TORONTO, ON – The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to announce the celebrity coaches who will take part in the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game fuelled by Gatorade — and this year, it comes with a competitive twist: 1990s Toronto Maple Leafs vs. 2000s Toronto Maple Leafs.
The game, featuring the top 40 GTHL Under-16 ‘AAA’ players, is set to take place on Wednesday, January 28 at Canlan Sports York. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.
1990s Leafs vs. 2000s Leafs: The Celebrity Coach Rivalry
Representing the 1990s Leafs, Wendel Clark returns to the bench once again with Team Red, bringing the same fire and edge remembered by fans.
On the other side, representing the 2000s Leafs, Nik Antropov returns to lead Team Blue.
Toronto JR. Canadiens head coach Justin Teackle and trainer Dean Grima will join Clark for Team Red, and joining Antropov on Team Blue will be Vaughan Kings’ head coach Mathew Sisca and trainer Gabriella Noce.
New Group Ticket Offer: Save $4 Per Ticket
With the announcement of this year’s celebrity coach match-up, fans can now take advantage of a new group ticket offer:
- Buy 10 or more tickets and save $4 on each ticket
- The discount is automatically applied when 10 tickets are added to the cart
- Perfect for teams, families, schools, and hockey groups looking to attend together
CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
A limited number of tickets remain for the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game fuelled by Gatorade. Tickets, at a price of $17 per ticket plus HST, can be purchased online and are general admission. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the game. Tickets will not be available at the door.
All tickets purchased will be final sale – no refunds.
Get to know the celebrity coaches for the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game fuelled by Gatorade:
TEAM BLUE: Nik Antropov
Making his fourth appearance as a GTHL Top Prospects Celebrity Coach, Antropov brings 14 seasons in the NHL to the bench. The Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan native spent time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers, and the Winnipeg Jets after being selected 10th overall by the Leafs in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. In 788 career games, Antropov posted 465 points with 193 goals and 272 assists. Antropov also has experience on the international stage, representing Kazakhstan at the 1998 IIHF World Championship, 1999 World Junior Championship, and the 2006 Winter Olympics. Antropov’s eldest son Danil is a graduate of the GTHL, spending his U16 season with the Toronto Marlboros, while his youngest son Matvey is currently playing in the GTHL with the U14 Don Mills Flyers.
TEAM RED: Wendel Clark
Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs first overall in 1985, Clark brings a total of 15 NHL seasons – with three spent as captain of the blue and white – where he tallied 564 points (330 goals and 234 assists) in 793 games played. Beyond the Leafs, Clark, who is a longtime friend of the GTHL Top Prospects Game, also spent time with the Islanders, Lightning, Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks. Known for his tenacious style, Clark also has experience at the international level, capturing gold with Team Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championship in 1985. Clark spent several seasons on a GTHL bench as well, standing as an assistant coach with the Toronto Young Nationals from 2009 to 2014.
To view the rosters for the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game fuelled by Gatorade, click here.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) is a non-profit organization, home to more than 30 community recreational programs and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 30,000 annual participants in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to empower, innovate, and provide hockey experiences that foster growth, inclusion, and excellence for all participants, while providing an enriching, equitable, and inclusive environment that benefits all members and the broader community.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Coratti
Director, Strategy & Communications
Greater Toronto Hockey League
[email protected]
