Tyson Teichmann is riding a wave of momentum. His Quinte Red Devils qualified for the 2009 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament as the OMHA Champions, a position they earned when they beat the top-ranked York Simcoe Express at the OMHA Championships in Newmarket last Sunday.
The final tilt went to overtime before Teichmann shut the door and the Devils emerged victorious. “I just tried to stay loose, as a goaltender it is important to be relaxed and focused” said Teichmann following an opening round shutout win over the Mississauga Reps at the 2009 OHL Cup. “We tried to stay neutral in the game today and not get too emotional but it was tough after playing on such a high. The team played well and it was a good win.” Tyson always receives encouragement from his father, Brad, who played two seasons in the OHL from 1990-1992. “He told me that it (the OHL) is a great league and he has helped me figure out what to expect playing at the next level”.
The Teichmann’s are on a list of many family ties between the tournament and the OHL. Although there are many, some other examples include Belleville Bulls and Team Canada World Junior star defenceman P.K Subban’s younger brother Malcolm is a goaltender with the Toronto Marlies. Day 2 action on the main bowl began with the TPH Thunder, led by NHL grad Uwe Krupp behind the bench. Krupp played 729 games in the NHL and is set to coach the German National Team at the 2010 Olympics. His son Bjorn also patrols the blue line with Subban in Belleville.
Dallas Ashford, Head Coach of the Ottawa Jr. Senators played for the Kitchener Rangers and the Ottawa 67’s from 1997-99 and uses his experiences when coaching his young team. “I talk to them about the commitments they need to make not only on the ice, but off the ice with education and the physical training and proper nutrition required to succeed in the OHL” said Ashford.
Captain Boone Jenner of the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs looks up to his brother, Leo, who played in the OHL Cup before making the OHL with the Plymouth Whalers where he is in his fourth season. The Chiefs are also coached by Boone and Leo’s father Matt. Carter Sandlak of the London Jr. Knights is son of former NHL and OHL grad Jim Sandlak. Ken Strong presently coaches the Toronto Marlboros but played in the OHL for the Peterborough Petes from 1980-83.
