When it came time to choose a jersey number for the season, Anthony Aguanno‘s selection of the number eight was a strategic one. Having won seven consecutive GTHL championships, Aguanno would kick off his season with his sights set on championship number eight. When starting his competitive hockey career with the Mississauga Rebels as an underager in 2009, Aguanno could have never foreseen the success he would find.

“Of course I wanted to win much like every other young hockey player but I did not anticipate having the team success we did for so many years,” explained Aguanno.

With lucky number eight on his back, Aguanno and his Minor Midget Rebels team were able to clinch a GTHL playoff championship, making Aguanno the first GTHL player to ever win eight consecutive playoff titles with the same Club. The feat, however, almost didn’t happen.

“Out of the eight championships I would have to say that the most recent one was the toughest one to win,” said Aguanno, whose team finished fifth in the regular season. “The finals went to seven games with the Marlies, so it was not easy.”

Aguanno’s accomplishment is so unheard of due to the fact that many GTHL players often play for two or three Clubs throughout their time in minor hockey. Additionally, Aguanno spent two seasons playing at the Minor Midget level due to his status as an underage player last season, giving him another shot at an additional championship.

Despite all his accomplishments as a player, Aguanno attributes his success to a tight-knit group of teammates, including Kitchener Rangers rookie Riley Damiani and top OHL Draft prospect Jack Hughes.

“They’re still my best friends,” Aguanno told the Mississauga News. “I still talk to them every day even if they’re in the OHL or (playing elsewhere). They’re like brothers to me.”

With all of his 2000-born teammates playing elsewhere this season, Aguanno was able to find similar chemistry with a new group of players. As OHL Priority Selection quickly approaches, Aguanno hopes to once again find himself adjusting to new teammates.

“My goals moving forward are to play in the OHL and just to try to improve my individual skills. My parents put me in hockey for exercise and fun so anything now would be a bonus.”