The Midget Mississauga Rebels still have some unfinished business they need to take care of before they can call their season a complete success. Already notching a GTHL Scotiabank Playoff Championship and Central Regional Championship, the Rebels now have their eye on the title of TELUS Cup Champions.

The Rebels will represent the Central region at Canada’s national midget championship, going up against some of the top players from across the country in the six-team tournament. Despite their proven ability to compete under pressure, the Rebels feel the competition they’ve faced thus far has been a good test of their skill as a team.

“Playing three rounds of best playoff hockey in the G really prepared us for the tough competition in the OHF’s,” said Rebels captain Eric Mergelas. “We are really excited and honoured to be participating in TELUS Cup.”

The Rebels on-ice success was reflected at the inaugural OHL U18 Draft which saw a total of seven Rebels drafted – the most out of any GTHL team. Their presence at the TELUS Cup will mark the fourth consecutive appearance by a GTHL team. The 2016 tournament was captured by the North York Rangers, who admit the tournament comes with some new found attention.

“Obviously the players will be a little nervous and frantic since they’re not used to all this media and news,” said Liam Gillanders who won the tournament last year with the North York Rangers. “I’d advise them to just play the same way that they’ve been playing all year and to not change their overall style of play.”

Gillanders also admits that the competition always looks at GTHL clubs as “the team to beat.”

“Other teams will not take GTHL teams lightly, so every game should be seen as a must-win scenario.”

A Rebels victory at the tournament would mark the third consecutive TELUS Cup Championship for the GTHL. The 2017 TELUS Cup runs from April 24-30 in Prince George, B.C. Click here for more information on the event including a full schedule.

Learn more about the Rebels victory at the Central Regional Championships.