Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s 2024 Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on January 27 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘AAA’ All-Stars reflected on their minor hockey careers. The U18 ‘AAA’ All-Star Game is set for Saturday, January 27 at 4:00pm. Admission to the U18 All-Star Festival, including all games, is free.
U18 AAA ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE
#1 – G, LIAM CONWAY (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Player of the Game in the OHL Cup Wild Card Game and helping our team move into the OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? My Mom and Dad, first of all, as well as my current coaching staff and my goalie coach who has taught me so much this season.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Playing the last 11 years, hockey has taught me that hockey is not just a sport, it’s a lifestyle – one that I welcome each day. It has taught me how to be a great teammate and a leader amongst my peers.
#30 – G, ALEXANDER ARMELLIN (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the OHL Cup and breaking records with my twin brother [Nico Armellin].
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank God, my parents, and any coach or person who has helped me get to where I am today.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has allowed me to create everlasting memories and some great friendships that go beyond the sport.
#31 – G, NICO ARMELLIN (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My greatest memory is winning the OHL Cup and beating the all-time goaltender record for fewest goals against.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for their sacrifice and always supporting me, and my coaches for giving me the opportunities to succeed.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant so much to me. Being able to play the sport I love, growing up with my teammates, and making long-lasting friendships is something I would never take back. Going to tournaments and being a kid brings back so many memories and I couldn’t have asked for a better minor hockey career.
#2 – D, JACK DINSMORE (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: The Richard Bell Tournament and billeting players from a Finnish team for a week over the Holiday Break – “Mennään!”
Who would you like to thank? My first Under-10 hockey coach Trent Erickson for teaching me the fundamentals and discipline needed for playing competitive hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I have developed life-long friendships while playing a game I love.
#3 – D, MATTEO SABATINI (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the U16 GTHL Playoffs.
Who would you like to thank? My parents, coaches, and trainers for all of their commitment and time spent supporting me. I would also like to thank my teammates for always having my back.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been a very influential part of my life as it has taught me sportsmanship, discipline, and perseverance, while also growing my love for the game.
#4 – D, JULIAN RAVENNA (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: The 2022-23 season with the Toronto Marlboros.
Who would you like to thank? I thank my parents for always supporting my goals.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant a lot to me. I have met many great friends and made many amazing memories.
#5 – D, AIDAN HAGSHI (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL and the OHFs with my North Toronto ‘AA’ team.
Who would you like to thank? My parents and brother for always supporting me and helping me succeed.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey journey has been a fantastic experience making lifelong friendships and memories. I will cherish the relationships I’ve made for my entire life and look forward to continuing making more memories.
#6 – D, BRAEDEN VAN GELDER (Mississauga Rebels)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family for all of their support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been a positive experience filled with great memories and many lifelong friendships.
#8 – F, MASON KIM (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Making the OHL Cup Final last season. with the U16 Vaughan Kings.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant so much to me. From all the highs and lows, my minor hockey career has taught me life lessons that will never be forgotten. It has also introduced me to lifelong friends who are like family to me. My minor hockey career has given me memories that will last a lifetime and it has helped me to get where I am today.
#9 – F, NASSER ABOU-MARIE (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the Czech Republic as an underaged player with all of my older hockey teammates from Dubai.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my late coach, Ron Murphy, for his coaching and teaching me everything I know today about hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey experience is quite different than others, playing most of it in Dubai with many players for across the world. Because of that, I was able to travel and experience hockey all around the world in places like Czech Republic to Las Vegas at such a young age.
#10 – F, GUNNER KIRK (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Making it to the OMHA Finals in U10 which landed on my birthday and winning MVP of the tournament that day.
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank my parents the most, all my friends and family for the support, and all of my coaches through the years that have helped me progress so much.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant the world to me, ever since I stepped onto the ice when I was two, I wanted to make hockey my full-time job. I have fallen in love with the sport more and more each day, playing with my friends, and enjoying the sport.
#11 – F, DOUGIE MITCHELL (Vaughan Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Meeting some of my best friends through the game.
Who would you like to thank? My family, friends, coaches, and mentors.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey has been my passion since I was first introduced to the game. I loved my minor hockey career and enjoyed every minute.
#12 – F, ETHAN BRASSARD (Toronto Marlboros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite minor hockey memory is getting drafted to the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, and when we won the U16 Toronto Titans Early Bird Tournament.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family for the love and support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant everything to me. It built lifelong friendships and has grown my love of the game.
#13 – F, LUCA MORANO (Toronto Young Nationals)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their unwavering support and for helping me become the person I am today on and off the ice.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has shaped me into the person I am today as I have learned many lessons that relate to my everyday life. I am beyond thankful for all the years of minor hockey and the relationships I have built along the way while doing what I love most.
#16 – F, ANDREAS MINAKAKIS (Mississauga Rebels)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Port Huron Silverstick in 2019.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all my coaches throughout the years and my family.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant everything to me. Getting to play the sport I love, and creating memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
#17 – F, LUCAS LAGOUTTE (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Being an OMHA Champion.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey has had an amazing impact on me. I fell in love with the game and it has been the joy of my life. I always loved showing up to the rink.
#18 – F, MARS SUN (Reps Hockey Club)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favorite minor hockey memory is undoubtedly my first season in the GTHL, during a mid-season game where I scored two goals. That moment ignited my passion for the game, fueling my love for goal scoring and leaving a mark on my hockey journey.
Who would you like to thank? I’m grateful for the unwavering support and care of both my parents, whose encouragement has been pushing me to get better. I would also like to include a special thanks to my brother, a goaltender, for consistently pushing me to become a better shooter.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been the foundation for my passion and pursuit of success in this incredible sport. It has inspired me to aim for higher levels in the near future, and I look forward to continuing my journey with dedication and enthusiasm.
#19 – F, PARKER BURNS (Don Mills Flyers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning MVP in the Ottawa Bell Capital Cup Tournament.
Who would you like to thank? My mom and dad, and my brothers for all of their support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? The lasting friendships I have made over the years and what we accomplished together as a team. Hard work and dedication to keep getting better at the game I love to play!
#20 – F, MITCHELL VANDERWEY (Thunder Bay Kings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Travelling to Warman, Saskatchewan last year for the Western Regionals.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my mom for all she has done to support me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey has been a great experience, playing with many of my friends and making memories. I am really thankful for the opportunities it has provided to me.
U18 AAA ALL-STARS: TEAM RED
#1 – G, JAMES MEREDITH (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: When I played with the ‘AAA’ Markham Waxers, we went to the OMHA Finals. It was an amazing experience.
Who would you like to thank? I am thankful for my mom whose sacrifice, strength, love, and support has meant the world.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I am very thankful for my minor hockey career and all the memories that came along with it.
#30 – G, ALEXANDER LEVSHIN (Toronto Red Wings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: My favourite memory is when I got to travel and spend time with my teammates. We got to play tournaments with teams from other countries.
Who would you like to thank? Of course, I must thank my parents, who do absolutely everything possible and impossible so that I have the opportunity to play my favourite game called hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? When I was involved in minor hockey, my goalie coach always told me that missed goals don’t matter at all, the main thing at your age is to improve your skating and develop comprehensively. Now I believe that it is thanks to this that I have good skating skills. I feel confident as a goalie and I can do absolutely everything I’m told without any difficulty!
#31 – G, GABRIEL CARNEVALE (Markham Majors)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Away tournaments.
Who would you like to thank? Parents, coaches, grandparents, and my sister.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? I have made a lifetime of memories and friends that I am grateful for.
#2 – D, MICHAEL ZUYEV (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Getting drafted to the OHL and winning the Toronto Titans Tournament Championship with the U18 Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my mom and dad and everyone else who supported me through the journey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has taught me a lot about not only hockey, but life, and if you work hard, results will show.
#3 – D, JARED HARDING (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: I have many favourite memories but one that stands out is getting to play with my teammates in the OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for all of the support, and for all the fun times on and off the ice.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has been an amazing opportunity to play my favourite sport and be a part of a successful team in this competitive league, while making great friendships. My minor hockey career has taught me so much and has prepared me for the next level.
#4 – D, ROMAN BUDUEV (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Final of the Russian Hockey Championship.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to say thanks to coach Frankie for supporting me, training me, and treating me like family.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It’s place where I grew and became a better player and person. It helped me deal with the issues I was facing.
#5 – D, GAVIN RAMKISSOON (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning my first away tournament championship on an outdoor rink in Buffalo with the Toronto Marlboros.
Who would you like to thank? Honestly, my family. My parents for waking up at 5:30am and driving me to practice as well as all my games and team practices. Also a special thank you to my older brother for helping me stay on track and for teaching me everything he learned playing hockey.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey has shaped me into a better person on and off the ice. The sport has taught me great life skills such as leadership, dealing with adversity, and compassion. Minor hockey was also a way for me to build a passion and love for hockey which has given me unforgettable memories.
#6 – D, ALEXANDROS FEGARAS (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the York Simcoe Championship with the Richmond Hill Stars ‘AA’ team in U9.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, brothers, grandparents, coaches, and teammates for pushing me to be the best I can be.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? To me, minor hockey means commitment, hard work, and fun. Hockey has allowed me to grow as a person on and off the ice. Coming to the rink and giving 100% of my effort, spending time with friends and making memories playing the sport I love is what minor hockey is all about.
#7 – D, MARKOS SAROGLOU (Mississauga Senators)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Playing in the OHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mom and dad for all of the sacrifices they have made for me just so I can play the sport I love.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? A journey that started from the age of three has been the best decision of my life. I absolutely love the sport and my passion for it has only grown over the years. Hockey has defined who I am by teaching me important qualities such as discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
#8 – F, HECTOR MARTEL (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Going undefeated in U15.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents and siblings.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has been a long journey with lots of ups and downs. Shaped me, teaching me many lessons, and making many friends along the way.
#9 – F, STEPAN CHUKHAREV (Toronto Jr. Canadiens)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the GTHL Cup.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for bringing me into this game and believing in me from day one.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey was like a training ground where I have learned what it’s like being a part of a team and being able to listen to your coaches in order to reach success. Minor hockey was one of the most important steps in in my career, and for that, I will never forget what it was like being a minor hockey player.
#10 – F, QUINTON KIM-LEMAY (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Going away to tournaments and playing mini-sticks in the hotel hallways.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family, my trainer Wheels, and coaches for all of their support.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It means everything to me. I have made so many lifelong friends and it has given me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people.
#11 – F, JESSE MILLER (North York Rangers)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Scoring the winning goal in overtime of play-in game to make the playoffs.
Who would you like to thank? My dad who has always helped and supported me in my hockey career.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has meant the world to me. It has helped me grow and develop and taught me important skills like teamwork, commitment, hard work, and leadership. It has also given me many wonderful friendships.
#13 – F, ALLY MOSTAFAIE (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Boston Chowder Cup in 2022 and being named the MVP of the tournament. We were undefeated and won the final in a shootout, and scoring a Michigan-goal at Princeton University Prospects Camp in 2022.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family and coaches but especially my mom who has been supporting me since day one. I want to go as far as I can in hockey to show her how much she means to me and how much I appreciate the support she gives me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Minor hockey has been an unforgettable experience for me. All the way from friendships to amazing championship wins, I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
#15 – F, MATTHEW KLATIL (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the Montreal Meltdown tournament and scoring the overtime winner in the final.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my family for always supporting and believing in me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has meant a lot – it created memories that will last a lifetime such as winning championships and making friends.
#16 – F, CALLUM MAINVILLE (Toronto Titans)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the WSI World Championships in Nashville.
Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank my dad for always getting me to the rink.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey league career will be remembered for all the friends I now have and the memories we’ve made.
#17 – F, HUDSON ARMSTRONG (Mississauga Senators)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the OMHA’s in U9 and being named MVP.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for all of their support, and the time and effort they have put into my hockey over the years.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has given me so many opportunities, experiences, and has taught me many lessons in life, such as being part of a team and what it takes to be successful. Winning OMHA’s twice and attending the U13 International Quebec tournament allowed me to build friendships and create memories I’ll never forget.
#18 – F, PETER SAROGLOU (Mississauga Senators)
Favourite minor hockey memory: First goal as a Senator.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my older brother for pushing me to be better every day.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey career has been the foundation of my childhood and has made me who I am.
#19 – F, RAFEK DIANOV (Toronto Red Wings)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Wining the Toronto Titans Early Bird tournament in U16 and spending time with a great group of guys.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all of my coaches, teachers, parents, and my teammates.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? My minor hockey experience has taught me the importance of teamwork and what it’s like to be a part of a group who all want the same thing. It has also provided me with lifelong friendships and memories that has made it all worth it.
#20 – F, EVAN SNYDER (Markham Majors)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Wining the OMHA Championship.
Who would you like to thank? My family, friends, coaches, and teammates.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? It has brought me so much fun and so many memories I’ll never forget.
Favourite minor hockey memory: Being a part of the opening ceremony at Scotiabank Pond to start my minor U16 season when I was with the Toronto Titans as we reopened after the COVID-19 shutdown.
Who would you like to thank? My mom and dad, Rangers coaches (Frankie DeAngelis, Paul Conter, Mark Metallo, and Julia Chiarantano), and former coaches Neil Doctorow and Bruce Tokiwa. They always believed in me.
What has your minor hockey career meant to you? Hockey has taught me that nothing you want ever comes easy, when you fall you must get back up, and never ever give up. I love this game.
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