The RHOTHL evolved from the Richmond Hill Men’s Hockey League that played on Thursday and Sunday Nights at Elgin Barrow Arena. The league was opened to all ages and included body contact and slap shots. The President and non-playing member of the league was Jack Major. His dedication and love of the game was truly the reason the hockey league existed.
From this league a group of players formed a very successful Old Timers tournament team, who were sponsored by Save-On Car & Truck Rental. The tournament team decided to form the Richmond Hill Old Timers League with games scheduled for Monday and Thursday Nights at Observatory Arena, eventually renamed Elvis Stojko Arena.
The league was open to men aged 35 years and older and prohibited body contact and slap shots. Jack Major assisted the league executive with direction in the first year and with his guidance and knowledge the league was formed in 1987.
The original league executive included Hal Cameron, Barry Pollard, Danny Phillips, Chuck Nelson and Larry Patterson. The team captains for the first season were selected from the original tournament team. There are still players active in the league from that first season.
