It's Friday night, otherwise known as Toronto Marlboro night at Canlan Etobicoke and the 2001 team is geared up for a big game against the Mississauga Rebels.  Why is this any different than any other night you ask?  Well that's because a win against the Rebels means clinching the infamous Kraft Cup for the second year in a row.

That was exactly what they did!  The game couldn't have been more exciting.  The crowd was louder than usual and definitely more energetic.  Cheering their team to victory with a 2-1 win over the Rebels, the Toronto Marlboros for the second year in a row, won the much sought after Kraft Cup.

The Kraft Cup was introduced to the Greater Toronto Hockey League in 2008 and was to be awarded to the team that wins its division at the end of regular-season play.

“We are committed to improving hockey throughout the GTA and promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle through sport,” says Jack Hewitt, spokesperson for Kraft Canada.

This victory meant so much to the Toronto Marlboros 2001 team for many reasons.  First and foremost, their season was about so much more than just hockey.  The season signified health, nutrition, fitness and overall mental well being.  Essentially, their training embodied everything that the Kraft Cup was meant to achieve.  Even through a plethora of injuries and shorthanded games, the team battled through every obstacle presented to them.

When asked what the Kraft Cup meant to him, a parent on the team responded by saying "this success marks another stepping stone in the progress of our team."  He went on to say, "it is the culmination of hard work, dedication and growth over the course of the season."

And so it was!!  The 2001 Toronto Marlboros, their coaching staff and families beamed with pride at their achievement and the hope that the playoffs would bring the same level of satisfaction as this great accomplishment.

Congratulations boys, keep up with the good work.