U16 Lakers set their sights on the OHL Cup

This week, the Huron-Perth U16 AAA Lakers prepared for their trip to the OHL Cup in Toronto.

The Lakers are in the Shanahan Division for round-robin play, competing against notable teams like the OMHA's York-Simcoe Express, the GTHL's Toronto Marlboros, Michigan State Champions Detroit HoneyBaked and the winner of the March 30 Wild Card game between Hill Academy and Biosteel Sports Academy.

For additional context, the Ontario Hockey League has announced its final OHL Cup Top-10 rankings for the season. HoneyBaked is placed first, with potential group opponent York Hill ranked eighth, York-Simcoe ninth and both the Lakers and Toronto earning honourable mentions.

Head coach Jason Brooks recognizes the challenge but is enthusiastic about the opportunity to play the underdog role, having done their homework for the tournament.

“It's a great opportunity for them. They've earned the right to play against the best teams in the province and North America, and with some of those American teams coming up, private schools being there, and there being a lot of high-quality teams, they've earned the right to be a part of it. It's going to be a really tough challenge, but a challenge that I know as a coaching staff we are looking forward to, and I know in that dressing room they're looking forward to it as well,” Brooks said.

“We've already sort of done some prep work on or with video. York-Simcoe Express, Toronto Marlies, Detroit HoneyBaked, and then we'll get the winner of either the Hill Academy or BioSteel. All of them are great teams. It's going to be a tough tournament, but it's exciting to be there, to be able to play against those quality teams, and to show that we can compete.”

Second-time OHL Cup participant, team playoff scoring leader and alternate captain Callum Brooks commented on the pre-tournament practice, saying he offered advice to the first-year players.

“The practices have been going well. We've been working hard, getting ready … making sure we're physically and mentally prepared in practice,” Brooks said.

“Yeah, just enjoy it. You know it'll be the last time you play together in minor hockey. So just have a good time.”

Team captain Sullivan Kipfer is excited to play in his first OHL Cup, a tournament he has longed to participate in throughout his career as a Laker.

“It's honestly a really special feeling, like I think it's something that I've looked forward to playing in my whole Huron-Perth career. It's a really exciting tournament, obviously, the biggest tournament that you're gonna play in. It's the best on best. It's what everybody dreams of playing in,” Kipfer said.

Leading the team with 30 goals and 72 points in the 2025-2026 ALLIANCE season, Declan McCotter feels optimistic about the team's chances at the OHL Cup.

“It feels good. We're a good team. We worked all year for this, and it's just something we've been wanting to get to all year,” McCotter said. “Our expectation is to win, but really, we just want to showcase what we've worked for all year and show that we're a team that can compete with the best teams.”

The Lakers start their 2026 OHL Cup campaign on March 30, facing the winner of the Wildcard game between Hill Academy and Biosteel Sports Academy. For more information about the tournament and to track the Lakers' progress, visit the OHL Cup website at ohlcup.ca.

Huron-Perth Lakers 2026 OHL Cup Schedule

Round Robin Game 1 - OHL Cup Wild Card Winner (Hill Academy/Biosteel) vs. Huron-Perth (Scotiabank Pond Rink 1) March 30, 5:15 p.m.

Round Robin Game 2 - Huron-Perth vs. York-Simcoe (Scotiabank Pond Rink 1) March 31, 9:45 a.m.

Round Robin Game 3 - Huron-Perth vs. Toronto (Scotiabank Pond Rink 1) March 31, 5:15 p.m.

Round Robin Game 4 - Detroit vs. Huron-Perth (Scotiabank Pond Rink 2) April 1, 3:45 p.m.