TOP Hockey Club
Competitive GTHL Teams
In early 2024, TOP Hockey became 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 to pick the program that best aligns with their philosophy and core values, while still allowing kids to play other sports 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 and more competitive.
What Makes TOP Hockey Unique
- Set Tournament Schedule: 5-8 tournaments per season on designated tournament weekends.
- Predictable Weekly Rhythm: Consistent weekly schedule featuring 3x practices at local rinks.
- Development-First: High practice to game ratio fueled by fun, high-energy practices.
- Professional Coaching: Non-parent coaches and full-time technical staff, certified through GTHL/OHF/Hockey Canada.
- Local Play: Midtown Toronto rinks (UCC, RINX, Forest Hill) for practices, GTHL + OMHA tournaments.
Season Overview
- Practices: 3x per week; 65-75 practices per season including specialty bi-weekly training.
- Games: 25-40 games per season, increasing as teams get older (5-8 tournaments plus exhibitions).
- Training Included: Bi-weekly powerskating and dedicated goalie sessions included in the program schedule.
- Holidays: Family-friendly blackouts over Christmas, March Break, and Family Day weekend.
- Registration: All-in registration fees that include all practices, games, tournaments, coaching, referee fees, player insurance, and more.
Development Through Numbers
More Development Time. Half the Commitment.
TOP Hockey cuts weekly family time commitment roughly in half (6.7 vs 13.5 hours per week) while keeping player ice time nearly identical. The difference: a practice-first model that emphasizes 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 offers a unique set schedule with three practice days per week and tournaments on designated weekends throughout the season. Our highly efficient schedule offers more individual ice time and puck time compared to a traditional model, with fewer commitments per week.
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 confidently plan soccer, lacrosse, skiing, music lessons, or any other activity without worrying about constant scheduling conflicts.
What level do TOP teams play at?
Each TOP Hockey team enters tournaments at the competitive level that matches their skill, whether that's Select, A, or AA. Teams generally reach A or AA level at U12 and older, but advancement ultimately depends on overall team ability. We can move teams up mid-season if they're outpacing the competition and need tighter matchups.
How many games do teams play?
Players participate in 25 to 40 games per season depending on age group, with games split between tournament play and exhibition matches against local opponents. You'll have the full tournament schedule available in September, so there are no mid-season surprises or last-minute schedule changes.
Do players buy uniforms?
Yes, uniforms are purchased every two years. The standard package includes two game jerseys, two pairs of hockey socks, and a hockey bag. Optional apparel like warm-up jackets and hats are available for pre-order during the pre-season if families are interested.
What about powerskating and goalie training?
Bi-weekly powerskating sessions and dedicated goalie training are included in the team schedule and are fully covered in player registration fees.