Winning one of junior hockey’s most coveted trophies is the dream of many young hockey players from the Festival City, and for one of them, it just came true.
Cambridge Redhawks recently won the Greater Ontario Hockey League (GOHL) title and, in doing so, were awarded the Sutherland Cup, one of the province’s most historic hockey trophies.
Aidan Hill shared goaltending duties for the Cambridge Redhawks during the regular season but played in 14 of the team’s 17 playoff games, posting a 13- 1 won/loss record, a 1.53 goals against average, and a .934 save percentage with five shutouts. He was also named the league’s playoff Most Valuable Player.
“It started with the East Conference MVP, and that was more than I could ever ask for. To win the league award was unreal. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a long time. Every kid wants to get recognized like that.”
Hill played for the Mitchell Hawks of the Provincial Junior Hockey League last season before being invited to the Redhawks camp. He said he’s thankful for Cambridge giving him an opportunity to play.
“I wasn’t expecting a lot, and I knew I would have to work for my chance to get minutes. They gave me my opportunity, which is more than I could ask for. The coaches had confidence in me to play throughout the playoffs, and I couldn’t be more thankful to them.”
The Redhawks capped off an incredible 45-win regular season with a Sutherland Cup title after defeating St. Marys Lincolns in five games in the championship series. The loss to the Lincolns was the only blemish on a near-perfect playoff record.
“From day one, we all gelled as a group. That always helps a team throughout a season and creates confidence. It was a great run,” said Hill.
Cambridge is coached by former NHL star and Guelph native Todd Bertuzzi. Hill said he allowed the players to use their skill sets.
“He gave us a lot of space for creativity. We could do what we wanted on the ice to try to succeed. If it didn’t work, it didn’t work. It helped us play with a lot of confidence knowing we could play how we wanted to play.”
Hill said Bertuzzi was also available anytime a player wanted to talk.
“He said many times a 3 a.m. call is ok if we ever needed anything. He’s been a great coach the whole year.”
Hill, a graduate of the Huron-Perth AAA program, was selected in the 12th round, 242nd overall, by the Ottawa 67’s in the 2023 OHL Priority Draft and turns 19 this week. As for the future of his hockey career, he’s taking a wait and see approach.
“I will see how it goes. I have heard a few whispers about some opportunities, but nothing comes of it until you sign the papers. Hopefully, I can advance to the next level. I can’t thank my coaches enough for their help if I move forward.”
Cambridge tied the GOHL record with its 45 regular-season victories and set a record with 23 consecutive wins to start the season.
