The highly anticipated 2017 Midget All-Star Festival Midget AAA Game is promising to be a highlight of the day-long event.

Forty of the top Midget players were selected to participate after being extensively observed by a team of evaluators. The coaching staff for both teams were selected based on standings as of late December. All 12 AAA teams will have at least one representative playing in the game.

The Jr. Canadiens (15-5-3) and the Mississauga Rebels (14-6-4) will both sent a game high five players. The Toronto Young Nationals (20-2-1), Toronto Marlboros (12-9-2), Don Mills Flyers (10-7-5), Markham Majors (11-8-3), and Vaughan Kings (7-11-5) all have four players participating, while the remainder of the teams in the AAA division will have three or fewer players represented.

Division-leading Young Nationals Head Coach Brett Punchard will be in charge of the home team (White), while Mississauga Rebels Head Coach Michael O’Shea will lead the away side (Red).

Being selected to play in the game is seen as a great honour for most, but for North York Rangers forward Jesse Tucker, being selected is even more special.

“It’s a very big achievement for myself, especially as a first year Midget player,” said Tucker. “I’m looking forward to reuniting with some old teammates and making new friends.”

Toronto Titans defenceman Jake Cella is looking forward to the challenge the game will bring.

“Everyone in the game is a good player,” said Cella. “Just learning from playing against them, and I think the game will be a lot faster.”

The Midget AAA All-Star Game is scheduled for a 1:30 p.m. start.