HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
The Toronto Patriots (formerly known as the Upper Canada Patriots, and Toronto Lakeshore Patriots) was founded in the summer of 2008 with the objective of developing a hockey program that was focused on younger Jr. “A” players whose goals were the achievement of academic excellence and development in the sport of hockey.
The Toronto Patriots grew out a desire to create a Jr. “A” hockey program in the City of Toronto that would be supportive of individual player ambitions, both within and outside of hockey while creating an environment that emphasized team work, respect and commitment.
At the Toronto Patriots, we believe strongly that the game of hockey can offer young men life lessons that will shape the way they develop as citizens of our country. At the Toronto Patriots, we try to shape some of these life lessons by creating an environment where young men learn the value of courage, integrity, and leadership.
The Toronto Patriots’ mission is to:
- Create a team environment that supports the development of players as exceptional hockey athletes as well as young men whose leadership skills will allow them to make an impact outside of the world of hockey.
- Provide young Jr. “A” hockey players a roadmap for becoming mature competitive hockey players who are able to successfully make the transition to the next level of hockey.
- Establish a coaching and learning environment that promotes the achievement of athletic and academic goals.
The club has undergone three name changes in its early existence. Starting as the Upper Canada Hockey Club, the word “Patriots” was added in 2009 in recognition and honor of its historic geographic roots. The Patriots of Upper Canada (forerunner of the Province of Ontario) conducted their rebellious military activity in these environs during the 1830’s. Entering their fourth year the club revamped the team name and decided to forgo “Upper Canada” and substitute it with “Lakeshore” to play homage to their hometown roots and surrounding neighborhood. In 2013 the Toronto Lakeshore Patriots moved North to Westwood Arena, and away from their Lakeshore home. For the 2014-15 season the “Lakeshore” has been removed, and they will continue to honor their Toronto roots as the Toronto Patriots.
The Patriots started a new chapter in their organization during the 2013-14 season as they saw a change in coaching staff and home arena. The Toronto Patriots went on the win the OJHL Championship, the Dudley Hewitt Championship and competed at the RBC Cup. Coming off an enormously successful season, the Toronto Patriots look to continue their winning streak with new management and a great team.
