TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), alongside presenting partner Imperial Oil (Esso), celebrated the start of the 2026-27 season with another successful Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend, bringing together players, families, and hockey fans at the NFP Athletic Centre on October 24 and 25.
The two-day event featured 72 games and 144 teams, along with a packed schedule of interactive activities, special appearances, giveaways, and experiences for the GTHL community.
While the action on the ice was at the centre of the weekend, Esso harnessed the power of its partnerships with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL, and the Hockey Hall of Fame, connecting players and families with broader activities throughout the facility and meet and greets with some familiar faces from the hockey world.
A highlight of the weekend was the opportunity for young players and fans to meet Toronto Maple Leafs alumni Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, Jake Muzzin, and Kyle Clifford, along with GTHL alumnus and current Maple Leaf Max Domi.
Toronto Maple Leafs mascot Carlton the Bear also dropped by for some fun, adding to the excitement around the rink.
Beyond the 72 games played throughout the weekend, players and families had the chance to test their abilities through Esso skills challenges, create personalized hockey cards, participate in hockey trivia, and get an up-close look at iconic trophies from the Hockey Hall of Fame.
Hockey personality Coach Jeremy was also part of the weekend’s lineup of special guests.
From interactive experiences to giveaways and special appearances, the event brought the hockey community together for a celebration extending well beyond the games themselves.
Throughout the weekend, players were also recognized for their contributions on the ice through the Esso Medals program which is a key part of Esso’s longstanding commitment to grassroots hockey and recognizes the achievements of young hockey players across Canada.
Presented following every game to one player from each team, the Esso Most Driven Medal celebrated those who demonstrated leadership, sportsmanship, determination, and continued effort through to the final whistle.
Medal recipients can register their awards to have their names included in the Esso Medals Exhibit at the Hockey Hall of Fame.
To learn more or register a medal, visit essomedals.com.
Now in its third season, Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend continues to bring together the people and communities that make hockey across the Greater Toronto Area possible.
The GTHL extends its thanks to Imperial Oil (Esso) for its continued partnership and support of grassroots hockey, along with their partners – the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL and the Hockey Hall of Fame, the special guests, participating teams, volunteers, and families who helped make the weekend a success.
GALLERY: 2026 Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend
