Mike Howlett grew up on Gerrard St. East, two blocks west of Ted Reeve arena. In 1970 his father Mel, co-founded the Ted Reeve Skating and Hockey School program held on Sunday’s. Mel was a Head Instructor and later a Director of the program until his passing in 2007. Mike, his brother and cousin all volunteered on Sunday’s as teenagers. Mel coached Mike at Ted Reeve and later with the Don Mills Flyers.