member of the Milton Merchants in 2001-02.  The youngster had an impressive rookie campaign, leading the club with 162 penalty minutes, while also posting a respectable 15 goal, 31 point season in only 47 regular season games played.  He would be drafted by Pittsburgh in the 3rd round of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft after only one season in the OHL.

Veteran Blackhawk Jamal Mayers played one season in the old Metro Junior 'A' Hockey League as a 17-year old member of the Thornhill Thunderbirds in 1991-92.  Mayers was one of the club's leaders that season, tied for second on the club and fifth in the METJHL with 71 points in 39 regular season games played as the Thunderbirds captured the Bauer Division regular season title, before being upset in the playoffs.  Following the season, Mayers spent four full seasons at Western Michigan University before turning pro.

Also looking to hoist the silver chalice are Bruins' Goaltending Coach Bob Essensa, who spent part of the 1982-83 season with the OJHL's Markham Waxers, and Blackhawks Assistant Coach Mike Kitchen, who was a pillar on the defence of the 1972-73 Aurora Tigers.

Other members of both club's organizations that spent time in the OJHL, include:

Boston:

• Colby Cohen - Syracuse (2004/05)
• Michael Hutchinson - Mississauga/Orangeville (2003/04 & 2006/07)
• Malcolm Subban - Toronto Jr. Canadiens (2009/10)

Chicago:

• Brandon Pirri - Streetsville/Georgetown (2007-09)
• Steve Montador - St. Michael's (1995/96)

Congratulations to all of our alumni on their achievements thus far and best of luck in the Stanley Cup Final!