Minor hockey enjoyed better season financially

Shane McDonald, president of the Emo-Devlin-Barwick Minor Hockey Association, welcomed all players and parents to the annual wind-up banquet held April 1 upstairs of the Emo-La Vallee Community Centre.
McDonald began his speech by telling everyone tthe EDBMHA had a better year financially because of a few changes that had been made.
One of the changes was an increease in registration, which was an additional $25 per player.
He noted the hike in fees was necessary due to the increase on the ice rental and the loss of revenue that has been generated by the canteen in past years.
But McDonald also noted the increase worked out to an average of just $5 per hour that each player paid to play hockey during the 2004/05 season.
Another reason for a better financial year was due to the fact the EDBMHA eliminated individual trophies for each player who participated in the minor hockey program in Emo.
This alone meant a savings of $2,000 to the EDBMHA, and those on hand applauded this savings.
The association also eliminated gifts for coaches, conveners, and executive members as no amount of money spent could thank these people for the amount of work and dedication they do, which McDonald described as “priceless.”
The EDBMHA also staged two very successful fundraising events this year that included chocolate bar sales and the Las Vegas trip, which was won by Cindy McKinnon.
McDonald then thanked Leanne Donaldson and Trudy Badiuk for their efforts in the organization of the fundraising events.
He also noted parents could expect to see changes in place next season with regards to fundraising policies and volunteering during tournaments when they register their children.
McDonald then relayed what a great group of coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, conveners, and on-ice officials the EDBMHA had this year. He also noted its teams did well in district tournaments and represented the association respectfully.
The EDBMHA had another great executive team this year and that the group worked very hard to keep everything running smoothly.
The members for the 2004/05 season included Carrie Baker, Joe Bodnar, Teddianne Kinnear, Doug McTavish, Trudy Badiuk, Brian Curtis, Lucinda Meyers, Mary Ellen Brigham, and Harrold Boven.
To conclude his speech, McDonald said a few of the directors were “resigning” this year and anyone wanting to join the executive to let their name stand during nominations that evening.
Tammy Kinnear and Sue Pelepetz were the only two names brought forward, so anyone else wishing to join is invited to attend the EDBMHA’s annual meeting coming up April 14 at 7 p.m. upstairs of the Emo Arena.