TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Founders Cup, marking the tournament’s first year back since 2019-20.
Originally launched in the 2009-10 season, the Founders Cup is designed to extend the season in a competitive and positive environment for teams whose playoff runs end in the first round — delivering more meaningful games, more development opportunities, and a true championship pathway through March and April.
Teams eliminated in the first round of the playoffs are eligible to participate in the Founders Cup. For Under-10 to U13 age categories, eligibility includes teams eliminated during the first-round robin. For U14 to U18 age categories, eligibility applies to teams that lose their first-round playoff series.
The Founders Cup schedule will primarily feature weekend games (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday), with the possibility of an occasional weekday game. Upon registration, teams can submit up to four (4) blackout dates to avoid being scheduled. The tournament schedule will be released on a rolling basis, similar to the GTHL’s league schedule release.
All participating teams will play a round robin followed by a knockout stage, with the tournament running into mid-April. The Founders Cup Finals will take place on Sunday, April 19.
To register for the tournament, the fee is $1,000 for all divisions.
Additional details, including division-specific formats, will be shared directly with teams.
The GTHL reminds participants that the Founders Cup is a separate tournament from the King Clancy Cup.
To register, CLICK HERE.
Refund Policy (Playoff Teams)
If a team registers for the Founders Cup and later advances into the second round of the playoffs, the payment is refunded without penalty.
For additional tournament information and FAQs, visit the Founders Cup event page on gthlcanada.com.
