GTHL Awards season is here. To celebrate, we will be profiling each of the award winners individually leading up to the ceremony on June 15. 

Professional defensive powerhouses like P.K. Subban and Erik Karlsson could be the assumed role models for a Midget-aged hockey player, but Mississauga Senators defenceman Andrew Lukezic prefers to be a little less obvious with his selection in hockey idols. While some hockey fans will recognize his name, Lukezic always keeps a close eye on the game of San Jose Sharks defenceman Dylan DeMelo.

“He [Dylan] was a billet in our home while playing for the Mississauga St.Michaels Majors in the OHL,” explained Andrew. “During his time with us, I saw how is hard work and humility helped him to become successful. He is a person whom I have a great respect for, and try to model myself after.”

Andrew has so far been successful in modeling his hockey career after DeMelo’s. During the 2017 OHL Priority Selection, Andrew was drafted in the 14th round by the Ontario Hockey League’s North Bay Batallion.

“It [being drafted] marks a significant milestone in my hockey journey,” said Andrew. “It recognizes all the time and effort I have invested in the sport over the years.”

Andrew’s investment in the sport started young. Born into a hockey-loving family, Andrew was motivated to follow in his older brothers footsteps when he started playing with the Mississauga Ice Puppies at six years old. The passion for the game led nine seasons of GTHL hockey where he played a key role on teams for the Toronto Titans, Vaughan Kings, Toronto Marlboros, and Mississauga Senators.

While hockey remains his passion, Andrew hopes to pursue corporate law while playing NCAA Division 1 hockey.

“Like many hockey players, my ultimate goal is to play in the NHL, however, I know that no matter what I won’t be able to play hockey forever. Consequently, my schooling is also extremely important to me.”

Andrew will be honoured with the George F. Dufton Midget “AAA” Scholarship at the GTHL Awards Ceremony on June 15. The Award recognizes a Midget “AAA” player who achieves a high standard of excellence academically and in hockey.