TORONTO, ON — The Greater Toronto Hockey League is proud to congratulate Tom Grant of the Under-15 A Toronto East Enders Ticats, the recipient of the 2026 Herb Ebisuzaki Coaching Award.
Established in 2005, the Herb Ebisuzaki Coaching Award recognizes an outstanding minor hockey coach. The award is presented by the GTHL to a coach from Competitive, Select, or House League hockey who best exemplifies the true spirit of coaching, including the ability to improve the performance of an individual or team while ensuring each player’s experience remains a priority.
Herb Ebisuzaki served as the Technical Director of Coaching for the GTHL from 1995 to 2014. A retired teacher, Ebisuzaki played a leading role in championing the development of minor hockey coaching programs in Canada and served as an outstanding ambassador for the GTHL. The award is presented in his name to recognize his hard work and dedication to the game, while representing the League with dignity, class, and honour.
Grant was nominated by families from the U15 A Toronto East Enders Ticats, who described him as one of the most outstanding coaches they have encountered. His coaching philosophy is built around development, preparation, empowerment, leadership, and community — creating an inclusive environment where players grow as athletes, teammates, leaders, and individuals.
Grant demonstrates a strong commitment to individual and team development through personalized feedback, one-on-one conversations, video review, and constructive guidance. His players are supported in understanding their strengths, identifying areas for improvement, and setting meaningful goals, while building confidence and accountability.
His preparation was also highlighted throughout the nomination. Grant reviews opponents’ systems, studies previous games, and creates tailored strategies to help his team succeed. Before practices, he shares detailed plans so players arrive prepared and engaged, while early-season meetings with parents and players help establish expectations, development goals, and a shared roadmap for the season.
As his players have matured, Grant has also evolved his coaching approach by creating leadership opportunities, encouraging player input, and empowering athletes to take ownership of the team’s culture. Through this approach, he teaches players to support one another and lead with integrity on and off the ice.
Community engagement is another key part of Grant’s coaching philosophy. He encourages players to participate in initiatives such as the Coldest Night of the Year charity walk and toy drives, while also motivating them to volunteer with younger teams and Learn-to-Skate programs. These opportunities help players understand their role as mentors and contributors within the broader hockey community.
On the ice, Grant has helped guide the team through steady growth. Three years ago, as an assistant coach, he helped bring the group from Select to A at the U13 level. In their first season at A, the team finished sixth out of 12 teams while competing against established A and former AA programs. In U14, the group advanced to fourth in the regular season and reached the semifinals. Now at U15 with Grant as Head Coach, the team has continued to show growth, confidence, and competitiveness.
Grant was recognized during the 2026 GTHL Awards Gala presented by Nothers The Award Store on June 4 at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Herb Ebisuzaki presented the award to Grant on stage. As part of this year’s GTHL Awards Gala, Esso also provided each recipient with a $250 gas card to help further fuel their journeys.
“I’m deeply honoured to accept the Herb Ebisuzaki Coaching Award from the Greater Toronto Hockey League,” Grant shared in his acceptance speech. “To be recognized with so many outstanding coaches, mentors, and volunteers means a great deal to me.”
In his speech, Grant reflected on the deeper responsibility coaches carry beyond wins, losses, and player development.
“When we think about hockey coaches, it’s easy to focus on wins and losses and player development,” Grant said. “But the most impactful coaches understand that their greatest responsibility is not building hockey players, it’s helping shape who they become.”
Grant emphasized the lasting influence coaches have on young athletes, both through what they say and how they act.
“Every practice, every game, and every conversation is an opportunity to teach values that extend far beyond the hockey rink,” Grant said. “Great coaches instill respect — respect for teammates, opponents, officials, parents, and most importantly, respect for one’s self.”
Grant also spoke about the importance of coaches modelling the behaviour they hope to see in their players.
“Young athletes are always watching — not just what coaches say, but what they do,” Grant said. “If we stay calm under pressure, they learn composure. When we stay positive through setbacks, they learn resilience. How we handle wins and losses teaches them humility and grace.”
For Grant, the true legacy of coaching is not measured by a scoreboard.
“Years from now, the players won’t remember the score, [or] every championship,” Grant said. “But what they will remember is the coach who believed in them, challenged them, respected them, and inspired them to be their best selves. That is the true power of coaching.”
Grant thanked his family, fellow coaches, volunteers, and the many people who give their time and energy to the sport. He also recognized the broader impact coaches can have on the young players in their care.
“The greatest legacy a hockey coach can leave is not the winning season,” Grant said. “It’s a generation of young people who carry respect, character, integrity, and compassion into every part of their lives.”
The GTHL congratulates Tom Grant on a well-deserved honour.
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