By Sam Hossack / Toronto Jr A Canadiens
Collingwood, ON – As the Ontario Junior Hockey League descends on Collingwood this weekend for the 2024 All-Star weekend, the Toronto Jr A Canadiens will be well represented.
“It’s a testament to our program to have six players representing our club at the All-Star weekend.” Says Head Coach and General Manager David Demarinis. “It’s well deserved and we’re looking forward to seeing them showcase their talent Friday and Saturday.”
“We’re extremely proud of our players. It is a big testament to our player development side of our program, These are well-earned honours, and this is a great opportunity for our players to showcase themselves amongst the league’s best.” – added Assistant General Manager & Director of Scouting Brendan Kurnik.
The 2023-24 All-Star Celebration presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario begins Friday night with the popular OJHL Skills Competition Friday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.
Will Gourgouvelis (Hardest Shot) and Nicholas Athanasakos (Speed Skate) will represent JRC during the Skills events.
Saturday is a day filled with the OJHL Alumni Game, the Hudl-Instat OJHL Prospects Game, and the OJHL All-Star Game.
Jay Feldberg, Luka Graziano, Chris Soares and Evan Malkhassian will be a part of the Prospects Game at 1 pm before Will Gourgouvelis and Nicholas Athanasakos hit the ice at 5 pm for the All-Star Game.
Hear from the Players below.
Luka GRAZIANO – “I’m excited and honoured to be selected for the prospect’s game. It is even better that I get to play alongside 3 of my other teammates.”
Nicholas ATHANASAKOS – I’m definitely super excited and honoured to be selected to go to the all-star game, being named with a bunch of the top players in the whole league is very special It’ll be a great weekend and I’ve only heard great things about how well it’s run up here in Collingwood”.
Jay FELDBERG – “It’s an honour and I’m thankful to the selection committee for recognizing me and my accomplishments thus far this season. I’m sure it will be an experience that I will remember forever. I am most comfortable on the ice and I just love playing hockey, so any chance I get to be part of an event like this is truly special”.
Chris SOARES – I’m honoured and excited to be selected to play in the OJHL top prospects game. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who has supported me. I look forward to representing my team and thank the OJHL for the opportunity.
Evan MALKHASSIAN – “It feels great to be selected in the prospect’s game. I’d like to thank the OJHL for this opportunity and am excited to be able to represent the Jr. Canadiens this weekend.”
Will GOURGOUVELIS – “Being selected to be an All Star is an incredible honour. The opportunity to play alongside some great players and to represent JRC will be a very exciting experience.”
