The Toronto Jr. Canadiens opened their 2025–26 campaign in championship fashion, capturing the U16 AAA division title at the annual Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament over the weekend. The season-opening showcase featured top 2010-born prospects eligible for the 2025 OHL Priority Selection next April.
Success at this level is nothing new for the organization. Last spring, JRC’s 2009-born group claimed the 2025 OHL Cup Championship with a 3–2 win over the Don Mills Flyers, their second OHL Cup title in three years. This year’s U16 squad will be aiming to follow in those footsteps.
In Sunday’s final, the Canadiens defeated the Mississauga Senators 3–1, powered by a pair of goals from Brayden Grima and a marker from Jude Litman. Goaltender Zidane Jasey came within a minute of a shutout before Nolan Gao-Gray spoiled it late. However, he still backstopped JRC in seven of their eight wins, finishing atop the goaltending leaderboard and anchoring a flawless tournament run.
“It’s an amazing feeling for our group, and we were able to start our season off the same way we ended it last year,“ said Head Coach Justin Teekel. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to work with such a great bunch and help them achieve their goals and dreams this season.”
Grima led the tournament in scoring with 16 points (7-9–16), with teammate Kash Kwajah not far behind with 13 points (5-8–13). Mississauga’s Arjun Nanubhai finished second overall with 14 points (4-10–14).
“It’s a great start for the boys. It was a team effort and it’s the perfect way to open the season,” said Grima after the win. “We’re looking forward to building on this as the year goes on.”
The U16 AAA season is now in full swing, with regular-season action underway and more tournaments on the horizon, including the Wendy Dufton Memorial Tournament from Oct. 9–12 in London, Ont.
