Six GTHL grads are set to represent Canada at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, taking place December 26, 2019 until January 5, 2020 in the Czech Republic. Former Toronto Red Wings forward Barrett Hayton will captain the Canadian squad, who will open the tournament December 26 against Team USA.
The tournament will reunite Toronto Marlboros teammates Kevin Bahl and Akil Thomas, while Liam Foudy and Barrett Hayton will be familiar with the two players as part of the 2000-born age group. Jamie Drysdale, who captained the 2002-born Marlboros, is one of four draft-eligible players on Team Canada.
Team USA will also roster a GTHL grad in Nick Robertson. The 2001-born Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick played for the Toronto Red Wings during the 2016-17 GTHL season.
Canadian netminder Nico Daws also played one season in the GTHL with the Midget AAA Toronto Marlboros.
All GTHL grads on Team Canada
Name | Hometown | Position | GTHL Team | Junior Team |
Jamie Drysdale | Toronto, ON | D | Toronto Marlboros | Erie Otters (OHL) |
Liam Foudy | Toronto, ON | F | Markham Majors | London Knights (OHL) |
Barrett Hayton | Peterborough, ON | F | Toronto Red Wings | Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) |
Akil Thomas | Toronto, ON | F | Toronto Marlboros | Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) |
Kevin Bahl | New Westminster, BC | D | Toronto Marlboros | Ottawa 67s (OHL) |
Nico Daws | Burlington,ON | G | Toronto Marlboros | Guelph Storm (OHL) |