The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to celebrate Asian Heritage Month this May. As part of the month’s celebrations, the League shines the spotlight on GTHL Coordinator of Events and Communications, Brendan Mori – a fourth-generation Japanese Canadian.

GTHL: Who got you into hockey?   
Brendan Mori (BM): Both of my parents were instrumental in getting me into hockey. My dad never got to play hockey growing up and on my mom’s side, almost all of my uncles and cousins played in the Metro Toronto Hockey League (MTHL) or North York Hockey League (NYHL) growing up. My parents also love to remind me that I had zero interest in playing hockey when I was first asked. Thankfully, my parents signed me up anyway and forced me to play.

GTHL: What jersey number did you wear growing up? Is there a story behind it? 
BM: My first year playing competitive hockey, we couldn’t choose any number, they only ordered jerseys one through 17 for the team. The coaches put all of our names into a hat and drew them one-by-one to make it fair. I really wanted No. 13 (for Mats Sundin), but unfortunately it was one of the first numbers to go. I remember turning to my dad to ask him what number I should pick since 13 was gone. My dad said number nine for Paul Kariya (one of his favourite players growing up). I’m not too sure how or why it happened but my name was called shortly after this conversation and I blurted out number seven to my coach. I then turned to my dad and said, “Look dad, I got Paul Kariya’s number!”

I ended up sticking with seven for the majority of my minor hockey career, although funny enough, I did eventually wear nine for a few seasons. 

GTHL: Looking back at minor hockey, do you have a favourite memory?  
BM: One year my team went to an outdoor tournament in Peterborough that was played [on the river]. It was a really cool experience being able to play real games outdoors. My team ended up winning the whole thing and there’s a picture of us celebrating around the trophy like it was a fire pit.  

GTHL: Now working in the sport, what led you to becoming part of the GTHL team?  
BM: I didn’t have the chance to play in the GTHL when I was younger, but you hear all of the good things about the League and all of the elite players that are in the NHL that started in the GTHL. It was a goal of mine coming out of college to try and work for the GTHL during my sport career.  

GTHL: What are the main priorities of your role with the GTHL?    
BM: My main priorities are planning and executing all GTHL events throughout the season while supporting a few communication projects as well. The events include the Platinum Cup, GTHL Top Prospects Game, Under-18 All-Star Festival, I Play in the G Festival, the OHL Cup, the GTHL Awards Gala, the GTHL Legacy Classic in support of the GTHL Legacy Fund, and more. 

GTHL: What do you enjoy the most about working in hockey? 
BM: Growing up, my parents always encouraged me to find a job that I would love to wake up and do, every single day. I have a burning passion for hockey and I’m proud to say it has definitely helped shape me into the person I am today. Now working in hockey, being able to give back and hopefully provide a similar or better experience than what I had as a kid growing up is something I strive to do.   

GTHL: You also coached for a number of years. What made you want to jump behind the bench?  
BM: Yes, I just completed my seventh season as a minor hockey coach. I love the strategic aspects of hockey and so when the opportunity to get into coaching came to be, it was a no-brainer for me to try. Special shout-out to Mark Patte for giving me that first opportunity all those years ago. Since then, my love for it has continued to grow. I love coming to the rink and talking with the guys, but the ultimate reward is seeing how much they progress both as a team and as individuals over the course of a season.  

GTHL: What does being a Japanese person in hockey mean to you? Is it something you thought about growing up playing, coaching, or something you think about now working in the game?  
BM: It’s definitely an honour because the list is very small. When I was younger I always thought of myself as just a “hockey player.” It was never “Japanese hockey player.” Now as an adult working in sport, you start to understand how unique and different you are compared to your peers. Since entering the sports industry, I’ve become a huge believer in visual representation. If the next generation can see an Asian working in hockey, it provides them with the belief and reinforcement that they too can potentially get there as well.   

GTHL: When you look at the amount of Asian kids flourishing in the game today, what does that mean to you?
BM: I think for me, it’s nothing but positive and it goes back to my thoughts on visual representation. Nick and Ryan Suzuki, Jason and Nick Robertson, Kailer Yamamoto, Matt Dumba… the list goes on and on, and continues to grow each season. Being able to see players in the NHL that “look like you” reinforces the belief that Asian kids can achieve their ultimate goal because they can envision themselves in their place someday.  

GTHL: Did you have a role model growing up? Who was it?   
BM: Growing up, my favourite player was Mats Sundin – the way he carried himself on and off the ice is something I tried to replicate. His leadership style is something that I also try to emulate to this day.