When only three people attended the originally-scheduled Corner Brook Minor Hockey Association’s annual general meeting back in May, it was disheartening for second-year president Jackie Simms.
But she understood that the timing may have been off.
“In the spring everybody is so busy with other sports,” she said. “Once Labour Day is over, you’re back into hockey mode.”
That was proven to be true in September, when the association gave the meeting another go and had close to 40 people show up, ready to chime in and chip in.
“It was a huge turnout,” Simms said.
Without volunteers, she said, the association simply couldn’t run. Hiring people to take care of the day-to-day tasks isn’t really an option either, since to afford it the registration fees would then have to be astronomical.
“Volunteers are the heart of this program,” she said.
Overall player numbers this season are down slightly from last year, mostly due to numbers dropping in the TimBit division. That may not be the case for long, however, since 45 children have been signed up for Canadian Tire’s The First Shift hockey program, which teaches the ins and outs of the sport to newcomers for six weeks and provides all the necessary equipment.
Those that take part can then take advantage of a pro-rated registration fee, if they want it, for the rest of the minor hockey season.
Regardless of how many players there are — and there are still plenty — Simms is confident there will be more than enough helping hands to ensure everything runs smoothly. The season began on Sept. 24 and so far, so good.
“We have loads of volunteers this season,” said Simms. “It’s been wonderful so far.”
2018-19 CBMHA Executive
Divisional VPs (One-year term)
TimBits - Kristen Bromley
Novice - Cyril Walsh
Atom - Eddie Kennedy
Peewee - Ryan Bugden
Bantam - Tonya Layden
Midget - Keith Biggin
Female - Della Biggin
Vice-President- Matt Rogers (First year of two-year term)
Treasurer - Melissa Williams (First year of two-year term)
Registrar - Sheri George (Second year of two-year term)
Secretary - Jamie Park (Second year of two-year term)
President - Jackie Simms (Second year of two-year term)
