About Us
The West Mall Lightning Hockey Association (WMLHA) is a not-for-profit, minor hockey organization serving the community within Central Etobicoke. As a proud member of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), North York Hockey League (NYHL), Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF), and Hockey Canada, WMLHA offers a variety of hockey programs catering to players of all ages and skill levels.
Our Programs
1. U5 - Instructional Hockey Program
Our U5 program is designed to introduce 4-year-old players to the fundamentals of hockey. Through a combination of skills, drills, and light gameplay, we create a fun and engaging learning environment for beginners. Participants should be able to stand and move on skates without assistance. This is a hockey skills program, not a Learn To Skate program. Sessions are 50 minutes long and run on weekends. Full equipment is mandatory for all skaters. In addition to the regular sessions, our U5 program includes special events, team uniforms (jerseys and socks), team and individual photos, trophies and awards, and an end-of-season banquet to celebrate the achievements of the season!
2. House League - Recreational Hockey Program
Our House League is the heart of WMLHA, offering a fun and inclusive recreational development program for players aged 5-17 (U6-U18). This non-competitive stream welcomes players of all skill levels to enjoy the game of hockey. There are no tryouts, and players are assigned to teams based on their age, ensuring equal ice time for all participants. Games and practices are scheduled on weekends at Central Etobicoke's city arenas, making it easy for families to participate. The program includes practices, games, special events, team uniforms (jerseys and socks), team and individual photos, trophies and awards, and a season-ending banquet to bring everyone together!
3. Select - Developmental Program
The Select program is a competitive development option for players aged 6-20 (U7-U21) who wish to take their hockey skills to the next level. Players must try out for a spot on one of our Select teams, which compete in the NYHL Select League as West Mall. The program typically includes a minimum of 16 regular-season games, plus playoffs, and takes place on weekends and weekdays at various times. Teams are responsible for their practice schedules, typically having one or two practices per week along with exhibition games. Our Select teams also compete in multiple local and travel tournaments throughout the year, including events across Ontario, other provinces, and even in the U.S.
4. Rep (A/AA) - Competitive Hockey
Ages 9-17 (U10-U18), playing at a high level in the GTHL. Rep teams practice multiple times a week and compete in various tournaments. This program requires players to try out for a spot on either the A or AA teams, which represent West Mall in the prestigious GTHL, the largest minor hockey league in the world. Rep teams play a minimum of 36 games, with the possibility of playoffs, and practice multiple times per week. In addition to regular practices, teams engage in exhibition games, dryland workouts, and other specialty training. Our A and AA Rep teams also participate in numerous tournaments throughout the year, including both local and travel events around Ontario, across other provinces, and even in the U.S.
These programs offer opportunities for players of all ages and abilities to develop, compete, and enjoy the game of hockey in a supportive and fun environment.