Registration is Open

Don’t forget to register with your Association now!  Registration opened on May 1st. 

In some cases spots are limited and fill up fast.  In all cases, registering now helps our tireless volunteers to better plan for the upcoming season.  Uniforms need to be ordered, ice booked for practices and games, and coaches put in place, all done over the summer.  The associations can only do this efficiently if they know early enough the numbers of players they will have.  You can take advantage of payment plans to spread out your costs, or make arrangements to pay at a later time if needed.

Contact your Association Registrar if you need any information or help.

MHL Bauer First Shift Programs Returns!

The MHL is pleased to announce that we are offering this popular introductory hockey program again this fall and winter.  The Mississauga Hockey League first offered First Shift (and our companion program Second Shift)  in 2014-15.  In 2015-16 the MHL ran three sessions for 135 children, ages 6-10.

Dates and times will be announced on our website and in upcoming newsletters.

MHL AGM

On Wednesday, May 4th, the following volunteers were elected to the MHL Board of Directors for the upcoming 2016-17th season.

President    Brian Webster
1st Vice President    Brian Scarlett
2nd Vice President    Jim Thomas
3rd Vice President    Peter Waters
Secretary    Wendy Webster
Treasurer    Ken Szreier
Past President    Bob Fletcher
Directors   
Director    Ravi Harakh
Director    Steve Jay
Director    Brian Muirhead
Director    Steve Pietrzyk
Director    Greg Sabat
Director    Lawry Simon
Director    Paul Wilson
Director    Bob Wiseman
Director    Ken Yetman

MHL Discipline Program Update

The MHL Discipline Committee for the 2015-16 season is happy to report that suspensions continue to decrease, falling from 697 last season to 580 this season (a 16.8% improvement – adjusted to reflect drop in registration the improvement is 4.6%).
The average number of Aggressive Play suspensions on “A” teams improved to 4.0 from 4.9, a reflection of the continued Aggressive Play Training provided by teams by the MHL referee supervision staff.

The Discipline Committee thanks the Area Association (Spiros Stamopoulos – Applewood, Kevin Pickett- Clarkson, Dan Tanaka- Cooksville, Bill Creamer- Credit Valley, Ron Short- Erindale, David McKeon-Lorne Park, Matthew White-Meadowvale & Steven Franks – Port Credit) for their on-going support and assistance in helping to keep hockey players in the MHL safer and better behaved.

Top Referee!

George McBride Award

Richard Goodridge was presented the award for 2015-16.  Richard has been an official in the MHL for more than 20 seasons, has been a Level III official for 15 of those seasons, was a registered Coach for the 2002-2003 Clarkson Algonquin Midget A team that represented the MHL at the OHF Championship in Windsor, who always makes time to pick up extra assignments when needed, help out in exhibition games and is a consistent contributor in the MHL Challenge tourney, known by his peers for his kind friendly demeanor, always greeting people with a big smile on his face and has the respect from his fellow officials

We Have Moved!

As of Tuesday, May 17th, the MHL has moved a short distance to our new office at 3615 Laird Road, Unit 14,   just south of The Collegeway.  The phone number remains 905-607-1118.

Our new space is more cost-effective and its warehouse component will allow us to expand our equipment exchange program which when open will be available year round during normal office hours.

Employment Opportunities with the MHL

Each hockey season, the MHL hires new referees or timekeepers depending on the number of returnees from the season before.  Spots therefore are always limited and vary season to season.

In order to consider employment as a referee or timekeeper, you must be 14 years of age.  Having hockey playing experience helps, as referees must be good skaters and knowledge of the game assists in fulfilling duties in both jobs.  There are other skill sets that factor into whether or not these positions are suitable – self-confidence, good organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task and comfort with announcing over a microphone (timekeeping).

Interested individuals should check the MHL or GTHL website in June for course information.

Referees

• must certify or re-certify through the Hockey Canada Referee courses usually held in September
• apply to MHL and advise certification status
• attend a tryout skate, if applicable
• if accepted, further details regarding applying for and accepting shifts will be provided.

Timekeepers

• register online for the New Timekeepers Clinic through the MHL website
• attend the clinic, usually held in September
• if accepted, further details regarding applying for and accepting shifts will be provided

There are limited additional opportunities for refs and timekeepers with Area Association programs, such as association-run 4-6 year old programs.

Meadowvale Atom Red 051 Wins The Hazel McCallion Sportsmanship Award

On Sunday, April 17th at Meadowvale Hockey Association’s annual trophy day, the Atom Red 051 Hawks were the inaugural recipients of the MHL Hazel McCallion Sportsmanship Award.  This award was created in the mayor’s retirement year with the purpose of honoring the MHL team which best demonstrates qualities of community involvement and sportsmanship, two causes near and dear to the former mayor’s heart.

The Atom Red team distinguished themselves this past season with the support the whole team demonstrated after team captain, David Boddy, befriended Cambridge Hawk player Hunter Barnhardt with an act of kindness at a hockey tournament, and through the adoption of a seniors’ home (both stories appeared in previous newsletters). Former Mayor McCallion was on hand to surprise the team with their award.

MHL Annual Awards Banquet

On Thursday, May 5th at Capitol Banquet Hall, the MHL honored its volunteers at their annual dinner.  The dinner provides an opportunity to recognize volunteers at the association and league level for the many hours they donate to provide the youth of Mississauga with a minor hockey program.  Each year volunteers are recognized for long-term service. Special guest, former Mayor Hazel McCallion, was on hand for the presentations.  The following recipients were honoured this season

15 Year

James Cherry         Cooksville
Richard Lauro        Cooksville
Mike Mitchell         Cooksville
Daniel Cloutier        Erindale
Bruce Sparrow        Erindale
Brian Thompson    Lorne Park
Mike Cantion          Port Credit
Dave Edwards         Port Credit
Steven Franks         Port Credit
Doug Houghton     Port Credit
Scott Langlois         Port Credit
Michael Smith        Port Credit
Steve Pietrzyk         MHL

20 Year

Anil Dhawan        Cooksville
Mario Luciano     Cooksville
Jeff Davidson       Erindale
Robert Heubeck   Erindale
Michael Valade    Erindale
Brian McAlpine   Port Credit
Steve Crozier        Port Credit
Bart Martino        Port Credit
Bill Thompson     Port Credit
Nelson Vieira       Port Credit
Peter Waters        MHL

25 Year

Alan Simpson   Port Credit

30 Year

Lawry Simon   MHL

14th Annual MHL Charity Golf Tournament Scores Big for the MHL Play-More Fund

On Tuesday, May 10th, 92 golfers enjoyed a beautiful afternoon of golf at Eagle Ridge Golf Course in Georgetown to raise funds for The MHL Play-More Program.  The event raised $6,600 for the charity that provides financial aid to assist families realize their children’s hockey dreams. After some good-spirited competition on the course, the golfers enjoyed a roast beef buffet dinner and presentation of trophies and prizes.  Thanks to coaches, association directors, referees and sponsors who supported this fun event!