Minor hockey teaches more than systems and special teams. Life lessons are entrenched in every pass, shot and celebration. They follow every stride and last long after the whiteboard is erased. Life lessons are found in every aspect of the game, whether or not we’re ready to learn them.

During the 2016-17 season, the GTHL joined in mourning the losses of Geoff Taber, his wife Jacquie Gardner, and their two sons, Scott, Andrew in December, as well as the passing of Brant Snow in February. They left a lasting impact on our community, one that will not be forgotten by those with whom they crossed paths. Snow was the longtime president of the North York Rangers and Goulding Park Rangers, as well as an executive with the Rangers’ team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. In a post on their website, the Rangers remembered Snow as someone whose “passion for the game and for his players will not easily be replaced.”

Snow was the longtime president of the North York Rangers and Goulding Park Rangers, as well as an executive with the Rangers’ team in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. In a post on their website, the Rangers remembered Snow as someone whose “passion for the game and for his players will not easily be replaced.” The Taber family was deeply rooted in the Toronto community both at and away from the rink. Geoff and Jacquie both were well-respected lawyers who dedicated themselves to their boys.

The Taber family was deeply rooted in the Toronto community both at and away from the rink. Geoff and Jacquie both were well-respected lawyers who dedicated themselves to their boys.

“Geoff and Jacquie were model hockey parents,” said Jules Jardine, head coach of the Minor Bantam AAA Toronto Titans. “They would simply come to the rink, support their sons and the teams, and do it over again and again.”

Scott, 15, was a forward with the Forest Hill Minor Midget A club – a team managed by his dad – and wore No. 88. Before taking the ice again after the holiday break, the team paid tribute to their friend, teammate and manager and also dedicated a banner to No. 88.

Andrew, 13, was a defenseman who wore No. 92 with the Minor Bantam AAA Toronto Titans in honour of his birth date – the second day of the ninth month. The Titans carried Andrew’s jersey with them for the remainder of the season, with players taking turns bringing it to the rink. They also began every game with a “1, 2, 3, TABES” cheer before puck drop.

“My message to the boys was to always play with a purpose and carry the memory of their good friend and teammate with them through everything they do in life,” said Jardine.