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VALLEY AVALANCHE MINOR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Meeting
Wednesday, June 16th, 2004
Port Williams Elementary School

Present: Dave Duncan, Larry Rodrigues, Ed Sherman, David Upton, Carrie Hemmings, Mike Graves, Lynn Connors, Mike Dauphinee - Guest, Sheila Bower-Jacquard - Guest, Paul Smith - Guest
Absent: John Curry

NOVICE IP RECRUITMENT PLAN FOR THE 2004-2005 SEASON

Dave Duncan presented the proposed 2004-2005 Novice Initiation Program attached as Schedule "A". Mike Dauphinee, Chair of the Novice division for KAMHA and Paul Smith, Chair of the Novice division for EKMHA were present and participated in this portion of the meeting. Mike Graves also noted that there would be ice time available in Kentville from Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. Discussions surrounded Dave Eaton from KAMHA running the Novice Initiation Program and as well, recruiting parents to obtain their basic coaching level so they can help on the ice. Discussions surrounded contacting various sports stores for donations of complete gear bags in exchange for having their name printed on the gear bag. Discussion also surrounded advertising the program to community at large through the school, through local soccer associations and through sports stores. Motion made by Dave Upton, seconded by Dave Duncan that the 2004-2005 Novice Initiation Program as set out in Schedule "A" to forward. Motion approved unanimously.

UPDATE ON ACADIA UNIVERSITY DISCUSSION

Dave Duncan reported that a logo was currently being worked on. Lynn mentioned that a Memorandum of Understanding needed to be formalized, defining what everyone's expectations and obligations were. Dave Duncan reported that Darren Burns is working through the hierarchy at Acadia to get approval. Gary Draper, who is the vice-president for the Administration at Acadia must okay this program. Dave McNally, who is the Director of Athletics, must approve the ice time. We are looking for prime time ice Monday through Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and on Saturdays for 6 hours in the afternoon and for 2 hours on Sunday afternoon. Mike Graves indicated that there were four hours available on Sunday in Kentville to run the Bantam and Midget AAA programs and Dave Duncan also mentioned there was ice time available in Canning if the Acadia venture fell through. The June 29th, 2004, Sports Celebrity Hockey Dinner is approaching and it is anticipated that matters will be formalized in advance of that event so that a joint announcement can be made at that time.

UPDATE ON HNS WEST HANTS AND MAINLAND MIDGET AAA

Attached as Schedule "B" is correspondence to Doug Curriy, President of Mainland Midget AAA league in relation to our entry. Dave Duncan reported that West Hants is going to run Bantam AAA program. Terry Beck of Hockey Nova Scotia, has advised that if the league will not allow entry of our team and that he will intervene. Apparently, the league only wants 8 teams. Mike Graves reported on the Hockey Nova Scotia meetings. Mike reported that Gary Erwin is the Southwest Conference coordinator. Increased insurance fees were noted and a motion to organize a raffle province wide, to cover these additional fees was voted down. Hockey Nova Scotia has increased its office space and the lease is now increased by $40,000.00 per year. Mike noted that there is $500,000.00 in the Development Fund Account. The Provincial Development weekends are scheduled for November 15th and 16th province wide. Mike also noted that there is money available to this region through the Molson Hockey Program, although these funds have not yet been distributed He also noted that development programs on the Development weekend would be offered by each association. He noted that the amalgamation between Shelburne, Clare and Yarmouth has disbanded and that there is a new amalgamation called Cape Breton West involving Wycogomagh, Richmond Straight and Inverness. He also noted that the only successful amalgamation of the province has been Pictou and that our amalgamation is based on the Pictou model.

50/50 LOTTERY PROGRAM FOR 2004-2005 SEASON

Sheila Bower-Jacquard joined us for this portion of the discussion. She advised she was willing to look after the 50/50 for VAMHA, also coordinate 50/50 for KAMHA and EKMA and suggested forming a joint committee of herself, KAMHA and EKMA representatives to run the lottery. She suggested a $0.75 credit to the players in relation to the VAMHA participants and advised that parents needed an explanation as to what $0.25 portion was going towards. It was noted by Dave Duncan the cost to insure 4 coaches is $200.00 per team. Sheila also suggested that all 3 associations be displayed on the tickets.

Respectfully submitted,
LYNN M. CONNORS
Secretary