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posted 06/08/2013 To the CVSA Hockey Community,
In order to bring you all up to speed on current events in regards to rumblings of BYSA and CVSA merging, we felt it was prudent to email you some of the facts.
First and foremost, this is
NOT a committee that was formed by BYSA or CVSA. This is a committee comprised of a group of active people in the hockey community. It is not a BYSA board nor a CVSA board.
This basically started out with conversations in regards to numbers trending down with hockey in general, and in particular with BYSA and CVSA. Its been kicked around in years past without any solid discussions. The first meeting was called, including interested board members from both communities to figure out how viable this would actually be. After fact finding on both sides and really looking at the number of kids, both short and long term, we believe we have determined and supported the fact that long term, this could make a lot of sense. After multiple meetings we finally have enough information to present to both communities to see what their feelings are. We believe that, if pride is put aside, that the information will speak for itself.
Both BYSA and CVSA hockey families will be encouraged to come and listen to this presentation as a group and determine the ultimate future and direction that should be followed.
If both say yes,,, then we continue to move forward with a more formal group/board, to facilitate the wishes of the communities.
If one says yes and the other no, we are dead and continue as is. It really has to be an “all in” approach, in our opinion.
A key point to this is that while the support of both boards is indeed helpful, ultimately it is the community that will decide if this is viable, of which we are all apart of.
Basically speaking,we are only fact finding. Nothing has been finalized or formally done. This would happen after the forum and the facts are presented.
In closing, we began this process to find facts. To be PROACTIVE rather than RE-ACTIVE. To give this concept a chance to happen or not. There aren’t any personal agenda’s here. This is about youth hockey and the future health and ultimately growth of a program.
Below is a copy of the press release coming out to talk about the forum and see what folks think.
Respectfully submitted,
Jim Kurrle
Press Release:
BYSA HOCKEY AND CVSA HOCKEY CONSIDER MERGER
Local Hockey could look a bit different in the near future, according to a group of folks that have been studying the situation over the last few months. According to the committee, the decrease in skaters coupled with the need for quality ice times are a few of the factors supporting the consideration. “Based on our findings of the last few months, and the supporting information from USA hockey, we are not alone in this fight for a future in local hockey”, according to Brent Tewksbury. “Both local organizations have experienced lower numbers over the last few years and we decided to try to be Pro-active rather than Re-active to this downturn. We are focusing on regionalization and ultimately building the game within our communities...”
The committee is comprised of a few members from both hockey boards, some past board members, and very active hockey parents. The group has met almost monthly since November of last year, compiling data, reviewing by-laws, and really nailing down any and all pros and cons to a merger.
“We are prepared and ready to present our findings to the hockey community and are confident that there are certainly more benefits than drawbacks, when you simply focus on the reason we’re here... and that’s the KIDS”, says Jim Kurrle of Montpelier.
The Committee plans to have an informational forum to present the information to the hockey communities and answer any questions that come up. The following week, each family with a registered hockey player in the 2012-2013 season, will have the opportunity to cast a single vote, For or Against a merger.
The Forum is scheduled to take place at the Berlin Elementary School, June 19 6PM. The Vote will be June 25, at a place to be determined.
Anyone from the local hockey community is encouraged to attend the forum.
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