Since its founding in 1935, Faustina Minor Hockey in Toronto has played a vital role in the community, providing affordable hockey experiences for over 25,000 players. The organization, originally established as the Faustina Club, was founded by Ken Cox and a group of local teenagers with the goal of raising money for charitable purposes through dances. Despite interruptions caused by World War II, the club was reorganized in 1947 with a renewed focus on promoting minor hockey in the Lakeshore area of south Etobicoke.
The Lakeshore Memorial Arena, built in 1951, became home to the Faustina Sports Club, offering affordable hockey for young people in the Etobicoke Lakeshore area. The club’s dedication to youth hockey continued to grow, and in 1968, Faustina expanded its programming by offering competitive Select programs as part of the North York Hockey League. In the 2021/2022 season, Faustina took over the York Toros AA Organization, offering GTHL AA programs.
Faustina’s success is largely attributed to its dedicated volunteers, with over 130 volunteers providing coaching, training, equipment, ice time, officiating, and administrative support. The organization’s commitment to creating a “Fun First” experience has led to the development of a lifelong love for hockey in many players. Faustina’s impact extends beyond the rink, with the organization supporting various community causes, including the Daily Bread Food Bank, SickKids Hospital, and the Toronto Firefighters Toy Drive.
Faustina has also established several long-standing traditions, such as Sportsman Night, the Carl Gordaneer Christmas Tournament, and the annual Future Starz hockey school. These traditions, along with the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the community, have helped Faustina remain a cornerstone of the Etobicoke community for over 85 years.