The NHL lockout is still underway, and chances of a hockey season happening this time around don’t look good. But for some Torontonians who are craving hockey, a viable option appears to be Marlies games that take place in the Ricoh Coliseum. And East Yorkers who don’t want to drive all the way to Exhibition Place have an even more straightforward option: the East York Hockey Association.
There are many hockey leagues spread throughout Toronto, and East York is no different. In this area of Toronto, the E. Y. Hockey Association was established in 1945, and in 1947 it received sponsorship from East York Fire Department and Whisper Watsons Whipper Pack. Before the 1951-1952 season, the East York Arena was operational at 888 Cosburn Ave. The arena was run mostly by East York volunteers.
The E.Y. Hockey Association offers bantam, atom, pee wee, novice and midget house leagues. Games are on Tuesdays and Saturdays while practices are usually on Sundays.
Although there is no NHL season so far this year, it is still valuable to support local leagues in Toronto — because it keeps the spirit of the game alive, and that can get more people engaged in the sport… and ultimately show the NHL that people really do care and want to continue watching their favourite teams on the ice.
