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I write this letter with the intention of alleviating some of the concerns of this hockey community. The 2007/2008 season brought us many challenges as a board. We had hoped to be into our new facility the Innisfil Multi-use Recreation Facility, however because of circumstances beyond our control, this move did not take place and we were forced as a club to purchase expensive ice outside of our community. The newly formed Parents’ Auxiliary is a keen group of parents working towards lowering fees for the membership. In the past years there has been a minimal amount of club- wide fundraising and this has left the league with no money to use as a buffer.
The IMHA is proud to be affiliated under the OMHA (the largest hockey organization in Canada). Being affiliated with the OMHA allows us many privileges, as a club, such as insurance for players, tournament opportunities, events, and more opportunities for its members to achieve a higher level of play. Both the OMHA and the IMHA are not for profit groups; therefore all money comes through fundraising, sponsorship and members.
The IMHA is offering programs for all age groups and all levels of play for the 2008/2009 season. All players had the opportunity to try-out for representative teams. Those that did not make rep teams or chose not to try-out will be playing in the Simcoe Region Local League Loop. This is a great opportunity for all of our players; it makes the Simcoe Region Loop stronger and allows for enhancement of players club wide with a more diverse level of play. With current registration numbers it would be difficult for the IMHA to run an in-house program effectively. Some of the age groups have only a couple of teams. Moving to Simcoe Region will only help to improve the leagues skill level. In the Local League Loop, all team will play 26 regular season games as well as play-offs and practices in an organized, established league. More ice-time equals more development. With in this league, there are no residency boundary concerns. When players play house or local league, they can play where they choose. Once players out grow the IMHA, they can try-out for Jr. C teams. There are many Jr. C teams sanctioned under the OHA. When Innisfil players make Jr. C teams, the IMHA receives funds from the Jr. C club for development. There is a strong possibility of a Jr. C team sanctioned under the OMHA returning to the Innisfil Community. When this happens, the IMHA will be affiliated with the Jr. C Club.
I have played hockey in Innisfil my whole life and coached here for a number of years. We have a strong community and this executive looks forward to building this club to be as successful as it can be. The IMHA executive is made up of a number of enthusiastic and knowledgeable people with a love of the game. We are looking forward to a successful season in our new facility. For more information about our programs, please visit our web-site www.innisfilminorhockey.com.
Fred Lee
President
Innisfil Minor Hockey Association
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