Wednesday February 17, 2021 – On Saturday February 13, 2021, during the second intermission on Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman reported that Sam Gagner and John Tavares intended to become involved in the Toronto Marlboros Hockey Club, one of the member organizations of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). The reporting has caused some confusion, which we wish to address.

In order for a Club to be a member of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), that Club must be federally or provincially incorporated as a non-share capital corporation, with members rather than shareholders, and operate as a not-for-profit organization through a board of directors appointed by the members.

Participation of hockey organizations in the GTHL is granted on an annual basis. Renewal requires compliance with all GTHL By-Laws and Regulations.

If the members of a Club wish to transfer control of the Club, which occurs from time to time due to retirements, succession or other circumstances causing a transfer, approval must be sought from and granted by the GTHL Board of Directors prior to such transfer occurring. This approval process includes the requirement to submit detailed materials about the transfer including how the Club will be operated subsequent to the transfer.  The GTHL Board will only approve a transfer of control if the proposal, among other things, demonstrates that the new members and/or directors are appropriately qualified and will continue to operate the Club as a non-share capital corporation that qualifies as a not-for-profit organization.

On Sunday February 14, 2021, the GTHL was advised that the current President of the Toronto Marlboros is planning to retire from his role. We understand that the Marlboros Club will be submitting its succession plan for approval to the GTHL Board of Directors in the coming days. This plan includes the request to appoint a new President and new General Manager of the Toronto Marlboros. We have been advised that neither of these positions are to be filled by a current or former NHL player. The succession plan will also include new Director positions with the Club.

Until such time as the GTHL has received an application with respect to the change of control of the Toronto Marlboros and has had a chance to consider the request, the GTHL is not in a position to make any further comment.

About the Greater Toronto Hockey League

Founded in 1911, the GTHL is a non-profit organization and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 40,000 annual participants in Mississauga, Toronto, Markham and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to govern organized hockey for youth within its jurisdiction, and to foster the development of good character, citizenship and sportsmanship.