Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s 2024 Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on January 27 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘AA’ All-Stars reflected on their minor hockey careers. The U18 ‘AA’ All-Star Game is set for Saturday, January 27 at 1:00pm. Admission to the U18 All-Star Festival, including all games, is free.

U18 AA ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE

#1 – G, ARMEN NALBANDIAN (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning my first playoff series in the GTHL in triple overtime.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents and teammates for supporting me along this journey, and my coaches for helping me improve along the way. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey has taught me countless lessons that I have used in and out of the sport, I have made many memories in the GTHL that I will hold with me forever.

#30 – G, MATEO CONTE (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and my coaches. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant a lot to me, teamwork, friendships, having fun, and making memories. 

#31 – G, SYDNEY PYBURN (Toronto Royals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks at the away tournaments when I was younger.
Who would you like to thank? My dad for driving me to every game and practice (especially the ones at 6:00am in my early years). 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has helped me grow as a person, teaching me important life lessons and giving me confidence while building relationships that will last a lifetime. 

#2 – D, JONATHAN CRUZ (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning City Championship in U8.
Who would you like to thank? My mom and dad for their time and giving me this experience.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Meeting great friends and making memories playing the game of hockey.

#3 – D, LEO RIZZUTO (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Florida International Holiday Invitational on New Years Eve. 
Who would you like to thank? Thank you to my parents, coaches, and teammates.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? The ability to build lifelong friendships through hockey is something I will always cherish. 

#4 – D, ZACH CONSTANTOPOULOS (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite memory was winning the 2018-19 Ontario Hockey Federation Championships for Under-12 ‘AA’ with the Streetsville Tigers. It’s important to me because it was the championship that deemed my team as the best ‘AA’ team in Ontario. This was the jewel in the crown that included winning the Pro Hockey Life Championship, GTHL Playoffs, and the International Silver Stick Champion in Port Huron. My team went 86 wins, four losses, and nine ties, and we won all of the tournaments we joined, including the difficult London Green and White Tournament that consisted of three 20-minute periods, and required us to play overtime to decide the champion. It was a great season not only because we won, it was great because we did it in our own home arena – the Vic Johnston in Streetsville. This meant that our friends and family were able to attend and cheer us on like no other – the place was electric for the championship game. I’ll never forget that year. That season influences me still today because it showed me what it took to win, and what it felt like to be the best! 

Who would you like to thank? 

I want to thank my parents for their support and encouragement. Your belief in me has been a source of motivation, pushing me to strive for excellence not only in hockey but in school too. 

Thank you for the time you’ve spent driving me to and from games and practices, ensuring that I never miss a chance to improve and compete. Your dedication to my growth, both as an athlete and as a person, means so much to me. 

As the trainer and team manager your commitment to me and my team demonstrates the importance of teamwork, and the impact of having a supportive family. Please know that your efforts have made a significant difference in my life, and I am very thankful for everything you do. 

What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey has been a big part of my life since I was a kid. It has taught me more than how to skate, make plays, and score goals. It has taught me the value of teamwork, the importance of hard work, and the commitment necessary to achieving my goals. I am proud of my minor hockey career, and the memories I have made on and off the ice. 

#5 – D, AIDAN DIBIASE (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the OMHA Championship and playing in the OHF Championship in 2019. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant so much to me as it has allowed me to play the game that I love and make memories I will never forget. 

#6 – D, TRISTAN WILCOX (Toronto Royals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning a triple overtime game to get into the playoffs. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mom for driving me to everything. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It’s meant a lot – getting pucks deep is a passion of mine and I’m glad I got to do it for nine seasons in the GTHL. 

#7 – D, JULIAN FABRIZI (Vaughan Rangers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to Lake Placid and playing at the Olympic Centre in the Can/Am Challenge Cup. 
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my mom and dad for supporting me throughout my minor hockey career and always coming to my games.  
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career meant a lot to me as it made me create lifelong memories and bonds with teammates and coaches.

#8 – F, AIDAN FRISONE (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to my first Toronto Maple Leafs game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins and seeing my favourite player Sidney Crosby. 
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my mom and dad for always believing in me and supporting my hockey dreams. Thanks for taking me to those 7:00am practices, letting me place mini-sticks everywhere, and hearing you cheer from the stands “Go Lovebug Go.”  
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey is all about meeting new people, working together, and making lasting friendships. Hockey brings us together so we can have fun playing the game we love, put in the hard work, and commitment to have a great season. At the end, it’s all about supporting each other on and off the ice. 

#9 – F, LUCA PERRUZZA (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Favourite minor hockey memory was scoring my first goal at Weston Arena. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank both my parents for giving me the opportunity to play hockey and for always supporting me. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My hockey career is something that has been very important in my life and is something that I’ll never forget, especially all the amazing memories. 

#10 – F, FILIPE MARTINS (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: GTHL championship. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My hockey career meant a lot to me. I’ve grown as a person through the sport and made endless memories and friendships. 

#11 – F, CHRISTIAN DI CESARE (Mississauga Rattlers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Chicago Bauer World Invite in 2015 with my Don Mills Flyers ‘AAA’ team. We won the final game against a team from Russia. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents for all their support, love, and dedication throughout my hockey career. I’d also like to thank every coach and teammate I’ve had the honour of playing with throughout the years.  
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has taught me hard work, commitment, perseverance, teamwork, and grind. It’s meant the world to be able to play the game I love, for so many years. 

#12 – F, ALEXANDER ZAFFINO (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments. 
Who would you like to thank? My mom, dad, sister, and step dad.  
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant a lot – meeting new people and playing the sport I love will definitely be something I cherish for life.

#13 – F, OWEN DICRISTOFORO (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Silver Stick tournament. 
Who would you like to thank? Special thanks to my parents for their time and support over the years, and thank you to all of my coaches and teammates – past and present. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has given me the opportunity to learn and develop great hockey skills while allowing me to play the sport I love on a competitive level. It’s been a lot of fun and I’ve created so many friendships and lifelong memories. 

#15 – F, LUCA VIVONA (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the 2015 Chicago Bauer Invitational.  
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents and coaches for pushing me to be the best version of myself and helping me become the player and person I am today. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has had a major impact on my life. It has shaped me into the person I am and has taught me many different life lessons that I will carry with me in the future. 

#16 – F, JOHN MICHAEL GROSSI (Greater Toronto Capitals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is all the away tournaments that I have experienced with my teammates and friends over the years.   
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank everyone who has helped me become the player I am today, and one specific person I would like to thank is my dad for always driving me to my practices and games and encouraging me never to quit. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing hockey has been a big part of my life – it was the only sport that I played competitively and all the hours I spent on and off the ice have made my minor hockey career memorable.  

#17 – F, JAYLEN SAMUELS (Toronto Royals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going on tournaments and playing mini-sticks in the hallway. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mom! 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It means a lot – I met so many great people, great coaches, and made great friends.

#18 – F, JACK SEAERIGHT (Toronto Royals)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Skating on the pond with my family as a kid. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I remember my minor hockey career as always being something I could rely on to put a smile on my face.

#19 – F, GIANLUC RUFFA (Vaughan Rangers)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL Championship in my U16 year. 
Who would you like to thank? To my parents for supporting me, and to my brothers for pushing me to be a great player.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My career as a hockey player has played a big role in my life and has taught me many lessons. I have become a strong confident individual and have made great memories.

U18 AA ALL-STARS: TEAM RED

#1 – G, JULES GUMMERSON (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Don Montgomery Memorial Tournament my first year of minor hockey. 
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my parents for supporting me and putting up with late nights and early mornings for hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey is a big part of my life, and playing in the GTHL means a lot to me. I have always loved playing the sport and have always felt included, supported, and encouraged. 

#30 – G, IBRAHIM TAHIR (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: I think my favourite minor hockey memory was when I played my first game as a goalie. It was a dream come true! 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank both my mom and my dad for all of the sacrifices they’ve made for me to get to where I am today. I love and appreciate everything they’ve done for me. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career meant everything to me. It has taught me so many life lessons and given me memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

#31 – G, TYLER KRAWCZYK (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite hockey memories were playing in tournaments with my teammates. The most memorable tournaments were competing in the International Silver Stick (winning in U11 and U13, and semi-finalist in U18) and winning OHFs (U13). 
Who would you like to thank? I am grateful for my dedicated coaches who motivated me to play my best and for my parents who supported me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me as it allowed me to play the sport I really enjoy. It also helped my build lifelong friendships and taught me many valuable life skills.

#2 – D, STEPHAN PUORRO (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL Championship. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents for alway supporting me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? To always work hard and knowing how to be a part of a team.

#3 – D, GIORDANO CRETA (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: I have two fond memories. The first is winning the GTHL Championship in double overtime, and the second is the many away tournaments that I was able to go to with my teams.
Who would you like to thank? All of my coaches as well as my parents.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has given me life-lasting memories and friends that I will never forget, and gave me the opportunity to play the game that I love. 

#4 – D, DYLAN WILSON (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL Playoffs and International Silver Stick in my U16 ‘AA’ year.
Who would you like to thank? My coaches Shane, Rosie, and Neil for being with me since the start of my minor hockey career.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My hockey career has meant a lot, as it allowed me to meet many new teammates and coaches who have now become some of my greatest friends and mentors.  

#5 – D, WILL MILLAR (Toronto Shamrocks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Favourite hockey memory is when I played in the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa playing teams from all over the world. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank both of my parents for being supportive and driving me. I would also like to thank George Trakosas, Nunzio Mele, and Peter Barlas for always making hockey fun and showing they believe in me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career showed me how to work with a team and make the people around me better, not just on the ice but as people. It showed me how to always make sure my team around me is in a good mood, and to make sure they know they are a part of a family when playing with me.  

#6 – D, WILL PANCHAROVSKI (Toronto Shamrocks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the International Silver Stick as a kid. 
Who would you like to thank? To my family, friends, and coaches.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has shaped me into who I am as a person today, working as a team, making friends, and doing your part for everyone to be successful. Hockey has helped me mature in every aspect of life.

#7 – F, TIM GUITS (Duffield Devils)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to the OHF Finals.  
Who would you like to thank? My family for their constant support as well as all the coaches and players I’ve had a chance to work with.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been a huge part of my life and has taught me many lessons that I will apply on and off the ice. It has molded me into the person I am today.

#8 – F, ANTHONY KOZIS (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite memory is winning the GTHL Championship in my U17 year. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents for all of their support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me as it has taught me many life lessons such as resiliency, teamwork, and being a leader. Hockey has given me many close friends, everlasting memories, and enjoyment. 

#9 – F, PAVLOS SIALTSIS (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning my first OMHA in 2016 and scoring two goals in the final game to get the win. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents and family for always believing in me and supporting me physically and financially to make it happen for the past 12 years.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been a journey I will never forget. I have not only improved my skills on the ice but have developed many relationships and life lessons like discipline, accountability, and dedication. It has been an experience that will last a lifetime.

#10 – F, MICHAEL COLACCI (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning my first ever away tournament in London. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for all guiding and supporting me during all my years of playing.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has created many lifelong friendships and has given me many life lessons, helping me grow into the person I am today. 

#11 – F, KALEB LYTTLETON (Markham Islanders)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments with my teammates and visiting different cities. 
Who would you like to thank? My family for making it possible for me to play and cheering me on while I’m out there.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey to me means staying active and developing lifelong friendships. 

#12 – F, ROMAN CULLETON (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL West Finals last year. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I’ve really enjoyed building great friendships with different teammates. 

#13 – F, DAVIS HARPER (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning GTHL Playoffs. 
Who would you like to thank? My coaches throughout the years.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me – made so many unforgettable memories. 

#15 – F, NOLAN SINCLAIR (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the U16 GTHL Championship and Chowder Cup. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, coaches, and teammates.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has let me make lifelong friends and memories I will cherish forever. I was lucky enough to travel the world and see places I may not have had the chance to go if it weren’t for hockey. 

#16 – F, ANTONIO BATTISTI (Toronto Eagles)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing mini-sticks in hotels at away tournaments. 
Who would you like to thank? My parents for being my biggest fans and for taking me to every practice and game.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing hockey for the last 10 years has made me the person I am today. Being a part of a team has taught me so many valuable life lessons. The best part is all the friends I’ve made.

#17 – F, GEORGE BARLAS (Toronto Shamrocks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Stratford Silverstick Tournament in three-on-three sudden death overtime. 
Who would you like to thank? My dad who coached me since U10.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Lots of great memories and lifelong friendships.

#18 – F, NICK DEGURSE (Toronto Shamrocks)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Going to away tournaments. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all my coaches and my friends, Barbs and Zeesh for being there for me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been so much fun to play but also to be a part of. I have met my closest friends and I have had fun on and off the ice.

#19 – F, ANTONIO BUFFONE (Duffield Devils)

Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory was when my team made it to the Silver Stick – the last game went to overtime and I assisted the winning goal. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank everyone that has been with me along my hockey journey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant everything to me. It has helped me build character and allowed me to make lifelong friendships.

#20 – F, GIULIANO VETRO (Duffield Devils)

Favourite minor hockey memory: Scoring the game winning goal in triple overtime in the Silver Stick finals. 
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, all of the teammates, and coaches I’ve played with. 
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My hockey career has meant a lot to me from making friendships, to playing the sport I fell in love with. It has been an amazing journey.

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