Ontario takes home Bronze at Canada Cup & Spalding Cup

There is no question that both the Canada Cup and Spalding Cup teams had a bigger prize in mind when each event started. Both teams came out of the gate hot, winning big in their opening match-ups. As well, both teams fell short in the semi’s, only to rebound to take home the Bronze. The Ontario Football Alliance is extremely proud of the hard work that both players and coaches showed all week long. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors! 

Spalding Cup-Canada Cup Pipeline.
 
This year’s Canada Cup saw 11 players from the 2015 Bronze Medal Spalding Cup team represent both Team Ontario (Austin Daya, Jacob Savoni, Anthony Abele, Andy McFalls, Connor Graham, Dante D’Andrea, Jacob Spencer, & Dawlson Bourdages), as well, Team North-West Ontario (Liam Puskas, Nichols Cull, & Lake Korte-Moore).  
 
Canada Cup Review (U18)
 
Team Ontario: Canada Cup opened its Canada Cup play taking on 7th ranked New Brunswick, winning 55-0. In their Semi-Final matchup, Ontario took on 3rd ranked Team Saskatchewan, losing 12-10. Ontario was able to rebound in its final game, defeating the 4th ranked Team Alberta, 38-14, winning the Bronze Medal.

“The level and competition in the Canada Cup continues to improve. It is a tremendous opportunity to showcase your skills against the top talent un Canada. It also provides you to showcase yourself to all CIS schools at one location throughout the week long event. With 95 percent of our players going to play in Canada there is not better tournament to take part in. The coaching that the young men receive during their training camp and tournament is second to none. It was an absolute pleasure to work with all the players, coaches, and support staff involved in this event.” – Glen Mills, Team Ontario: Canada Cup Head Coach

Spalding Cup Review (U17)
 
Team Ontario: Spalding Cup begin the tournament taking on the 6th ranked Team Nova Scotia. Ontario was able to show its dominance winning 37-7. In round 2, Ontario was matched-up with 2nd ranked QBFL, looking to avenge a 2015 Semi-Final defeat. However, Ontario came up short losing 25-2. Just as Team Ontario: Canada Cup, Ontario rebounded in its final game, defeating Elites de QC 28-7, winning its second Bronze Medal in as many years.
 
“Having only been my second time with this event, I can say that the experience has been rewarding for both players and coaches. Not only do they get to see the talent within their own province, as they quickly become team mates. They see the next level of coaching and what is expected at the CIS level. Both on and off the field. To top that off they see the talent in two other provinces. Having the OUA coaches available to them for questions and guidance at times, installs the qualities and characteristics that many players will need when playing beyond high school. Taking care of your body, putting their nose in the playbook and focusing while on the practice field are all traits CIS coaches look for.
 
The time spent away from the parents also teaches them some independence. Doing tasks such as laundry and curfew as well as ensuring you eat, are all things that the players need to be successful. I can safely say that this experience has done all of that for these kids. It was a great pleasure to be associated with these 36 players and proud of the work that the coaching staff put in both on and off the field.” – Jon Binns, Team Ontario: Spalding Cup Head Coach