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Twelve Greater Toronto Hockey League players have been named to defending champion Team Ontario, which will compete in the world under-17 hockey challenge in Port Alberni, B.C., from Dec. 29 to Jan. 4.
The picks include five former Toronto Junior Canadiens: John McFarland, Tyler Toffoli, Cody McNaughton, Devante Smith-Pelly and Ryan O’Connor.
Four are from the Toronto Marlboros: J.P. Anderson, Nathan Chiarlitti, Christian Thomas and Freddie Hamilton.
Two come from the Toronto Young Nats: Jeffrey Skinner and Tyler Seguin.
And Sam Carrick was picked from the Toronto Red Wings.
These boys are following in the footsteps of GTHL graduates and current NHLers Jason Spezza and Rick Nash.
“We are proud to have been able to help develop these boys to the next step of their careers,” said Rob Toffoli, who was the general manager of Toronto Jr. Canadiens minor midget championship team.
Toffoli, father of Tyler, said the whole family is excited at his being chosen.
“He has been working hard to pursue his dream and we are going to try out best to be there to support him.”
In the preliminary rounds, Ontario plays against Team Atlantic, Germany, Team Pacific and Russia while Quebec meets Finland, Slovakia, United States and Team West.
GTHL president John Gardner called the number of league players selected a “tremendous accomplishment for these young men.”
“They will now have the opportunity to compete against other nationally ranked players in Port Alberni which will prove to be an experience of a lifetime. I have no doubt these young men will represent Ontario with dignity and pride. To have over 50 percent of the players named to this team with GTHL roots is really an honour.”
