By: Gloria Almonte for GTHLCanada.com
For generations, hockey has played a central role in the Grima family’s life.
From father Dean Grima’s role on the bench as a trainer for Team Red of the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game fuelled by Gatorade, to sons Brayden, a 2026 GTHL Top Prospect, Christian, a 2026 U18 All-Star, and Nick, also an alumnus of the GTHL and Top Prospect in 2015 — they all share a love of the game.
Hockey has been part of the Grima household for as long as they can remember. Dean grew up playing and remained involved through coaching and training, turning his passion into a family affair that influenced his sons from their earliest years.
Nick still fondly remembers watching Hockey Night in Canada with his dad and tagging along to the arenas where Dean served as a trainer for teams like the Mississauga Senators, Toronto Marlboros, and the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s (OJHL) Vaughan Vipers. Dean joked that Nick would hang around the players he assisted and drink all the Gatorade.
When Nick grew old enough, he got a pair of skates of his own and began playing hockey. While he was on the ice, Christian and Brayden were already soaking in the atmosphere. As infants, they accompanied Nick to his hockey games, wide-eyed and buzzing with excitement, sparking their own love for the game.
Starting hockey at such a young age created countless memories for the three brothers. Looking back, Nick realizes it was the small moments that ended up meaning the most to him.
“Whether it was having serious talks, listening to music and laughing, or having our traditional sandwiches on road trips and Wendy Baconators on the way home from tournaments,” Nick shared. “I’ll always remember and feel [those moments] are the ones that truly connected us all at one point or another.”
For Christian and Brayden, who are close in age, growing up meant waking up early on weekend mornings for their house league games. They remember starting the day at the rink, then heading to McDonald’s afterwards to eat breakfast with their close friends.
Like most brothers, Nick, Christian, and Brayden were competitive, and always trying to outdo each other and compare trophies. Having hockey as a shared passion gave them something to bond over, even when that competition boiled over into the driveway, where they played for bragging rights.
While hockey was often a source of competition, it also helped shape their work ethic and gave them a common ground.
“Even when competition causes tension, it’s helped us learn respect, teamwork, and how to support each other,” Brayden said.
Dean has played a huge role in the Grima brothers’ hockey journeys, but his influence extends far beyond the rink. He has been a role model for Nick, Christian, and Brayden, instilling not only hockey skills but also important life lessons. Despite his busy career as a paramedic, massage therapist, and hockey trainer, he always made time to watch his sons play.
He taught them the values of hard work, discipline, and commitment — qualities that don’t show up overnight.
“He taught me to keep a composed mindset, not just in hockey but in everyday life,” Christian said of a skill essential for facing life’s challenges.
All three sons have been inspired to adopt Dean’s approach and are proud to carry forward his legacy.
With the 2025-26 season bringing new milestones, the Grima family recognizes the significance of these accomplishments and takes great pride in one another. While Nick participated in the GTHL Top Prospects Game in 2015, Dean, Christian, and Brayden are taking part in prestigious GTHL events — Dean and Brayden, the 2026 GTHL Top Prospects Game, and Christian, the U18 All-Star Festival fuelled by Gatorade.
Dean fondly remembers last season when Brayden won the U15 ‘AAA’ championship: meeting him on the ice, he hugged his youngest son as Brayden exclaimed, “I finally got one (GTHL championship)!” He proudly added a GTHL championship medal to their house collection alongside Christian and Nick’s.
From Nick’s perspective as the oldest sibling, it’s heartwarming to see his younger brothers grow up, sporting deeper voices and even the occasional “greasy mustache.” He shares his extreme pride in them, especially as Brayden and Christian see their hard work and determination pay off.
For the Grimas, hockey isn’t just a game; it’s an integral part of who they are. The lifelong friendships, the understanding of teamwork, and the lessons in discipline and hard work all add up to something far greater. These qualities extend beyond the rink, applying to school, work, and relationships alike. It’s a truly rewarding sport, and the Grima family is incredibly grateful to have hockey as a part of their daily lives.
