Another incredible season has come to an end. After a season that saw this Toronto Marlboros team battle to win their second consecutive Kraft Cup for winning the Regular Season Championship, they fell short in the final series of the GTHL City Championship to the Mississauga Rebels.

The team played heartfelt hockey.  They battled to the bitter end but with two very tight games, they just weren't able to pull off the win.

Coach Gialedakis gathered the team and their parents in the dressing room for a final chat.  He expressed his connection with the team and how proud he was of all of their efforts both on the off the ice.  Tears of joy and pride were flowing as he spoke eloquently about how united he was with these special boys and how great things were yet to come.  This was a small hurdle of many obstacles that the Marlboros would continue to overcome together.  After all, it's a marathon, not a sprint! Coach Gialedakis also took the opportunity to thank the parents for their continued support and to recognize the excellent coaching staff, that have enabled the Marlboro team to have such a harmonious environment.  This was a team of heroes and the camaraderie was felt among all that were present.

The season wasn't quite finished yet.  The entire Marlboro organization gathered together for their end of season banquet.  The 2001 Minor Peewee team was recognized once again for winning the prestigious Kraft Cup.  The families clicked their wine glasses with one another and the feeling of "home" was felt this evening.  It is an honour to belong to such a prestigious organization and being surrounded by such accomplished athletes and coaches was truly a once in a lifetime experience.

Four Marlboro teams were the Kraft Cup Champions. Seven of eight teams in the organization played in the GTHL Playoffs… And all seven of those teams made the GTHL City Championship Finals. Three of those seven teams won the GTHL City Championship, and one went on to win the Ontario Provincial Championship. All attending were so proud of their accomplishments.

The members of the Toronto Marlboro Minor Peewee AAA team were not ready to say goodbye.  It was more a feeling of "until we meet again."  After all, pre-season camp was just around the corner (wasn't it?)

The Marlboros would like to wish everyone a safe and happy summer!  See you next year.