Players like Travis Barron, Victor Mete, and Jakob Chychrun are all 2013-14 Kraft Cup winners who were drafted by NHL teams this past June. Introduced back in 2008, the Kraft Cup symbolizes a season’s worth of sweat, and for many players, just the beginning of their hockey success. The 2016-17 GTHL AAA regular season schedule starts tonight (September 12), and that means the race to the Kraft Cup is officially on. Here are some teams to keep an eye on.

Atom AAA Toronto Marlboros

The defending Kraft Cup champs will take on the Toronto Red Wings on Friday, September 16 at 6:40 p.m. at the MasterCard Centre. The Marlboros Atom team only lost one game during the 2015-16 regular season, tallying 28-1-4, for a total of 60 points.

Minor Peewee AAA Don Mills Flyers

The Minor Peewee AAA Don Mills Flyers ranked third in their division during the 2015-16 regular season. Their first game is on Saturday, September 17  at 3:25 p.m. against the Vaughan Kings at the Canlan Ice Sports, Scarborough.

Peewee AAA Toronto Jr. Canadiens

The Peewee AAA Toronto Jr. Canadiens had a disappointing 2015-16 season  and are looking to come back strong with this year’s squad. The team starts their season Saturday, September 17 at 4:30 p.m against the Vaughan Kings at Canlan Ice sports, Scarborough.

Minor Bantam AAA Mississauga Rebels

The 2014-15 Kraft Cup champions are looking for redemption after finishing middle of the pack last season.

“Through the years, I’ve seen a lot of hockey players succeed,” said Head Coach Fortunato (Lucky) Degrazia. “What defines these young men is how they handle themselves. It’s how we handle ourselves through the adverse moment. As coaches, we guide them through these times.”

Lucky’s team starts their season Monday, September 12 at 8:05 p.m. against the Toronto Young Nationals at Westwood Arena.

Bantam AAA Mississauga Reps

Ranking second in their division last season, the Reps will take on the Toronto Red Wings on Wednesday, September 14 at 9:15 p.m. at the Westwood Arena.

Minor Midget AAA Toronto Marlies

After losing in last year’s OHL Cup final to the York Simcoe Express, expect the Marlies to be hungry for success. Their season kicks-off Friday, September 16, 2016 at 8:55 p.m. at the MasterCard Centre against the Don Mills Flyers.