Hockey Semi Annual Assembly Meeting

January 18, 2020 - , MB Canad Inns Polo Park

Assembly Session

MINUTES

Saturday January 18 (1:00 pm – 2:25 pm)

Attendance: Bill Whitehead (President), Bert Dow (Vice President), Brian Franklin (Member at Large), Tony Franklin (Chair, Development), Ray Brethour (Chair Senior), Ken Gladden (Chair Minor Rural), Chris Hall (Chair Minor City), Cal Harrison (Chair Female), Dale Fossay (Chair Junior), Harvey Nichol (Director Officiating), Myles Hubbard (Female Brandon), Ferdi Nelissen (Female Central Plains), Mike Neill (Development Central Plains), Dave Underwood (Director Interlake), Darin Mansell (Female Norman), Brian Haliuk (Female Parkland), Shelly Nichols (Female Yellowhead), Glen Parker (Director Brandon), John Ferg (Director Central Plains), Ken Kutzak (Director Norman), Phil Fafard (Director Parkland), Ron Larocque (Director Norman), Guy Williams (Director Westman), Derek Shearer (Female Director) Dan Johnson (Director Yellowhead), Linda Benson (Female Council), Mike Steciuk (Female Council), Rick Brethour (NCHL Senior), Ken Morrise (Development Yellowhead), Guy Jeanson (Director Hockey Winnipeg), Russ Cassidy (Director Hockey Winnipeg) and Paul Krestanowich (Director Hockey Winnipeg).

1. Call to Order

President Bill Whitehead called the meeting to order at 1:05 PM. Thanks to everyone for their attendance this weekend; great discussions and openness to positive change in all councils.

2. Approval of Agenda

Motion: Ken Gladden/Bert Dow

Moved to approve the agenda as circulated. CARRIED

3. Approval of 2019 Fall Assembly Minutes

Motion: Dave Underwood/Glen Parker

Moved to approve the September 29, 2019 Fall General Meeting minutes as circulated. CARRIED

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4. Business Arising

No specific business arising, topics have been included in agenda for discussions.

5. President's Report

Report contained in the Agendas and Reports booklet on pages 8 - 9, which was circulated to membership.

The President updated the Board on the Hockey Winter Congress that was held in in November, which included the following highlights,

and the CJHL are in discussions regarding the renewal of the current agreement. They will continue to meet and are hopeful that a new updated partnership agreement can be finalized in the coming months.  Hockey Canada Task Team identified to establish an inclusion and diversity policy.  Financial update.

Western Branch President Meeting – Winter Congress

 WHL refusing to pay transfer fees to Jr. A teams in British Columbia and Alberta who are not in compliance with the Western Branch Agreement.  New Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) vendor to be selected in in early new year.  New standards established for the Hockey Canada Accredited School Policy (Formerly called Sports School Policy) to be approved.  Presentation on Diversity and Inclusion.

The President acknowledged the appointment of Scott Furman as the Western Regional Director for the Members Engagement Department. Scott has been in the role for just over 4 months and has adapted to his new position very well and is doing a great job. The President indicated that it is a busy spring and will be/or has already hosting 5 major events – Hockey Canada U18 National Female Championship in Morden (November 5 – 9, 2019); West Regionals TBD (April 3 – 5, 2020): Cup West AAA Midget Regional in Virden (April 2 – 5, 2020); the Tim Horton’s in (May 9 – 17, 2020) and the Hockey Canada Spring Congress in Winnipeg May 28 – 30, 2020 The above listed events are all on top of the already busy spring calendar that includes a number of development programs such as the Director’s Cup, Rising Stars Plus, Female Peewee Prospects, Provincials, Hockey Manitoba Cup, CCM POE skills camps, extended season programs and POE Top 40.

The President also commented on the opportunity to attend the WJC in the Czech Republic over the Christmas holidays when he was able to cheer Canada on to a gold medal along with over 780 who were all part of the same tour package.

Bill also indicated that he plans to step down at the end of the season as President and acknowledged the contribution of staff and a strong volunteer base who have all been instrumental to the success of our program.

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6. Financial Report

Report contained in the Agendas and Reports booklet on pages 12 - 14, which was circulated to membership.

Vice President Bert Dow outlined the submitted financial report and highlighted a number of areas in the circulated document, which included category variances above or below the approved budget.

Hockey Manitoba is projecting a surplus of $89,550 for the 2019 – 2020 fiscal year. It is important to remember this is simply a projection and a number of factors could contribute to a deviation in this forecast. A clearer picture will be provided in the 3rd and final projection in May closer to the end of the fiscal year.

The Vice President outlined the process of financial information and review over the course of a fiscal season. The Board of Directors will do a final review at their meeting following the Semi Annual and approve the statements.

The Executive Director added that sponsorship remains strong and an important part of the foundation of our program. He also reminded members to complete their online bingo applications by identifying where members plan to utilize the funds, which is necessary in order to be issued the funds. To date Hockey Manitoba has awarded Grassroots Funding Grants of close to $20k to assist MHA in the delivery of their respective programs. Applications can be accessed via the Hockey Manitoba website or contact the Hockey Manitoba office.

7. Executive Director's Report

Report contained in the Agendas and Reports booklet on page 10 and 11, which was circulated to membership.

The Executive Director highlighted a few items,

 Hockey Manitoba was pleased to support the selection of Ainsley Boulanger ad Lauren Vaters who were identified from dozens of applicants to travel to Newfoundland to participate in the 2020 Girls Global Hockey game the first week of February.  The Dodge Caravan program celebrated their 12th year of supporting novice hockey. Hockey Manitoba has had over 1000 teams register in the program during this period who have all received $500 to offset a portion of their teams operational costs.  Hockey Manitoba and our members continue to do an excellent job in managing our coaching deficiencies. This year on the December 1st deadline Hockey Manitoba reported 176 coaching deficiencies comprised of Safety 17, Respect in Sport 82, Coach 1: 19, Coach 2: 31, Checking: 18 and Development 1: 9 for a total of 176. Last season there was a total of 267 deficiencies. To put it into perspective there is approximately 5000 coaches registered each season on over 1500 teams Branch wide so approximately 96.5% of coaches achieve the required certification.  Hockey Manitoba is pleased to support the approval of 26 Skills Academies for the 2019 – 2020 season throughout the Province. The Skills Academies compliment the minor hockey association programs and assist Hockey Manitoba in growing the game.  Another Grow the Game program is the Hockey Canada Bauer First Shift program that is delivered by the NHL. This program is offered throughout Manitoba at a cost of $220 per player and provides players with full equipment and 6 weeks of instruction. The goal is to convert participants of the First Shift players to MHA registration.

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 Hockey Manitoba would like to congratulate all former or current members of our branch who have been selected to represent Canada this season. Special congratulations to Cale Addison and Joel Hofer for capturing a Gold Medal at the 2020 U20 World Championship in the Czech Republic where they captured a Gold Medal.

8. Hockey Development Report

Report contained in the Agendas and Reports booklet on page 15 - 17, which was circulated to membership.

The Director, Development highlighted a few items,

 Saxon Miller, Coordinator Grow the Game – recruitment and retention and grassroots programming, which includes the IP Face Offs. Saxon has done a great job in organizing the delivery of the Faceoff program. The Faceoff Festivals are an introduction to hockey for entry level players of which over 2600 players and coaches participated in 9 regions from October through to December.  Over 200 clinics for coaches, speciality and officials clinics were scheduled from September to December 1, 2019 which included 119 officials and 94 coaching certification clinic.  A major focus for the coach’s clinic season was to improve the activation number for the Hockey Canada Network App. The average rate across Canada is 30%. By engaging the facilitators and training them how to use the app to the coaches attending the clinics. Hockey Manitoba’s activation rate this year was 66%.  Manitoba proudly captured the Silver medal at the U16 WHL Cup in held October 21 – 27, 2019. Coaching interviews for the 2020 Team Manitoba have just concluded and the successful candidates will be announced in the next few weeks.  Morden/Winkler hosted the Hockey Canada U18 Women’s National Championship November 5 – 9, 2019. Unfortunately the on ice results were not what the team was looking for but the effort and determination was strong throughout the tournament. The tournament organizers did and exceptional job and provided the GOLD STANDARD of hosting excellence.  The Director, Development highlighted the quality of a mature and experienced development staff and volunteer base, which makes it easier to get thing done especially when working on new projects.

9. Board of Directors' Reports

All Board of Directors' Reports are included in the Agendas and Reports booklet.

Dale Fossay, Chair Junior Hockey. Still new to the position and will have more to say when the Junior Council report is presented.

Chris Hall, Chair of Minor – Winnipeg. The Chair expressed his concerns with the discussion regarding the impending rink closures for Charles Barber, Maginot, Bertrand, Sargent Park and Terry Sawchuck with no planned replacement strategy. The Chair indicated that he is scheduled to be meeting with the City of Winnipeg this coming week.

Ken Gladden, Chair of Minor – Rural. Commented on the great job that the office is doing on a daily basis and specifically pointed out and acknowledged the work of Lauren Osborne, Coordinator Registration and Support

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Services, Ashley Fergusson, Coordinator Membership Services and Trevor Prystupa, Coordinator Programs and Events.

Tony Franklin, Chair, Development. Directed his comments to his report and the information for members to access the links that he provided that focus on skill development.

Ray Bethour, Chair of Senior, Brian Franklin, Member at Large, Cal Harrison, Chair of Female Hockey reports in the Agendas and Report booklet and nothing further to add.

10. Council Representative Reports

Council Representative Reports are included in the Agendas and Reports booklet. The President gave everyone around the table a brief opportunity to comment. Most thanked everyone for the good weekend, there were some additional comments:

Dan Johnson, (Yellowhead) – Report in the book. Thanked Hockey Winnipeg for sharing their Rink Policy, which was helpful in dealing with recent suspension issues specific to rink behavior. Very few suspensions so far this year that the Region has had to review. Looking forward to the important upcoming Development weekend. Nothing further to add.

Shelley Nichols, (Yellowhead) – Report in the book. Only concern is the number of members interested in playing goal has been dwindling and looking for ways to make the position more attractive. Nothing further to add.

Dave Underwood (Interlake) – Report in the book. Provincial play-downs are always a concern when dealing with winter conditions. Female Peewee Prospects Rising Stars and Directors Cup all underway. Nothing further to add.

Harvey Nichol (Director, Officiating) – Report in the book. Congratulated Female Council for the new format in supporting the officials program. Nothing further to add.

Guy Williams, (Westman) – Report in the book. Thank the Hockey Manitoba Discipline Committee and the Office for their support in dealing with some regional discipline issues. Nothing further to add.

Guy Jeanson, (Winnipeg) – No report in the book. Weather has been playing havoc with season to complete schedule. Suspensions in U17 program are down from previous seasons. Nothing further to add.

Russ Cassidy, (Winnipeg) – No report in the book. Playoffs just around the corner. Shared the same concerns as Yellowhead with the lack of sufficient goaltenders in the program. Nothing further to add.

The following delegates all submitted reports but had nothing further to add - Glen Parker (Brandon), Linda Benson (MWJHL), Phil Fafard (Parkland), Ron LaRocque), Darin Mansell (Norman), Ken Kutzak (Eastman), Ferdi Neilissen (Central Plains) and Mike Neill (Central Plains).

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11. Council Reports & Business Arising

Minor Council - Ken Gladden

 Minor discussed the current situation in respect to the use of mouth guards and are looking to propose a change. BC and Alberta do not require their members to wear mouth guards.   The members discussed a Hockey Manitoba lead U18 program specific to the development options.  Discussed new initiatives by trying to promote programs without making regulation changes. The introduction of more Pilot Projects to test programs prior to regulations changes.  The members reviewed the provincial program regarding all pending concerns and team placements.  Parkland raised the concern regarding the use of APs and is hoping the midget league will reconsider and support a rule change to allow 2nd year bantam players the opportunity to affiliate.  Reviewed the motions and established Council position.

Female Council - Cal Harrison

 Meeting was well attended other than representation from Senior.  Dealt with Provincial placements.  Discussed regulations changes and motions.  No outstanding issues.

Development Council - Tony Franklin

 Unfortunately due to poor travel conditions attendance was limited to 3 Regions.  Erikson Solnes, Coordinator Coaching Development update the members that Hockey Manitoba is ahead of the curve regarding new coaches activating the Hockey Canada Coaching app. The National average is 30% while in Manitoba we achieved 60% this year. This is a big step in getting information to coaches. The next step is to measure membership usage.  Hockey Manitoba is hosting a “We are Coaches” clinic exclusively targeted for female only coaches. The clinic is scheduled for February 8th.  Of the 35 registrants who attended the 2019 HP1 seminar/clinic 26 remain eligible to achieve certification. The remaining 9 either did not achieve the necessary standard to continue or failed to submit the necessary assignments.  Field evaluations for all D1 registrants is a certification requirement and is in progress.  Communication is the key to ensure better implementation of programming needs.  Reports from Central Plains, Brandon and Winnipeg. Hockey Winnipeg was acknowledged for their work in promoting and activation of the Development Zone.

Senior Council - Ray Brethour

 Three out of four Senior Leagues represented.  Reminded Leagues on the importance of updating Constitutions and league regulations.

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 Agreed on format for the AAA Senior play downs and reviewing the final dates for the event.  Brought up the new Hockey Canada Registry (HCR) and have concerns if it may not be ready to pilot in the fall.  Discussed presented motions and regulation changes.

Junior Council – Dale Fossay

 All 5 junior leagues were represented including the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL), Manitoba Major Junior Hockey League (MMJHL), Keystone Junior Hockey League (KJHL), Hanover Tache Junior Hockey League (HTJHL) and the Capital Region Junior Hockey League (CRJHL). The CRJHL is currently not considered a full voting member. The Board of Directors will review and put a motion together to address this situation.  Junior A was able to share a number of ways that they assist their members in the management of their program that were very helpful to the other league members.  The Chair indicated that it was a very positive group and a productive meeting.

12. Notice of Motions

President Bill Whitehead lead the process with the assistance of Peter Woods, Executive Director. Motions were dealt with in accordance to the Hockey Manitoba Constitution and By Laws. The results will be published separately and circulated for all representatives accordingly.

13. Annual General Meeting

Scheduled on May 1 – 2, 2020 at Canad Inns Polo Park. Information and notification will be circulated.

14. Other Business

None at this time.

Motion to Adjourn:

Ray Brethour/Dale Fossay 2:25 pm.

CARRIED