Competitive GTHL Teams
U8 to U16 · Select, A, and AA Teams
Program Overview
In early 2024, TOP Hockey made history by becoming the first independent minor hockey club granted a tournament-only membership in the GTHL and Hockey Canada. That membership lets families choose a program that aligns with their philosophy and values while still allowing kids to play other sports, ski, and be far more efficient with their time during hockey season.
The biggest differentiator is our tournament-based schedule. Instead of the constant changes and unnecessary travel that come with a traditional league schedule, our model gives families a predictable set schedule with three practices per week and tournaments on designated weekends. Teams also play exhibition games against local opponents throughout the season, landing between 25 and 40 games depending on age and level.
- Fully Set Schedule (No Rotating Games) Every practice, tournament, and blackout date is set before the season starts. No rotating game slots, no last-minute changes, and virtually no conflicts with TOP Soccer and TOP Lacrosse.
- Three Practices Per Week A roughly 3:1 practice-to-game ratio means players spend most of their time developing and improving. All teams feature bi-weekly powerskating and goalie training built right into the schedule.
- Ski-Friendly Schedule The GTHL's only ski-friendly hockey club. NO hockey from Friday night to Sunday afternoon throughout January to Early March. Additional blackout periods over Christmas, March Break, and Family Day.
- Local Practices Practices run at midtown Toronto rinks — UCC, Rinx, and Forest Hill — with tournaments concentrated on designated weekends rather than scattered across the season.
- Professional, non-parent coaches. Every team is led by a paid professional coach, backed by full-time technical and administrative staff.
- All-Inclusive Fee TOP Hockey team fees include all practices, games, tournaments, coaching, referees, admin, and player insurance through Hockey Canada. The uniform package is an additional cost as needed.
2026–27 Season
U8 & U9 Teams
Born 2018–2019
Select
View Teams ▾2026–27 Season
U8 & U9 Teams
Our entry point into competitive hockey. At this age the emphasis is squarely on development: three practices a week against five tournament weekends means players spend far more time building skills than travelling to games. Groups stay small, coaching is hands-on, and the schedule is built so hockey fits around family life rather than consuming it.
| Team | Head Coach | Weekly Commitment | Tournaments | Total Games | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U8 Select (2019) | Finley Heywood | 3x practices per week | 5 | 25–30 per season | Contact Us |
| U9 Select (2018) | Christian MacDougall | 3x practices per week | 5 | 25–30 per season | Contact Us |
Practices at midtown Toronto rinks (UCC, Rinx, Forest Hill).
Program Note: Team levels are assigned based on the skill level of the group. We enter each team into tournaments at the level that provides the best competition, and can move teams up mid-season.
2026–27 Season
U10–U16 Teams
Born 2011–2017
Select, A, & AA
View Teams ▾2026–27 Season
U10–U16 Teams
As players get older the schedule scales with them. Tournament counts rise from six to eight and total games climb toward 40, while the three-practice week stays constant. Most TOP Hockey teams reach the A or AA level by U12 and U13, and each team is entered into tournaments at the level that gives them real competition.
| Team | Head Coach | Weekly Commitment | Tournaments | Total Games | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U10 Select (2017) | Naomi Kobo | 3x practices per week | 6 | 30–35 per season | Contact Us |
| U11 A (2016) | Brendan Mori | 3x practices per week | 6 | 30–35 per season | Contact Us |
| U12 Select (2015) | Brendan Mori | 3x practices per week | 7 | 30–35 per season | Contact Us |
| U13 A (2014) | Andrew Willett | 3x practices per week | 7 | 30–35 per season | Contact Us |
| U14 A (2013) | TBC | 3x practices per week | 7 | 30–35 per season | Contact Us |
| U15 A (2012) | Scott Del Zotto | 3x practices per week | 8 | 35–40 per season | Contact Us |
| U16 AA (2011) | Ian Mackenzie | 3x practices per week | 8 | 35–40 per season | Contact Us |
Practices at midtown Toronto rinks (UCC, Rinx, St. Mikes, Forest Hill).
Development Through the Numbers
More Development Time. Half the Commitment.
TOP Hockey cuts weekly family time commitment roughly in half — 6.7 hours versus 13.5 — while keeping player ice time nearly identical. The difference is a practice-first model that prioritizes coaching repetitions over game volume. More skill work. Equal ice. Same competitive level.
TOP Hockey Model
Traditional League
Data based on typical minor hockey schedules. All figures derived from activity logs, ice allocation benchmarks, and observed practice/game structures. Ice time per game (~10 min/player) and puck touches reflect league-average bench rotations. Commute times reflect midtown Toronto locations.
Watch & Explore
Get to Know TOP Hockey
FAQs
Common Questions
How is TOP different from traditional GTHL?
TOP Hockey runs a set schedule with three practice days per week and tournaments on designated weekends. The model delivers more individual ice time and puck time than a traditional league schedule, with fewer weekly commitments for families.
Can my kid play other sports?
Yes. TOP Hockey is the only competitive club with a fully ski-friendly schedule because our three hockey days are set and predictable every week. Families can plan soccer, lacrosse, skiing, or music lessons without constant scheduling conflicts.
What level are TOP Hockey teams?
Each team is entered into tournaments at the level that best suits the skill of the group, whether that is Select, A, or AA. Teams generally reach A or AA by U12 and U13, though we never promise a level in advance since it depends on the ability of the team. We can also move teams up mid-season.
How many games do teams play?
Between 25 and 40 games per season depending on age group, split between tournament play and exhibition matches against local opponents. The full tournament schedule is available in September, so there are no mid-season surprises.
What is included in the season?
Three practices per week totalling 70 to 75 practices across the season, 5 to 8 tournaments depending on age, plus bi-weekly powerskating and dedicated goalie training built into the regular calendar. Blackout periods over Christmas, March Break, and Family Day weekend are protected.
What does the registration fee cover?
Fees include all practices, games, tournaments, coaching, referee fees, admin fees, and player insurance, plus bi-weekly powerskating and goalie training. The uniform package is purchased separately every two years.
Interested in joining TOP Hockey?
Get in touch with our hockey team to learn more about placement and upcoming tryouts.