CAPS CONTINUE TO HAVE PLAYERS GRADUATE TO THE NCAA

The success of a franchise can be measured in a number of ways. The obvious is in wins and losses or championships won. But an important statistic that can not be over estimated at the Provincial Junior Hockey level is the number of scholarships earned by players from a club. The Brampton Capitals are proud to note that 5 players earned NCAA division I and III scholarships last year. Four will report this fall, with one player returning to the Capitals line-up because of an unexpected medical issue. The Capitals management and coaching staff believe several more players will be offered school packages before the end of the 2007-08 Season. Over the past three seasons the Capitals have helped 11 players earn scholarships to American universities.

Last year defensemen Jeff Terminesi and Derek Foam, forwards Jordan Oye and Matt Ferreira and goaltender Wyatt Russell all earned NCAA scholarships.

Assistant captain Jeff Terminesi, one of only two players to play for the Capitals the past three seasons, will be moving on to Merceyhurst University beginning in 2007-08. Not much more could be asked of this veteran defenseman who had many accolades this past year. A member of the silver medal winning Team East at the inaugural World Junior 'A' Hockey Championships, Terminesi was also an OPJHL All-Star and finished 4th in scoring among defensemen. Besides his hockey abilities, Terminesi had a calming affect on a young Capitals blue-line.

Derek Foam who had been a Capitals defenseman the past two seasons is also moving on next year. His offensive talents earned him a spot at the OPJHL All-Star game. His 19 goals were tops among all OPJHL defensemen and Derek's 58 points ranked second overall. A constant scoring threat from the blue-line, Derek's 34 power-play points helped the Capitals to the 4th best power-play league-wide. He will be attending Niagara University next year.

Although Jordan Oye was only here one year he had a large impact on this squad both on and off the ice. A mature young man with a big heart, Oye constantly worked hard while trying to make those around him better. A gifted play-maker with a "Denis Savard" style to his game, Oye stepped onto not only a new team, but also a new province to play this year. Jordan will take his speed and skill set to Ferdonia next year.

Wyatt Russell came to the Capitals around the trade deadline last year and gave them an opportunity to win each night. His vast hockey knowledge and experiences playing across North America was a benefit to both players and management. Although soft spoken, his play spoke volumes about his character. Twice he was sidelined as a result of sustaining a concussion, yet that did not deter him from trying to get back between the pipes in the post-season. He will be a welcomed addition to the Alabama-Huntsville hockey program.

Matt Ferreira, another assistant captain and the Capitals leading scorer, earned a scholarship to UMass Lowell starting in 2007-08. Unfortunately, a medical issue arose and will have Ferreira back in the Capitals line-up in the middle of the year. He too was an OPJHL All-Star and was twice named West Division Player of the Month in 2006-07. His 38 goals tied him for 6th overall and his 72 points ranked 8th league-wide. His heart and hard work is second to none and are characteristics that all the young Capitals’ players should try and emulate.

These players played an integral part in the Capitals success in 2006-07. A team can only be successful if players buy into the team concept and work hard at the overall system. These players did just that. The Capitals will miss their services next year but the entire team and organization wish them nothing but the best in the years to come.

The Capitals management and coaching staff promises to work hard at helping all of our players achieve their personal goals while putting the team goal first. Management’s goal is to have all our players progress their hockey careers and move on to another level. The 2007-08 Season promises to be an exciting one for the Capitals organization as they look to build off of last year’s success.

We hope that all young inspiring hockey players consider the Brampton Capitals as a premiere place to play in the OPJHL in the years to come.