The Greater Toronto Hockey League continued to invest in initiatives that make hockey more accessible and inclusive across communities throughout the 2025-26 season, with the GTHL Legacy Fund Community Grant awarding $83,370 in support of programs, events, and initiatives across the GTHL community.
The 2025-26 grant recipients — Humber Valley Hockey Association, Seaside Hockey Association, Duffield Sports Club, GTHL Try Hockey Program, Heartland Dragons Hockey Association, and Sunnybrook Foundation — delivered meaningful opportunities that introduced new players to the game, reduced financial barriers, supported athlete development, and strengthened community connection through hockey.
Established in 2011, the GTHL Legacy Fund provides financial support for GTHL families in need and assists organizations in funding hockey programs focused on child and community development. Since 2019, funds have been distributed through granting partners to maximize impact across the hockey community.
Aligned with the GTHL’s Strategic Plan, the Legacy Fund Community Grant supports initiatives that break down barriers, increase access, and foster inclusivity in and around the game.
2025-26 GRANT RECIPIENTS — FINAL IMPACT REPORT
Humber Valley Hockey Association — $12,500
- Program: Humber Valley Goalie Training Program
- Age Group: Under-7 to U12
- Participants: 40 athletes
- Schedule: Weekly, November 2025 to March 2026
The Humber Valley Goalie Training Program helped make specialized goalie development more accessible for young athletes by offering low- to no-cost training without the need for a full-time commitment. The program introduced the position to new and younger goalies while creating a supportive environment for development.
Seaside Hockey Association — $25,000
- Program: Legacy on Ice
- Age Group: U6
- Participants: 150+ athletes
- Schedule: Weekly, October 2025 to April 2026
Legacy on Ice provided an introductory hockey experience designed to promote access to the game for young participants. Combining on-ice and off-ice components, the program included training, games, and mentorship opportunities that helped athletes build confidence, skills, and connection to the sport.
Duffield Sports Club — $10,000
- Program: Duffield First Shift Program
- Age Group: U7-U11
- Participants: 45
- Schedule: Weekly, November 2025 to April 2026
The Duffield First Shift Program helped attract new players to hockey by reducing barriers to entry. By covering costs associated with equipment, ice time, and instruction, the program created a more accessible pathway for families and provided young athletes with the opportunity to experience the game in an encouraging environment.
GTHL x Various School Boards — $16,300
- Program: GTHL Try Hockey
- Age Group: Grades 2-5
- Participants: 3,000+
- Schedule: Weekly, October 2026 to April 2026
The Try Hockey program is designed for students in Grades 2–5 who may not have had the opportunity to play the sport due to barriers such as financial hardship or cultural background. In line with our mandate, priority is given to schools and communities in low-income neighbourhoods and areas with a high population of newcomers to Canada.
As part of Try Hockey Day, participants take part in a 50-minute session led by GTHL instructors. Students are divided into small groups to learn and practice the fundamentals of the game, including stick-handling, passing, and shooting. Throughout the program, instructors emphasize the positive life skills hockey can teach — teamwork, resilience, and giving a championship effort both on and off the ice.
Heartland Dragons Hockey Association — $7,000
- Program: HOKEH: Skate-Shoot-Score
- Age Group: Open
- Participants: 25
- Schedule: Weekly, May 2026-June 2026
An extension of their Help Out Kids Enjoy Hockey (HOKEH) Program, the Heartland Dragons Hockey Association launched this new initiative, to provide players new to the sport a risk-free opportunity to try the game during the off-season. A goal then being that they are excited and encouraged to register for the upcoming year, with discounts in place to assist financially.
Sunnybrook Foundation — $12,500
- Program: Sunnybrook Hockey Classic
- Age Group: Open
- Participants: 200+
- Schedule: One-day event, March 2026
The 2026 Sunnybrook Hockey Classic’s was a fundraiser for Sunnybrook’s new trauma centre, which serves the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) while relieving the emergency department. This has a direct tie to GTHL families, with potential needs in both regards. The event featured GTHL Alumni, professional athletes, staff, partners, volunteers, and community groups.
Through the 2025-26 Legacy Fund Community Grant, the GTHL proudly awarded $83,370 in funding to six recipients, supporting programs and initiatives that promoted access, inclusion, development, and community impact through hockey.
The Legacy Fund Community Grant has now proudly funded nearly $250,000 toward meaningful programs, events, and initiatives that promote access to and development within hockey. Over the last three seasons, the grant has supported more than 18 programs across the GTHL community.
Information on applications for the 2026-27 GTHL Legacy Fund Community Grant will be shared in the coming weeks.
ABOUT THE GTHL LEGACY FUND
Established in 2011, the GTHL Legacy Fund provides financial support for GTHL families in need and assists organizations in funding hockey programs with a focus on child and community development. Since 2019, funds have been distributed through granting partners to maximize impact across the hockey community. Click here to donate.
ABOUT THE GREATER TORONTO HOCKEY LEAGUE
Founded in 1911, the Greater Toronto Hockey League 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.
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Coratti
Director, Strategy and Communications
Greater Toronto Hockey League
[email protected]
