Manitoba U-18 'AAA' Hockey League

The league was founded in 1985 and provides elite hockey players in Manitoba the opportunity to play at a high level of competition. The league is heavily scouted by the Western Hockey League, Junior 'A' teams, and NCAA programs. A number of players have gone to play in these leagues and the majority of Manitobans playing professional hockey have played in the 'AAA' league. ==Teams==

All teams are regionally based and are operated by Hockey Manitoba's regional minor hockey associations, with the exception of the Kenora Thistles, who are affiliated with Hockey Northwestern Ontario. The Winnipeg region has the option to field multiple teams. Players for each of the teams are selected from the local minor hockey associations within their respective regions. Former Teams • Parkland Stars (1985–87) • River East Royals (1985–87) • St. James Canadians (1985–87) • Winnipeg Stars (1986–87), Winnipeg Hawks (1987-03) • Winnipeg Monarchs (1985–89; 1992–94), Winnipeg Mavericks (1989–92) ==League Champions==

The league champion is awarded the Jack Forsyth Trophy, which is named after a former league commissioner. The MU18HL playoffs are also to determine the provincial championship for Manitoba (teams based outside of Manitoba are not eligible for the Manitoba championship). ;Notes ==Telus Cup Playoffs==

The Manitoba champion earns a berth to the West Regional Championship and competes against the champions from Saskatchewan and Northwestern Ontario. The winner advances to the national Telus Cup, known as the Air Canada Cup until 2003 . MU18HL teams have hosted the national championships three times: the Brandon Wheat Kings in 1994, the Winnipeg Thrashers in 2009 (in Selkirk), and the Kenora Stars in 2004. Winnipeg hosted the inaugural national championship in 1979, before the MU18HL was formed. National Championship Appearances • 1991 – Winnipeg Hawks representing West Region • 1994 – Brandon Wheat Kings as host team • 2004 – Kenora Stars as host team; Brandon Wheat Kings representing West Region Gold Medalist • 2008 – Winnipeg Thrashers representing West Region Silver Medalist • 2009 – Winnipeg Thrashers as host team • 2011 – Winnipeg Thrashers representing West Region Gold Medalist ==Alumni==

National Hockey League Players Other • Corey Koskie, former Major League Baseball player • Daren Millard, sportscaster ==References==