Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association’s (FFMHA) annual general meeting covered changes for next season as well as matters from this past season.
Finances, an equipment giveaway and membership were three topics discussed at the April 29 meeting, held at the Victoria Inn.
This coming season, announced now past-president Travis Rideout, all registrations for hockey will have to be made online.
“I don’t know all the details on it, but it will be presented once it’s all clear,” Rideout told The Reminder.
And parents will have to step up their game for their children to play hockey. At least one parent of each hockey household will be required to take the online Respect in Sport course.
The $12 course must be completed prior to registration.
“I suggest they get on it now,” said Rideout.
This past season, FFMHA introduced a pilot project to help boost participation by providing free equipment to first-year players.
“This was big for introducing new players that were unsure if they wanted to play hockey or not,” said Rideout. “It helped get players this season, for sure.”
For players to improve, Rideout encourages practices as well as the power skating program offered through the Flin Flon Skating Club.
“Practices are very important and shouldn’t be ignored,” Rideout said.
Meanwhile, the girls’ hockey program continues to grow in popularity.
“It’s created an environment for females in all age categories to feel comfortable with their peers,” said Rideout.
Female players in the FFMHA play in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions, said Rideout, noting the boys’ division is open to anyone.
“I hate calling it the boys’ division, because we really see it as a co-ed division,” he said.
Goals
When Rideout took the position of president, he envisioned a board that would work toward being more with the times.
“I think we as a board, in my time as president, have started to do that,” he said.
The board purchased rink dividers this past season to help divide the ice surface for more effective practices for Hockey D and Novice players, as suggested by Hockey Manitoba.
“This will help cut the ice down to acceptable levels for the young kids, which will help with their development,” Rideout said.
As past-president, Rideout will step down from his duties with the board but will remain available when needed.
Acknowledging how far the board has come in recent years, Rideout hopes to see the progress continue.
“I hope that the board will continue with the direction that they’ve set for the past two or three years,” said Rideout. “The focus on development is very important, but with a huge emphasis on fun.
“We stray too far from that sometimes and forget that they’re kids, and that hockey should be fun.”
All three of Rideout’s own children play hockey. Nolan, 11, will move into Peewee this year as twins Corey and Drew, 7, will play in both the girls’ division and Novice next season.
Board chosen
Flin Flon Minor Hockey Association board members for the 2015-16 season are:
President: Scott Eastman
Vice-president: Kris Lee
Treasurer: Suzie Playford
Secretary: Brandy Kuzmiak
Registrar: Amber Mucha
Special events: Vacant
Volunteer coordinator: Carrie Stinton
Fundraising: Tanya Benoit
Ice scheduler: Vacant
Equipment manager: Pat McKenzie
Female coordinator : Pat McKenzie
High school hockey: Vacant
Bantam: Vacant
PeeWee: Rob Abbot
Atom: Brett Pearson
Novice: Damian Dominey
Hockey D: Corey Thompson
Coach coordinator: Tyler Stinton
Timekeeper: Tauvia Alexander
Referee-in-chief: Todd Simms/Alex Willett
