Toronto, ON – The Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) previously announced that it had engaged former Justice David Watt K.C. as Special Integrity Commissioner to examine certain alleged financial improprieties by some member organizations or teams. On February 4, 2025, the GTHL announced that it had received the report (“Report”) from the Commissioner. The announcement stated that the GTHL’s Governance Committee was reviewing the findings and recommendations, as well as preparing an Action Plan to address both immediate and long-term steps for progress.
The GTHL Board of Directors has now taken a second key step in its short-term measures following the initial interim freeze of Change of Control applications placed on February 17. On February 26, based on one of the findings in the Report, the GTHL Board rendered the following decision.
After providing notice and an opportunity to be heard to the parties (which they declined), the Board resolved to expel from membership in the GTHL the Humberview Huskies Hockey Club Inc. (“Humberview”) and its current controlling Club Official (the “Humberview President”) pursuant to Section 3.9(b) of GTHL bylaw number 1, effective immediately. The Board further directed that this decision be communicated to the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF).
This decision was based on an investigation conducted on behalf of the Special Integrity Commissioner, which concluded that, in connection with a transfer of control of Humberview in 2020, a payment was likely made by the current Humberview President to the former president of Humberview. This payment was not disclosed to the GTHL during Humberview’s application for GTHL approval of Change of Control. The Board determined that the likely payment of undisclosed consideration for the transfer of control and the misrepresentations made to the GTHL constituted a breach of GTHL by-laws, rules and regulations, and was unethical and improper misconduct. The GTHL maintains that such conduct by Humberview and the Humberview President:
- Violated GTHL bylaw provisions and rules requiring GTHL Clubs to operate as not-for-profit corporations in accordance with the Income Tax Act (Canada),
- Included the failure to file all agreements related to the Change of Control, which constituted knowingly false representations to the GTHL, and
- Such conduct brought Humberview, the Humberview President, and the GTHL into disrepute.
The decision regarding Humberview represents the second step in the GTHL’s ongoing commitment to accountability. The GTHL remains dedicated to fostering a fair, transparent, and accountable process for all its members and participants.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) is a non-profit organization, home to more than 30 community recreational programs and the largest minor hockey league in the world. The GTHL registers more than 30,000 annual participants in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto, and Vaughan. The purpose of the GTHL is to empower, innovate, and provide hockey experiences that foster growth, inclusion, and excellence for all participants, while providing an enriching, equitable, and inclusive environment that benefits all members and the broader community.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Coratti
Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
Greater Toronto Hockey League
SCoratti@GTHLCanada.com
