Out the over 200 Minor Midget AAA players in the GTHL, only 40 are selected for the annual GTHL Top Prospects Game – that’s only 16% of all current Minor Midget AAA players. The few that are chosen are given the privilege of showcasing their talent in front of a large community. So what does it feel like when you’re one of the chosen?

“Ryan’s reaction was – ‘Pops, I did it! This was a goal of mine from the time a went to watch the Top Prospects Game back when I was in Minor Atom and here I am,’” said Jack Dugas, father of Mississauga Reps goaltender Ryan Dugas. The two will share the Top Prospects experience together as Jack maintains his duty as a trainer with Team Kypreos.

Ryan’s excitement was felt amongst other Top Prospects upon learning they would participate in the game, including Ryan’s Top Prospects teammate Thomas Harley.

“I was very excited to learn I was selected for the game. I feel very honored to represent the Vaughan Kings,” said Thomas. “I’m really hoping that I get to play with [Toronto Marlboros forward] Jack Hughes instead of against him.”

Unfortunately for Thomas, he will once again be competing against Jack Hughes who will be making his second consecutive appearance at the event – a feat only two other players have accomplished.

“Having had the opportunity to play in last year’s game, it is always a lot of fun to play with players you usually play against,” said Hughes, who played in last year’s Top Prospects Game as an underager. “The GTHL does an amazing job at celebrating the Minor Midget year, it should be a great game and will be a lot of fun.”

The Toronto Marlboros lead the pack with a total of eight players participating, closely followed by the Mississauga Reps, the Vaughan Kings, and the Mississauga Rebels who have six players each.

Players from the Toronto Young Nationals, Toronto Marlboros and Mississauga Rebels will also face the task of playing against some of their own teammates, including Young Nationals goaltender Zachary Roy who will face off against his teammate Robert Calisti.

“I’ll be looking forward to playing against him,” said Zachary when he learned he would be playing against Calisti. “He lights me up in practice, just hope it doesn’t happen the game.”

The 8th Annual GTHL Top Prospects Game, Powered by Under Armour will hit the ice on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Pond. Click here to purchase tickets.

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