Moose Jaw Minor Hockey reports a successful year despite trying circumstances, Friesen joining as executive director

The elation of being able to start practices and games. The disappointment of seeing things shut down. The hope of a return. And in the end, a successful compromise.

In no way shape or form was it business as usual for the Moose Jaw Minor Hockey Association this past season, but in the end, it was as successful as it could have been in the eyes of president Chris Flanagan.

The MJMHA held their annual general meeting early last week and despite everything that happened over the last 12 months with regards to the ongoing pandemic, the news was largely positive when it came to where things sit today.

“It’s been a very weird year and I can say I’m happy that this year is over with,” Flanagan said with a laugh of relief. “I think our board from last year, we got pretty worn out just like everybody else with what’s going on, but we have some returning board members and new board members, a great mix of hockey minds and parents and coaches who decided to step up and join. I think we’re going to be able to move forward positively and trying some new stuff out here.”

As mentioned, the season was as up-and-down as could be. Changes were coming on a near daily basis at certain points and by season’s end, it was down to practices with limited numbers.

But at least the kids were still playing some semblance of the game, and as Flanagan says, that’s the most positive thing.

“We had to deal with a lot of stuff on the fly and stick within all the restrictions and guidelines the government brought forward to us, but I think we answered the bell the right way, we made the majority of people happy even though it was difficult,” he said. “At the end of the day we were able to stay on the ice and keep the kids active and engaged in the sport… it was a minor miracle and we couldn’t have done it without the support of our parents and volunteers not just here in Moose Jaw but across the province.”

Financially, the news isn’t perfect, but no one expected it to be given all that happened. But rest assured, things are still looking good for minor hockey in Moose Jaw, with more than enough cash on hand to keep things in order for the coming season and beyond.

“We didn’t spend a lot of money, but we didn’t make a lot of money,” Flanagan said. “We were able to apply for some grants from the government and gain some money back, which allowed us to issue refunds for parents, even if they weren’t as high as we hoped. We’ll have some new initiatives going forward next year, so hopefully we can get our fundraisers back up and going and do tournaments and that sort of thing.”

One major addition is the hiring of longtime minor hockey supporter and coach Lloyd Friesen as the organization’s executive director. The president of the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League for over a decade, the Caronport native brings plenty of experience to the position and will be a strong advocate for minor hockey in the city.

“We approached Lloyd and it’s something we’ve been working on throughout the year, and personally as the president, I think this is great for our association,” Flanagan said. “He wants to work for the kids. He has some great ideas he wants to bring to minor hockey, keep these kids engaged in sport and build our association.” Minor hockey also filled out their board of directors for the 2021-22 campaign, with J.D. Craig as vice president, Nadene MacAngus as secretary, Shane Smith as director of coach/player development, Derek Ross as equipment director, Darrell Markin as Tier director, Jamie Feiffer as female hockey director, Jaylyn Knudson as U9 director, Johnny Spencer as U11 director and Ian Vicaryouas as U13 director.

The treasurer, U7 director, U15/18 director and tournament director positions are vacant. Contact the MJMHA office at (306) 693-4900 for more information if you’re interested in filling one of those spots.