For the Love of the Game: 40 Years of Supporting House League Hockey

If it’s one thing that could be said about the Cappuccitti family, it’s their love of the sport of hockey. And, judging by the 40 years of memorabilia that bears the Ontario Potato name, it’s multi-generational, starting from Gordon Cappuccitti’s support of his son, Danny.

Since the 1970’s the family has supported the West Mall Hockey Association (WMHA) every year, contributing to the house league program, and ensuring that the team was outfitted, and that all the kids had the equipment they needed to play.

According to the WMH Association President, Rich Terneiden, “Danny Cappuccitti has always been there, and is still there to support the kids. He makes hockey a sport available to all kids.”

There’s a long history of the OPDI name within the WMHA, but it doesn’t just end with Danny Cappuccitti. Even senior staff member John Giordano has coached the team for many years, helping kids excel at the sport.

“We are always proud to give to this cause, which contributes to the spirit of community, and continues to enrich families in many ways,” says Cappuccitti, “Sport helped me to excel in many areas of my life, and the lessons learned on the ice and the friends I have made along the way have served me well.”

The West Mall Minor Hockey Association has offered minor hockey house league and competitive programs to youth from Etobicoke and neighbouring communities for over 40 years. Initially, the Association ran its hockey games out of the outdoor twin rinks on West Mall Avenue just south of Burnamthorpe Rd. In the early 1970s, West Mall moved its home ice to the newly-constructed Centennial Arena and was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation with a charter and by-laws, which continue to govern the organization today.