Greybrook Becomes First-Ever Lead Sponsor of York University Lions Men’s Hockey Team

Toronto, ON — Greybrook is proud to announce its official sponsorship of the York University Lions Men’s Hockey Team at the Gold level, marking a historic milestone as the first-ever lead sponsor of the Men’s Hockey Program. This sponsorship reflects Greybrook’s belief in the power of sport to shape future leaders and support holistic student development.

York University, one of Canada’s top public research institutions, is home to over 53,000 students and a rich legacy of academic and athletic achievement. Its varsity athletics program, the York Lions, continues to support excellence both in competition and in the classroom, preparing student-athletes to excel beyond the rink.

The Men’s Hockey Program is not only a source of school pride and tradition but also a critical foundation for developing skills that extend far beyond sport, such as teamwork, discipline, leadership, and mental resilience. These are the same attributes that drive success in life after athletics, whether in business, community service, or personal growth. For many at Greybrook, including a few alumni, being involved in sports laid the groundwork for lifelong friendships and meaningful business relationships that continue to this day.

This partnership holds particular significance for Greybrook’s CEO, Sasha Cucuz, who played for the York Lions Hockey team from 1996 to 2000 during his undergraduate years. His experience as a student-athlete deeply influenced his personal and professional journey.

“As a former Lion, I know firsthand the dedication it takes to balance varsity athletics with academic life. It’s an honour for Greybrook to support the next generation of leaders and athletes at York. These student-athletes are gaining skills that last a lifetime, and we’re proud to stand behind them as they grow into the leaders of tomorrow.”

The significance of this partnership was also echoed by Sarah Mansour, Executive Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at Greybrook.

“Greybrook has always believed in the value of investing in people, and sports provide an unmatched training ground for building character. We’ve seen firsthand how qualities developed through athletics mirror the attributes we value at Greybrook. We’re proud to support the York Lions Men’s Hockey Team as they represent excellence both on the ice and in the classroom. We are confident the team will have an excellent 2025-2026 season and we look forward to cheering them on.”

York University’s Athletics & Recreation Executive Director, Steven Chuang shares this excitement, highlighting the importance of partnerships that strengthen both athletic and academic excellence.

“York University’s Athletics and Recreation Department is excited to welcome Greybrook as the official sponsor of its men’s hockey team for the 2025-2026 season. This partnership underscores both organizations’ shared commitment to advancing high-performance athletics at the postsecondary level. Greybrook’s support plays a vital role in enhancing the student-athlete experience and fostering excellence within our hockey program. We are proud to partner with Greybrook and look forward to the opportunities this collaboration will create for our athletes and the broader York community.”

That shared sense of purpose resonates deeply with the team itself. Head Coach Russ Herrington reflected on the meaningful connection between Greybrook’s leadership and the program’s values.

“The partnership we have developed with Greybrook has been profoundly impactful in countless ways, and we are deeply appreciative of their generous support of the program. We instill in our players the concept of providing Yeoman’s Service—our way of expressing authentic loyalty to something greater than oneself—and there is no better example of this than having one of our Men’s Hockey alumni, Sasha Cucuz, and his company step forward with this sponsorship to enhance the student-athlete experience for our players. Moreover, supporting the holistic wellness of our student-athletes is vitally important as they strive to live with the Heart of a Lion, and through Greybrook’s generosity, we are able to expand our programs to help current Lions become their best selves—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.”

For more information on the York University Lions Men’s Hockey Team and to follow their season, click here.