February 27, 2021 – The GTHL Board of Directors met on Thursday February 25, 2021 and discussed the status of the 2020-21 season. The League had announced on December 4, 2020 that it would permit teams and organizations to return to on and off ice activities once the region in which each team/organization operates (i.e. Peel, Toronto or York) enters the Ontario Government’s Orange “Restrict” level in its COVID-19 response framework. At this point in time York Region is at the Red “Control” level and Peel Region and Toronto are under stay at home orders. The GTHL Board determined at its meeting on February 25 that it will continue to permit teams and organizations to return to on-ice and off-ice activities once the region in which each team/organization operates reaches the Orange “Restrict” level. An organization is not required to return to play at any time. The Board will continue to monitor public health announcements and make decisions as is necessary.

The season and hockey participation have been on hold since the GTHL Board announced on October 3, 2020 that all hockey activities would be paused until at least January 1, 2021. The October announcement occurred shortly before lockdowns were enacted by municipal and provincial levels of government. The lockdowns that initially restricted hockey activities in the regions of Peel, Toronto and York, were extended in December and January to other Public Health Units.

Sanctioned activities include all on-ice and off-ice activities for all levels of minor hockey, including house league and competitive hockey in Markham, Mississauga, Toronto and Vaughan.

The Ontario Hockey Federation has extended the 2020-2021 season to May 31, 2021.

“We understand that our hockey families would like to have some certainty at this time and we will work towards providing that when possible.” said Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “We look forward to the resumption of hockey activities as soon as public health conditions reach the appropriate level. The GTHL board and staff hope that our hockey families are in good health as we continue to navigate through the Covid-19 pandemic.”

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.

-30-