Honeybaked Makes OHL Cup History as First American Team to Win

Detroit-based Honeybaked squad defeats Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3-1 in championship game

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:33am

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The Detroit Honeybaked hockey team made history on Saturday by becoming the first American-based squad to win the prestigious OHL Cup tournament in Toronto, which showcases the top Ontario Hockey League draft-eligible players. Honeybaked defeated the Toronto Jr. Canadiens 3-1 in the championship game, led by tournament MVP Austin Hall's two-goal performance.

Why it matters

The OHL Cup is a highly competitive, Canadian-dominated tournament, making Honeybaked's victory as the first American team to win the title a significant milestone. This achievement highlights the growing talent and competitiveness of American youth hockey programs, challenging the traditional hockey powerhouses north of the border.

The details

Honeybaked, which finished the tournament with a perfect 7-0-0 record, also won the Michigan state title last month and the Whitby International Silver Stick tournament in November. 'We've been a third period team all year long, coming back from behind and just pushing and having grit. Our saying is 'grittiness,' we just love to play hockey,' said Hall, who led the OHL Cup in scoring with 14 points.

  • Honeybaked won the OHL Cup championship game on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Honeybaked also won the Michigan state title last month and the Whitby International Silver Stick tournament in November.

The players

Austin Hall

The tournament MVP who led the OHL Cup in scoring with 14 points and scored two goals in the championship game.

Matthew Romaniski

The Honeybaked head coach who led the team to the historic OHL Cup victory.

Honeybaked

The Detroit-based hockey team that became the first American-based squad to win the Canadian-dominated OHL Cup tournament.

Toronto Jr. Canadiens

The Canadian hockey team that lost to Honeybaked 3-1 in the OHL Cup championship game.

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What they’re saying

“Words can't describe it. First American team to do it – it's history.”

— Austin Hall, Tournament MVP

“I'm so proud of the boys. We were serious about coming and winning this. It was good to come up here and finish out the year the right way.”

— Matthew Romaniski, Honeybaked Head Coach

What’s next

Honeybaked's historic OHL Cup victory will likely raise the profile of the Detroit-based hockey program and inspire more American youth teams to compete in the prestigious Canadian tournament.

The takeaway

Honeybaked's triumph as the first American team to win the OHL Cup demonstrates the growing strength and competitiveness of U.S. youth hockey, challenging the traditional dominance of Canadian programs and signaling a shift in the North American hockey landscape.