As promised, here are some FAQ to read over to help better understand why we are interested in an Amalgamation with Amherstburg Minor Hockey. Don't forget to attend our information sessions on April 24th at 7pm in Kingsville and May 9th at 7pm in Harrow with voting to take place May 14th at 7pm in Kingsville at our AGM.
Amalgamation Question and Answers
Why are Amalgamations happening?
The amalgamation of the 2 minor hockey associations will support player development, allowing players to play at the level of hockey that meets their needs (Local League, Select, A Teams, and 2nd Entry teams) and alongside other players that have the same and/or similar skills and ability.
By working together through a partnership arrangement, we can provide a more complete and sustainable hockey program. Local league hockey will remain as it currently operates; those seeking more competitive/skilled hockey would have a combined REP level hockey program to play in.
Amalgamation can mean:
● Most importantly - children enjoying playing hockey with peers, children learning and developing at an appropriate level.
● All players playing at a level that is appropriate for their capability.
● Rep and LL teams at all age divisions with appropriately placed players.
● Greater opportunities for improvement and expanding capabilities of players at the local level.
● Increased ability for organization to host specialized development clinics (e.g., goalie clinics, power skating, skills, and drills)
● Larger pool of parent volunteers for tournament hosting, coaching clinics, & certification clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why amalgamate with Amherstburg?
As each center’s demographics and registrations continue to change, we’re looking for ways to offer the best solutions that will allow hockey to continue to thrive in our communities. If we wait and see, could find ourselves in a situation where we are swallowed by another centre out of desperation. Amalgamation would help our associations offer a hockey program that maximizes player development and fun in part by fielding teams composed of players with consistent abilities through all levels of hockey.
If the Partnership is approved, where will my Local League child be playing?
One of the primary goals of a partnership would be to maintain the same high quality Local League experience for our community-based recreational teams. This means that the Local League teams continue to play out of their community arenas as part of their traditional Local League teams under one association name.
If the Partnership is approved, where will my Rep child be playing?
The New Minor Hockey Association would work towards a fair and balanced allocation of Rep Teams amongst the centers, so that all communities share in being able to host Rep Team games and practices. The specific assignment of ice time for Rep Teams will depend upon ice scheduling availability, d, and the age/division of the team. This could involve Rep teams being based out of a specific arena for the season, or a rotation of ice times among the facilities throughout the season.
Would the amalgamated centers have a new name?
Yes, centers would work together to form a new Association and name.
What would the new association be called?
If voted on and approved, a subcommittee will be created to handle the submission of ideas for names and logos. Centers would be very open to having the membership make recommendations which can be considered.
Will the new center have its own Board of Directors?
Yes, eventually the amalgamated center will have a Board comprised the best qualified Directors from each center, compromised from the current boards at each association.
Is an amalgamation happening automatically?
No. The decision to amalgamate or not to amalgamate is the responsibility of each voting member of the 2 centers.
How does amalgamation happen?
Each center would need a majority vote based on their constitution for approval and from their respective members to proceed with the amalgamation. This would happen at a Special Resolution Meeting of the members for Amherstburg in May, and at the AGM for ENSMHA in May.
If the vote is yes to amalgamate, when does it start?
That depends on several factors from all Associations including when the vote was passed. We would potentially aim to be officially amalgamated for the start of the 2025/26 season. OMHA has set a deadline for membership votes and all paperwork to be filed by December 1, 2024, to be eligible for the 2025/26 Season.
If the vote is no, then what happens?
If either organization has less than the required yes votes than the current associations will continue as they are now.
Who can vote?
Only members in good standing are able to vote. Two (2) votes (two people) per family of players under 18 years old are eligible, both email accounts used for pre-registration must be linked to HCR (Spordle). One membership class casts one vote. Meaning, for example: that a parental coach gets a vote as either one of the family votes, or a volunteer vote, not an additional vote for being a volunteer member. Parents are only eligible to vote once, not once per player.
Players over the age of 18 and non-parent volunteer members get one vote. If a player is above the age of 18, their parents do not get a vote unless they are a life member or volunteer member, however, the player gets their own vote.
Where will my player have practice?
Throughout a season REP teams may rotate between Kingsville, Harrow, and Amherstburg that they practice and have games at.
What will the center point be for the new organization?
TBD
What if I am in a right of choice (ROC) area according to the new center point?
Right of choice (ROC) will be open for any member within the designated area to re-sign or leave the new organization. Once a right of choice player signs onto the organization they are considered a lifetime member.
How will coaches be selected?
Initially coaches will be selected by a committee comprised of people from each center, until such time the boards are completely integrated together.
How will rep teams be selected?
The teams will be selected by the Coach plus unbiased, independent evaluators. But all of this would be decided on by both boards.
Will there be a fixed number of Players from each Association on each Rep team?
No, it is not realistic to set fixed player numbers from each Association. Player selection will be based on player ability/skill. This ensures consistency in talent/skill amongst selected player groups and provides for strong/competitive team structures that are fun and exciting to play within.
When will we find out if the Amalgamation is approved?
The proposed Amalgamation will be presented to the OMHA when all the requirements are completed to provide the best quality application.