NEWS

Four former OJHL players were members of the Chicago Blackhawks that captured the 2013 Stanley Cup championship (photo credit - Craig Campbell/Phil Pritchard/HHOF) with a six game series victory over the Boston Bruins.

Forwards Daniel Carcillo and Jamal Mayers, defenceman Steve Montador, as well as Blackhawks assistant coach Mike Kitchen all captured their first Stanley Cup title with the Hawks.  A testament to his true value to the club, veteran forward Mayers was the third person to hoist the Cup following captain Jonathan Toews and Michael Handzus.

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.

Defenceman Steve Montador played one season as a 16-year old member of the St. Michael's Buzzers in 1995-96, notching 19 points in 46 games played, along with 145 penalty minutes.  Following the season, he joined the OHL, playing with the North Bay Centennials, Erie Otters and Peterborough Petes.

Assistant Coach Mike Kitchen was a pillar on the defence of the 1972-73 Aurora Tigers before joining the OHA's Toronto Marlboros and then spending eight seasons in the NHL with the Colorado Rockies and New Jersey Devils.

Also members of the Blackhawks "Black Aces" squad were former OJHLers Brandon Pirri (Streetsville/Georgetown) and Steve Montador (St. Michael's).

Congratulations to all on reaching hockey's pinnacle!