The Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Top Prospects finally got to put on a show.

Tuesday, March 1 marked the long awaited return of the GTHL Top Prospects Game powered by Under Armour at Scotiabank Pond. The top 40 Under-16 ‘AAA’ players took to the ice in what was a close 4-2 final in favour of Team Clark-James-Primeau (Black) over Team Nolan-Stewart-Tucker (White).

Celebrity coaches were welcomed, players introduced, and the carpets were rolled out for the traditional ceremonial face-off. Finally, the puck dropped on the 12th annual GTHL Top Prospects Game.

A scoreless first period laid the foundation for a fast and close game between the teams. Ryerson Leenders of the Toronto Young Nationals, in white for Team Nolan-Stewart-Tucker, and Andrew Gaulton of the Markham Majors, in black for Team Clark-James-Primeau, both bought the show to the blue paint in the opening 20 minutes.

Mississauga Senators’ William Moore got the scoring started in the middle frame, followed quickly by Senators teammate Gabriel Frasca to give Team Clark-James-Primeau a 2-0 lead. Team Nolan-Stewart-Tucker clawed their way back with goals from Jacob Battaglia of the Toronto Jr. Canadiens and Kawshawn Aitcheson of the North York Rangers, tying it up at two-a-piece heading into the third.

Toronto Marlboros’ defenceman Sam Dickinson and Senators’ Riley Patterson connected in the final frame in what would be the eventual game winning goal for Team Clark-James-Primeau. Rounding out the 4-2 final, Marlboros’ teammates Beckett Sennecke and Leo Serlin sealed the deal with a team effort for the empty net marker.

Frasca, notching a goal, was named Player of the Game for Team Clark-James-Primeau. Frasca earned the honour on the same day that brother Jordan signed an NHL entry-level contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

For Team Nolan-Stewart-Tucker, Player of the Game honours went to Battaglia following a two-point (goal and assist) performance.

The GTHL extends a special thank-you to Angela James, Anthony Stewart, Darcy Tucker, Ted Nolan, Wayne Primeau, and Wendel Clark for their participation as celebrity coaches.

The 2021-22 GTHL Top Prospects Game powered by Under Armour is still available to be purchased on-demand through GameOnStream. Click here to relive the action.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2021-22 GTHL TOP PROSPECTS GAME COMPLETE GALLERY.