Tanner Adams, Jaden Licastro headline standouts from 2025 Marlies Holiday Classic
ETOBICOKE, Ontario – The 31st Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic wrapped up with a classic final, as the London Jr. Knights edged out the host Marlboros 3-2 to claim the title.
The game was a tight, hard-fought battle that reflected the overall tournament: a high-level showcase where the top U16 prospects in Ontario came to compete. For scouts evaluating the 2026 OHL draft class, the weekend was a crucial mid-season checkpoint. The players who stood out did so not just with flashy plays, but by proving they could apply their skill with consistency, purpose, and a complete effort against the best peers in the province.
The Marlies Classic gave us a clearer picture of the 2026 draft class. The players who stood out were the ones who could make skilled plays under pressure, compete all over the ice, and show they have more than one dimension to their game. We saw high-end talents like Tanner Adams and Arjun Nanubhai solidify their spots, dynamic defenders like Lucas Matheson and Jaden Licastro take charge, and reliable performers like Ryan Beaulieu and Quinn Roberts prove their value to a winning team.
The race for the top of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection is still wide open, but the tiers are starting to form. The players listed here made the most of their opportunity to shine on a big stage, and their performances will be a major point of reference as the season moves into its final months.
Our scouts were on site for every game, tracking shifts and projectable habits. What follows is a breakdown of the players who left the strongest impressions and did the most to shape the story of the tournament.
Tanner Adams, C, The Hill Academy U16 AAA (ON-Prep)
Tanner Adams looked every bit the complete, high-end centre he’s projected to be. His game starts with a physical presence that goes beyond just hitting. He hunts contact on the forecheck with purpose, using his strength to separate players from the puck and create turnovers that fuel his team’s offence. That physical edge isn’t separate from his skill — it’s part of it. He uses the space he creates to attack, protecting the puck well and driving play toward the net.
“From the opening shift he set the tone by stepping into Marlboros captain Licastro on the forecheck and then hunting contact to separate opponents from pucks, including a massive hit behind the net that freed the puck and led to a rush goal the other way.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
He possesses a heavy, accurate shot that is a legitimate threat from range, but he scores most of his goals by getting to the interior of the offensive zone. He’s just as noticeable without the puck, tracking back hard and using his frame to win battles along the wall. There aren’t any glaring weaknesses in his game. Adams reinforced the view that he’s a top-line centre prospect who impacts the game in every situation, blending size, skill, and a competitive engine that coaches love.
Jaden Licastro, LD, Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA (GTHL)
Jaden Licastro came into the season as a top defence prospect, and he leaves this tournament looking like the top defence prospect. He was a rock for the Marlboros, playing huge minutes in all situations and consistently shutting down his side of the ice. His skating is smooth and efficient, allowing him to maintain perfect gaps and angle attackers into the boards. He doesn’t chase hits; he uses an active stick and smart body positioning to separate players from the puck cleanly.
“Rush after rush died on his side of the ice, as he used his mobility to match speeds early, then showed the poise to wait out attackers before going stick-on-puck or stepping through the chest to kill the play.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
The most encouraging development was his decision-making with the puck. He looked noticeably more poised and confident handling forechecking pressure, using subtle fakes and skating to escape trouble and start the breakout with a crisp first pass. He picks his spots to join the offence but has the shot and handling to contribute when he does. Licastro showed the complete two-way package of a future top-pairing defenceman who can be matched against anyone.
Arjun Nanubhai, C, Mississauga Senators U16 AAA (GTHL)
Arjun Nanubhai continues to build a compelling case as a top-five pick. What sets him apart is his hockey brain. He sees plays develop a step ahead and is constantly working to make the best possible play, not just the safe one. This tournament showed new layers to his offensive game. He was more assertive in taking defenders one-on-one, using slick changes of speed and sharp cuts to create his own shooting or passing lanes.
"He showed more willingness to stickhandle 1v1, using a change of speed to pull up to force the defender to pivot, then stickhandling sharply back against their heels to beat them.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 27, 2025
His playmaking vision has always been a strength, but he also flashed a quicker, more powerful one-timer on the power play. Perhaps most impressive was how he combined his high skill level with a more physically engaged style. He was a puck hound all over the ice, and his compete level never dipped. In multiple games, Nanubhai was clearly the most dominant player on the ice, driving play and creating advantages shift after shift. He looks like a future OHL franchise centre.
Lucas Matheson, RD, Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA (OMHA)
Lucas Matheson is the most exciting offensive defenceman in the region, and he proved it against top competition at the tournament. He is a one-man breakout machine. With his elite edgework and agility, he can dance around forecheckers in his own end, turning what looks like a risky situation into a clean zone exit and a controlled entry the other way. He has the green light to lead the rush, and he uses it, often acting as a fourth forward through the neutral zone.
“On breakouts he practically invited forecheckers, spinning off checks, faking one way before cutting back the other, and escaping multiple forecheckers to turn retrievals into clean exits.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 27, 2025
In the offensive zone, he’s a constant threat. He walks the blue line with confidence, opens up shooting lanes with his feet, and has the vision to find seams for passes. His game is built on high-skill, high-risk plays, but his ability to execute them consistently at this level is what makes him so special. Matheson projects as a dynamic power play quarterback and play driver who can change a game from the backend.
Ryan Beaulieu, RD, London Jr. Knights U16 AAA (ALLIANCE)
Ryan Beaulieu was the steady, minute-eating anchor for the championship team. He doesn’t have the flash of some other defenders, but his value was immense. He played in every key situation — even strength, power play, penalty kill — and was trusted with the toughest matchups. Defensively, he’s just solid. He wins races, uses his stick brilliantly to break up plays, and makes simple, smart reads under pressure.
“He looked to activate from the weak side more frequently, sliding down into the slot without the puck… His first goal came off a confident blue-line activation, where he beat the first layer with a handle, attacked downhill, and ripped a shot through traffic.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 27, 2025
What was interesting to see was a more active offensive side. He jumped into the play more often, showing he can contribute with a good shot and smart pinches. In the tight final, he was a key reason London’s penalty kill was so effective, blocking shots and shutting down passing lanes. Beaulieu is the prototype of a reliable, two-way defender who coaches can build a blueline around.
Braden Reilly, C, Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA (GTHL)
Braden Reilly is building a reputation as a pure goal-scorer who shows up in big games. His production in the knockout rounds was staggering: he scored six of his team’s 11 goals from the quarter-finals through the final. He owns one of the best releases in the draft—a quick, deceptive wrist shot that explodes off his blade and finds corners from distance. He’s not just a stationary shooter, though. He uses his speed to gain the zone with possession and has a knack for finding soft ice in the offensive zone.
“His hat trick highlighted the versatility of his scoring: a calm five-hole finish on a breakaway, a transition goal where he walked a defender and deked the goalie, and a quick-strike wrist shot off a broken sequence on the power play.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
He competes hard away from the puck, forechecking with intent and getting back to support his defenders. The next step in his evolution is using the respect his shot commands to become more of a playmaker, drawing defenders in and finding open linemates. But as a pure scoring threat who delivers when it matters most, Reilly made a massive statement last weekend.
Jack Lee, RW, Barrie Jr. Colts U16 AAA (OMHA)
Jack Lee was a driving offensive force all tournament, finishing tied for the scoring lead after the round robin stage with 10 points in 4 games. He plays a direct, north-south game that is very effective. He has good speed and uses it to attack the middle of the ice with authority, not shying away from taking the puck to the net or going to the hard areas to score. He’s not a perimeter player; his goals come from between the hash marks, whether he’s slipping into a quiet spot or driving the net.
“All three of his goals came in the inner slot: two from sliding into soft pockets off the puck, and the third on a net drive where he stopped up instead of skating through and pounced on his own rebound.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 27, 2025
He’s strong on his skates, which helps him protect the puck and extend plays along the wall. While he’s a shoot-first player, he shows enough awareness to make a pass when the play is there. Lee’s game is projectable because it’s built on simplicity and effort: he skates hard, goes to the net, and has the hands to finish. That’s a recipe for offensive production at the next level.
Matthew Taylor, C, Ajax-Pickering Raiders U16 AAA (OMHA)
Matthew Taylor was the engine for the Raiders and one of the most dynamic playmakers at the tournament. His skating is a major asset—he has a quick first step and excellent edges that allow him to change direction without losing speed, making him elusive in transition. His greatest strength might be his hockey sense. He’s always moving without the puck, finding open spaces, and seems to know where the play is going before it happens.
“What I love about his playmaking is how he moves after the pass—rather than admiring a pass, he attacks the net for rebounds, sets a pick, or opens new passing lanes.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 28, 2025
He sees the ice at a high level and is a creative, high-volume passer. He plays with good energy and isn’t afraid to go to the interior, which is important because his shot is more accurate than overpowering at this stage. He can occasionally try to force a play that isn’t there, but that is something that should improve with experience. Taylor is the type of player who makes everyone around him better and projects as a potential top-six offensive creator.
Finley Butler, RW, London Jr. Knights U16 AAA (ALLIANCE)
Finley Butler has always been an intriguing prospect because of his unique combination of size (6’5”) and skating ability. This weekend, he turned that intrigue into concrete production, scoring two huge goals from the inner slot in the championship final, including the game-winner. He showed a more consistent willingness to play in the high-danger areas, using his long reach and soft hands to make plays in tight.
“Both goals came from the inner slot: one on a perfectly timed back-post drive and the other on a quick catch-and-release between the circles, which is exactly where his game should be centered.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
He also looked to use his size more physically along the walls, though he’ll need to channel that assertiveness without taking penalties. When he’s engaged and driving to the net, he’s a nightmare matchup. The challenge has been consistency, but his performance in the biggest game of the year is a strong sign of progress. If he can bring that interior game every night, his ceiling is very high as a potential top-six power forward.
Quinn Roberts, C, London Jr. Knights U16 AAA (ALLIANCE)
Quinn Roberts might have been the most competitive forward on a championship team full of hard workers. He stood out every shift with his non-stop motor and intelligent play. He’s an aggressive, disruptive forechecker who uses his quickness and anticipation to force turnovers. He doesn’t just run around; he pressures defenders effectively on the forecheck and supports the puck well.
“His situational awareness stood out on a third-period transition sequence; instead of attacking the defence 1v1, he slowed down his pace and widened outside the dot lane, allowing his linemate to jump into the rush.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
Once he creates a turnover, he quickly turns it into offence, either making a smart pass or driving to the net himself. He showed more skill and poise with the puck than in previous viewings, suggesting his offensive game is still growing. Roberts is the type of player coaches trust because he plays the right way, works his tail off, and makes smart, simple plays. He cemented himself as a legitimate OHL prospect with a great weekend.
Cole Guizzetti, LW, Upper Canada College U16 AAA (ON-Prep)
Cole Guizzetti is the perfect example of how a smaller player can be extremely effective. He doesn’t let his size limit him; in fact, he plays a physically engaged, high-pace game that wears opponents down. His compete level is off the charts. He’s a relentless forechecker who wins more battles than he should because of his excellent balance, low centre of gravity, and sheer determination.
“He routinely wins 50/50 battles by getting underneath larger defenders and leveraging his balance and low centre of gravity to maintain inside position.” – Kareem Ramadan, December 27, 2025
He has good speed and skill, making him a dual threat off the rush. He’s smart without the puck, finding quiet areas in the offensive zone to get open. He plays with an edge, finishing checks and never backing down. The comparison to Denver Barkey is fitting — he’s an energy player with skill who can play up and down a lineup. Guizzetti proved he has all the traits needed to overcome his size and be an impactful OHL player.
James Guiney, LW, Reps Hockey Club U16 AAA (GTHL)
This tournament was an excellent display of how dangerous a goal scorer James Guiney can be. Through his team’s four round-robin games, Guiney recorded seven goals and two assists, finishing tied for first in tournament goals with Finley Merrill.
James plays a simple yet highly skilled game. He constantly works to find uncontested ice and thrives on plays down low and around the crease. On his seven goals, Guiney displayed excellent hands in tight, allowing him to collect rebounds and outmaneuver the goalie. The majority of his goals in the tournament came within two feet of the net. His hand-eye coordination was also evident, as he picked up a couple of goals off deflections. It was fascinating to watch how James always seemed to be in the right place at the right time.
“Guiney’s goal scoring in this one reminded me a bit of how Auston Matthews scored in his rookie season. While the comparison doesn’t directly equate one player to another, if you watch Matthews’ goal-scoring highlights from year one, many of his goals came within two feet of the net and resulted from good positioning, slick hands in tight, and strong hand-eye coordination. This game showed the same type of goals from James.” — Chase Windsor, December 27, 2025
Size will likely continue to give scouts pause, but this tournament showed that size doesn’t determine greatness. Guiney plays to his strengths by working hard, getting to soft areas, and executing plays efficiently. James has the type of goal-scoring touch that should translate to higher levels, and if he continues to prove that his size isn’t a limitation, it’s fair to expect even more goals from Guiney moving forward.
Ethan Bridges, LW, Huron Perth Lakers U16 AAA (ALLIANCE)
Ethan Bridges continues to demonstrate why he puts up points at a consistent rate. Finishing the round-robin in the top 10 of tournament scoring with two goals and eight points in four games, Bridges makes an offensive impact in the majority of his games. His ability to use his speed and connect plays stands out when you watch him. Bridges routinely finds teammates attacking the net with well-weighted passes and positions himself intelligently in the offensive zone, presenting his stick in shooting pockets and staying available as plays develop.
Bridges' straight-line speed is something that has become more and more noticeable throughout the season and was evident all tournament long.
“On his goal in this game (vs. Mississauga Senators), Bridges showed great anticipation, getting lost in the D-zone and then striking up the middle to intercept the D-to-D pass, using his speed to separate on a 2-on-1. Once over the blue line, he timed his curl and drag perfectly to the moment the defender committed to him and ripped the puck under the glove.” — Chase Windsor, December 29, 2025.
If Bridges can continue to translate his straight-line speed into pace while limiting mistakes when under pressure, then he projects as a player who can drive play and score at the next level.
Declan McNally, LD, Don Mills Flyers (GTHL)
Declan McNally continues to be one of the most intriguing players in this year's draft class, and this tournament furthered that. He offers a rare blend of size, physicality, and mobility that is highly coveted. The majority of players of McNally’s size struggle with skating, so his speed, edgework, and overall maneuverability are significant assets.
“I was impressed by not only the skating abilities but by how well he uses these tools. McNally will use exceptional edgework to gap up and angle away to the boards. Once this puck is recovered, he will transition from defence to offence in one smooth maneuver, use cross-overs and a powerful stride to join the rush and draw defenders to him.” – Chase Windsor, December 28, 2025.
With the puck, McNally shows a strong understanding of where plays need to go next. His puck movement is generally quick and purposeful, often using subtle underhandles on passes to change angles and slip pucks through pressure. He possesses excellent hands in tight that allow him to gather the puck out of board battles, or get himself out of trouble when pressured. While much of his offensive game still comes in flashes and could be more consistent, the tools are there for McNally to project as an effective OHL defenceman in the near future.
Michael Warner, C, Toronto Marlboros U16 AAA (GTHL)
Michael Warner finished the round-robin portion of the tournament with seven points in four games and was a key piece in Toronto reaching the finals. From the second Warner stepped on the ice for his first shift, he was effective and impacted the game. This comes not just on the scoresheet, but with his speed and physicality as well.
“On his very first shift, Warner threw a big hit on the forecheck that helped set the physical tone for the Marlboros.” - Kareem Ramadan, December 30, 2025
Warner is an exception skater. His straight-line speed lets him separate from the pack with ease and when coupled with powerful edges and lateral movement, makes him a constant threat off the rush. He also excels at using his speed to maneuver into pockets.
“Warner’s goal in this one (vs Sun County) came by Warner acknowledging a breakdown in coverage and quickly popping into an open pocket out front.” - Chase Windsor, December 27, 2025
If Warner can continue to build off a strong tournament like this, and find ways to impact the game on a more consistent level rather than through flashes, the speed and handling abilities should be projectable enough for him to be an OHL forward in the next couple years.
Honourable Mentions: Drew Bate (LDN), Shane Roche (TMAR), Kane Cloutier (VK), Valentino Gonzales (LDN), Egor Sokolov (TMAR), Finley Merrill (THA), Logan Prud’homme (UCC) Turner Stephenson (UCC), Justin Watkins (YSE), Joshua Deason (Reps)
