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 3rd Annual LMHA Hometown Heroes hockey tournament. The successful LMHA return to the tournament scene was led by Events Director Chris Stowe! Many compliments were received by the organizers from the teams that participated.
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 challenges to contend with from time to time. At present, there appears to be an increase in vandalism mainly in dressing rooms but in other parts of the Vollmer Recreational Complex. After meeting with the Town of Lasalle regarding this issue, I have sent to the head coaches of both Travel and House League messaging for the players. You should be aware that any player found to be perpetrating this type of behaviour will immediately lose the rest of their hockey season and the possibility of many more. Please talk to your children. We have a beautiful facility and wish to keep it that way!
Regarding the travel partnership between the LMHA and AMHA that was approved at the AGM last March, our Travel Partnership committee has been meeting quite regularly to draft the terms for the partnership. The OMHA is presently looking at the draft concept and we will be presenting the initiative at a regular meeting of the OMHA in late January. The Travel Partnership is tentatively set for the 2020-2021 season pending OMHA approval.
Rogers Hometown Hockey – Reminder that Rogers Hometown Hockey will be here in Lasalle the weekend of February 22-23. The LMHA has been meeting with town officials and other community organizations that will be part of this great event. We will be sending out messaging shortly regarding the volunteers required so get involved and help to make this a most successful event and put Lasalle on the map!
Hockey TV – The Lasalle Minor Hockey Association in partnership with the Lasalle Vipers Organization with contributions from the Town of Lasalle is pleased to announce the recent installation of Hockey TV at both arena pads. You will see the cameras mounted in the central part of the rafters. Hockey TV is cutting edge technology that will give coaches the opportunity to review games and provide them feedback. In addition, with a subscription that can be purchased for a month or a year depending on the need, loved ones from far away may take in the games from both travel and house league. More details are forthcoming with full use expected for the next season.
Be reminded of the ROOTS program, that we aspire to as role models for our children and are 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
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