A Balanced Competitive Hockey Program
Ages 4 to 16 · Midtown Toronto · GTHL & Hockey Canada Member
Club Overview
Throughout our player pathway from Learn-to-Play to competitive GTHL teams, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality hockey programs delivered by passionate coaches who truly care about the long-term success of your child. We believe that by doing things differently, we can offer a refreshingly positive hockey experience that provides a challenging environment for players to learn, grow, and compete at a high level.
Our programs are built to provide high-quality coaching, real skill development, and a consistent weekly schedule that allows kids to play other sports and have more time back for other activities. All TOP Hockey programs feature qualified non-parent coaches supported by full-time technical staff and a full-time administrative team. Our programs are hosted at premier arenas in Midtown Toronto such as UCC Arena, St. Mike's Arena, RINX Arena, and Forest Hill Arena.
As a not-for-profit hockey club and active member of the GTHL, OHF, and Hockey Canada, TOP Hockey made history in 2024 by becoming the first independent club granted a tournament-only affiliate membership by the GTHL. We believe strongly that families should have the freedom to pick the program that best aligns with their family values and philsophy, and we are proud to provide an alternative hockey model in Midtown Toronto.
What Makes TOP Hockey Different
Professional, Qualified, Non-Parent Coaches
Every TOP Hockey team and program is led by paid professional coaches. Our coaches are fully certified through the GTHL, OHF, and Hockey Canada, carry Junior, NCAA, and professional playing experience, and go through extensive training. Coaches are backed by full-time technical and administrative staff, and all programs feature a club-wide curriculum from Learn-to-Play through U16 and beyond.
A Real Competitive Pathway
Our player pathway runs from Learn-to-Play at age 4 through to competitive GTHL teams from U8 to U16. Our programming scales as players develop, taking into account age-appropriate development, meaningful competition, and access to games and tournaments.
- Learn-to-Play is a play-based introduction to hockey skills and skating
- Jr. Titans introduces structured practices and small-area games
- Competitive teams compete in GTHL tournaments and exhibitions, scaling to 40+ games by U16
Local Rinks, Less Driving
All practices run at a local midtown Toronto arena which cuts down on travel time and ensures we are spending more time on the ice developing.
- UCC Arena — Avenue Rd. & St. Clair Ave. W
- RINX Arena — Yorkdale
- St. Mike's Arena — Bathurst St. & St. Clair Ave. W
- Forest Hill Arena — Chaplin Cres. & Eglinton Ave. W
Full-Season Set Schedule
Across all programs, including GTHL teams, we offer full season set schedule that provides unmatched visibility on your hockey commitments.
- Three practice days per week, every week, at consistent times
- No rotating game slots and no last-minute changes
- Virtually zero conflicts with TOP Soccer or TOP Lacrosse seasons
- Families can plan winter travel, music lessons, and other sports around hockey
Ski-Friendly Hockey
The GTHL's only ski-friendly hockey club. No hockey from Friday night to Sunday afternoon throughout January to Early March.
- No hockey Friday night through Sunday afternoon, January to early March
- Full blackout over the Christmas holidays
- Full blackout over March Break
- Family Day weekend break
Player Pathway
Ages 4–6
Learn-to-Play
A fun, enthusiastic introduction to hockey. Skills are taught through games and play so young players build balance, edges, and confidence while falling in love with the sport.
More Info
Age 5 & 6
Jr. Titans U7 Program
The bridge from Learn-to-Play into competitive hockey. Structured practices, small-area games, and age-appropriate competition prepare players for their first team.
More Info
U8–U16 · Select to AA
Competitive GTHL Teams
Our tournament-based competitive program. Three practices a week, professional coaching, and a full tournament and exhibition schedule that grows as players get older.
More InfoTryout schedules and coaching assignments for GTHL teams are posted each year in mid-February, in accordance with GTHL policy. Tryout timing follows the OHF's windows and varies by age group and level. Questions about placement? Email hockey@topsports.ca.
Get to Know TOP Hockey
Meet the Technical Director
Ian Mackenzie
As one of the founders of TOP Hockey, Ian is among the most experienced and respected youth hockey coaches in the city. A Toronto native, Ian was a successful multi-sport athlete in high school, competing in golf, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, and hockey at the provincial level. He attended Wilfrid Laurier University to study Business and Communications and briefly played junior hockey in Waterloo before shifting his focus to coaching full-time.
- 10+ years of GTHL coaching experience
- Former skills instructor and hockey school owner, SDH Hockey
- Business & Communications, Wilfrid Laurier University
Contact: ian@topsports.ca
Common Questions
Who coaches TOP Hockey teams?
Every team and program is led by a paid professional non-parent coach, fully certified through the GTHL, OHF, and Hockey Canada. Our coaching staff carries Junior, NCAA, and professional playing experience and is supported by full-time technical and administrative staff.
How is TOP different from a traditional club?
We run a set schedule with three practice days per week and tournaments on designated weekends, rather than a rotating league schedule. Families get the full season in September and players get more practice time relative to games, with fewer weekly commitments.
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.
Where do programs run?
All programs run at premier midtown Toronto arenas including UCC Arena, RINX Arena, St. Mike's Arena, and Forest Hill Arena. Keeping ice local is a deliberate choice that cuts weeknight travel for families.
My child has never played before. Where do they start?
Learn-to-Play, our ages 4 to 6 program, is designed for complete beginners. No tryout or prior experience is required, and registration opens April 1st each year. From there players move into the Jr. Titans Program at age 7 and onto competitive teams at U8.
What is included in registration fees?
Fees cover all practices, games, tournaments, coaching, referee fees, admin fees, and player insurance through Hockey Canada, plus bi-weekly powerskating and goalie training on competitive teams. The uniform package is purchased separately every two years.
Ready to get started?
Find the right program for your player, or get in touch with our hockey team.