The Brampton Excelsiors live on.
Although just 10 players survive from the Brampton squad that shocked the New Westminster Salmonbellies in Game 7 to win the 2009 Mann Cup, there is no mistaking the Excelsior brand.
Three key returnees from 2009, leading scorer Dan Dawson, all-star goalie Anthony Cosmo and veteran defender Sandy Chapman, often referred to as the "heart and soul" of the Excelsiors, are among five players in Brampton maroon and gold, who helped Canada win the world indoor championships this year.
Three lesser known Excelsiors are also back, Mike Hominuk, Bill Greer and Kevin Ross, who were key providers to Brampton's four overtime wins against the Salmonbellies in '09.
Hominuk, who came out of retirement to suit up again for Brampton, is second only to Dawson in team playoff scoring this season.
In 2009, Hominuk had two big contributions in games 2 and 6 against the 'Bellies.
Hominuk scored two of his four Mann Cup goals, including the overtime gamewinner in Brampton's 13-10 win. In Game 6, his other two goals came in a 9-8 win over New West, including the gametying marker in OT.
Greer's only goal of the '09 Mann Cup was also in Brampton's overtime win in Game 2.
Ross had two of his four goals in Game 3, an 8-7 win in double-OT, scoring back-to-back tallies in the third period that put Brampton into the lead for the first time in the game.
Filling in for the departed Josh Sanderson, Blaine Manning, Brodie Merrill, Patrick Merrill and Shawn Williams, are former Whitby junior star Zach Greer, American brothers Frank and Joe Resetarits and former Maple Ridge Burrard's Western Lacrosse League allstar Jarett Davis.
The opening game of the 2011 Mann Cup between Brampton and the Langley Thunder takes place on Wednesday at the Langley Events Centre.
Game 2 will be played on Thursday, with games 3 and 4 on Saturday and Sunday. If necessary, games will be played on Sept. 12, 14 and 15.
All games are at 7: 45 p.m.
