The 31st annual Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic ended with an extremely tight game between the hosts and the London Jr. Knights of the Alliance division. Top OHL draft prospects showcased their skills over the past four days to rinks filled with scouts, as many of them get set to play at the U16 Top Prospects Showcase on Jan. 13 and 14 in Peterborough. 

It was the No. 6-ranked versus the No. 7-ranked in OHL Cup rankings, and as predicted, it ended in a one-goal affair. 

The Jr. Knights went 3-0-1 through group play, scoring 22 goals and allowing only six. They won 5-1 against the Brantford 99ers in the round of 16, then took out the Barrie Colts 2-1 in the quarters, and then shutout Ajax-Pickering Raiders in the semis. 

The Marlies were undefeated through group play, scoring 16 goals and allowing just three. In the round of 16, they had a convincing win over Credit River Capitals by a score of 5-2. In the quarters, they upset the top-ranked GTHL squad, Vaughan Kings, 4-2. Then in the semis, they took care of business against Hill Academy. 

The Final game featured a three-goal opening period. London’s Jace Luchanko had one of his team’s two goals as the Jr. Knights led 2-1. Jace is indeed the younger brother of Brantford Bulldogs and Team Canada forward, Jett Luchanko.

The two stars on the Jr. Knights roster are forwards Drew Bate and Finley Butler. Butler scored twice in the finals, including the game-winner, to crown London the 2025 U16 Toronto Marlboros International Classic champions. 

The Jr. Knights will have five players at the U16 showcase in January: Finley Butler, Drew Bate, Ryan Beaulieu, Quinn Roberts, and Jake Readings. 

The Marlboros will have five as well: Egor Sokolov, Shane Roche, Jaden Licastro, Mason Quinn, and Braden Reilly.