In 1953, three Humber Valley fathers wanted to provide their 7 and 8 year old sons an opportunity to play hockey in their community.

Stafford Smythe, son of Conn Smythe and President of the Toronto Maple Leafs at the time, had a son Tommy who was interested in playing hockey. Stafford’s good friend, well-known sportsman Jack Stafford Jr., wanted the same opportunity for his 7 year old son John. Ray Picard, father of 7 year old Alan, was talked into getting involved as a well, and the three men began to form Humber Valley’s first hockey team.

A notice was put up at Humber Valley Village School on Hartfield Road. The following Saturday Lambton Park’s outdoor rink overflowed with interested parents and children. The Humber Valley Hockey League was born.

Two teams were formed in that first year – the Hornets, coached by Jack Stafford, and the Redmen, led by Ray Picard. They played as Atoms in the Toronto Hockey League, the forerunner of the GTHL. At the time, Atoms were players aged 10 and under. Their first game, at the old Ravina rink in the Annette/High Park area, ended in a scoreless tie. By the end of the first season, the Hornets and Redmen were tied for 3rd place in the league, forcing a sudden-death playoff which the Hornets won 3-0. At the end of season banquet, the guest speaker was none other than retired Leafs goaltender Turk Broda.