Toronto, ON – The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to announce the election of Gord McDonald as a Life Member — an honour reserved for those whose outstanding service and contributions have left a lasting impact on the League and its community.
A long-time volunteer, McDonald served on the GTHL Board of Directors beginning in 2011 and held the position of Second Vice President since 2015. His tenure with the League followed years of service with the Mississauga Jets Hockey Club, where he coached and served as a Director for the Club.
For more than a decade, McDonald brought exceptional experience and steady leadership to the GTHL. He served as Chair of the Referee Supervision Committee, a member of the Team Allocation Group, and played a key role on numerous GTHL committees, including Rules and Policy, Awards and Recognition, and Competition. McDonald’s insight, dedication, and thousands of hours of volunteer time helped shape the direction of the League and improved the experience for players, families, officials, and member organizations alike.

“Gord managed to do all of this with a measure of good common sense and good humour,” said GTHL President Don West at the Annual Meeting of Members in July 2024. “The GTHL, its Members, and thousands of kids have benefitted from what he has brought to minor hockey and the GTA over the years.”
Beyond committee work and governance, McDonald consistently stepped up to represent the GTHL at Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Championships and events across the province. His deep commitment to putting players first and advocating for youth sport was evident in every aspect of his work.
“Gordon’s contribution and commitment to the GTHL was nothing short of exceptional,” added Scott Oakman, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the GTHL. “He was the first to raise his hand to volunteer for any challenge — regardless of how big or small — and always put the interests of the players first. He traveled across the province to represent the GTHL and did so with pride, always keeping the players and families of our organization at the forefront.”


The unanimous decision by the Board of Directors to award Gord McDonald Life Membership reflects his enduring impact on the League and recognizes a legacy that will continue to shape minor hockey for years to come.
“The Life Membership has been awarded to Gord as not only a token of gratitude but also a recognition of the example he has set for other volunteers in our sport,” West concluded. “Gord’s dedication embodies the very spirit of our mission – to provide a safe, enjoyable, and inclusive environment where young people can learn, grow, and thrive through sport. Gord’s influence will remain a vital part of the GTHL story.”
Congratulations, Gord, and thank you for your extraordinary service.
GTHL LIFE MEMBERS
Alf Johnston | Ross Magnus* |
Len Barrett* | Harry Nash* |
Albert W. Roberts* | Ernest Jones* |
J. Norman Sharp* | William Ruddock* |
Gord Hughes | Lou Del Brocco* |
Ralph C. Barber* | Gerard Fullan* |
Max Scheff* | James Young* |
William Barnett* | Edward Hull* |
Fred A. Heintzman* | Michael Penman* |
Chick Evans | Gord McDonald |
* Deceased
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.