Few names are as closely connected to GTHL officiating as Brian Coles, whose involvement spanned more than five decades.
He was an official, a Referee-in-Chief, a mentor and, for generations of referees, someone they could turn to for guidance. His commitment to officiating began when the League was still known as the Toronto Hockey League and continued through the MTHL and GTHL.
Now, that legacy will continue through a new recognition bearing his name.
The GTHL is proud to introduce the Brian Coles Officiating Leadership Award, recognizing leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to supporting the development of others within the GTHL officiating community.
For Brian’s grandson, Liam Coles, seeing his grandfather’s name attached to the award has helped put into perspective just how many people Brian influenced during his years in the game.
“To me and my family, this award means everything. After my grandfather passed away, I didn’t realize how much of an impact he had on the GTHL community and the officials within it,” Liam shared.
For the Coles family, the award is about more than remembering Brian’s years of service. It ensures the example he set — and the impact he had on those around him — remains part of the officiating community for years to come.
“My grandfather’s legacy and memory will go on forever because of this award — his contribution will not be forgotten.”
Brian served as a volunteer Referee-in-Chief through both the Metro Toronto Hockey League (MTHL) and GTHL, having first become involved with the League during its Toronto Hockey League (THL) days.
During that time, he helped develop and mentor countless officials. One of the people who helped shape Brian’s own approach to officiating and leadership was Gus Gordon, whose name remains attached to the Gus Gordon Memorial Officials Award, one of the GTHL’s most significant officiating honours.
GTHL General Manager Peter Kourtis believes that connection makes the introduction of the Brian Coles Award especially meaningful.
“This award is unique as our highest award is named after Gus Gordon. Brian Coles was mentored by Gus — he would never have wanted an award named after him but the introduction of this award is one of the highest honours you can receive in GTHL officiating,” Kourtis said.
Brian often spoke highly of the leadership Gordon provided to him and others. Over time, Brian would go on to provide that same kind of leadership to another generation of officials.
“He spoke so highly of Gus’ leadership, but Brian, in fact, led in his GTHL position for an even longer time,” Kourtis added.
Brian’s impact was not limited to hockey.
He was also a firefighter, another tradition that became an important part of the Coles family. Brian’s son, Sean — Liam’s father — followed him into both officiating and firefighting.
Today, Liam is working to follow the same path.
“Ever since I was little, I always dreamed of being a firefighter just like my grandpa and dad,” Liam said. “It means everything to me to be able to one day carry on the legacy they left with the Toronto Fire Services.”
The stories Liam has heard about his father and grandfather — both in hockey and in the fire service — continue to shape the path he wants to take.
“The stories I’ve heard of how great [Brian and Sean] were as people and firemen inspires me everyday to push to be the next firefighter in the family.”
His path into officiating came a little later.
Liam began officiating around the age of 15. At first, he did not necessarily see it becoming another way to continue the Coles family tradition.
That changed once he started spending more time around the officiating community.
“As for [officiating], I didn’t have too much interest in it until a couple years ago,” Liam reflected. “Once I started officiating and everyone asked me if I was Brian’s grandson or [Sean’s] son really opened my eyes that not only did they make a massive impact within firefighting, but also within the officiating community.”
Those conversations gave Liam a different perspective on what his grandfather and father had meant to the people around them.
It also gave him another goal.
“I realized then, I wanted to start officiating in the [Ontario Hockey Association] and be the third Coles that has officiated in junior hockey.”
For Liam, carrying on those traditions is not about trying to recreate what came before him. It is about continuing the example his father and grandfather set.
“Following in their footsteps is only motivating me more and more every day that passes, trying to keep the legacy going.”
Both Brian and Sean fought courageous battles with cancer, leaving Liam to carry forward a family legacy that reaches well beyond the rink.
For those who knew Brian through hockey, his leadership was straightforward and honest. He expected a lot from officials, but he was also deeply invested in helping them improve.
For Liam, that is the part of his grandfather’s legacy he hopes people remember most.
“When people think about Brian Coles and the legacy he left behind, I hope they remember most the kind of person he was,” Liam shared. “To me, he was my grandfather, but to so many others he was a mentor, a leader, a friend, and someone they could always count on.”
Brian’s approach was never complicated. He was direct, honest, and clear about what he expected.
“Brian was a straight shooter. He didn’t mince his words, and you always knew where you stood with him,” Liam said. “He told you what he thought, but it came from a place of honesty and wanting people to do their best.”
That honesty was paired with a genuine investment in the people around him.
“You might not always have wanted to hear what Brian had to say, but you could always trust that he meant it and that he cared.”
For young officials in particular, Brian was someone willing to give his time, share what he knew and help them become better.
“Brian gave so much of his life to hockey and to the people involved in the game. He cared deeply about helping others grow, particularly the young officials he mentored,” Liam said. “He shared his knowledge, his experience, and his time freely, but more importantly, he made people feel like they mattered.”
That same example extended beyond the rink.
“As his grandson, I’m especially proud of the example he set. He showed us the importance of commitment, integrity, hard work, and giving back to your community.”
For Liam, Brian’s legacy is not defined only by the positions he held or the number of years he spent in hockey. It lives in the people he influenced and the relationships he built along the way.
“His legacy is in the officials he influenced, the friendships he made, and the lessons he passed down. For our family, his legacy will continue in the values he taught us and in the memories we have of him.”
And ultimately, that is what Liam hopes people continue to associate with his grandfather’s name.
“I hope that when people think of Brian, they don’t just remember everything he did for hockey. I hope they remember how he made people feel supported, respected, and encouraged.”
The Brian Coles Officiating Leadership Award will help ensure those qualities remain part of the GTHL officiating community for years to come.
It recognizes the kind of leadership Brian demonstrated throughout his life in hockey — giving back, helping others improve, and taking pride in the people around him.
For Liam and the Coles family, it is also another way Brian’s influence will continue.
“That, to me, is the legacy he leaves behind, and I’m incredibly proud to call him my grandfather.”
