Ahead of the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s Under-18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade on March 4-5 at Scotiabank Pond, the ‘AAA’ All-Stars were asked to reflect on their minor hockey careers. The U18 ‘AAA’ All-Star Game is scheduled for Friday, March 4 at 7pm.
U18 ‘AAA’ ALL-STARS: TEAM BLUE
- MITCHELL WEBB – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #1
“Hockey to me is my getaway from life, my passion, and where the greatest memories and friends have come from. I am most proud of the season my team and I are having this year with our success.”
- JAKE RIVETT – TORONTO YOUNG NATIONALS, #31
“Hockey is the sport that I love. Most of my best memories and friendships are a result of hockey. I am most proud of my [Ontario Hockey Federation] Championship as well as all of the friendships that I have made along the way.”
- BRAYDEN GILLESPIE – VAUGHAN KINGS, #79
“Hockey means playing the sport I love with my 17 brothers and creating memories that will last a lifetime. It also means having fun and getting better every time I step on the ice. There is nothing I would rather be doing! Looking back I am most proud of my team winning four championships and qualifying twice for the OHFs.”
- MARCO COSTANTE – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #11
“Hockey means the world to me. It’s taught me so many life lessons and has given me structure. I truly believe I am the person I am today because of it. I cherish all the memories and friends I have made over the years! More importantly, I thank my parents and family for all of their dedication and support throughout my hockey career. I could not have done it without them!
The thing I am most proud of looking back on my career is the endless hours of dedication and hard training I have put into this sport on and off the ice. I feel it has paid off. Being selected for this years U18 ‘AAA’ All-Star Game amongst other high prospect venues over the past few years really is an honour and has opened up paths for my future of this sport.”
- DILLON STILES — MISSISSAUGA REPS, #2
“Hockey is a fun environment where people create lifelong friendships and learn valuable lessons that will help them throughout their life. I am most proud of the relationships I have made with teammates and coaches as they continue to motivate me to succeed on the ice and in school.”
- ROBERT PALERMO – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #5
“Hockey is my life and has been since the very young age of one! With a mini stick in my hand, I learned to walk. Hockey has been at the centre of my family, who have been right by side throughout this amazing journey so far. Hockey is what drives and motivates me in all aspects of my life. It has made me who I am and defines me as a player, teammate, athlete, student, son, grandson, brother, and friend. It is the relationships I have made and lessons that I have learned in this great sport of hockey that will continue to guide me through the rest of my life. I call the rink my home and that is where I plan to stay for many more years to come!
My most proud moment as a hockey player was in my 2019-2020 U15 quarter-finals playoff round. My sixth place ranked team was up against the third ranked team that season. The other team came out so strong, winning three games in a row and up in the series 6-0. Our team came together, fought hard, and came back to win that series 8-7! I am proud of my contribution to this victory as I was instrumental in the series win, by shutting down their top scorers and leading our defensemen in points. This was not an individual accomplishment for me, but a team accomplishment that ranks at the top of my list for most proud moment in my hockey career.”
- ANTHONY FRANCELLA — TORONTO YOUNG NATIONALS, #13
“Hockey means everything to me. It’s something that I love to do and all the people I’ve met and lessons I’ve learned have turned me into the man that I am today. The thing I am most proud of in my minor hockey career is staying committed to my dreams the whole time and never regretting a moment of it.”
- TYLER WELLS – TORONTO NATIONALS, #21
“Hockey has been a huge part of my life since the age of five. The joy of playing, not just playing with a team but being a part of a family. Looking back, the honour of being drafted by the [Ontario Hockey League’s] Mississauga Steelheads is my proudest moment so far. I continue to work hard every day to strive for greater accomplishments.”
- ANDREW LANNI – VAUGHAN KINGS, #27
“Hockey is a sport I love to play and compete at a high level while having fun and creating friendships and memories that will last a life time. Winning the U12 Kraft Cup and the Silverstick. In addition, getting called up to the [Ontario Junior Hockey League] and playing with the Markham Royals.”
- KRISTIAN LAMANNA – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #9
“Hockey is my life. It has brought me many amazing memories, extended family, and lifelong friendships. It has taught me what hard work, dedication, and perseverance means. Looking back on my minor hockey career, what I am most proud of is the memorable win with the Don Mills Flyers in U11 (2016) for the Bell Capital Cup. As well as being unanimously chosen by my teammates with the coaches’ approval to be the Assistant Captain each year.”
- IVAN FABJAN – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #12
“Hockey means the whole world to me… everything that hockey involves such as my teammates, friends, family, memories, and all the fun makes me want to enjoy every second of it. Looking back I am most proud of winning the GTHL championship in my U13 year and how far I have come since the day I started playing hockey.”
- COLE COOKSEY – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #15
“Hockey for me has become a lifestyle. It is more than just having fun like it used to be. It is playing for the team on the front, not the name on the back. Hockey has helped me develop many friendships over the years and that has shaped my childhood. Looking back on my hockey career, I am most proud of how I have developed as a player, overcome obstacles, and developing lifelong friendships.”
- GABRIEL CIARALLO – MISSISSAUGA REPS, #16
“Hockey means long lasting friendships to me. I am most proud of gaining the respect from my teammates on every team I play for.”
- DYLAN EDWARDS — TORONTO NATIONALS, #24
“To me, hockey is a passion. It is also a way to learn, build lifelong friendships, and most importantly, continuously grow as an individual. Over the years, hockey has helped me mature rapidly, gain discipline, confidence, respect, teamwork skills and hard work, and determination. Looking back at my minor hockey years, I am most proud of myself. I have always worked hard and remained dedicated, and that has allowed me to experience some of the most memorable moments of my life.”
- DAVID ELMY — TORONTO YOUNG NATIONALS, #88
“Hockey is not just a sport for me. It is a community, support system, and family all in one. The love I have gained for this sport has inspired me to continue to become a better player, and one that is always eager to learn. Being able to have had the opportunity to be selected for this year’s GTHL All-Star Game is truly an honour, as well as an experience I hope to cherish for the rest of my hockey career.
Having first been enrolled into an outdoor hockey league at the age of eight allowed me to develop a deeper interest for the sport. After a couple years, I was asked to play ‘AA’ for the Mississauga North Stars, then advancing to the Mississauga Senators ‘AAA’ team soon after. In the 2021 OHL Draft, I was selected by the Guelph Storm, and all these steps played a significant role in my minor hockey years and future accomplishments.”
- MAKSIM TUGOLUKOV – VAUGHAN KINGS, #34
“Hockey means everything to me. I moved all the way from Russia to pursue my dreams and play hockey at a higher level. I am most proud of the friendships I have made along with the way and the opportunity I have been given to play hockey in Canada.”
- ANTHONY DI TRANI – VAUGHAN KINGS, #14
“Hockey to me, means family and community. I have been part of the GTHL since U10 and have had the opportunity to meet so many amazing people (players, coaches, and mentors) and have made lifelong friendships along the way. Being part of a team with a group of people that love the sport as much as I do gives me a sense of pride and encouragement to always push myself to do my very best every day on and off the ice. Having my family always supporting me in the ups and downs continue to help fuel my want to excel in the sport.
I am most proud of being part of the GTHL ‘AAA’ loop since my U10 year. I may not have always been on a first-place team, but I have worked hard every year to get better, strong and faster. I am proud that I have always tried to be a good teammate and to support and encourage my fellow teammates. From a young age I had won the Most Sportsmanlike Award, continuing to develop this mindset as I have grown up is something that I strive for to help me in all aspects of life.”
- DAVID HARVEY – MISSISSAUGA REBELS, #61
“To me, I think hockey means family. The hours we have spent together in the car and away at tournaments have been incredible times to share and bond. I have also been able to build lifelong friendships with my teammates. Finally, hockey has allowed me to set and achieve goals that will help me in life in whatever I choose to do.
I was told I wouldn’t be able to make a ‘AAA’ team in the GTHL. So for me to make the Mississauga Rebels this year is the greatest achievement in my career so far. I feel so grateful to be selected to the All-Star team. Thanks to coach Mike O’Shea for believing in me and helping me improve.”
- ZACHARY BENAYON – TORONTO RED WINGS, #75
“Hockey has given me amazing memories over the past seven years. From all the friends that I made, to all the different places I’ve been to. To me, hockey means hard work, dedication, and most of all having fun.
It’s very hard for me to pick one moment that I am most proud of. The best hockey memory that I have is winning the Triple Crown tournament in U12 with the Toronto Marlboros. This tournament was for sure one to remember and will always be my favourite hockey moment.”
- MAX SEMYONOV– TORONTO RED WINGS, #80
“Everyone in my family plays sports. My father was a hockey goalkeeper, boxer, wrestler. My mother was a basketball player, my younger sister is engaged in sports dancing, my older sister was engaged in wrestling, and I also have a younger brother who is four years old, but he has not yet decided who he wants to become.
For me, hockey is a passion, when I go out on the ice, I become a different person. The victory of my team in every match for me is happiness, I wake up in the morning every day for this. I’m proud that I didn’t give up and continue to get better every day… yes, it’s hard and painful, but it’s worth it.”
- LUKE BISANTE – TORONTO MARLBOROS, #19
“I believe hockey teaches you many life skills… like the importance of teamwork, commitment, and the physical and mental preparation it takes to always be your best. And, most of all… the friends you make along the way. Looking back, a proud memory for me is back in 2014, when I was awarded the Chad Chaisson Memorial Award from Andrews Hockey Camp in Prince Edward Island. This award is given to those who display outstanding leadership and sportsmanship, on and off the ice… It is a very big honour to have received this award.”
U18 ‘AAA’ ALL-STARS: TEAM RED
- SEBASTIAN MONCADA – MISSISSAUGA SENATORS, #29
“To me, hockey means being a part of a community that strives to set goals and be a better version of themselves each day. The team environment is what has given me lifelong memories and friendships as well as skills not learned anywhere else such as communication, teamwork, reliability, and trust. Hockey is more than just a game to me, it’s a sport that allows me to push myself and know that there is no limit on success when you put in effort.
The most proud moment in my minor hockey career was knowing that every time I left the rink I brought something valuable with me. This can include things such as friends that have alway been there for me. This could also mean memories such as winning the Bell Capital Cup with the Don Mills Flyers, and this could mean learning new skills and abilities I could use in situations on and off the ice.”
- SEBASTIAN MONACO – NORTH YORK RANGERS, #45
“Looking back I’m most proud of our GTHL championship, going to Spain and winning the championship and MVP, and being drafted to the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers!”
- JOSH BRANTON – TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #29
“Hockey means family, excitement, experiences, and teamwork. Looking back at my minor hockey career, I am most proud of the hard work and dedication I have put into the game and continue to do… Also winning the GTHL Championship and the Brick Championship in Edmonton.”
- FINN HARDING — TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #4
“Hockey means fun, friends, and competing to me. I am most proud of all the friendships I’ve made and the wins we’ve had along the way.”
- DARREN WILSON – TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #5
“[Hockey] is my passion. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t play hockey, or a time where I didn’t get excited thinking about it and the next time I’ll get to play. My proudest moment so far was probably the overtime goal in our U15 year, to secure our spot for first heading into the playoffs.”
- CHRISTIAN MACIERI – MARKHAM MAJORS, #42
“Hockey for me is a way of life. I am passionate and determined to compete at the highest level possible. Hockey taught me teamwork and resilience – two important life lessons. It’s a sport that can never be won by a single individual and you win and lose as team (mostly win). The game also taught me to be resilient, overcome adversity and never give up no matter the odds.
When I look back on my minor hockey career, the moments I am most proud of is winning the Kraft Cup and Pro Hockey Life Cup in my U10 and U15 seasons. We were not favoured to win, but we worked hard, every single player contributed and it was an amazing feeling hoisting that cup. I am also proud of the bonds, friendships, and memories that I created with amazing teammates and coaches over the years which will last a life time.”
- MAXWELL BUFFONE – THUNDER BAY KINGS, #4
“Hockey means building strong character traits that will be useful for the rest of life, alongside creating new relationships with people who share the same passion. In my minor hockey career, I am most proud of how far our U18 team has come from the beginning of our ‘AAA’ journey, and watching my teammates grow up and mature as hockey players.”
- BRODIE MCLEOD – THUNDER BAY KINGS, #16
“Hockey is what I love to do the most. All the early morning practices, the many long car, bus, and plane rides have been worth it. It’s been awesome to compete in the GTHL. Thanks to Coach Jeff and Gary Ricciardi, and to Coach Matt Valley for helping me get to this level. My proudest moment was being awarded the [Hockey Northwestern Ontario] Player Of The Year Award in 2020. Good luck to everyone.”
- CUAN DOIG – DON MILLS FLYERS, #15
“Hockey to me means dedication, teamwork, and pure enjoyment! I have literally met my best friends playing hockey. My family, teammates, and coaches have been great role models and inspiring. I am proud to have played on the 2004 Toronto Titans ‘AAA’ GTHL hockey club for seven years straight, being part of the winning team for the OHFs, being drafted by the OHL’s Barrie Colts, and being named captain of the Don Mills Flyers and St. Michael’s Majors hockey teams.”
- STEPHEN CAMPBELL – DON MILLS FLYERS, #9
“Hockey has taught me so many important life lessons, such as teamwork, conflict resolution, and hard work, along with lifelong friendships. Looking back at my career, I am most proud of our U13 Playoff Championship victory with the 2017-18 Mississauga Reps.”
- BRETT BOUCHARD — TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #82
“To me, hockey is a passion. Being a part of organized hockey has allowed me to meet and create new friendships, which some have lasted over 10 years. Hockey also teaches you how to be a good person on and off the ice. I am most proud of being named captain of the Toronto Jr Canadiens for the U18 season.”
- ALEX LAURENZA – TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #19
“Playing hockey makes me happy and I love creating memories with my teammates everyday. I am most proud of getting drafted to the OHL and knowing that my hard work has been paying off.”
- JACOB STRIZZI – TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #71
“Hockey is my life. It has taught me hard work, dedication, discipline, and respect. I see how I’ve pushed myself to do better over the years and how I’ve become a better player and person on and off the ice. I’m grateful for the experiences that hockey has allowed me to have, the people I’ve met, and the memories I’ve made.”
- LUC MALKHASSIAN – TORONTO JR. CANADIENS, #58
“Hockey for me is an outlet and an escape from the outside world. Looking back, I am most proud of the many trophies and awards I have won with my fellow teammates, including a GTHL championship, an OHF championship, and many tournaments along the way.”
- KEI HAGIWARA – NORTH YORK RANGERS, #95
“I have played hockey since I was six. I hope to continue to play at the highest level that I’m capable of. The game means more to me than just fun, it’s a game of dedication and passion. I’m most proud the fact that I was fortunate enough to play with and against the best players in the age group, as well as win an OHF and GTHL championship.”
- JOSHUA LEHTO – THUNDER BAY KINGS, #10
“Hockey is something all of my family could connect with and enjoy together. I am most proud of being a part of the Kings organization for many years of my minor hockey career.”
- JOUNI KEMPPAINEN – THUNDER BAY KINGS, #6
“Hockey means a lot to me because on my journey it has let me meet lots of lifelong friends that have shared lots of great memories with me. In my minor hockey career, I am most proud of how much I have developed as a hockey player and a person.”
- KEAGAN JONES — THUNDER BAY KINGS, #22
“Hockey is something I’m very passionate about. It builds leadership skills and shows who you really are as person. Looking back on my hockey career, I’m most proud of my quick improvement. I started hockey when I was nine while most players on my team started younger. I’m happy about my hard work and training starting to pay off.”
- WOLF GILES – TORONTO TITANS, #15
“I started playing hockey at a young age and fell in love with it. I’ve learned so much, and I’m grateful I get to play with a great team and great coaches. Hockey will always be a part of my life. I’m most proud of getting the most points in the whole Leaside organization in 2015-16.”
- MICHAEL DI SANTO — MARKHAM MAJORS, #18
“Hockey is a sport that I am passionate about and have fun playing. It means learning how to work together with my teammates to achieve a common goal. It means learning to be a leader and learning how to overcome adversity.
I am most proud of many things… the friendships I have made, the coaches and skills instructors I have been fortunate enough to work and get to know, and having been able to share my accomplishments with my family.”
