The top 40 minor midget players in the GTHL will put their skills to the test tonight when they drop the puck at the 8th Annual GTHL Top Prospects Game, Powered by Under Armour (7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Pond).
Celebrity coaches Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean will each lead rosters featuring two goaltenders, six defenceman and 12 forwards. Nine different Minor Midget AAA clubs will be represented at the event, with the Toronto Marlboros leading all clubs with eight players. The Mississauga Reps, the Mississauga Rebels and the Vaughan Kings follow closely behind with six players apiece.
The Toronto Young Nationals and Mississauga Reps will temporarily put their heated Kraft Cup battle aside as members of two squads play alongside one another. The teams have been exchanging positions in the number one spot in recent weeks.
“I am mostly looking forward to playing with the top players in the GTHL,” said Mississauga Reps forward Jamieson Rees. “I was very excited when my coach told me I had made the team and very grateful for the opportunity.”
As part of Team Kypreos, Jamieson will face off Toronto Marlboros forward Jack Hughes, who will become only the third player in GTHL Top Prospects history to make a second appearance in the game. Hughes played in last year’s game as a member of Mississauga Rebels. Only former Don Mills Flyers goaltender Jack Lafontaine and 2016 first overall OHL Priority Selection pick Ryan Merkley have shared honours with Hughes.
“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. “It is an honor to be a part of such a great event, especially because of all the great players that have played in the game in the past.”
Alumni of the event include NHL stars Connor McDavid, Mitch Marner, Max Domi, and more. A total of 48 GTHL Top Prospects Alumni have been drafted into the NHL since the event started in 2010.
The 8th Annual GTHL Top Prospects Game, Powered by Under Armour will hit the ice tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Scotiabank Pond. Click here to purchase tickets.
Join the conversation on social media at #GTHLTopProspects
