Jack Stafford

Jack’s hockey playing days began when he was a student at Upper Canada College in the mid-thirties. In 1939, Jack played for the Marlboro Juniors, who became OHA finalists, and in 1940 he graduated to the Senior Marlboros.

Jack joined the Canadian Navy and played for the Navy team in 1941, effectively bringing his budding career to a close. He later played briefly for the Stafford company team in the senior OHA, after the war in 1945-1946. In 1953, Jack joined the NHL Oldtimers and played on this team for several years.

After Jack’s playing years, he co-founded the Humber Valley Hockey Association (HVHA), and he was the driving force behind its success. The Humber Valley Hockey Association began with two teams, the Redman and the Hornets, and has grown well beyond Jack’s fondest dreams.

The HVHA now holds some 1500 registered players, and serves our community with quality hockey competition unrivalled in the Metro area. This is a tribute to the volunteers who have followed in Jack Stafford’s footsteps. All because a devoted father wanted his children to have the same pleasures, the game of hockey gave to him years before.

Ian “Scotty” Morrison

Ian “Scotty” Morrison has been involved with the game of hockey in numerous capacities. He was a player, a referee, a National Hockey League executive, and a Chair of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Born in Montreal, Morrison played hockey with the likes of Jean Beliveau and Boom Boom Geffrion as a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization.

After finishing in junior hockey, he began his career as a referee with the Quebec Amateur Hockey Association and then the Quebec Senior League. At the age of 24 he became the youngest man to work as a National Hockey League referee.

After two seasons, he left the league to pursue business interests but returned to the NHL in 1965 as Referee-in-Chief. In 1981 he was made an officer of the league and appointed Vice President, Officiating.

In 1986 he was given the position of Vice President for Project Development, Site for the Hall which opened in downtown Toronto in 1993. At that time he was named Chair and Chief Executive Officer of the Hall. He retired from that position in 1998.

Morrison lived in Etobicoke from 1965 until his recent move to Haliburton after retiring. Along with his work with the Hockey Hall of Fame, Morrison helped establish the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame. In 1999, Morrison was inducted into the hockey Hall of Fame in the Builder category.

Glenn Goldup

Glenn Goldup was born in 1953 in St. Catharines, to a large and growing family. He was the fifth of eight children, that later moved to Etobicoke in the fall of 1956.

As a boy, he heard many hockey stories from his father, Hank Goldup, who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and NY Rangers during World War II. This undoubtedly sparked Glenn’s desire to play in the NHL.

Glenn started playing hockey as an enthusiastic 7 year old in the Humber Valley minor hockey program. He soon joined the Toronto Marlies as a Pee Wee and later the Toronto Marlboros of the OHA in the late sixties where he refined his game. The more he played, the more he grew to love the sport.

He was drafted 17-th overall and made his NHL debut on November 7, 1973 with the Montreal Canadiens. One of his proudest moments was winning the Calder Cup in 1976, while he played for the Nova Scotia Voyagers, where he led the league in goals and penalty minutes during the playoffs.

In 1976, Glenn was traded to the LA Kings where, for five seasons, he put up respectable offensive numbers. In 1981, Glenn was dispatched to the Kings AHL affiliate in New Haven where he rounded out his on-ice career. He retired from official play in 1983.

Today, Glenn is actively involved in coaching and supporting the many sports his children participate in, including soccer, ringette, swimming and skiing.

Glenn and his wife Wendy are long time residents of Etobicoke.

John Doig

John Doig’s remarkable contributions to both the corporate world and the sporting community exemplify his dedication to teamwork, respect, and making a positive impact.

As the Chief Marketing Officer at Scotiabank, Doig leverages his position to connect with the sporting community and instill values learned from the boardroom into the players he coaches at Humber Valley. He emphasizes the importance of patience, teamwork, and resilience, drawing parallels between the challenges faced in business and those encountered on the ice or field.

His involvement in coaching youth sports, particularly hockey with Humber Valley, has provided him with insights into the development of good character among young athletes. He values the lessons learned through team sports, highlighting the significance of contributing to the team regardless of individual accolades.

In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Doig has played a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and philanthropy, both locally and internationally. Through partnerships with organizations like Ronald McDonald House and initiatives such as providing hockey equipment to youth in Nunavut, Doig demonstrates his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

His dedication extends beyond sports to include support for arts and cultural events, showcasing his belief in the importance of a well-rounded community.

Despite his numerous accomplishments, Doig remains humble and focused on continuing to make meaningful contributions. His induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame serves as a testament to his exceptional leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment to improving the communities he serves.

John David D’Amico

John David D’Amico made his mark as an NHL linesman renowned for passionate dedication, strong skating and immense physical strength – qualities which gained him the enduring admiration of everyone in his profession.

Born in Toronto in 1937, John was a typical Canadian boy, spending his free time playing lots of baseball and hockey. But after moving up to Junior B hockey, he knew he could go no further. It was time to get real, and John got a job in construction. He couldn’t stay away from the game he loved though, and began officiating church hockey. One thing led to another, and as he worked the line for an NHL exhibition game in Kitchener, he was offered a pro contract.

In 1964, at the age of 27, John began his NHL career as a referee. But after just 22 games he became a linesman because he was more comfortable helping players than judging them. When he retired he was the last of the Original Six officials.

That same year John moved his young family into Etobicoke, where he remained for 23 years. When hockey season concluded every year, John would go back to working in Etobicoke, first for Pepsi Cola and then for Apex Forwarding. John continued to work hard in the off-season, using his name and position to do countless hours of charity work.

D’Amico’s career as an NHL linesman included 1,689 regular season games, 247playoff games, 52 Stanley Cup final games and six international hockey series.

During 1986-87, D’Amico weaned himself off the job he loved so much to become a supervisor of NHL officials. But he couldn’t quite give up his skates. One night in March 1988, he was watching the Leafs on TV when one of the linesmen had to leave the game. In a flash, John grabbed his skates and headed over to Maple Leaf Gardens to replace him!

John D’Amico was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1993. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2004 and succumbed to his illness in May, 2005.

He leaves his wife Dorothy, sons Angelo (who was also an NHL official), Jeff, Anthony and daughter Tina, as well as grandchildren Ashley, Reece, Emma, Elise and John David. John’s spirit is kept alive through Hustle For A Cure – The John D’Amico Fund, which was created to bring much needed awareness toward the fight against pediatric blood cancers.

Rod Toner

In 1953, three fathers in the Humber Valley area of Etobicoke wanted to enable their 7 and 8 year old sons to play hockey. Stafford Smythe, whose father Conn Smythe was one of hockey’s elder statesmen and President of the Toronto Maple Leafs, naturally wanted his son Tommy to be able to play. His good friend, well-known sportsman Jack Stafford Jr., wanted the same opportunity for 7 year-old son John. Ray Picard, father of 7 year-old Alan, was talked into getting involved as well, and the three men began plans to form a Humber Valley hockey team.

A notice was put up at Humber Valley Village School on Hartfield Road, and the following Saturday Lambton Park’s outdoor rink overflowed with interested parents and children. The Humber Valley Hockey League was born.

Two teams were formed the first year- the Hornets, coached by Jack Stafford, and the Redmen, led by Ray Picard – and they played as Atoms in the Toronto Hockey League, the forerunner of the GTHL. At the time, Atoms were players aged 10 and under. Their first game, at the old Ravina rink in the Annette/High Park area, ended in a scoreless tie. By the end of the first season, the Hornets and Redmen were tied for 3rd place in the league, forcing a sudden-death playoff which the Hornets won 3-0.

At the banquet ending the first season, the guest speaker was none other than retired Leaf goaltender Turk Broda. In only its 2nd year, Humber Valley fielded an unbelievable 12 teams in the THL. At the Atom level, the Elfs, Frys, Imps, Shrimps, Squirts and Tom Thumbs carried the Humber Valley colours.

The Hornets and Redmen played in the Pee Wee division, while the Jets, Kings and Rams made up the league’s Minor Bantam entry. The Aces were the first Bantam team for Humber Valley. For the first time, Humber Valley entered teams in the King Clancy series, a post-season THL tournament.

As in any year, the success of this second season was the result of the hard work on many people, a few of whom deserve special mention, such as: Jack Coulter, Murray Dryden, Russ Hicks, Ross Johnstone, Pat Patterson, Bill Sanagan, Harry Stayley and George Williams Jr.

In year 3, the enthusiasm and coaching efforts of the Humber Valley parents paid off with 2 championships. Humber Valley’s Squirts won the THL Atom championship during the regular season, and the White Shirts – an All-Star team made up of players from all the house league Atoms – took the King Clancy championship. But the real excitement of the 3rd year occurred at the Tyke level, which then included all players under 9 years old. The final game of the Easter Timmy Tyke Tournament saw the Humber Valley Tykes squaring off against their Scarborough counterparts. After regulation play the score was tied 1-1. Two 5 minute overtime periods failed to break the deadlock, forcing a shoot-off which was won by Bruce Dempster, who counted for both Humber Valley’s goals. The tournament MVP was Tim Ecclestone – later to become an NHL star – whose father Bill coached the team with Doug King.

During these beginning years, games and practices were held on the ice surfaces of Ravina, Lambton Park and Anglesey Park – the first community outdoor artificial rinks in the Metropolitan Toronto area. Parents at this time not only coached and managed their children’s teams, but also officiated in the house league programs.

By the 4th season, the league had grown to 18 teams from Atom to Minor Midget. At the end of the year Humber Valley, Queensway, Alderwood and Northern Etobicoke entered teams in a tournament held by the newly- formed Etobicoke Hockey Association, with the stated purpose of determining an all-Etobicoke champion. During its first few years of existence the league blossomed and grew under the Presidencies of co-founders Stafford Smythe and Jack Stafford Jr., both of whom had the ability to draw many other volunteer parents to work with them in making the league a success. Since those early days, Humber Valley has enjoyed a reputation as an outstanding amateur hockey organization, and all the league executives, team officials and players who have been active in the association since then owe a huge debt of gratitude to Stafford, Jack and their contemporaries.

Hank Goldup

Hank Goldup is probably best recognized in sports circles for his involvement with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but that is not the extent of his contributions. He played six years with the NHL, three with the Leafs and two with the New York Rangers.

Goldup helped the Leafs win the 1942 Stanley Cup in one of the great comebacks in the history of the league.

His 202 game career included 63 goals and 80 assists, but his involvement in sports did not end with his retirement from the NHL.

What followed was 15 years of instructing Toronto youngsters on the finer points of the game in a coaching capacity in the THL or at hockey schools.

Competitive amateur golf followed as Goldup made his mark in the Etobicoke community playing out of Markland Woods.

Gerry O’Flaherty

Gerry O’Flaherty’s journey from playing youth hockey in Etobicoke to a successful career in the NHL is a testament to his determination and passion for the game. Despite not being the most standout player in his high school days, O’Flaherty’s relentless drive and commitment propelled him to a distinguished career in professional hockey.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1950, O’Flaherty’s family relocated to Toronto when he was just three weeks old. Growing up in Etobicoke, he immersed himself in various sports, including hockey, baseball, and golf. While he excelled in multiple sports, it was on the ice where he truly thrived, playing for local teams like Michael Power and Queensway.

O’Flaherty’s talent and work ethic didn’t go unnoticed, and he caught the attention of scouts while playing Junior hockey in Kitchener. His impressive performance led to his selection by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 1970 NHL Amateur Draft, fulfilling his childhood dream of becoming a professional hockey player.

Although O’Flaherty’s NHL career began with the Maple Leafs, he found his true calling with the Vancouver Canucks, where he spent the majority of his six-season tenure. During his time in Vancouver, O’Flaherty established himself as a reliable forward, recording impressive stats and making significant contributions to the team.

Beyond his on-ice achievements, O’Flaherty also represented the United States in the inaugural Canada Cup tournament in 1976, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

After retiring from playing, O’Flaherty transitioned into scouting, where he continued to make valuable contributions to the sport. His scouting career with teams like the Montreal Canadiens and the Tampa Bay Lightning allowed him to stay connected to the game he loves while sharing his expertise with future generations of players.

O’Flaherty’s induction into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame alongside his father serves as a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and the lasting impact his family has had on the sport of hockey.

Gerry Meehan

First drafted by Toronto in 1963, the retired NHL left winger went on to play for the Maple Leafs, the Philadelphia Flyers, the Buffalo Sabres, the Vancouver Canucks, the Atlanta Flames, and the Washington Capitals, serving as captain for both the Sabres and Capitals.

Over his playing career, Meehan scored 423 points in 670 regular season games, but he also made a name for himself after his on-ice retirement. In 1984, the Sabres made Meehan the first former team member to serve as assistant general manager.

He was promoted to general manager during the 1986-87 season and brought in a number of star players over the course of his tenure in the position, including Pierre Turgeon, Alexander Mogilny, Dale Hawerchuk, Pat LaFontaine, and Dominik Hašek.

Frank Bonello

Frank Bonello has lived and loved the game of hockey for over 60 years. Growing up in the west end of Toronto, Frank began to play hockey at the age of 12 with the St. Cecelia’s Pee Wees. His talents were quickly recognized and he was scouted by DeLaSalle High School.

Frank was an outstanding amateur hockey player who played on several Ontario team including the Toronto Marlboro Midgets, the Unionville Jets OHA Junior “B” team, and then the Galt Black Hawks. It was while he was playing Senior “A” hockey in Chatham that he met his wife Carol, and they were married in 1954.

He later joined the Whitby Dunlops who won Canadian Allan Cup Senior “A” and Provincial Senior “B” championships in Ontario, and most notably represented Canada in 1958 at the World Amateur Hockey Championships in Oslo Norway, where they won the championship.

For the past 40 years, he has significantly built the game through his dedication to coaching and managing. In the 60s, Frank gained coaching and managerial experience at the Junior “A” and “B” levels with the Markham Waxers, which concluded in an OHA Junior “B” league championship in 1969.

In the 70s, his long and successful career began with the Toronto Marlboros, where he held roles as Coach, Manager, Governor and CEO of the franchise. During his association with the club, the Marlboros twice won the Memorial Cup.

Since 1988, Frank has been working with the National Hockey League, as the Director of Central Scouting for the NHL, a role that allows all teams in the league to capitalize on his many fine talents on knowledge.

Frank and his wife have one daughter and one granddaughter, and are long time residents of Etobicoke.