Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s 2026 Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on Saturday, January 24 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘AAA’ All-Stars reflected on their minor hockey journeys. The U18 ‘AA’ All-Star Game is set for January 24 at 4:00 p.m., and admission to the festival, including all games, is free.
U18 ‘AAA’ ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE
#1 – G, LIAM KARBOWSKI (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the 2025 U16 OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their support and guidance throughout my hockey career.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard and maintain a positive attitude, no matter the circumstances. Learn from your mistakes and make sure to have fun and enjoy the game.
#31 – G, ANTHONY BUKVIC (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory was during my [U12] season with the Reps; we were the underdogs going into our first round of the playoffs. The team persevered and we ended up winning the series.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mother and father. They were always there to support me from the early morning practices, to the games, clinics, spring hockey, and of course, purchasing goalie equipment.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t let your height define your play; persevere, control your effort and attitude, then rise above it and show that you can compete.
#32 – G, CHARLIE WEISS (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning my first hockey tournament in Thunder Bay. I made a big save at the end of the game to help my team win.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, brother, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and friends.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy every moment. It goes by fast.
#89 – D, JATAN SANDHAR (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the Quebec tournament.
Who would you like to thank? My family.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Stay humble and work hard.
#21 – D, JORDAN EGLI (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Drew Doughty.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and all of my coaches.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Believe in yourself.
#91 – D, MATTHEW PITTMAN (Don Mills Flyers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My U16 season with my friends on Ted Reeve.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for everything they have done for me. All of the hours spent in the car and at the rink are much appreciated. Without their sacrifice and support, there is no chance I would be where I am today.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Never forget to have fun. Hockey is just a game. If you remember to laugh and smile, you’ll love the game and look forward to coming to the rink.
#24 – D, LUCAS JAMES (Mississauga Senators)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing and winning tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Keep up with your endurance.
#9 – D, JOHN THORPE (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory was winning the Silver Stick with the U14 Don Mills Flyers team.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all of the coaches and teammates that I’ve had throughout my minor hockey career who taught me about the game, perseverance, and friendship. I would also like to thank my family, especially my dad, for teaching and supporting me… and for driving me to the rink.
What advice do you have for the next generation? We are so lucky to be able to play this game. Enjoy it. Be the hardest working player on the ice. Be a good teammate. Respect your coaches. The things you learn through hockey will stay with you for the rest of your life.
#92 – D, LUCAS QUAIN (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is playing with my friends and sharing all the laughs, wins, and moments that made the game special.
Who would you like to thank? Thank you to my parents, family, friends, and coaches for their guidance, encouragement, and support throughout my hockey journey. Your belief in me made all the difference.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Hockey is more than a game. It teaches you teamwork, confidence, and how to push through tough stuff. My advice is work hard and don’t stress about mistakes. The mistakes are how you get better.
#10 – RW/LW, NOLAN HUTCHINSON (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: OMHA Co-Champions 2019-20!
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my past coaches from throughout the years.
What advice do you have for the next generation? One piece of advice I would say to younger generations would be: “Enjoy the time while you’re young playing hockey.”
#66 – C, KEHAN (HANK) TANG (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning Peterborough Tournament in U16.
Who would you like to thank? My family.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t give up and keep chasing your dreams.
#18 – F, RYAN UNGERMAN (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Spending time with my teammates at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? My parents for their time, effort, and introducing me to the sport.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Have fun with it, think positive, and live in the moment because it goes by very fast.
#14 – F, JACOB JOHNSTON (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL Championship.
Who would you like to thank? My family.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy the process and have fun doing it.
#86 – C, GLENFALL LEWIS (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Scoring the game winning goal against Barrie last year to clinch first place.
Who would you like to thank? My dad.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy every moment because it goes by quickly.
#86 – C, ALEXANDER LOSCHIAVO (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning MVP in a tournament. I received two tickets to a World Junior game.
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Respect your coaches, teammates, officials, and the sport.
#6 – LW, NIKOLAY ANDREYCHENKOV (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory was attending a tournament overseas, specifically in Germany. In the tournament, we played against teams from other countries, including Italy, Kazakhstan, Finland, and Latvia. While the games were super intense, what’s most unforgettable is experiencing Germany and the Czechia with my teammates, laughing, trying new food, and just enjoying everything together. This trip combined hockey, adventure, and friendship.
Who would you like to thank? To begin, I thank God for the strength and opportunity he has given me. I also thank my mother, grandparents, and sister for continually being there for me; supporting me, cheering me, and having my back after bad games. I have also greatly appreciated the contributions made by my coaches to my development, both on and off the ice, as a player.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Stop trying to be like everyone else. Be yourself, follow your own ordinary ideas and dreams, and don’t worry about what anyone else says. Pay attention to the stuff nobody notices, the small chances, the quiet moments, and do something with them. That’s how you actually grow.
#22 – C, BENJAMIN HARRIS (Mississauga Senators)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning Buffalo Cup with the Toronto Titans.
#27 – RW, MATTHEW STOBER (Markham Majors)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks in the hotel hallways at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? Coaches and my family.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard, never give up, and always have fun.
#17 – F, ALEXANDER GREZLOVSKI (Markham Majors)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Silver Stick.
Who would you like to thank? My family and coaches.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Keep working hard.
U18 ‘AAA’ ALL-STARS: TEAM RED
#59 – G, DAVID HEALY (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: All the big games and wins.
Who would you like to thank? My parents, coaches, and teammates.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t worry about things you can’t control, just find ways to get better consistently.
#31 – G, PATRICK DAROLFI (Toronto Red Wings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the CanAm Lake placid tournament.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for all the early mornings, late nights, days off work, and pushing me to achieve my goals.
What advice do you have for the next generation? For the younger generation, don’t let other people decide what you want to do, do what you love.
#39 – G, LUKE CHO (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Hanging out with the boys at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my family for supporting me throughout my whole minor hockey journey.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice for the next generation is to trust the process and to play with passion.
#2 – D, DAVIS DEVONISH (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Road trip tournaments and team dinners.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and my coaches for supporting me.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Focus on getting better – one shift at a time.
#6 – D, KAI SCHWARZ-CHISHOLM (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite memories in minor hockey were the away tournaments where we played hard but had a lot of fun with our teammates.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for always being there for me and my coaches!
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard and build your skills but also make sure that you take the time to be in the minute. Enjoy the hockey and the time with your teammates.
#19 – D, ZACHARY FOORER (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning a tournament on Notre Dame ice.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all of the coaches who have been part of my hockey journey from the very beginning. A special thank-you to Coach Paul for the many years of time and dedication he put into helping me reach the point I am at today. I’d also like to thank Coach Mike, Darcy, Nolan, and Sarah for all the work they put in to help me improve this season. To my mom and dad for all the early mornings, long drives to the rink and for always supporting me along the way – thank you.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Keep working and don’t give up on your goals.
#13 – D, FRANCESCO PORPORINO (Toronto Red Wings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My U14 season.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and coaches.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t take anything for granted.
#12 – D, KADEN ROLLING (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning OMHA’s with my hometown team.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family for always supporting me and my coaches for pushing me and making me a better player.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice for the next generation is to always work hard even if it is tough and to always do something with a purpose.
#19 – D, ROWAN EATON (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the minor hockey championship with the North York Knights in [U11], with all my oldest friends.
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my dad for all the time he put in, and all the things he’s done to help me over the years.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice to the next generation would be to enjoy every minute with your teammates, coaches, and family.
#18 – F, TREVOR PRESTON (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite memory is winning an OMHA Championship!
Who would you like to thank? Thanks Mom, Dad, and Tyler for always being supportive of me, no matter what.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Your minor hockey career goes by so fast, so be present and try your best to enjoy it all.
#22 – C, DYLAN NOBILI (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the OHL Cup tournament in U16.
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t get caught up comparing yourself to others, just focus on being better than you were yesterday.
#19 – RW, LUCAS BALANYK (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Being drafted by the Ottawa 67’s in 2025.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me. I appreciate them for all the car rides to practice and games, and especially for the money they put towards my hockey.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t take anything for granted. Work as hard as you possibly can because time goes by so quickly.
#86 – C, NOAH KRULA (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: U15 OMHA finals.
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Get better every day — not just as a player, but as a person.
#23 – C, DECLAN TORRANCE (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning big games with my teammates and celebrating in the room after — those are moments I’ll never forget.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my parents, my coaches, my trainer, and my teammates for always supporting me and pushing me to be better.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard, stay coachable, and enjoy the game — if you love hockey and put in the effort, good things will come.
#28 – F, AIDAN WITKOWSKI (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Travelling to Florida to compete in the Exposure Cup with my U15 Marlboros team.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents as they sacrificed so much so I can be where I am today.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work as hard as you possibly can and stay humble.
#26 – LW, DECLAN HALTAUFDERHYDE (Toronto Red Wings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to Buffalo for a tournament with my team and playing an outdoor game.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mom and God for supporting me always and being there for me constantly. I would also like to thank my family and trainers.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Live in the moment, have fun, and always remember why you started playing the game.
#91 – F, FINLEY SCHROETER (Mississauga Rebels)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory is when we drove to Pittsburgh for the Steel City Tournament and won the Championship.
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my mom for the countless sacrifices she has made so that I can play hockey and always cooking the best pre-game meals. I would also like to thank my step-dad Neil for bringing hockey into my life and teaching me how to be the best I can be. Also, thank you to all of my coaches that I have had over the last 10 years – for teaching me so much and for their positive support.
What advice do you have for the next generation? I would tell the next generation that there will always be ups and downs, wins and losses, injuries and challenges to overcome, but that you have to keep believing in yourself, work hard, and push through it and most importantly have fun.
#22 – F, JAMES ROSENBERG (Mississauga Rebels)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is playing in away tournaments and bonding with teammates.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all the coaches I’ve had that helped me develop as a player.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Advice that I have for the next generation is to always work hard and have fun playing hockey.
#29 – RW, BEN MAHARAJ (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is probably my first year of ‘AAA’ and winning the GTHL championship.
Who would you like to thank? I don’t think I could narrow it down to just one person. I would like to thank my parents, all of my coaches, and my teammates and their families. So many great memories shared with all of them.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice is simple – keep working hard, keep loving the game, and stay hungry.
#89 – C, LINCOLN CUMMING (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Growing up with my best friends on the [Don Mills] Flyers.
Who would you like to thank? Jamie Edwards, Donnie Harris, Bayne Pettinger, Matt Viola, my parents, and past teammates.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Cherish your time in minor hockey and have fun.
#21 – C, MATTHEW LUPIANI (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Got to go to a tournament in China to represent Canada when I was eight years old.
Who would you like to thank? My dad for introducing to the game I love to play so much.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Cherish your hockey moments when you are a kid and remember you need to do skills if you want to get to the next level.
