The Whitby Lawmen joined the OPJHL during its end-times Ontario Hockey Association Junior "A" Hockey League era. After a rocky first season and with the league coming into some turmoil, the Lawmen chose to take a one-year leave from the league.
During the final years of the OPJHL's existence within the Ontario Hockey Association Junior "A" Hockey League, the Whitby Lawmen joined but then took a one-year break due to an initial tough season and league instability.