Greater Toronto Hockey League proudly hosted its first-ever Pre-Season Education Series

On September 13, the Greater Toronto Hockey League proudly hosted its first-ever Pre-Season Education Series, designed to support players, captains, and coaches in their personal and team development ahead of the 2025-26 season. The series featured two distinct programs in partnership with Captains & Poets and You Can Play, each tailored to different participants and learning goals.

Captains & Poets:

The GTHL continues its collaboration with Captains & Poets, helping players grow personally while becoming stronger teammates and leaders both on and off the ice.

The session featured two teams, including a total of 30 players from the Under-15 Toronto Titans and the U16 ‘AA’ Scarborough Young Bruins. The teams discussed topics such as supporting players and coaches in understanding themselves as individuals both on and off the ice, encouraging growth, and providing guidance in identifying areas for personal and team improvement. 

Following the session, 29 of the 30 participants recommended the session to other teams. The participants also identified key learnings, including: 

• Self-awareness and personal growth — Understanding strengths and recognizing areas for improvement. 

• Balance between your captain and your poet — Embracing leadership while staying true to your character. 

• Emotional Regulation — Learning to manage emotions on and off the ice. 

• Team Relationships — Understanding teammates’ strengths and perspectives. 

• Building culture through authenticity and inclusion — Fostering a positive team culture where everyone feels like as though they are a valued contributor. 

You Can Play: Inclusive Leadership for Captains & Coaches 

The GTHL also partnered with You Can Play to help captains and coaches explore and embrace an inclusive leadership style, enhancing team approach and strengthening player-coach relationships.

The session featured coaches and captains from five teams: U15 ‘A’ West Hill Golden Hawks, U15 ‘AA’ West Mall Lightning, U15 Toronto Titans, U16 ‘AA’ Scarborough Young Bruins, and U17 ‘AA’ Willowdale Hawks. The teams discussed topics such as exploring and embracing an inclusive leadership style, enhancing the captain’s role in shaping team approach, and strengthening the relationship between players and coaches. 

Following the session, all five teams recommended this session to others. The participants also identified key learnings, including: 

• Improved communication with coaches — Building confidence to approach conversations openly and respectfully. 

• Leadership Skills — Learning to lead effectively and handle challenging conversations.

• Coach-Captain Partnership — Developing strong, collaborative relationships to support the team. 

• Trust and Active Listening — Promoting open dialogue and stronger team connections.

• Culture and Team Success — Understanding that selecting the right captain helps shape a strong, positive team culture.

The GTHL’s Pre-Season Education Series reflects the League’s ongoing commitment to developing players, captains, and coaches both on and off the ice, ensuring hockey is a space for leadership, personal growth, and impactful team culture.