The Hellenic Lightning have been a top contender since day one of the Canadian Multicultural Hockey Championships. They made the playoffs in the first year of the tournament and forward Sam Katsuras was the first ever MVP. While not the biggest player on the ice, Katsuras’ quick speed and natural puck-handling abilities made everyone, including the top brass of the league, take notice of his talent and honour him with the top prize.

The team also relies on size, with Paul Tzountzouris manning the blueline. A minor league veteran, having played all over the U.S. from Flint, Michigan to South Carolina, Tzountzouris’ experience along with his 6'2", 201-pound frame make him both an intimidating player to face as well as an asset for the Lightning’s defence. He is also a swift skater, able to cycle to puck around the ice and quarterback the team’s powerplay.

Standing tall between the pipes is goaltender Pano Moros, who stepped it up a notch in 2007, blanking the Chinese Ice Dragons and earning a shutout while helping his team secure yet another playoff spot. The team only lost one game in the round-robin portion, a close 2-1 loss to the Israeli Maccabees in overtime, finishing second in the East Division. A rivalry emerged as the team faced the Italian Gladiators in a rugged battle. Although the Lightning lost 7-4, the two teams battled hard throughout the game and either team could have emerged as the victor.

A crowd favourite, the Hellenic Lightning continue to build their reputation as a contender for the Canadian Cup while their fans cheer “opa!”