OMHA Champions to Host Provincial Tournament Over Easter Weekend

Stamped on the practice jerseys of the U18 AA Jr. Menace are three powerful words that have become both a rallying cry and a warning to their opponents:
“We play Sundays.”

And this season, the Milton squad — currently ranked sixth in Ontario — has lived up to that mantra. Finalists in three tournaments and now crowned OMHA champions, the Jr. Menace are primed to cap off their 2024/25 campaign with a dominant showing at the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) championships, which they’ll host over the Easter weekend.

“The potential has always been there,” said head coach Trevor Brandt. “This ‘07 group has been close for years but never quite made it through. It’s their last year, and they really wanted to go out with the Red Hat.”

Now, the Jr. Menace hope to follow in the footsteps of last year’s ‘06 team, who claimed OHF supremacy. Determined not to rely on their hosting berth, the team powered through adversity — including the loss of top shutdown defenseman Lincoln Quann to a broken hand — to go undefeated at the OMHA tournament.

They secured the title with a late-game surge and a 5–3 win over the Oakville Rangers Red — one of four teams they’ll face again at the OHFs, alongside the Soo Greyhounds, Mississauga North Stars, and Waterloo Wolves.

According to Brandt, the team’s incredible work ethic and tight-knit bond have been key to their success. Though the season started with challenges, they found their rhythm at the Mississauga Early Bird Tournament, where they took home silver.

“From there, it was all uphill,” Brandt said. The Jr. Menace went on to tie for first in league play and now head into the OHFs with a 42-17-5 overall record.

Led by captain Hayden Villaverde, the team is deep, physical, and battle-tested, having come through numerous tight games throughout their final year of minor hockey. Brandt believes their mindset sets them apart.

“This group knows how to find that extra gear — and they know exactly what’s on the line.”

The Jr. Menace will open the OHF tournament on Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. against the Soo Greyhounds at Milton Sports Centre (Rink D). The championship final is set for 3 p.m. on Easter Sunday.