To the GTHL Community:
As we approach the holiday break, I want to take a moment, on behalf of the Board of Directors, to extend holiday wishes and to thank everyone who makes GTHL hockey function and thrive.
The GTHL is more than schedules, scores and standings. It’s a community built around the values that youth hockey generates — respect, teamwork, perseverance — as well as the simple joy of playing a great Canadian game. Every shared moment at the rink helps our players grow — as young athletes and as people.
- First, to our players: we hope that you are enjoying every moment of the season — the practices and skill development, the excitement of games, the friendships, the thrill of strong competition, and even the challenges you face along the way. We encourage you to support one another and to take pride in the effort you bring to the rink each day. The memories you create through hockey will stay with you for a lifetime.
- To our families: thank you for the early mornings, the long drives (often in more traffic than you bargained for), and the constant encouragement that keeps kids engaged, supported, and excited to play. Your huge commitments of time and resources and your enthusiasm make this sport community possible and help create a positive environment for young athletes.
- To our coaches, trainers, and team managers: thank you for leading with care, dedication and patience. You play a critical role not only in developing hockey skills, but in shaping character and confidence.
- To our officials, rink attendants, and timekeepers: thank you for your professionalism; for upholding standards of fair play, respect and sportsmanship; and for your work to keep games running smoothly and safely. Without you, there are no games.
- To the GTHL Member organizations, club officials, committee members, and many volunteers: thank you for the time, energy, and care you give behind the scenes. You have built the foundations that help GTHL leagues and programs run smoothly and enable positive experiences for our players.
- To our community partners and sponsors: you keep the facilities open and welcoming, and provide the financial support which allows hockey in the GTHL to operate effectively. Thank you for providing the spaces and opportunities for kids to play, develop, and belong.
- And finally to the GTHL staff: thank you for everything you do — events, programs, policies, Safe Sport procedures, community outreach and enhancing sport culture, communications, business development, risk management, finance, operations, registration, officiating oversight, scheduling and administration. It’s a very big team effort.
This season — like every season — reminds us that youth hockey succeeds when we work together with a shared purpose: giving young people the chance to enjoy the game, build friendships, and learn life lessons. We look forward to 2026, with renewed energy and appreciation for this community we’re all fortunate to be part of.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, wishing you and your family safe, restful, and Happy Holidays,
Don West
GTHL President and Board Chair
