Golden Hawks celebrate championship with Buckland Cup ring ceremony

Tim Bates / OJHL Images

Corbin Roach and Cooper Matthews returned to the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens on Friday night to be recognized for their roles on last season’s championship team.

The Trenton Golden Hawks celebrated their second Buckland Cup title in franchise history with a pregame ring ceremony before a 13–1 win over the Cobourg Cougars in the club’s final home game before the Christmas break.

Cooper Matthews (L) and Corbin Roach (R)

“Being back definitely brought back a lot of emotions,” said Roach, who captained the Golden Hawks during the championship run. “It reminds me how much I miss this place and the fans. Last year was the best year of hockey I’ve ever had.”

Trenton finished the season with the OJHL’s best record at 47-6-3, scoring 265 goals and allowing 136. The Buckland Cup marked the franchise’s third consecutive appearance in the OJHL finals.

“It feels great to be back,” Matthews said. “Seeing all the guys again, the coaches, the fans. It is a pretty cool feeling knowing what we were able to do for Trenton.”

Both Belleville natives are continuing their hockey careers at Oklahoma State University. Eight players from last year’s championship roster remain with the Golden Hawks this season.

Roach has recorded 58 points in 13 games this season for the Cowboys, while Matthews has 46 points in 14 games.

Both alumni credited the Trenton community for playing a key role in last season’s championship run.

“We could not have done it without the fans,” Matthews said. “Their support helped us along the whole way.”

“We would not have gone as far as we did without their support,” Roach said. “We are grateful we were able to reward them with a championship.”

As the Golden Hawks continue their season, Roach and Matthews shared advice from their championship experience.

“Treat every game like it is your last,” he said. “Don't take a single moment for granted. It goes by fast.”

“Playing with a group like this every day builds a brotherhood,” Matthews said. “Enjoy being home over the holidays, reset, and then come back ready to get back to work.”

The night served as a reminder of both last season’s accomplishments and the standard of winning that defines Golden Hawks hockey.