Cleveland Suburban Hockey League General Meeting 2/20/07

Attending Programs: Canton-Akron, Barons, Cleveland Hts., Cleveland Skating Club, Fremont, Mentor, North Olmsted, Parma, Rocky River, Strongsville and Winterhurst.

Attending Board Members: Tim O’Shaughnessy, Barry Lulas, Terry Horonzy, Chris Kendel, Murray Drell, Don Lewis and Pam Rice.

Motion made by Mike Radosevic to waive reading of the minutes of the January 16 2007 meeting. Seconded by Pam Rice. All in favor, motion passed. Motion to approve minutes of January 16 meeting made by Pam Rice. Seconded by Nancy Kappel. All in favor, motion passed.

Randy Domain of the Lake Erie Monsters spoke on recent events as the team prepares to take the ice for the 07-08 season. The team name was announced last month, team logo unveiled. Ticket sales are brisk and media coverage plans are being finalized. Q Arena will be team’s official home but IceLand facility will also be utilized for some promotions as well. Expect community involvement from the team, local hockey programs will benefit as well.

Playoffs seeding is nearly complete. Every program is represented with at least one team. Coaches were reminded to send in player eligibility forms. Division Winners have received Division Winner t-shirt and Banner and Trophy information. If your Division winning team has not received this information contact Terry Horonzy. Please come and watch the games, especially the championships at IceLand Arena March 3 & 4.

Elections: 4 of 8 Board of Directors seats re-elected each year for a 2-year term. Commissioner is then chosen from the 8 Board members. Board members with 2-year term of service expiring in May 2007 are Mitch Green, Don Lewis. Tim O’Shaughnessy and Pam Rice. If you are interested in running for the Board contact Tim O’Shaughnessy or Terry Horonzy. If you know of someone who you would like to nominate, please contact Tim or Terry as well. Elections will be held at the May 29 meeting. Be prepared to give a 5-minute speech introducing yourself and explaining your reasons for seeking a Board position.

Standing Rules: tiebreakers will for 07-08 season will probably be revised to match new USA Hockey tiebreakers. Please review current rules, if you have suggestions for rule changes contact Tim O’Shaughnessy.

USA Hockey reviewed proposed rule changes that will be voted on at USA Hockey General Congress in June. Of special interest are two items (with recommendation for approval/rejection by USA Hockey in parentheses): return of delayed offside (rejected by 8-9 vote) and elimination of allowing short-handed teams during penalties to ice the puck (recommended for approval). Go to the USA Hockey rule site, review the rule proposals, contact the USA Hockey rules committee if you have comments or concerns.

Referee assigning systems for playoffs were reviewed. Instructions for minor officials reviewed, Board will be present in scorer’s area for all championship games.

Old Business: Protest was recently upheld, violation of conflict of interest rule. Last-minute substitute referee was parent of player on one of the teams. Other team was not notified until after game concluded.

George Michalke reported on Cleveland Barons 06-07 season. League expanded this past season, do not expect additional expansion next season. Privileged to be participating in Nike Bauer tournament in Chicago, great exposure for kids, many scouts on hand. Barons tryouts posted on their website. Jr. A will be officially based in Columbus, called Junior Blue Jackets. Tier I state playoffs only a one-game series per MidAm protocols, Barons prefer a best of three as more definitive method.

Game Misconducts: If a player receives a game misconduct in his final CSHL league game the penalty must be served in the next USA Hockey game per USA Hockey rules. CSHL also states that a game misconduct received in a league game must be served in a league game, so the player could have to sit two games. Example player receives game misconduct in final playoff game. Player would have to sit his first Spring League game plus his first CSHL game next fall.

Motion to adjourn made by Mike Radosevic. Seconded by Barry Lulas. All in favor, meeting adjourned.