Good afternoon MHAL players and families;
Since the announcement on Friday that the MLHU area will be entering the Red Level on February 16th, the MHAL Executive have met several times including holding a Coaches’ Meeting to seek feedback for various plans and potential options for our hockey programming. It was noted by coaches that returning in the Red Level was quite problematic, not overly desirable and did not provide the hockey experience the coaches and Association wanted for players.
As a result of this feedback and understanding the ice in Lambeth arena is scheduled to be removed on March 26th, the very difficult decision has been made to cancel the remainder of the season, effective immediately. This decision was not an easy one to make and we recognize that this may not be welcome news to all members. However, as the timing to move out of the Red Level is unknown, our long term ice availability is limited and not being able to offer the hockey programming we would like while in the Red Level, these factors left the MHAL Executive with little choice but to cancel the season.
Previous to the MLHU announcement it was hoped that we would enter the Orange Level once the stay at home order was lifted. Orange Level restrictions made the possibility of continuing Session 2 quite feasible. Consideration was given to waiting two weeks to see if the MLHU would enter the Orange Level, however, at this point in time a maximum of four weeks of ice would remain. With uncertainties of level restriction changes and the ongoing concern regarding the continued spread of the virus and new variants, we feel the decision to cancel the season was required to keep our community safe.
Refund Information
A refund for Session 2 registrants in the amount of $250 will be given to Session 2 registrants in the Novice to Midget divisions. Registrants in the Initiation Program will receive a refund of $180 and Initiation Program waitlist players will receive a $150 refund. Registrants who received funding or sponsorship money, will have their money kept in trust and applied to next season. If you have paid for the full season this past September, you will be contacted directly about your refund.
All refunds will be credited to the credit card used at the time of registration. With the volume of refunds required, we appreciate your patience as we work through processing these refunds. If you have not received your refund by the end of March, please contact the appropriate Registrar.
Registration for the 2021/2022 Season
We plan to have registration for the 2021/2022 season open on our website in early May. Please be sure to check our website, Facebook, and Twitter for more details regarding the registration process.
Note also that the Ontario Hockey Federation has recently announced there will be no tryouts at any level this spring. We will not be issuing Permission to Skate forms to anyone until prior to tryouts in the fall.
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
The AGM will be held on Monday, May 17th, 2021 at 7 pm. Depending on the COVID response level and restrictions on group sizes, the AGM will either be virtual or held at the Lambeth Community Centre. More details will follow in the coming weeks. Should any member wish to bring forth a motion to be addressed at the AGM, please present, in writing, your motion to Vice-President – Craig Cooper before March 15th.
Executive Positions
Open Executive Positions will be posted on March 15th and we encourage you to give thought and consideration to joining so we can continue to build and collaborate to further develop our hockey programming. The support of volunteers is crucial to the success of our organization and that not only includes coaching staff but members willing to join and assist on our Executive Board. If you would like any information about board positions, please reach out to Craig Cooper or Stacey Morningstar who would be happy to answer your questions and provide additional information.
Lastly, MHAL would like to extend a sincere thank you to all our players, parents, coaches, and volunteers this season. It has most definitely been an unprecedented season, with many challenges. The level of flexibility and commitment demonstrated by our members was greatly appreciated. We feel fortunate to have been able to offer and complete Session 1, allowing both our Girls’ and Boys’ Programs on the ice for some development, team comradery, and scrimmage games. We are looking forward to next season with the hope of the return of more traditional hockey programming.
Again, thank you for your understanding of our decision and your patience throughout the entire season.
Yours in hockey,
MHAL Executive