Good day everyone,
At this special time of year and as I reflect on the activities during the first half of the season of the Lasalle Minor Hockey Association, I acknowledge the many accomplishments of the many volunteers who have unselfishly given their time to contribute to the LMHA’s successes. These people create the conditions that are necessary for an organization such as ours to fulfill its mandate of providing for our participants a healthy and safe activity and enjoyment of Canada’s great game of hockey while at the same time, serving the people of the Lasalle community.
The spirit of the season is alive! I would like to recognize all of those who helped to organize and volunteer for the 2nd Annual LMHA Hometown Heroes hockey tournament. The successful LMHA return to the tournament scene was led by Events Director Helen Bolton! Many compliments were received by the organizers from the teams that participated. The tournament saw over 45 teams registered this year – a huge success! All the best also goes out to the teams involved with the Hockey for Hospice tournament. A most worthy cause indeed! Congrats to both House League and Travel teams who have been very successful at tournament play. You can review the posts about the successes on our website and Facebook pages.
While we are experiencing many successes, the LMHA, like other hockey organizations, recognizes that there are surely areas we need to get better at. As we are home this season with our families, perhaps it is time to reflect upon the privilege, not right, to participate in Canada’s game. To name a few areas of concern, I list the following that have occurred and come to my attention:
- Verbal abuse of officials
- On-Ice activity (after whistles and end of game), particularly in the Midget House League division, that brings the activities of the LMHA into disrepute. Stay tuned for parameters being developed in order to address this situation and bring the fun back into the game. Players engaging in these infractions of the code of conduct will surely be removed from games and/or have a shortened season. Naturally this is not our first choice, nor is it yours I’m sure.
This is not an exhaustive list but a few that are the most frequent regarding breaches of the Code of Conduct and the Respect in Sport Parent Program. The ROOTS program, that we aspire to as role models for our children, remain posted at Rink B as a reminder of our core values and philosophy:
ROOTS
Respect the Rules
Respect for Officials
Respect for Opponents
Respect for Team
Respect for one’s Self
I am aware and thankful that there are also parents and coaches out there who have attempted to do their part to curb such incidents both in the stands and around the rink. Hockey is certainly an emotional game. If our children are to have fun playing and learning the game, we need to have all of us do our part to make it so by positively supporting the players, coaches, referees, volunteers, board members and each other. That is the expectation that we, as an organization, will not waver from.
A special thank you to Coaches, On-Ice Helpers, LMHA Board Members, other Volunteers and Arena Staff for the staggering amount of hours you give to support the activities of the LMHA. We would not have a hockey program without you! We experience in Lasalle a healthy participation level and wish to honour the game by honouring the whole purpose about why we are here – to make a better community and give young people a healthy activity where they can have fun while learning our great game! Congratulations to all!
Regarding tournaments and family travel during this season, we wish safe travels and many successes both on and off of the ice. May you have a restful and wonderful time with your loved ones.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
Sincerely,
Mike Seguin
President
Lasalle Minor Hockey Association
