The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to launch Off the Boards — a new GTHL alumni series celebrating former players making a difference beyond the ice.
From teachers to trades workers, doctors to first responders and beyond, these are the stories of character built in the rinks and carried into everyday life.
The series begins with Alex Daigle, a Toronto Police Officer and former Toronto Titan, who shares how hockey shaped the values he relies on every day.
Alex Daigle, a Toronto Police Officer and former Toronto Titan, credits his time in minor hockey for shaping the mindset, discipline, and personal values that continue to guide him in his career and life.
“Hockey taught me how to stay disciplined, control my emotions, work effectively with others, and face challenges,” said Daigle. “All of which I rely on daily as a police officer.”
Often called the ultimate team sport, hockey demands trust, accountability, and shared purpose – qualities that Daigle believes are equally critical in policing. From his time as a Titan to his current role in law enforcement, the lessons of the locker room continue to shape how he approaches life on the front lines.
“Whether you are responding to an emergency radio call for service, conducting an investigation, or just being a part of the team, having the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with your teammates can make a lifesaving difference,” Daigle explained, adding that there is a direct line between the trust required between teammates on the ice and that between police officers in dynamic, high-stake situations.
And just like hockey, those moments demand split-second decision making.
“The game of hockey requires one to make quick decisions, in very fast-paced situations as you have seconds to assess and make the right play. As a police officer, having the essential skill of quick decision-making can save your life.”
While things like teamwork and decision making can make a life altering difference out in the field, hockey also provided Daigle with the habits of self-discipline and accountability – habits that continue to influence who he is today.
“From a young age, my coaches and parents instilled in me the importance of self-discipline and holding myself accountable,” Daigle said, adding that he was always open to feedback, regardless of who it was coming from. “I always had an internal expectation of being at my best every single game, practice, and off-ice fitness session. To reach this expectation, I stayed committed – even when no one was watching.”
While many athletes speak of resilience, Daigle lived it — especially during a pivotal moment in his minor hockey journey. In the season leading up to the 2015 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Priority Selection, Daigle suffered a major injury.
“On February 11, 2015, I was playing the Toronto Marlboros in a playoff game. I blocked the shot of a defenceman and unfortunately broke my ankle,” Daigle recalled. “At the time, I felt like my injury ruined all my chances at getting drafted.”
He was sidelined, but rather than dwell, Daigle adapted.
“Rather than feeling sorry for myself, I had to shift my mindset and focus on what I could control,” he said, sharing that there were many days he doubted whether he could return as the same player. “I was forced to adapt to the situation and find new ways to improve while I healed – a new physical fitness regime, focusing on upper body and core movements, as well as mental toughness.”
Two months later, on April 11, 2015, Daigle was selected by the OHL’s Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
“Although I was dealing with uncertainty at such a crucial time in my hockey career, my resilience taught me to trust the process, be patient, and believe in myself.”
That same resilience is what Daigle hopes every young hockey player can carry with them — on and off the ice.
“Resilience is the ability to withstand pressures, bounce back from setbacks, learn from failure and maintain performance and well-being despite the challenges you are facing,” said Daigle. “I believe that every mistake you make, or every failure you encounter, is an opportunity to learn from, improve on, and get stronger.”
Daigle also shared how his mindset around success and failure has matured thanks to the game.
“I used to believe that success was measured by the scoreboard, but I quickly realized that this was not true,” he said. “Throughout hockey, I took on the mindset of ‘winning and learning.’”
“When I changed my mindset from losing to learning, I realized that failure is never the end, but rather a way to adapt and come back stronger.”
Daigle continues to stay connected to hockey, playing in recreational leagues and pick-up games. But more than just staying on the ice, he carries the values of sportsmanship with him in every community interaction as a police officer.
“I believe sportsmanship is about fostering a positive environment and playing fair,” said Daigle. “Just like in hockey, police officers must foster positive relationships with community members in order to gain trust and respect.”
As an officer, Daigle is also now able to mentor others — and the lessons from his coaches have stuck.
“Some of the best coaches I had through hockey were those who led by example – showing up to practice and games early and prepared, staying calm in tense and difficult situations, and putting in maximum effort in practice planning and preparation,” he said. “While mentoring others, I make an effort to lead by example.”
“For young players, learning to accept failure as part of [development] and growth, and maintaining a positive outlook when faced with challenges will serve them well in every aspect of their life,” Daigle shared.
From playoff heartbreak to professional purpose, Daigle’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and integrity — foundations built in the rinks of minor hockey.
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