that operate under the GTHL. These associations provide teams for the various age groups and divisions that make up the league. Around 275 GTHL alumni have gone on to play in North American professional ice hockey leagues, such as the National Hockey League and the defunct World Hockey Association. The GTHL is a not-for-profit organization, however its operating costs are high. In 2011, league expenses were in excess of $9 million per year. The high costs of operating teams has been an issue for the league, with some teams having trouble paying for the increasing costs of ice in the Toronto area. The costs for someone to play on a AAA GTHL team, its highest level of play, is approximately $6,000 per player. In 2011, the GTHL along with Hockey Canada changed its rules regarding hits to the head. Stricter rules were placed on what constituted a hit to the head, and the severity of punishment for instances of it was increased. Affiliates The GTHL serves as the parent organization for several other minor hockey leagues. These leagues coordinate "Select" League play for players in the Toronto area seeking to play at a level below "rep" teams in the GTHL. North York Hockey League (NYHL) - Coordinates "select" level programs for the Toronto, Scarborough and North York area. Mississauga Hockey League (MHL) - Coordinates "select" and Rep "A" level programs for the Mississauga area. Levels of play The GTHL runs competitive leagues at the "rep" levels (AAA, AA, and A), as well as coordinating several affiliates to operate "Select" leagues throughout the city. Rep hockey in the GTHL begins at "minor Atom" (U9) age and continues through U21. House League and Select programs include children of all ages, extending from Timbits (3 or 4 years of age) all the way to U21. All hockey is played under "Hockey Canada" rules. There is no body checking allowed at all age groups for "select" and rep "A" level in the GTHL and affiliates. Body checking is permitted for minor bantam (U14) and above for the rep "AA" and rep "AAA" levels. Notable alumni Andreas Athanasiou Sam Bennett Jordan Binnington David Bolland Carl Brewer Connor Brown Michael Bunting Sean Burke Brent Burns Mike Cammalleri Chris Campoli Anson Carter Ben Chiarot Jakob Chychrun Anthony Cirelli Casey Cizikas Paul Coffey Andrew Cogliano Lionel Conacher Trevor Daley Mike Danton Jack Devine Max Domi Kris Draper Jamie