The 麻豆社国产Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) is continuing its steady growth and is now on the search for a director of hockey operations (DHO).
The SMHA saw an increase of 25 new players in 2012-'13 and new president Derek Cranfield said the club plans to follow a similar model to other hockey groups in the province.
"It's something our past executive was looking at throughout the last year and brought forward at this year's AGM," he said. "The position is to have someone that leads the direct player development of all our members with a key emphasis on the younger age groups. As you may imagine, we are getting youngsters involved in hockey that have never skated, so we must have strong development tactics to be able for them just to have the basics to get started."
Cranfield said the DHO will work with coaches at all levels to help local players develop their skills. The DHO will oversee and direct day-to-day operations of all minor hockey programs, including design, planning and delivery.
Cranfield was elected to his first term as president last month.
"Being elected to the role of president, I have a great feeling of gratitude towards the association members that have entrusted me in this position," he said. "I'm pleased to say I'm excited with five new members joining the executive, we are all full of energy and new ideas and at the same time using past executive members as sounding boards for their knowledge of our association."
He said he wants the SMHA to be looked upon as the best Tier III association in the province but not as defined by wins and losses - as defined as kids enjoying the game. He also said his executive will keep association members in the know with website updates and a monthly email newsletter.
Despite all the positive steps forward by the SMHA, Cranfield admitted that the single ice sheet in 麻豆社国产is an issue and one that he hopes he can help to change.
"I look forward to working with district staff and council to ensure this is a major focus in the planning of recreation availability for the youth of our community," he said. "I will also stress the importance of looking strongly at the option of having two sheets of ice. The reason is we are currently maximizing every hour of ice available and it's very possible a situation will arise that we will not be able to accommodate players in our association."
Cranfield noted that players are already leaving 麻豆社国产for North Vancouver or Burnaby to develop their skills and it seems to be happening at a younger age every year.
The SMHA is accepting applications for the DHO position until June 15 and the executive will make a final decision among the applications shortly thereafter.
For more information on the SMHA, visit www.squamishminorhockey.com.
