GTHL Awards season is here. To celebrate, we will be profiling each of the 12 award winners individually leading up to the ceremony on June 16.

Robert Mazzuca is the type of hockey player that would make Don Cherry beam with pride.

“He’s [Robert] always the first at practice, first at every game, and always impeccably dressed,” said Bruce Sturley, the Head Coach of Robert’s Toronto Colts Under 21 “AAA” team.

For the past twelve years, Mazzuca has dedicated himself to playing GTHL hockey. Joining the George Bell Titans as a six-year-old, Mazucca quickly took to the game, moving up to the “AA” level by his Minor Peewee season. He’s been playing in the Under 21 AAA loop for the past two seasons, winning both a Kraft Cup and a Scotiabank GTHL Playoff Championship during the 2016-17 campaign. He will return to the Colts next season in hopes of repeating similar success.

Mazzuca is currently studying at George Brown College to become an HVAC Specialist. He will be honoured with the Ray Heslop Dedication Award on June 16. The Award recognizes an Under 21 player or team official who best exemplifies the true spirit of Under 21  hockey; this includes the ideal of keeping hockey players involved in the game while continuing to strive for excellence and opportunity.

The Award is named after the founder the J & R Hawks Hockey Club. The Hawks held the unique distinction of being the only Club with a single team entry in the GTHL, a status they held until their final season in 2004-05. Ray coached the team for the first 26 years and served as general manager in the Club’s final two seasons.