The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) community is mourning the passing of Michael J. Penman on March 29, 2025. A Life Member of the League, Michael was a cherished leader, visionary, and lifelong steward of the game whose influence extended across Ontario and throughout Canada’s hockey community. 

Michael dedicated his life to the sport he loved — bringing a unique blend of legal expertise, principled leadership, and tireless volunteerism to every role he held. His thoughtful contributions transformed hockey governance, strengthened the safety and integrity of the game, and opened doors to greater inclusion and participation. 

“Michael’s incredible impact on the hockey system in the GTA, Ontario, and Canada was remarkable,” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “He was always the voice of reason, even during the most challenging times. Michael’s advice and guidance was always sound and always in the best interest of players and their families.” 

Michael’s formal leadership with the GTHL began in 1996 when he was appointed an Officer and Director, soon becoming a key member of the Executive Committee. As Chair of the GTHL Constitution Committee, Michael was instrumental in implementing foundational reforms that emphasized fairness, accessibility, and the well-being of all participants. 

A proud Torontonian, Michael grew up playing hockey and later coached his sons during their minor hockey years with the Humber Valley Sharks. But it was in the boardroom, through decades of volunteer service, that Michael made his lasting mark on the sport. 

His influence extended to the provincial and national levels. In 1998, Michael joined the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Board of Directors as an Alternate Member and became a full member in 2000. Two years later, he was appointed Chair of the OHF Constitution Committee. In this capacity, he led the monumental task of consolidating seven distinct rulebooks into a single, unified set of regulations — a transformative achievement that provided clarity and cohesion to hockey across Ontario. 

Michael’s strength lay in his ability to marry principle with practicality. That sensibility earned him respect as a leader within the OHF, culminating in his appointment as First Vice President in 2015. 

During his final years of service, Michael led one of the most significant governance transitions in OHF history: the creation of an independent Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the restructure was unanimously approved by OHF Members, setting a new benchmark for transparency and accountability in amateur sport. 

At the national level, Hockey Canada relied on Michael’s counsel as a Special Advisor to its Board of Directors. His clarity of thought, calm demeanour, and knowledge of policy made him an invaluable contributor to some of the sport’s most important conversations. He played a key role in shaping national dialogue at events such as the 1999 and 2009 Open Ice Summits, where he consistently advocated for player safety, ethical leadership, and continued development. 

In recognition of his decades of outstanding service, Michael was named a GTHL Honorary Life Member in 2015. In February 2025, he was appointed as a Life Patron of the OHF — its highest honour — celebrating more than 25 years of exceptional leadership at both the OHF and Hockey Canada. 

After retiring from formal roles in 2018, Michael focused on traveling with his beloved wife, Elizabeth. Though he stepped away from active governance, he remained a impactful figure in the hockey world — admired for his humility, integrity, and the steady wisdom he shared so generously with others. 

Michael J. Penman’s contributions to the game were vast, meaningful, and enduring. His legacy lives on through the policies he shaped, the organizations he guided, and the people he inspired. His passing is a profound loss for the hockey community. 

Details on Mr. Penman’s funeral can be found here. 

The GTHL extends its deepest condolences to Elizabeth, the Penman family, and to all who had the privilege of working alongside Michael. We will forever be grateful for his extraordinary service and lasting impact on the game.