On October 25 and 26, the Esso Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) Puck Drop Weekend officially launched the 2025-26 hockey season with a celebration at Canlan York.
The two-day event featured 60 games across all competitive levels (‘A’, ‘AA’, ‘AAA’) and age divisions from Under-10 to U18.
“As a proud partner of the GTHL, Esso was thrilled to bring the power of its partnerships (Toronto Maple Leafs, National Hockey League, Hockey Hall of Fame) to the Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend creating lasting memories for GTHL families and the broader community,” said Cheryl Seaward, Esso’s Partnerships Director. “From Esso Medals to gold medals and Esso GTHL jersey patches to Esso NHL rink boards, we are dedicated to Canada’s game.”
A highlight of the weekend was the Esso Most Driven Medals program. Following each game, opposing bench staff selected one player from each team to receive an Esso Medal – awarded to those who made a lasting impact through leadership, sportsmanship, or relentless effort through to the final whistle. Medal recipients also had the chance to play the Esso Cash Machine, where they could win Toronto Maple Leafs tickets or merchandise.
The event drew a lineup of special guests and hockey personalities. Content creators Coach Jeremy and Pavel Barber faced off with fans at the skill activations, signed autographs, and smiled for photos, while Leafs alumni Curtis Joseph, Doug Gilmour, Tomas Kaberle, and Jake Muzzin joined the fun along with current Leafs forward Easton Cowan Former Leaf Mark Fraser also took part in the weekend, visiting teams before puck drop to share encouragement and inclusion values.
Adding to the excitement, the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit gave players and families a close-up look at NHL awards including the Hart Trophy, Vezina Trophy, and Conn Smythe Trophy. Players and families were also given the chance to test their on-ice skills through skill activations courtesy of Esso and the NHL, while trivia games tested their hockey knowledge for a chance to win prizes.
The Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend set the tone for another memorable season, celebrating community, teamwork, and the shared love of the game.
GALLERY: 2025 Esso GTHL Puck Drop Weekend
