BROOKS, AB (August 25, 2020) ? The Brooks & District Junior ?A? Hockey Association, who operate the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), held their Annual General Meeting on Thursday in the Centennial Regional Arena lobby, officially wrapping up a season that was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The meeting featured reports from the President, Hockey Operations and Business Manager, proposed bylaw amendments and election of new officers.
The organization announced a deficit of $97,837, which was attributed to the cancellation of the 2020 AJHL Playoffs, Spring Camps and costs incurred during the three weeks from the end of the regular season to the beginning of the playoffs.
A long overdue review of bylaws was completed to address the changes that have occurred in the regulatory and legal environments as well as in the growth of the organization. They were passed unanimously by the membership.
In addition to the financial report, the organization also renewed its board of directors.
The Association acclaimed all four members of its executive to return, with President Paul Seaton entering his 12th year at the helm of the organization. James Mitchell will return as Vice-President, while Murray Hauck and Mike Ibach remain Treasurer and Secretary, respectively.
With the approved bylaws, the President and Treasurer were elected to 2 year terms, while the Vice-President and Secretary were elected to 1 year terms in order to achieve an alternating cycle of only 2 officer terms expiring each year.
For directors-at-large, Neil Fraser joined the board on a two-year term, while Reg Swartz, Sheila Laverty and April Fleury, were re-elected to two-year terms. Ryan Papaioannou, Kelly Tanigami and James Unchelenko will enter the second year of their two-year terms.
The Association offered its gratitude to departing directors Duane Perkins and Lindsey Lachapelle, who are stepping down after this past season.
“Success in sport is so often short-lived. Sustained success comes with immense difficulties, complications and an abundance of challenges,? said President Paul Seaton.
?It?s considerably harder to stay at the top than it is to get to the top. The tallest trees catch the most wind. One thing is certain, that these burdensome circumstances are testament to the performance our staff, as well as our board in the decisions that they have made and the various directions that have been taken.?
“Finally, and the most important, as was proved beyond any doubt the previous season in the most successful Nationals ever, we are the highly fortunate beneficiaries of a community that has shown it can rise above all others in its astonishing support. Spectators, volunteers, businesses and the two councils are all most deserving of our gratitude.”
Highlights of the meeting?s Business Report include: the $11,527.23 raised for the Brooks EID Legion No. 63 during the team?s Remembrance Day Jersey Auction. As well, the team raised $2,500 for the Brooks & District Health Foundation through the Saves Promotion sponsored by Hass Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities Inc.
In the community, the players and staff committed more than 100 hours of community involvement over the course of the season, including school readings, floor hockey visits and various community events.
On the hockey side, the Bandits finished with a record of 46-10-2 (94 points) and earned a bye through the 1st Round of the AJHL Playoffs. The team had 16 NCAA Scholarships, the highest among all AJHL teams. The team also set a record for consecutive wins to start a season (22), and longest regular season home game winning streak (53) in overlapping seasons.
The financial results of the organization were entirely separate from the 2019 National Junior A Championship; final results and figures from that tournament are expected to be released soon under the guidance of Hockey Canada.
The new Board will meet in late August to begin planning for a 2020-21 season, which is currently delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bandits Extended Training Camp begins Tuesday, September 8th.