Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s 2024 Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on January 27 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘A’ All-Stars reflected on their minor hockey careers. The U18 ‘A’ All-Star Game is set for Saturday, January 27 at 10:00am. Admission to the U18 All-Star Festival, including all games, is free.

U18 A ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE

#1 – G, CAMERON BENNINGER (Erindale Spitfires)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is winning the MHL Cup and then going on to finally win the GTHL Cup in U12. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my dad for getting me into hockey and paying for my goalie equipment and giving me the opportunity to do what I love. Thanks dad. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant so much to me – it has given me the opportunity to make lots of lifelong friendships and has taught me many life lessons along the way.

#30 – G, KAYDEN VISRAM (North Toronto)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory was winning my first tournament, my 11-year-old self felt like we had just won the Stanley Cup.  
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my parents for always supporting me throughout my time as a goalie, I know it definitely wasn’t cheap. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey has been a huge and fun part of my life. The experiences I’ve had and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned will stick with me in my future. 

#31 – G, CHRISTOPHER MARCH (Humber Valley Sharks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks in the halls at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, coaches, and team manager for all of the opportunities they have provided me. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me and it has been a major part of my life. I have made forever friendships and it has taught me the value of both winning and losing. 

#2 – D, IAN CARVALHO (Forest Hill)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Pro Hockey Life Cup and GTHL Championship in U17.
Who would you like to thank? My mom and dad for taking me to games and practices all these years, as well as my coaches and teammates throughout my career. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I’ve loved hockey since I was really young and it has always been a huge part of my life. It’s a great way to be competitive and make friends along the way.

#3 – D, YONAS NICOLA-LALONDE (Humber Valley Sharks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Under-10 Select championship.
Who would you like to thank? My father.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant the world to me. I have made so many great friends throughout my hockey career.  

#5 – D, AIDAN DILWORTH (Toronto East Enders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments with the team.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and coaches.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant a lot as I have been on the same team since U10 and we’ve created a strong bond as a team on and off the ice.

#6 – D, ALEX PIEPER (Erindale Spitfires)

Favourite minor hockey memory: A fond memory was when my father was part of the coaching staff and a flying puck hit him in the abdomen. The team had a laugh because the Erindale player who shot the puck is one of my long-time teammate’s and best friends.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all of my coaches over the years.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I have always played hockey with Erindale and it has meant a lot to stay loyal to one organization. There are too many games, goals, and lessons learned over the years but the fun memories at the away tournaments are what hockey is at its core. The comradery with lifetime friendships is the best! 

#7 – D, NATHAN COX (Applewood Coyotes)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favorite minor hockey memory is every away tournament, ever!  
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for all of the time and dedication they put into hockey so I could play the game.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey has meant so much to me. It’s been a way to stay active, make lifelong friends, and develop countless skills that I can carry with me through life, all while playing a sport that I love. I couldn’t imagine anything better. 

#8 – F, MATTHEW LITTLE (Forest Hill)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Scoring the shootout winning goal at the Motown Classic to with the tournament for my team.   
Who would you like to thank? My parents and coaches who have supported me throughout my minor hockey years. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has provided me with great memories of playing my favourite sport, meeting great teammates, and building strong character. 

#9 – F, LAWRENCE GROSSMAN (Forest Hill)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks with my teammates on away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents as well as my coaches for making my career a possibility, and helping me to get better every step of the way.  
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? To me, my career has meant just having fun, and growing with my teammates. 

#10 – F, JONAS HONG (Toronto Shamrocks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: 6:00am house league practices.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? A good amount.

#11 – F, DIEGO BASSON (Toronto East Enders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to all the away hockey tournaments with my former teams was great, especially when we won!
Who would you like to thank? My Dad for coaching me, driving me to all the games, and being my number one fan. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has been a great privilege to play minor hockey with all my friends, as it was most of my greatest childhood memories growing up.  Also, it taught me to be responsible in balancing my hockey along with school and other priorities in life. 

#13 – F, MARCO MACCHIONE (Vaughan Rangers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Chicago tournament.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My time in minor hockey has meant a lot, it has helped me work on teamwork and communication while playing the game I love. 

#15 – F, BEN SWARTZ (North Toronto)

Favourite minor hockey memory: U10 away tournament.
Who would you like to thank? My coach, Mike Dymond.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has allowed me to meet lots of new friends and make lots of amazing memories. 

#16 – F, FINN WOTTON (Toronto Wolverines)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments with my teammates.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and my coach.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I’ve had a chance to play a sport I love, meet new people, and learn skills that go beyond hockey. 

#18 – F, LUCA DI SUMMA (Erindale Spitfires)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks in the hotel hallways and dodging hotel staff at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? My parents for all of their support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My hockey career has meant a lot to me. I’ve been able to enjoy the game and have fun while learning a lot, as well as being able to make lifelong friends along the way. 

#19 – F, PHILIP CHU (Applewood Coyotes)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the OHF’s and Silver Stick.
Who would you like to thank? My parents for always pushing me to do my best.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey has allowed me to meet and make memories with people I will cherish for the rest of my life. It has also allowed me to grow as an individual which I am grateful for. 

#20 – F, GAVIN MATHIS (Applewood Coyotes)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory was winning the MHL championship with all of my friends and teammates.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my parents, friends, and sisters for always coming out to my games and cheering me on as I play. They always make an effort to show up and it truly means a lot to me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me as it was a way I could always connect with my friends outside of school. Hockey has always provided me with a reason to finish my school work on time and get ready to either play a game or practice with my team. 

U18 A ALL-STARS: TEAM RED

#30 – G, MAX HURST (North York Knights)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My first GTHL game. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents and my coaches.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has given me the opportunity to play the sport I love. I have had the opportunity to play with great coaches and players.  

#31 – G, ROWAN AMORIM (Port Credit Storm)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory is winning a tournament in a shootout.  
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, coaches, and friends because it wouldn’t be possible without them. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me, by not only having fun but building character along the way. Learning from the ups and downs, but most importantly, playing with good friends and staying active. 

#2 – D, MAX MCCLEAN (Leaside Flames)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Lake Placid tournament.  
Who would you like to thank? Rustin Smith, Mike Kennedy, and Paul Sullivan. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Taught me the importance that leadership, teamwork, and camaraderie have in attacking goals and challenges. Hockey has been a transformative experience that has shaped my character both on and off the ice. 

#3 – D, ALEX FARALLA (York Mills)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in any and all tournaments – especially Jay Peak and Lake Placid.  
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my mom and dad for always being there – driving me to practices and games and their constant support throughout. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant playing competitively and still having fun while forming friendships to last beyond my hockey career. 

#4 – D, JOSH COOPER (York Mills)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments with the boys.
Who would you like to thank? Parents, coaches, and teammates.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has allowed me to play my favourite sport with some of my best friends. Hockey games are the best parts of my day and I always look forward to them. 

#6 – D, MAX GRANATSTEIN (Ted Reeve Thunder)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Our Ted Reeve Thunder trip to Czechia, Poland, and Germany. Playing European teams and touring Europe with my friends was amazing.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my parents and coaches, but especially my dad, for keeping the game fun, for all the extra time on the outdoor rink and for coaching me every year. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I’ve been playing with some of my best friends since we were five years old at East York and now Ted Reeve, friendships that will last a lifetime. 

#7 – D, CALEB ENGLISH-LOTT (Port Credit Storm)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the MHL championship.
Who would you like to thank? Thank you to my Dad, for coaching me my entire life and always being so supportive. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I’ll leave minor hockey with many friends and great memories. 

#8 – F, STEFANO PAPETTI (Leaside Flames)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the 2017 Lake Placid tournament.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and coaches.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has provided me with the opportunity to be a part of a team and to build long lasting friendships.

#9 – F, DYLAN FINDLAY (Don Mills Mustangs)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks in hotel hallways at away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my coaches for dedicating hours of their time every single week for my teammates and I.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing minor hockey has given me something fun to look forward to every single winter. Hanging out with my teammates and playing the game I love has meant the world. 

#10 – F, JOSH MEADOWS (Don Mills Mustangs)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Scoring in the shootout to help win the Silverstick.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and my family.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Having this minor hockey career has been a blast and has taught me many skills. On top of the championships I have won with my teams, the meaningful friendships I made will last forever. 

#12 – F, ELY MILLER (Goulding Park Rangers) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the outdoor Peterborough Petes tournament.
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my Dad for many things throughout my hockey career. From early morning wake-ups for games, to driving to Montreal for away tournaments, I am extremely grateful for his sacrifices so I can have experiences and play the game of hockey. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant more to me than just hockey. I have made lifelong friends for the past years of my life playing the game. The social aspect of hockey, winning tournaments, and becoming a leader have all taught me life lessons that I will continue to use throughout my life. 

#13 – F, CARTER O’KEEFE (Ted Reeve Thunder) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memory is when as part of the U14 ‘AA’ Ted Reeve team, we played a game at the Olympia Eishalle in Munich while on tour in Europe.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my dad for coaching me and coming to all my games to support me throughout my minor hockey career.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has taught me many life lessons including teamwork, discipline, disappointment, and the importance of hard work. 

#15 – F, CAMERON DODSON (Toronto Royals) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: All the tournament wins but winning the Rock N Roll Cup in Cleveland in 2018 and getting right on the bus with my team and blaring the music all the way home.  
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my parents for their support throughout my whole hockey career. The countless early morning drives to and from arenas and the fun we had is something I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. I am extremely fortunate.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has contributed to who am I today and the person of I have become. It has taught me about leadership, teamwork, hard work, and friendships – traits and relationships that have had a huge impact on me and that I will cherish and continue to build long after hockey.

#16 – F, ANTHONY OSTROWSKI (Willowdale Hawks) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is winning the CanAm tournament in Lake Placid.   
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my father for allowing me to join and play hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me from building relationships with coaches and players, and finding many friends in the league. My minor hockey career has also taught me many valuable lessons that I will have for the rest of my life. 

#17 – F, LUKE MALDEN (Willowdale Hawks) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: Being with my team at an away tournament! All the fun times we had as a team while being away, playing mini-sticks in the hallway!
Who would you like to thank? My dad – he’s been there the whole time and supported my hockey career, doing anything to help me succeed. From early morning practices to late night games, he is always there to support me. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant everything – all the friends I have made and the fun I have had will stay with me my entire life. I will never forget it! 

#19 – F, EVAN BETTS (Lorne Park Clarkson Wild) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to Montreal for a tournament with my team this year and winning the shootout in the skills competition. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents and family for supporting me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing hockey since I was four has given me the opportunity to develop skills and learn life lessons such as the importance of teamwork and perseverance. It has been a lot of fun and I hope to play hockey for many more years. 

#20 – F, EVAN BEETLES (Port Cedit Storm) 

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the mini Stanley Cup in my first year of hockey on the Port Credit Blue Jackets paperweight team.  
Who would you like to thank? My dad for teaching me how to play and my coaches for always being supportive. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been a fun, long journey that has helped shape my character and taught me how to work as part of a team. The camaraderie on the ice and the life lessons taught through wins and losses will leave me with good, lasting memories and an appreciation for the sport. 

F, JASON YEE (North York Knights)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments with my team.
Who would you like to thank? Thank you to all of the coaches for giving me this opportunity and my father for his unwavering support. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing hockey has been an important part of my life. I formed many friendships and learned life lessons such as collaboration. 

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