2025-2026 Willowdale Hawks GTHL program

History

Since 1965, Inc 1967, the Willowdale Hockey Club (WHC), a not-for-profit organization previously known as Willowdale Boys Club, then Willowdale Sports Club, has provided a variety of hockey, lacrosse, basketball and baseball programs to the community of Willowdale and surrounding regions.

Culture

WHC offers fun, competitive team programs for athletes who wish to participate in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). The GTHL offers the most competitive level of minor hockey available in the Greater Toronto Area. WHC teams compete at A and AA levels starting at U10.

The WHC is supported by thriving Willowdale House League and Select programs. Willowdale Select is also competitive hockey, starting at U7. Willowdale House League offers Learn to Play programs with players participating as young as 3 years old.

WHC is proudly multicultural and gender diverse.

Community

WHC has a favourable reputation within the hockey community. We expect everyone associated with our organization to be aware and proud of this reputation. Teams are held responsible for the activities of players and parents as soon as they enter onto the arena property and until they leave.

WHC is mostly volunteer-based and offers many opportunities to help the club and teams. All volunteers are greatly appreciated for their time and dedication.

Guiding Principles

  • Fairness is the core principle of WHC, reflected in player selection, roster size, and ice time.
  • Respect is expected from players toward coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees.
  • Ambassadors – Players, team management, and supporters represent WHC with goodwill.
  • GTHL Requirements:
    • One parent per player must complete the Respect in Sport Parent Program (both parents may be required at times).
    • Players and parents must review and sign the Rowan’s Law Declaration.
  • Player Safety is a priority:
    • Teams must have at least one accredited trainer (two recommended).
    • WHC reimburses trainer course costs upon completion.
  • Coaching Standards: WHC ensures coaches have the skills, temperament, and knowledge to instruct and be role models.
  • Parental Responsibilities:
    • Register players to Willowdale Hawks via the Hockey Canada system.
    • Sign a team document confirming review of the Guiding Principles, Team Handbook, budget, and refund policies.

Player Development

Willowdale Hawks A and AA teams are developmental programs focused on skill enhancement through both practice and game participation.

  • Coaches have full authority over player selection and utilization.
  • Equal opportunity is prioritized, though ice time may vary.
  • Special teams: At the start of the season, all players should have the chance to participate in power plays and penalty kills.
  • Game strategy: In close games, shortening the bench in the final five minutes is acceptable and supported.
  • WHC team programs align to Hockey Canada Player Pathways

Player Releases

It is the policy of WHC to not release players during the season. We believe that commitments should be fulfilled by both parties. However, circumstances may exist that a release is in the best interests of all concerned.

The Club is not permitted to release a player if this would cause the team to fall below a 15-player minimum, without approval of the Board of Directors of WHC & ratified by GTHL.

According to GTHL rules, for a player release to be valid, the General Manager or President must advise the GTHL Office in writing prior to 5:00 p.m. on November 15th.

Team Finances & Budgeting

  • Each team is fully responsible for its own finances.
  • Budget Approval:
    • Teams must submit a budget and policies for parent approval.
    • The approved budget (with parent signatures) must be provided to WHC by early June after tryouts.
    • Teams must provide financial updates to parents and submit financial statements to WHC as required by the GTHL.

Example of 2024-25 Season Fees & Payments

  • Non-refundable team levy: $19,880, covering:
    • Game & practice socks
    • 30 hours of practice ice (approx. 1 hour/week)
    • TeamSnap, team pictures, insurance, OHF levy
    • Accreditation reimbursements for team officials
    • GTHL team entry fee
    • Additional small expenses (available upon request)
  • Willowdale Hawks Club does not charge a per player fee, nor does the club refund any part of the team fee to players.
  • Game jerseys are not included in team dues and must be purchased through the team/club by families as needed. Aside from Game Jerseys and Socks, there is no mandated equipment by the Willowdale organization. Teams often elect to purchase apparel/bags for a cohesive look.
  • Registration Requirements:
    • End of May: first team fee payment
    • End of first week in June: signed budget & team document acknowledgment

Additional Team Costs & Revenue

  • Teams are responsible for extra expenses, including:
    • Game sheets, jerseys, equipment, jackets
    • Additional ice time, hired instructors, extra training
    • Exhibition games, tournaments, team events
    • Any fines, damages, other costs levied against the team, coaches and players
  • Additional funds may be raised through:
    • Sponsorships, extra player levies, fundraising (must be pre-approved by parents & WHC).
  • All revenue and expenses, including those of fundraising programs must be tracked in the team budget.
  • Parents are responsible for GTHL Registration and the player registration fee of approx. $1000 entirely unrelated to Willowdale Hawks.

Team Officials & Payments

  • Team officials are not hired by WHC.
  • If a team official or related party is paid, it must be clearly recorded in the parent signed budget (e.g., contractual payments, tournament expenses).
  • Any contract with paid personnel must be co-signed by the team and filed with WHC in case of dispute.
  • WHC may compensate a Director or Officer if duties exceed a reasonable volunteer role.

Communication

Each season there are approximately 500 GTHL Rep teams with an average of 16 players per team. In order for the GTHL to operate efficiently, all communication with the GTHL by parents, team managers and coaches must go through the General Manager or President.

In the event of questions or disputes, the appropriate process to follow is. Parent > Manager > Coach> General Manager/President > WHC > GTHL

In some circumstances, it is appropriate for the parent to contact the General Manager or President directly, on a confidential basis.