The Greater Toronto Hockey League, in partnership with Nothers The Award Store, was proud to recognize its 2024 Award winners at the Hockey Hall of Fame on June 6.

Congratulations to Pavlos Sialtsis, the recipient of the John R. Gardner Special Recognition Award, established in 2001 by then GTHL President John Gardner. The award is presented by the GTHL to a player who has experienced a significant event in their lives, has overcome adversity, and continued playing the game of hockey. 

Pavlos played for the Under-18 ‘AA’ Markham Islanders team this past season. The season prior, Pavlos suffered a severe medical issue, picking up an infection called osteomyelitis after having his wisdom teeth removed. This infection was so severe, half of Pavlos’ jaw had to be removed. He spent many weeks in the hospital on a strict liquid diet and had to take antibiotics upon returning home for the next year. With a lot of resilience, hard work, and determination, Pavlos was able to return to hockey for the 2023-24 season. He was named to the GTHL’s U18 ‘AA’ All-Star roster on Team Red and helped his Islanders team win the GTHL Championship.

Click for more on the 2024 GTHL Awards presented by Nothers The Award Store.

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