From their first wobbly steps in Timbits to the intensity of this year's playoff run, the hockey journey for our U18 Junior Mustang graduates has been fun and memorable.
On March 1st, we held a special celebration during our final regular season home game to honour our four graduating players who will be aged out of GLHA Competitive minor hockey at the conclusion of this season.
It was a sentimental night as they donned the Purple and Grey on home ice for the last time in the regular season. In a fitting tribute, all four grads took the ice for the opening draw, setting the tone for a hard-fought victory for the home team.
While the regular season has wrapped, the work is far from over. U18 Purple is currently mid-playoff run, and the entire squad is locked in and determined to keep this season—and these careers—going as long as possible.
Finishing a minor hockey career in the GLHA London Jr. Mustangs U18 program represents years of dedication, including 9 or more seasons of playing competitive hockey along with the commitment and hard work that comes with it. From the early weekend morning practices back at Tyke, to thousands of kilometers logged on the 401 and 402, out of Province tournaments, hotels, team events and hundreds of games.
They’ve all learned that being a Junior Mustang is about more than just the results on the scoreboard—it’s about resilience and character formed and the bonds forged with teammates.
As our grads play their final shifts, we want to recognize the "team behind the team" that made this journey possible:
The Parents: For the seemingly endless driving to Sarnia, Burlington, and beyond; for the late-night skate drives home, and for being the loudest fans in the stands.
The Coaches & Trainers: For the mentorship, the "bag skates," and for teaching these players that character is defined by hard work.
The London Community: To the volunteers, officials, and the GLHA family who keep the game alive for the love of the sport.
To our Graduates: Broden Weber, Liam Duench, Owen Munsch and Ryan Sims - You’ve represented our crest and the City of London with pride.
As you move on next season to Post-Secondary Education or new adventures, take that Junior Mustang work ethic and those lifelong friendships with you. We hope that you all play and love hockey for years to come.
Congratulations, LJM Class of 2026. No matter where you go next, you’ll always have a home at the rink.
To all of the families and players in the GLHA; the ride is fun but ends eventually, enjoy all of the moments along the way!
PHOTOS GALLERY: Sunday game's and in their youth.
