PRESIDENTS MESSAGE

 

The 2003-2004 season is complete and we have had another successful season.  We had 921 registered players in our association this past season, fielding teams in all age categories in our recreational and rep programs.  We had wonderful growth in our female program, having all-female teams at the atom, peewee and midget levels.  I would like to thank our coaches, assistant coaches and team managers once again for their hard work and dedication making the Halifax Hawks one of the best minor hockey associations in the province.  I would like to thank our association executive for their support.  The long hours they volunteered to keep our programs organized, especially when dealing with unexpected, last minute changes, was very much appreciated.

 

The age category changes that were implemented across Canada  continue to pose a challenge to every minor hockey association.  We need ongoing corrections, especially in our Midget age group, and will continue to work with  Hockey Canada, Hockey Nova Scotia and the Minor Council for improvement. 

 

 I would like to extend a special thanks to  our Director of Development, Graham Burgess and Past President, Donna Goguen for all of their efforts.

 

 As always, I look forward for feedback from our membership, so please make an effort to mail us your suggestions.  I would also like to thank the many parents who have been so supportive this past season.  Your patience and kindness are always appreciated.

 

John Carson, President, HHMHA

 

 

Once again, the Halifax Hawks Rep teams experienced success at the Provincial and League level in 2003/04. So, Hail the Champs:

 

Halifax Regional Champs

 

Midget AA

Bantam AA

Peewee AAA

Peewee A

Peewee B

Atom AA

 

Inter-Regional Champs

 

Midget Minor AAA

Midget AA

Bantam AAA

Peewee B

Atom AA

 

Provincial Champs

 

Bantam AAA

Peewee AAA

 

 

Our recreational program had a very successful year.  We had some growing pains in Metro Minor and exited stronger for it.

 

I continue to receive suggestions on how I can improve the program and will attemp to follow through on some of them. As always, I look forward to your input. So don't be shy!

 

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TO ALL PARENTS OF PLAYERS WHO WILL BE 5, 6, 7 OR 8 IN THE 2004/2005 SEASON

 

Next season, we will continue to refine our implementation of the CHA's Initiation Program.  Your technical staff will continue to resource this program, and our coach instructors will be given more training and opportunities to hone their skills.  Our 5, 6 and 7 year old players will again participate in the IP skill development program while the 7-year-olds will be introduced to half-ice games over the course of the season.  As for our 8 year olds, they will continue with the skill development components of the program and be  introduced to the rules of the game by playing full ice, officiated games.

 

 Your association executive and  Director of Development will continue to make decisions based on the best information available from all sources.  The introduction of hockey skills and the game with appropriate timing will give our players an advantage as they progress in minor hockey, through the years.  This is not different from many other sports, as it is very important for the players to acquire the skills necessary to play the game, in a progression of steps. 

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TO ALL MIDGET PARENTS

 

Midget hockey my be at it's crossroads.  I am anticipating further discussion at HNSMC, since new strategies are necessary to enhance this age category.

 

There are those who continue to work against the very system we try to protect.  The Major Midget teams we support continue to work against us, while our main competitors for this program, continue to thrive. Our recreational program has worked very well and we may very well be focussing on this program in future years. 

 

It is our traditionally AAA, AA category players that are not being well served with the revised Minor Midget AAA program.  The 15 year old player once a jewel for Major Midget AAA has now been replaced by the younger, Bantam 14 year old. We will do our best to keep you informed of any developments.