Western Ontario Girls Hockey Association (WOGHL)

Annual General Meeting Minutes

Date: June 25, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: [Insert Location or Virtual]
Meeting Adjourned: 9:43 PM

1. Attendance

WOGHL Executive:
- Aaron Brooks – President
- Jodi Edwards – Treasurer

Association Representatives:
Adriana Allair, Alice Tschen, Brad Biggers, Bryan Minten, Craig McKelvie, Dianna Woodford, Greg Van Herten, Todd McCann, Jill Fraser, Joanne Spylo, Mark Kropf, Peter Broeders, Kelly, Justin Free, Fife

Emails/Associations:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- Mooretown Lady Flags
- [email protected] (Lambton Attack)

2. President’s Report – Aaron Brooks

·         Recap of the 2024-2025 season: successes and areas for growth.

·         New associations/teams added: Owen Sound, Saugeen Shores, Kincardine, Mt Forest, Walkerton, Brantford U9, London U15 HL.

·         BB loops successfully introduced for U15 and U18; potential expansion to U11 and U13.

·         Team growth:
  - 2022-2023: 100 teams
  - 2023-2024: 161 teams
  - 2024-2025: 205 teams

·         Feedback included: extended season appreciated, BB loop well-received, reseeding concerns especially at U11.

·         Suggestions included play-in games or tier-based seeding, and further division of teams based on performance.

·         Action Item: Aaron and Jason to review playoff format and reseeding approach.

3. Day of Champions

·         Pete (South Huron): Asked about medals vs. banners – banners preferred, similar cost.

·         Brad (Mooretown): Requested more time for on-ice awards and recognition.

·         Action Item: Explore other award options and improved presentation process.

4. All-Star Game

·         Positive feedback from associations.

·         2025-2026 host: BAD Blazers (Dorchester).

·         Need improved communication to coaches and clarification on sponsorship timelines.

 

·         48 Cuts partnership success: 100k+ views on Instagram videos for the 2 days of Day of Champions and All Star Games.  32 total videos (1 from each game playerd)

 

5. U9 Championship

·         St. Marys and North Middlesex praised event; interested in hosting again.

·         Bryan Minten (Bluewater): Earlier communication on location of games requested.

·         U9 Championship Weekend: March 27–29, 2026.

6. U9 Regular Season

·         New VP/U9 Rep needed for 2025-2026.

·         Hockey Canada's model (half-to-full-ice transition) continues.

·         Option for U9 B loop if interest is sufficient.

·         Contact: Cindy Foster – [email protected]

7. Treasurer’s Report – Jodi Edwards

·         Total Revenue: $63,601.45

·         Total Expenses: $67,051.08

·         Deficit: ($3,449.63)

·         Opening Balance: $26,840.00

·         Ending Balance: $23,390.37

·         Spendable Balance: $17,770.37

·         Summary: WOGHL remains financially healthy; all associations in good standing.

8. Motions & Voting

·         Discussion prior to voting included feedback from associations on the value provided by the league through the Day of Champions, All-Star Games, and general season structure.

·         Pete from South Huron suggested increasing the fee to $350/team rather than just $30 more to ensure continued quality and support potential honorariums for board members.

·         Dianna from BADGHA raised a concern regarding compliance with OWHA rules, specifically related to the honorarium structure. It was agreed the motion would only proceed if no policy conflicts exist.

·         Greg Van Herten (St. Thomas Panthers) seconded the amended motion after clarifying the breakdown of how funds would be distributed.
$10/ team for President Honourarium
$10/ team for Scheduler Honourarium
$5/ team for Vice President Honourarium
$5/ team for Treasurer Honourarium

·         Motion passed with 15 votes in favor and 2 abstentions.

Update that there is no literature or rules opposing the Honourariums in the manuals.

·         Jodi Edwards (Treasurer) presented a second motion, seconded by Justin Free (Lambton Attack), to return bond fees to the 28 associations, totaling $5,600.

·         It was discussed that bond fees are no longer necessary as protest fees are paid per instance and playoff eligibility is based on league fee compliance.

·         This motion also passed with 15 votes in favor and 2 abstentions.

·         Motion 1 – Increase League Fees to $350/team with honorariums.

·         Vote: 15 Yes, 2 Abstained – Motion Passed.

·         Motion 2 – Return $5600 in bonds to 28 associations.

·         Vote: 15 Yes, 2 Abstained – Motion Passed.

9. ITR Process & Scheduling

·         Preliminary ITRs due by July 30, 2025.

·         Final ITRs due September 15, 2025 (changes allowed until Sept 29).

·         Scheduling: Sept 30 – Divisions Released, Oct 1-3 – Online Scheduling.

·         Season Format:
  - Regular Season: 12–18 games (Oct–Jan)
  - Playoffs: 8–10 games (Jan–March)
  - Championship Series: March 28–29

·         Period Lengths:
  - U11–U13: 10-10-12 to 10-15-15
  - U15–U18 BB: 15-15-15 with flood

10. 2025-2026 Championship Events

·         U9 Championship: March 27–29, 2026

·         Day of Champions: March 28, 2026 – Dorchester

·         All-Star Games: March 29, 2026 – Dorchester

·         2026-2027 Hosting: Applications open (2-pad facility required)

11. New Business

·         Volunteers Needed:
  - Vice President
  - Treasurer
  - Secretary
  - Scheduler

·         BB Loop Expansion: Interest gathering for U11–U18.

·         Tryout Alignment Proposal by Christine Shaffner (Ilderton Jets): November coordination meeting proposed.

12. Open Discussion

·         Positive discussion on board structures, volunteer strategies, and playoff categories.

13. Adjournment

·         Motion to Adjourn by Aaron Brooks at 9:43 PM – Motion Carried Unanimously.