Apr 08, 2024 | Jeff Konigshofer | 722 views
Statement from the WMHA President
Dear Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. We understand there have been concerns regarding the possibility of the WMHA not running "B" teams for certain age groups. We want to assure you that no final decisions have been made at this point, though the Board has had practical discussions around the implications of offering and not offering specific teams. We are committed to keeping you informed and up-to-date as we move forward.
Dear Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. We understand there have been concerns regarding the possibility of the WMHA not running "B" teams for certain age groups. We want to assure you that no final decisions have been made at this point, though the Board has had practical discussions around the implications of offering and not offering specific teams. We are committed to keeping you informed and up-to-date as we move forward.
As we plan for the upcoming season, which is still several months away, we want to share the factors that will guide our final decision on this matter. The primary concern influencing our decision is the limitation on ice time. Access to ice is a fundamental requirement for all our programs. Despite the City of Woodstock growing by almost 20,000 people over the last 28 years, we still have the same three ice pads that we have had since the beginning of the 1996-97 season.
In addition to ice time constraints, registration numbers in each age cohort will play a crucial role in our decision-making process. This is why I would urge everyone who is planning to have their children play minor hockey next season to register as soon as possible, once registration opens on Monday April 15th. It is essential for the health and sustainability of our organization that our house leagues have a sufficient number of players to operate properly. Ensuring a vibrant and strong house league system is paramount for the development of our athletes and the overall success of our organization.
Lastly, the ability of our rep teams to effectively grow and develop players will be considered. We are dedicated to providing a challenging and enriching environment for all our players, where they can grow and excel in the sport. Balancing this with the availability of resources and opportunities for all players is a priority for us.
We understand the importance of rep teams in the development and enjoyment of our young athletes. Rest assured, we are taking all factors into account as we work towards making the best decision for the Woodstock minor hockey community. We welcome your support during this process and encourage you to reach out with any questions or concerns, as many people already have.
We thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support. Please look forward to further updates as we get closer to the start of the season.
Warm regards,
Derek McKie
President
Woodstock Minor Hockey Association