OHL Cup awaits Thunder Bay U16 Kings in Toronto

THUNDER BAY – Sports – The Thunder Bay under-16 Kings are set to hit the ice in Toronto this week at the OHL Cup Showcase. For Thunder Bay hockey fans, the tournament is another chance to see a local AAA program tested against top under-16 competition from across Ontario and the United States.

Kings open Monday against TPH Thunder

The six-day event runs Monday through Saturday at Scotiabank Pond and features 25 AAA teams.

Thunder Bay opens Monday at 2 p.m. against TPH Thunder on Scotiabank Pond 2. The TPH program now includes 15 teams in the United States and one in London, Ont.

There is also a Thunder Bay connection on the other bench. Kings alumnus Ryan McCormack was one of the original co-founders of TPH after his NCAA playing career at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Busy Tuesday on deck for Thunder Bay

The Kings will play twice on Tuesday.

Thunder Bay meets the London Jr. Knights at 8:30 a.m. on Scotiabank Pond 3, then returns to action at 7:15 p.m. on Scotiabank Pond 2 against an OHL Cup wildcard team.

Round robin wraps up Wednesday

The Kings close out round robin play Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. against the Don Mills Flyers on Scotiabank Pond 1.

What happens after that will depend on Thunder Bay’s record through its first four games.

Why the showcase matters

For the Kings, the OHL Cup Showcase offers high-level competition and exposure against some of the strongest under-16 programs in the region. For Thunder Bay, it is another reminder that local minor hockey continues to produce teams capable of competing on a bigger stage.

Thunder Bay U16 Kings schedule

Monday, March 30: vs. TPH Thunder, 2 p.m., Scotiabank Pond 2.
Tuesday, March 31: vs. London Jr. Knights, 8:30 a.m., Scotiabank Pond 3; vs. wildcard team, 7:15 p.m., Scotiabank Pond 2.
Wednesday, April 1: vs. Don Mills Flyers, 3:30 p.m., Scotiabank Pond 1.

Remaining games are to be determined.