Pincher Creek Hockey Association holds AGM

Pincher Creek Hockey Association (PCHA) held their annual AGM on Monday, May 13, 2013 with 18 people in attendance.  Minor changes to the PCHA bylaws and policies were approved.

2013/14 Registration Dates
July 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm was set as the registration date for the 2013/14 season, coinciding with the annual road hockey tournament.


Fees will increase for the coming hockey season as follows:
Initiation $50
Novice/Atom/Pee Wee $75
Bantam/Midget $100

Registration packages will be mailed out.

Lively conversations ensued concerning increasing Initiation numbers, ice availability, and Hockey Alberta's decision to remove body contact at the Pee Wee level.

In a later interview PCHA President Wendy Kay was frank about the new body contact rule.  ""I think that the question we have to ask ourselves is, are we going to protect our young children's brains from injury and concussion versus the aspect of putting our kids out there that are unskilled at hitting and taking a hit, and the effects that  might create going into their future."

"Statistics have shown that sports  where contact is involved at an early age is affecting our kids brains going into the future."

The association's executive was elected for a two-year term last year, and remains largely unchanged except for one notable exception.  Todd Vance stepped down from his position as Vice President because he has accepted a position with Hockey Alberta's Zone 5 Minor Council.  The Vice President position with PCHA remains vacant.  "We need a Vice President," said President Wendy Kay in an interview several days after the AGM.  "We will accept names until June 23."

Returning to the executive for the second year of their two year terms:

President - Wendy Kay
Treasurer - Tara Cryderman
Director 1 - Jacqui Bruns
Secretary - Lauranna Charette
Director 2 - Tammy Fitzpatrick
Director 3 - Lisa Stuckey

Several appointed positions are also vacant and willing volunteers are urged to apply.  Emails will be sent out seeking people to fill the vacant positions.

Currently filled appointed positions include:

Concession Coordinator - Janine Johnson
Equipment Manager - Lindy Jessen
Development - Kellie LeBlanc is willing to help anyone interested in this position.
Fundraising Coordinator - Kelly Lepine

Lisa Stuckey won the draw for a free registration.

Challenges for the upcoming season
"I think one of the biggest things we have to do is a blitz for Initiation players to increase our numbers," said Wendy Kay.  She also expressed concerns about the gapes in the organization's structure.  "There are some big jobs left to do."  Contact her via email at wkay@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca if you are interested in helping.