Registration for GTHL Tryouts opens April 1
TOP Hockey Club
Competitive GTHL Teams
In early 2024, TOP Hockey made history by becoming the first independent minor hockey club to be granted a tournament-only membership in the GTHL and Hockey Canada. This highlights a broader shift in minor hockey that encourages families, players, and coaches to pick the program that best aligns with their philosophy and core values, while still allowing kids to play other sports, ski, and be more efficient with their time during hockey season.
One of the biggest differentiators with TOP Hockey teams is our unique tournament-based schedule through the GTHL. Instead of the constant changes and unnecessary travel that come with a traditional league schedule, our model provides a predictable set schedule with three practices per week and tournaments on designated weekends throughout the season. Teams also compete in exhibition games scheduled against local opponents throughout the season, resulting in teams playing between 25–40 games per season, increasing within this range as the teams get older.
TOP Hockey Tryout Schedule 2026/2027
| Team | Dates | Location | Time | Head Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U8 Select (2019) | Tuesday, April 21 | St. Mike's | 6:00-7:00pm | Bennett Drake |
| Thursday, April 23 | RINX #1 | 6:15-7:15pm | ||
| U9 Select (2018) | Tuesday, April 21 | St. Mike's | 7:00-8:00pm | Christian MacDougall |
| Thursday, April 23 | RINX #1 | 7:15-8:15pm | ||
| U10 Select (2017) | Saturday, May 9 | RINX #4 | 6:00-7:00pm | Naomi Kobo |
| Sunday, May 10 | RINX #3 | 4:15-5:15pm | ||
| U11 A (2016) | Sunday, May 3 | St. Mike's | 6:30-7:30pm | Brendan Mori |
| Monday, May 4 | St. Mike's | 6:00-7:00pm | ||
| U12 Select (2015) | Saturday, May 9 | RINX #4 | 7:00-8:00pm | Brendan Mori |
| Sunday, May 10 | RINX #3 | 5:15-6:15pm | ||
| U13 A (2014) | Saturday, May 2 | St. Mike's | 5:00-6:00pm | Andrew Willett |
| Sunday, May 3 | St. Mike's | 7:30-8:30pm | ||
| U14 A (2013) | Tuesday, May 5 | St. Mike's | 6:00-7:00pm | Julian Ristic |
| Wednesday, May 6 | St. Mike's | 6:00-7:00pm | ||
| U15 A (2012) | Tuesday, May 5 | RINX #1 | 8:15-9:15pm | Scott Del Zotto |
| Wednesday, May 6 | RINX #3 | 8:15-9:15pm | ||
| U16 AA (2011) | Tuesday, April 28 | RINX #4 | 8:00-9:00pm | Ian Mackenzie |
| Saturday, May 2 | RINX #1 | 4:00-5:00pm |
*All Tryouts cost $30 and are paid in cash.
- Efficient Schedule: 2-3x weekly practices, bi-weekly powerskating sessions, and goalie training included.
- Set Tournament Schedule: 5-7 tournaments per season; full-year set schedule from September to April.
- Development-First: Strong development focus with ≈3:1 practice-to-game ratio.
- Professional Coaches: professional, non-parent coaches and full-time Technical / Admin staff.
- Less Travel: Local Midtown Toronto Rinks (UCC, Rinx, Forest Hill), and dedicated tournament weekends.
- Ski-Friendly Schedule: Only competitive club (A/AA) with a fully ski-friendly schedule
- Practices: Our teams practice 3x per week; totalling 65-70 practices per season.
- Tournaments: Teams play between 5-7 tournaments per season, scaling as teams get older and more competitive.
- Holiday Blackouts: family-friendly blackout periods over Christmas, March Break, and Family Day weekend.
- Registration Fees: Fees include all practices, games, tournaments, coaching, referee fees, admin fees, player insurance, and more.
- Professional Coaches: All TOP Hockey coaches complete all requirements set out by the GTHL / OHF / Hockey Canada.
- Specialty Training: Bi-Weekly powerskating and goalie training sessions built into the regular season calendar.
Welcome to TOP Hockey
- Information: Tryout information will be released on February 15th in accordance with the GTHL’s policies
- Tryout Dates: Tryouts will take place during the OHF’s tryout window in late April / Early May, depending on the age group and level.
- Evaluation: Coaches assess players AT TRYOUTS; invitations sent depending on number available spots.
- Acceptance: Team details, fees, and tentative schedules are shared prior to acceptance.
- Registration: Non-refundable deposit secures your roster spot; balance paid in instalments.
Questions? Email hockey@topsports.ca.
Ready to get started?
FAQs
Common Questions
What are the benefits of a tournament-based schedule?
Our tournament-based schedule allows us to provide TOP Hockey families with a full overview of the whole season, including all practices and games, with very minimal changes and no rotating games. Depending on the age, teams play between 5–7 tournaments per season plus additional exhibition games, resulting in 25–40 total games.
What level are TOP Hockey teams?
Each TOP Hockey team will be entered into tournaments at the level that best suits the skill level of the team. Generally speaking, TOP Hockey teams reach the ‘A’ or ‘AA’ level by U12/U13, though we never promise a certain level of play as that depends on the ability of the team. We can also move teams up mid-season to provide the best competition.
Are players required to purchase uniforms?
Yes, every two years TOP Hockey players purchase our uniform package (2× game jerseys, 2× hockey socks, 1× hockey bag). Additional apparel will be available for ordering during pre-season.
What teams do you play?
Through our membership with the GTHL, OHF, and Hockey Canada, TOP Hockey teams play in GTHL-sanctioned tournaments and festivals, as well as exhibition games against local GTHL teams. Teams play between 25–40 games, depending on the age group.