Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s 2025 Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on January 25 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘A’ All-Stars reflected on their minor hockey careers. The U18 ‘A’ All-Star Game is set for Saturday, January 25 at 10:00am. Admission to the U18 All-Star Festival, including all games, is free.
U18 A ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE
#1 – G, CONNOR GARDINER (Toronto Aeros)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning it all at U15!
Who would you like to thank? My parents. They’ve always been there for me since day one.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t be so quick to blame the goalie!
#30 – G, MATTHEW ARGIROPOULOS (Forest Hill)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Creating lifetime friendships.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me along the way. I really appreciate everything you’ve done to help me on this journey.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice for the next generation is to enjoy hockey and have fun with it. Play with people you want to play with and focus on making great memories on and off the ice.
#2 – D, NOAH YIM (Duffield Devils)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Participating in the Chevrolet Good Deeds Cup with the Mississauga Terriers organization when our team was selected as Ontario’s finalist. It was a fun and meaningful experience that made a real difference to the community.
Who would you like to thank? My parents, who have supported me throughout my minor hockey journey, getting me dressed to play as a kid, driving me to countless practices and games, and cheering me on through wins and losses.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Keep your head up and persevere, regardless of the challenges that may get in the way of playing the game you love.
#3 – D, JEREMY PINCHAK (Applewood Coyotes)
Who would you like to thank? My dad.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Keep working hard, but don’t forget to have fun.
#4 – D, MATTEO MONTELEONE (Toronto Royals)
Who would you like to thank? My parents and all of my coaches.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy every game because your last game will come before you know it.
#5 – D, SASHA COOKE (York Mills)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Pre-season trip to Collingwood.
Who would you like to thank? All my friends, family, and coaches.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Have fun with it.
#6 – D, OWEN SEXTON (Ted Reeve Thunder)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Lake Placid tournament.
Who would you like to thank? Mark Ramage from the SHA.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Do what makes you happy!
#7 – D, DEVAN MORRISON (Heartland Dragons)
Who would you like to thank? I want to thank Chesko Jaku, Mitch Pavao, and Mike McDermott – they get coaching.
What advice do you have for the next generation? The big guy penalty is a real thing. Be careful with your hands; the little guys like skating into them.
#8 – F, LUCAS JAKU (Heartland Dragons)
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my mom and dad for everything they have done for me throughout my hockey career.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t just focus on the game… Focus on your own personal growth and set realistic goals that are celebrated when achieved. Embrace the many new lifelong friends you will make along the way.
#9 – F, NICHOLAS DE FRANCO (West Mall Lightning)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning the [Pro Hockey Life] Cup, GTHL Championship, and Mississauga playdowns all in my first year playing in the GTHL.
Who would you like to thank? To my mom and dad for introducing me to hockey and spending countless hours driving me around to practices and games.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Embrace every moment like it’s your last, as that last moment will come sooner than you think!
#10 – F, NATHAN LEONARD (West Mall Lightning)
Favourite minor hockey memory: Winning Select with the Weston Dodgers.
Who would you like to thank? My teammates throughout the years – we have some great memories to take with us.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard, be nice, and have fun.
#11 – F, JEFFERY ZHANG (Ted Reeve Thunder)
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for all of the time they sacrificed to take me to my games and practices throughout my minor hockey career.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy your minor hockey career as much as possible as it goes by in an instant.
Who would you like to thank? My family, coaches, and teammates.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard, have fun, and enjoy the journey.
Who would you like to thank? My parents, my sister, and my long-time former coach, Mark Brommersma.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard and have fun.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my dad for all of the effort he has put in throughout my hockey career.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Always put in the extra work.
Who would you like to thank? My mom, my dad, and my family and friends.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Have fun – winning isn’t always everything.
Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my parents for always having my back and my coaches for pushing me to be my best. And of course my friends and teammates. What a great journey we’ve shared together.
What advice do you have for the next generation? My advice for the next generation is put in the work, stay focused, and trust the process because nothing happens overnight. Keep improving every day, and don’t forget that the mental game is just as important as the skills. Every setback is a chance to get better and bounce back strong.
What advice do you have for the next generation? You will, no doubt, make some of your best friends playing this game.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Be yourself and step out of your comfort zone.
What advice do you have for the next generation? One bad shift doesn’t lose you the game.
What advice do you have for the next generation? COMMIT to giving your best effort and focus during practices and games! ENJOY the moments of each hockey season and comradery with your teammates!
What advice do you have for the next generation? Hard on the puck.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Play for the fun, not the glory.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Savour every moment – it will be gone before you know it.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Take advantage of shiny time in Toronto and stay positive on and off the ice.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t take life too seriously, work hard, have fun, and watch your penalties!
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy every moment and live it to the fullest.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Play for enjoyment, for friendships, and personal growth.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Give 100% at everything you do, on and off the ice. If you want success in anything, you gotta work hard.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Enjoy your friends – it’s the best part of hockey!
What advice do you have for the next generation? At the end of the day, remember why you started playing hockey – because it’s fun. Enjoy the journey, the friendships, and remember the experiences.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Build good hockey habits and stick with them.
What advice do you have for the next generation? The advice I would give to the younger generation is have fun and enjoy it.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Have fun and enjoy the sport!
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard, play hard.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Work hard.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Just have FUN.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Never give up, no matter the situation. Practice as much as possible. ODR, Shinny! Play every shift like it’s your last. Cherish all the moments, memories, and most importantly, have fun!
What advice do you have for the next generation? Don’t get discouraged, use every opportunity as a chance to get better.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Score goals.
What advice do you have for the next generation? Cherish each and every moment along the way because one day all you are going to have left are the memories.
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