June 2008

June 30 – for some folks the year is half over, for others there is half left. It’s all in your point of view.

Similarly, for a lot of people today is day 3 (or 4) of a 4 (or 5) day weekend. For others – like moi – it is just another Monday. As you will undoubtedly have heard or seen in the media, BC’s very own Carbon Tax kicks in at midnight tonight and customers are not happy about getting hit with another 2.4 cpl at the pumps. Talking to the sites today it seems they are very busy with folks trying to beat the tax. Let’s see, 40 litres at 2.4 cpl - $0.96. I hope they didn’t spend too much extra time on it.

Apparently Saturday’s ~~hen party~~ OOPs shower went well. In-laws met outlaws and whose laws and no laws without any apparent violence. Check off another box in the pregame ritual and move on.

Fireworks! (no, not hockey) the real ones. What’s the deal? When I was a kid (yes gunpowder had been invented), a big deal for us was to get “cannon crackers” – they were the red ones about 3 inches long and made a heck of a bang (especially if you happened to be holding one – they could make your whole hand go numb, let alone blowing off fingers). The impression was these were the biggest “legal” ones you could buy.

Now a certain member of my household and his colleagues head of to the “fly by night” fireworks emporiums and come home with construction site type explosives. Your basic cannon cracker is now a foot and a half long and 3 or 4 inches in diameter. A friend bought this thing the size and weight of a car battery – who knows what the ^&% it will do. I think you need an asbestos suit and det cord to set these off. I didn’t feel any better when I heard he had bought a camouflage suit at the military surplus store this weekend as well!

There are a bunch of hockey topics floating around that have come to me from a number of sources so I can mention them without the reprisal police going after or being able to identify my sources – see the first point below.

Just in case you thought nothing was happening (you might be right), but:

“Leaks in the boardroom” – No not the roof – Word is getting out about what is going on in the board meetings – people are “vowing” to get to the bottom of it! I guess this means transparent is actually opaque. Gee – this is new! I wonder if it is the same people who used to do it when it was OK?
Discipline Chair – yes you are, no you’re not, yes you are, no you’re not – TBD
Mitron – in, out? Schools, to have or not to have/ – who is going to run them? Will anyone register with all the hoopla going on not knowing who or what they will get? Enquiring minds want to know.
Honourariums – seems the new Prez wants them gone! – Does that mean all of them or just the plebes?? Does that mean that the board does not feel it is not necessary, or worth roughly the cost of a registration for a house league convenor to spend 3 to 5 hours a week at the arena every week all season, do stats, answer calls, help get coaches and teams organized or drafted, work through balancing, deal with team official, parent, player issues and represent and report to the league? Apparently they are supposed to think a dinner at the end of the year is enough. I guess that has been well researched, maybe someone did a survey on that too. I guess there must be a long line-up of volunteers to convene or maybe board members plan to – let’s see how many!
Conflicts of interest – some interesting opinions on that – shades of “Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription” or the “Do as I say, not as I do” – you should understand at least one of the two. Everyone is being reeeeally careful here. Circle the wagons if you want, but give people a little credit for figuring this one out.
My blog – is apparently really annoying a few folks – Good! This one will probably really cheese them off.

And MORE to come – I can’t use all my material at once, you have to build the drama

Happy Canada Day everyone – if Canada is 141, does that mean there have been 141 or 142 Canada Days?

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June 28 - I thought I better post something so folks did not think I had been cowed into submission (I love these old phrases where nobody knows where they come from but everyone thinks they know what they mean). Possibly more later. Today is "Shower Day", apparently both literally and figuratively so I decided to post this early in case I get too involved later on. There is a story circulating that I will make a guest appearance as a Piñata . It seems that a lot of people would like to take a shot at me so why should "family" be left out!

Thanks to GO Transit for filling my mailbox this morning with a lot of "out of office" responses. How they got to me I don't know but they are just another treat from our information highway. Sort of why I dumped the forum, with all the really disgusting spam that showed up on it. I hope none of my loyal readers sent any of it.

I expect that this will be my last blog. Not because I am giving up, but when I win the $30 M tonight I can hire someone else to do it for me. That may be good news for folks as then people may actually understand half of what is written. The spelling may also improve as I have been chastised by another reader for my inappropriate use / spelling of "nob". It's great that we have such mind expanding topics to discuss.

Even on "filler" content like today's blog, I can't leave without one MOHA comment. My problem is that once again there is a bunch of "good stuff "perkin" (that is short for percolating) but I am facing a gag order on most of it. Suffice it to say that there is a lot of "talk" floating around the street / parks / diamonds / rinks - Good!

The blog "hit counter" is over 2,700!. I know that is not all me - someone(s) must be finding this informative or dare I say entertaining?

Enjoy the rain on some people's long week-end - I'm going to go and see if I can push gas prices up a bit more!

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June 25 - As one of my avid readers pointed out door knob is spelt with a "K". My response - not in my house, and not yesterday! Perhaps a Freudian slip. Speaking of Freudian slips, the countdown is on to I believe the first event in the official wedding countdown - the SECRET shower for Becky from our family - except it is not so secret any more since somebody goofed. One of those "reply all" moments. Notice I did not mention any names.

As we head towards the week-end leading into a weird Tuesday holiday week, that is also a reminder the year is half gone - where did it go! A lot of folks will be taking Monday to stretch a four day week-end but oh no not me.

As a huge fan of regulation and more taxes I am really pleased that the BC government has chosen July 1 to introduce their new carbon tax on all carbon base fuels - yes folks gasoline, diesel and propane among them. So besides missing a great holiday opportunity, yours truly has to follow-up up on a bunch of implementation and compliance issues to make sure I don't get to wear a striped lounging outfit (horizontal not vertical - I do have my standards). Oh yeah - it will tack about another 2.4 cpl (cpl - cents per litre) on to gas prices this year, increasing to about 7.5 cpl for 2012. Don't laugh - it could be you next!.

The local hockey scene is relatively quiet these days - everyone keeping their heads down - wouldn't want me to take any pot shots at them. Or maybe the old adage is coming into play - "Better to remain silent and be considered a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt".

Apparently I am now the proud owner of a new multi piece patio set that has arrived with those dreaded words "some assembly required". Off to the dungeon we go.

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June 24 - Very low key today. I just finished installing a replacement door nob. All kind of imagery there!. All because when son #2 (I might as well get the whole family ticked) took it off he did not put the connecting screws back in so they did not get lost when "storing it". So, a door nob is a door nob - right - NO - WRONG! Even when they claim the same setback - they aren't. One has a plug inset, the other a plate, One had a square shaft, the other semi circle. So after "pulling the plug", chiseling out a plate insert and putting it in, I discover that without carving a 1/4 inch setback meaning the striker probably won't catch, it won't fit! However, just to make sure I don't overlook the obvious, I find the connecting screws in the new NOB fit the old NOB - no problem. Take new nob out, put old nob in, put new screws in old nob - Zesto Presto - DONE! I just spent 1/2 an hour and spent $7 on two screws to do a five minute job. Sounds like how hockey works.

Therefore I figure I have wasted enough time tonight so signing off to go listen to more George Carlin. I think I will replay the "Some people are Stupid" again - while looking in a mirror!

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June 23 - Mondays are a lousy blog day. After getting back into it at the office and a seemingly endless pile of SNAFU's to be un SNAFU'd the last thing I want to do is spend time on something as thought provoking and intellectually challenging as my blog. A few people have commented on some of my comments that they "don't get it". That might be a good thing because if they did, I could be in a lot more trouble than I already am.

I thought I had snuck one by the family members but apparently not! We got a call from #1 son about my rehearsal dinner comments - chalk up another one on the blacklist. Now that I am out of MOHA it is OK for me to have a blacklist - but I think I have this backward - I appear to be the blacklistee instead of the blacklistor.

Corporate strategists and raiders often talk about the importance of their plan for the first 30 days after a take-over. Establish yourself, identify your plan and make things happen. Hmmmmm over 30 days have passed since the coup and so far all I've heard about are exits. Oh Well.

On a less frivolous note and with respect to him, I was surprised and saddened to hear about the sudden passing of George Carlin. It's likely not a surprise to those who know me that I enjoyed his humour. George could be irreverent, rude and some would say vulgar but he really made a statement about a lot of things. Stuff that has proved truer than many people may care to believe. He was also always willing to speak his mind regardless of who he offended (e.g., his parsing of the 10 commandments or attitude to voting or his assessment that some people are stupid . . . . ). Good for you George - you will be missed.

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June 21 - The first full day of summer - and I mean full. Apparently in roughly two months I am supposed to catch up on all the "to dos" that weren't done over the last eight years! Not to mention some action in the real world as I deal with the daily PR about gas prices and investigations. I thought part of my exile would allow me time to put my feet up and enjoy some leisure time. Nope!

Updating my Blog is my rest period today.

Part of the challenge is my oldest son is getting married this August. As the "Father of the Groom, I thought this meant that I basically did not have to do anything. Another misconception.

Shaun blew through the other day, carefully ensuring Jane was not home and casually mentioned that - Oh by the way Dad, we have decided that you can have the rehearsal dinner here. No big deal, just your average backyard barbecue for ?? of your closest friends. Interesting response when I passed that info on to my better half!

The more I think about this, the more I think I'll call up MJ and invite myself for the round of golf he keeps trying to get me out for - I'll schedule it for Wedding Day - I don't have to go do I?

Meanwhile the new fearless leader for MOHA made the Beaver - interesting comments, especially the nice "gloss over" on the referee situation. Hopefully he was misquoted as the facts were wrong - but not a big surprise. That could make for a nice topic if I have the energy - meanwhile I hope MOHA got the detailed reconciliation that was requested but never received - at least not prior to the AGM - and no I don't mean the useless summary, I used the word "detailed" for a reason.

While I do not wish to centre anyone one, or put them on the spot, I think a quick recap of MY understanding of the "gonzo" list might help in adding to the roles mentioned in the Beaver. Remember communication and transparency are touchstones of the new regime.

While it may have already changed again, here is MY summary of key roles that have changed.

I just hate partial info - so I hope I haven't missed any

2007/08 Position	Status
President	Resigned
Vice President, House League	Me - Defeated as VP, elected by 1 vote as a Director, Resigned
Vice President, Town Rep	Withdrew before election, not even re-elected as a Director
Treasurer	Resigned
Discipline Chairman	A life member, not re-elected as a director, Board added based on my resignation spot. Not reappointed to discipline after ? years
Senior Convenor - Midget / Juvenile	Stepped down from role, remains on Board
IP Program Director	Resigned from position and Board after 6 years leading MOHA Timbits

From the Beaver "Bentley said that should not hinder the organization going forward."

Oh Oh, I have been summoned back to work - who knows if I will have any energy for tomorrow, but isn't Sunday supposed to be a day of rest?

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June 20 - The question is - How many blue and white fans are going to go out this weekend and see if the Leafs win the Stanley Cup? Only in the Love Guru from Mike Myers can this ever be a possibility. Similar to watching the Leafs is The Star's comment on watching the movie - "Watching Mike Myers' The Love Guru is akin to being locked with a clergyman and a clown in a flaming car hurtling over a cliff." The imagery you can get from that is outstanding.

More telling was a comment from star Jessica Alba - "These guys really stink".

That will get even worse if the discussion between Montreal and Sundin pans out.

The draft is on and no surprise Stamkos goes first but interesting profile - top five picks are all "D". Who says kids should not want to play defense. Leafs trade up to fifth and get Luke Schenn - can we hope bye bye McCabe. As a Detroit fan, I hope not.

The only problem with watching the draft is you have to listen to Bob McKenzie!

Looks like the MOHA folks are catching up on solving the Case of the "Disappearing Directors". As a Whodunit - Whodidit? If you want a really baaaad pun, the Butler did it! I can't believe I typed that!

What is Plagiarism*

Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work, or borrowing someone else's original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of the offense:

According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means

to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
to use (another's production) without crediting the source
to commit literary theft
to present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.

In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone else's work and lying about it afterward.

*reproduced from www.plagiarism.org

Not to be picky but I take offense to someone simply replacing my name at the end of something I wrote http://www.moha.on.ca/House_League.htm because they are too ____ to do it themselves, replace it or whatever. That page is so outdated it should have been updated with something useful - not simply a search and replace, one name for another. Classy, right up there with the keys.

Like shooting fish in a barrel^TP

In closing - I had a call today from the Oakville Beaver's ace reporting staff. Seems they are curious about a few things! It will be interesting to see how my comments are interpreted. Have a nice day.

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June 16 - Well Tiger finally outlasted Rocco for the Open. Sunday's golf was entertaining, if only because there were so many questionable shots. Easy to say when you are playing armchair quarterback but you can't imagine the pressure on those guys.

Good for Rocco - I will cheer for him in future events - waht a story despite the "loss".Let's see, old guy, never been there, had to qualify, held it together with a sense of humour and did not have the proverbial melt down.

Played Tiger 72 to a draw.

18 more head to head with a three shot comeback

Finally "loses on a sudden death hole.

Have to say I agree with the broadcaster that wants the 18 done away with and use the British Open format - four holes same day - let everyone see it happen.

I may have to start watching golf again, but where were my guys - Nicklaus, Watson, Trevino, Player, Palmer, Boros, Rodriguez - I'm surprised none of them made the cut?

Oh well, maybe next time - I will have to see if I can find my Jack Nicklaus signed ball - HaH - it's a baseball not a golf ball. Years ago when the Open was here Jack was staying at the hotel on Cross St - I think it was a HoJo's at the time and I had my ball team there for a wrap. When Jack came in he was swarmed by a horde of little baseball players. He took the time to talk to every kid and signed whatever - a class act.

Tiger is a great golfer and times are different but he has a ways to go to match that side of Mr. Nicklaus.

meanwhile a quick word on hockey.

There's a new mantra in Town - "you wouldn't do this if you were really in it for the kids - ommmm"

Sorry folks, that one is wearing thin.

It is soon time for me to work on my "whatever happened to.." list and we haven't even hit 30 days yet.

I don't think folks are current on who's in, who's out and who are "they" still trying to push out? Would the cabal mind publishing a list of who's who in the zoo to help us keep score?

It might raise some awareness of some holes that will desperately need filling. No problem, just asign one of the nyriad of qualified volunteers lined up and waiting.

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June 15 – Fathers Day

Jane is off to Bingo, Andrew off to a friend’s cottage, Shaun and Becky dropped by and left, so I am now officially abandoned.

Final round of the Open is on so we will see if Tiger’s knee stands up and he can pick-up another. You know that media coverage will be Tiger, Tiger, Tiger with maybe an occasional glimpse of some other guys.

I have been amusing myself by cleaning up and consolidating my historical hockey computer files. They were on three computers (not counting the MOHA PCs that are now off limits) and a number of memory keys.

Current top line count for you propeller heads – in my 8 years as VP, I have collected:

Disk size – 3.1 Gb

Folders – 686

Files – 18,513

Must be some good stuff in there. Wonder if there might be a book offer or plans for a VP library.

Tuesday is another “election day” – watch for the plume of white smoke. Up to 32 (your current directors) voters will determine MOHA’s President for the 2008/09 season. I will not identify which of the three (current count) candidates I would support as that would clearly nullify his chance, but it should be pretty obvious who I think would be a horrible choice. The great Karnac has placed his “bet” in the sealed mayonnaise jar.

Perhaps in the interest of the much touted transparency concern, the board should have a recorded vote and publish it. Since the chances of this happening are between slim and none, someone should ask each director who they are supporting and compare their response to what happens – that would be way too much fun.

Not hearing much on the Treasurer front (other than the big “no keys caper”)! Guess fiscal responsibility is not as important as having a new President.

I find myself once again with my ongoing dilemma. Individuals are telling me about some really “interesting” activities that are going on or actions taking place but I respect their confidences and won’t post anything that could be “traced” back to source. I am sure some of these incidents will surface regardless. Funny that the inside sources don’t seem to be passing this information on to other media outlets.

Apropos of nothing, I was fortunate enough to attend the OMHA AGM with Mike yesterday to share in his recognition. Interesting, not one MOHA individual present would so much as attempt to come up and say “hello” to me (thank goodness in most cases), but every single OMHA representative I saw made a point of saying hello, complimented me on our organization (past actions) and asked “What the H__l is going on in Oakville”. Good Question – but clearly they don’t know anything about hockey.

More to come.

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June 14 - Today's content is simple

Thanks Mike (and Debbie and Rod) and Congratulations - Well deserved!.

Today at the OMHA's Annual General Meeting, your former President was awarded the OMHA's highest recognition as the recipient of the 2008 OMHA Honour Award.

This honour is awarded by the OMHA to "honour a person who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time".

I would suggest that this might put a number of events and opinions in perspective, but for the really "thick" folks I have posted the content of the original nomination letter that was sent to the OMHA three years ago (update the numbers - 20 of 23 years and 4,160+ kids) that served as the basis for their consideration of and awarding this honour to Mike.

It may give some of you a little more insight into what has been lost.

Interesting that some of the "pluses" in the letter are getting dragged through through the mud today.

Original Nomination Letter

April 4, 2005

Honour Award Committee

c/o Ontario Minor Hockey Association

25 Brodie Drive, Unit 3,

Richmond Hill, Ontario.’

L4B 3K7

Dear Committee Members;

On behalf of the Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA), please consider this letter as our Honour Award nomination for our President, Mr. Mike Zardo.

Mike has made significant contributions to minor hockey over many years, both within Oakville’s Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA) and throughout the OMHA. Mike has always taken pride in championing what is the right decision for minor hockey participants, not necessarily what would be the easiest or most popular decision. Many times this has been a difficult process but Mike has always stood by his convictions, despite whatever criticisms are directed at him. The "kids" always come first.

Some of Mr. Zardo's key contributions over the years are as follows:

Association Leadership

Since 1986, Mike has been President of the MOHA for 17 of the 20 years. After a brief break in 1993 (when he was still called back as VP Town Rep, Discipline Chair and Equipment Manager), Mike returned as President to rescue an organization that had fallen on hard time. The association was literally bankrupt, with major ice bills outstanding with the Town of Oakville, as well as debts to other suppliers and significant organizational challenges.

Mike spearheaded the "turn-around" efforts that brought MOHA back to a solid financial footing. His roll up your sleeves and find it / fix it approach motivated his team and revitalized the organization. Thanks to Mike's untiring efforts, MOHA now operates on a sound financial basis, has built a responsible surplus and has established comprehensive financial and operating controls. All of this was accomplished without increasing registration fees for over eight years. In these days of pointed discussion around responsible spending and organizational transparency in minor hockey, Mike has already established the MOHA as a role model in that area with annual audited statements, mandated team budgets and regularly reviewed bylaws.

He has also established his board of directors as a “working board”. You can not “just” be a board member, you have to take on a meaningful administrative role as a board member to be allowed to participate.

Prior to assuming his Presidential role, Mike also contributed to the organization for a number of years, dating back to 1982, in a variety of roles, as a coach and convenor at a variety of levels.

Since taking over as President, Mike has shepherded Minor Oaks growth from less than 1,500 participants to more than double that level with over 3,800 players in 2005/06.

Mike is a firm believer that personal economics should not prevent young people from having the opportunity to play hockey. In addition to supporting a number of "Big Brother" candidates each year, Mike has established the "President's Fund" which allows us to waive or reduce registration costs for families facing challenging circumstances. Mike has never turned away a youngster because they did not have the financial means to pay.

Player Development

Mike has also been a strong advocate of Hometown hockey and local player development. He was a key driver in evaluating, introducing, establishing and growing the Mitron High Performance Hockey System for Oakville. Mike saw the need for a consistent tool for Town Rep coaches to develop players throughout the age groups and ability levels, and to help the coaches work together to achieve these results. The Mitron system was identified as the best choice and a franchise acquired for the Oakville area. An ongoing "backhanded" compliment to the success of this decision and MOHA’s development program continues to be the number of MOHA "import" players currently participating in other organizations while MOHA teams still remain perennial contenders.

Mike and his team have continued to work to evolve the use and application of a "Mitron approach" such that the Mitron organization references Oakville as their exemplary client. Mitron is also further recognizing Oakville's adaptation of the system by implementing some of Oakville’s initiatives such as Oakville’s Town Rep "supervisory coaches" support program into Mitron's revised curriculum.

House League development has also been a key focus for Mike with roots in coaching and convening. Mike recognizes the importance of giving kids a great start and was a key supporter of MOHA's revamped Initiation Program.

Oakville’s revamped IP “cross ice” and structured practice program is recognized both within minor hockey and by organizations like Tim Hortons and the Toronto Maple Leafs as a “Gold Standard” for introductory hockey.

Under his direction, MOHA's focus on coach development, with clinics and certification programs at all levels (that draw from all over the OMHA) has developed a House League program where teams have to play (and win) Select level tournaments as they are often deemed "too competitive" for other centres House or Local League events.

Peer Recognition

A key acknowledgement of Mike's contributions to minor hockey is the recognition of his peers. As a long term member of the SCTA and Tri County organizations, Mike is an acknowledged resource on issues and concerns and in sessions, it is often "what Oakville thinks" that carries the day.

The OMHA has also recognized Mike’s hockey acumen over the years. John Archibald appointed Mike as the original “905” area representative in the initial groundwork phase leading to the formation of the Lake Ontario Region. This recognition has continued with Mike's ongoing participation on the Lake Ontario Region committee within the OMHA. His strong support of what is fair for the members and his support for the rules and recognizing what is right or wrong is evident to the members.

Community Involvement

In addition to his MOHA duties, Mike has also taken an active role in supporting youth in the community. As a coach, Mike was approached by the Syl Apps Youth Centre (a correctional facility) and asked to take on two of their charges as players as an opportunity for these young men to enjoy a recreational outlet and support their rehabilitation.

While President, Mike also found the time to lend support to the local High School hockey program by serving as the Head Coach for the Purdue hockey team.

Mike is also respected within Oakville for his knowledge and experience. Mike served on the Oakville Sports Council for a number of years and also served as a member of the River Oaks Recreation Centre expansion building committee. He is also involved on an ongoing basis with the Town of Oakville with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and in contributing to the development of Oakville's Ice Allocation Policy.

Quite often, it is the individuals who make the difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions who do not get recognized for their efforts. Based on the above qualifications, as well as the myriad of day to day challenges faced and the untold hours that Mike has selflessly contributed over the years, we believe that he is an outstanding candidate for this award and recognition by the OMHA.

Should you be interested in any additional information in support of this nomination, we would be more than pleased to supply whatever is required.

Respectfully Submitted
on behalf of our Members,

Wayne Moorehead
Vice President, House League
Minor Oaks Hockey Association (MOHA)

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June 12 - Today's edition will be a short one because I have to recover from the psychological trauma of being told I am wrong in my opinion on corporate governance. CG and transparency are popular terms to kick around in both the real world and the whatever at 1026 Speers Road.

I am more of a pragmatist than a philosopher so let me approach it in a different way.

The MOHA board is now challenged to pick both a new President and Treasurer. Important decisions. But even more important is what they expect these individuals to do and possibly more important what they are not to do.

There is a distinction between providing direction and support versus day to day operational requirements. You can throw the accountability word around here to, that is if people in various roles truly understand what their accountabilities are. Then you can assess if they have the capability, capacity and competence to do what is needed. That distinction seems to be lost on many people.

Let's hope somebody figures that out.

June 11 - Guess it’s time to get folks revved up again, because I am and it’s not about me! That probably means this won’t be my best prose because I am fed up with a bunch of people and I probably won’t be on their Xmas card list either.

Mike’s resignation.

It sounds like the “winners” and their spin doctors are busy with additional history rewrites and attempts at damage control. The current mission – discredit Mike.

Couching comments in the form of a stroke and a poke or a carrot and a stick is fine – however, it seems like the poke and stick are consistently winning – but then I’m a very sensitive guy.

Just so there is no misunderstanding, I specialize in pokes and sticks so don’t expect anything else here.

I guess what I find most disconcerting, for lack of a more pejorative term, is that Mike’s resignation is being bandied about in such terms as “don't feel the need to complete the commitment they made” and “walking away from a commitment” and “the association is better off without them” - and to suggest there was no revelation in the content of his resignation

That is mild compared to at least one asinine email I saw last night.

Get real and shame on you! “You” being anyone who subscribes to this crap.

Over the last TWENTY years Mike has contributed more to supporting the kids in this Town then all of the members of the current cabal combined. Talk about commitment – these folks don’t know the meaning of the word!

As one who has had the privilege of working with Mike for the last 10+ years I have seen first hand what he has done for this association, the kids, parents and volunteers, the time he has put in nights and week-ends away from his family, the abuse he has taken in making what invariably turned out to be the right decisions for the players and the way he has defended and often “protected” out of loyalty the same “^#$%” who are busy trashing him now. It borders on the incomprehensible - I wonder if that speaks to his resignation!.

I do have it and I am not publishing it because a) it is not mine and b) it was not directed to me.

I guess it is unreasonable to think that an individual with principles and integrity, who finds himself in an untenable position would do something so foolish and inconsiderate as to walk away rather than be a part of ___.

– but I guess nobody really cares – it’s more fun trying to knife somebody.

People are all too busy with twenty question games about who had permission to do what, from who, when. Talk about forgetting “why we are here”!

Before the “coup” – nobody, or to the best of my knowledge very few people really had any serious concerns or questions about the operation of the association. I guess from what I hear, they were all afraid to say anything because they would be “black balled”.

Now, the Grand Inquisition, including members who were part of it, are questioning everything that was done in the past from who ordered the post it notes to how come someone (who did all the work and more – not Mike or me) got more than one honourarium and were each and all of these decisions reviewed by and approved by “the board”.

Anyone with any experience in corporate governance knows that to try to operate at that granularity at board level is ludicrous. Just for fun, you may want to ask your board sources to document the decisions and actions they have taken to see if they pass their own litmus test?

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but over time one starts to value some opinions more than others. My fellow blogger may wish to keep that in mind when considering the “inside” information his board pipeline(s) are feeding him.

His pipeline(s) may also want to remember the consternation that “all” board members displayed about all the “leaks” of information that were getting out to the community before we even got home from the meeting – and those “leaks” were not drawing any lines between “Personnel matters, financially sensitive material”.

Mike’s verbal resignation was “on the street” before he left the room and when the formal notice went to directors last night, the same evening at least one of MOHA’s directors felt that he or she had to provide that information to Gerry – wouldn’t that be a Code of Conduct issue at least?.

Coincidentally in the same “blog” and two weeks after the AGM and a whole hullabaloo of stuff, we get a whole muse about the meeting chair, with a bunch of rhetorical questions. Eerily enough a topic that was discussed and dealt with at the June 3rd board meeting. Apparently not to someone’s satisfaction so why not stir up the pot with more innuendos.

Yes I know about it because I was the one who was involved in “organizing” the outside support and I will happily answer some or most of the questions that may or may not have been discussed at the June 3rd meeting since I am not a member and was not there.

For several years MOHA has retained an experienced outside party to chair the AGM – partially based on some of the challenges that have been faced at previous AGMs – especially when, as there were this year potentially controversial situations.
MOHA had used Mr. Charles McColl of Thompson, McColl & Stacy the outside legal firm that MOHA used for our legal work (in a belief that it is prudent to have an arms length relation with counsel following the “a doctor is his own worst patient”^tp adage – something to keep in mind in today’s environment!)
The service was not pro bono.
The board was aware of and had no objection to this arrangement.
Legal fees are an approved line item in the budget.
The intent was to continue this arrangement for the 2007/08 AGM but Charles unfortunately passed away suddenly.
His remaining partners were unable to meet the time commitment and referred us to the gentleman who did chair the meeting. I won’t bore you with his qualifications.
As prep he was provided with the draft bylaw to review prior to the meeting as he would be expected to deal with it at the meeting if questions arose.
We agreed to get together the night before the meeting at the MOHA office to review the AGM Agenda, past practices for the meeting and ensure he was comfortable with the process and what was planned.
We also asked his advice regarding any issues or procedural items that we should handle.
Mike, Jeanette and I were there and you are welcome to read into that whatever you want.
George attended the AGM and chaired the meeting in a very professional manner – fini!
I believe, since I appear to be the only one who has not seen his invoice, that we were billed for a total of 3 hours of his time - probably about a third of what he actually spent.
Did I specifically ask the board’s permission and approval to do this – No!
Did I feel I had to under the circumstances and past practices – No!
Was the Executive aware of what was going on and approved / participated in some way – at least five out of six – Yes!

This just keeps getting better and better!

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June 10 – Back after a short break. It seems like I have been targeted by a number of folks – In the most recent attack, last night a lightning bolt missed our house by about three feet and grounded between our house and our neighbour – clearly a part of the ongoing conspiracy. We have been doing some landscape work and I think it blasted my completely innocent wheelbarrow. The crack it made I thought I had been shot.

Any closer and I would have been on my way back to OTMH.

Several of us from the Frank Sabatino tournament crew were at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital last night to share in the Foundation’s annual “Thank You” to contributors. As many of you know, for the last three years, the Frank Sabatino Memorial Tournament has directed fund raising proceeds to support palliative care at OTMH through the OTMH Foundation. Congrats to Debbie Sabatino, Shona Bradley, Reggie Nasu, Hans Taal and their team who have generated approximately $5,000. to become “Friends” of the hospital. The Foundation had a couple of personal story presenters who put a lot of things into perspective when they talked about their experiences.

Sticking with the “health care” motif, it seems that an epidemic of “blogaphobia” is sweeping Oakville. My conversations with people now often start with – “You aren’t going to mention me in your blog, are you??”

Seems there is lots to talk about and lots of opinions but very few if any people are interested in or willing to stand up and be counted. That’s fine, I’ll just confirm stuff, pass it on and “they” can blame me. What are “they” going to do – not let me play.

I guess that means I will now have to identify my blog as “editorial”, instead of the high quality, hard hitting, award winning “fact-based” journalism I envisage.

I wonder if blogs count as “Fourth Estate” material in terms of my right to protect my sources? However, I am already “held in contempt” by a number of people so I might as well get three squares and a bunk out of it.

Just for the heck of it, I stuck a “hit counter” on this page last week. So far it is already over 1,000. Not sure if that is good or bad (yeah I know – 999 of those hits are me checking to see if anyone is looking!).

So far the FORUM is a BUST!. I think I will likely drop it as I have discovered (and hopefully you have not) that forums are a prime SPAM target. I have had some reeeeealy disgusting content “magically” appear and until I check or someone tells me, it is there for all to see. NOT GOOD! (I know – as soon as you read this you will all surreptitiously go there to see what you can see – maybe I should use this as a come-on).

Today’s list topic is a quick one - #5 – Go East and join the “G”. Quick because this is an out of MOHA control question – not because it is a simple topic with a right or wrong answer. While everything can be tabled and or debated there are very clear jurisdictional maps laid out for the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) and its member bodies – two of which are the Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) and the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL). As the largest association (and I could say up until now one of the most respected) organizations in the OMHA it is unlikely they would willingly see MOHA leave, nor on balance would it really be a plus to go.

There are a lot of pros and cons to consider:

Club teams are different from MHA teams are different from community teams (MOHA)
AAA, AA A AE don’t necessarily match up and could provide a number of challenges.
Control – of ice of schedules for games and practices could be at risk under a different umbrella.
Dollars and cents – gate fees – paid coaches - ??
Travel times all over the GTA are not necessarily any better than many of the “rural” trips.
And a bunch of other stuff that could be looked at + or – but at the end of the day it is a governing body decision.

Doesn’t mean it would not be better but people often think “the grass is always greener in someone else’s yard” ^tp (^tp – today’s platitude – future editions will only include the superscript).

A lot of Oakville kids / parents have played or are playing in the “G” – talk to them about the good and bad (I know that is as individuals and not a full team but you get a flavour – especially if three or four kids have gone to the same team).

The pot is perking on a number of items - what will be the next breaking story to be covered by this ink stained wretch. Stay tuned.

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June 7 - Blogging is a "high maintenance" activity. If you don't believe me try it. That being the case, this Saturday AM episode counts as Friday , Saturday and who knows.

Just to increase my popularity with my adoring public, I would remind you that my real job is to "Buy and Sell" gas for Canadian Tire. That has been somewhat interesting lately and I hope you all enjoy paying the extra %0.06 per litre at the pump today. Two days NYMEX July Crude futures up $15 US a bbl to $138 US and NYMEX RBOB up $0.21 per US gallon yesterday - are we having fun yet!

So, today's topic off the top 10 list is NOT Mitron - but on-line registration.

Regarding Mitron, I am going to defer any of my comments until the "grand inquisition" is over. I have already got some interesting emails on that topic with veiled . . . .

On-line registration.

This is an interesting topic with a variety of potential benefits, challenges and costs.

I do not intend to make this a post graduate course on the ins and outs but rather layout some issues to consider. I do this recognizing that this may be considered as a breach in my promise to not do anything to assist the current brain trust (sorry - cheap shot).

MOHA has looked at this process and opportunity in the past and found that it did not make sense. Before all the nay sayers jump in I will again say that this was in the past and times change. It could be right for now but given my propensity to voice my opinion I would say NO!

Arguably, there are two main benefits

Flexibility to allow members to pay using plastic so that they can choose better how to pay off their hockey debt as compared to writing one "cheque", and second
Pick up some administrative benefits by having "members" enter their own data, by not having to deal with all the paper and avoid hassles of NSF cheques etc.

The flip side is that there are significant costs incurred - Merchant fees from the card issuers (and by the way how many do you choose to support) as well as admin fees if you are using a service provider to manage the basic data process.

While I am not current on all elements here, those fees I believe netted out to around $12 to $15 per player using the system and may be higher now.

There are also a lot of other considerations:

OMHA - MOHA must deal with its governing body the OMHA who uses IYSportSnet as their data repository / system manager. Unless there is a seamless link to them re registrations that process will still need to be addressed internally.

Controls - Online systems typically take your money as so as you hit the "submit" key. This does not mean you have a spot. With MOHA's historical challenge of managing wait lists and trying to "find" places up or down for players to get them on the ice there are issues with on-line. All types of limits and or controls need to be setup, also around eligibility by age or address to ensure the right players are accepted.

Participation - A lot of folks will still want / need to participate in a paper / direct contact system. Documents are needed on new or transfer players and some people simply do not want to use plastic.

Existing Data - MOHA currently has a database system that in one source combines registration information as well as historical player data that is used for information purposes such as player drafts, team lists. What happens to this data in an on-line world? Do you still need dual or triple systems?

Flexibility - People may not realize it or want to hear it nut MOHA assists a number of members with financial challenges and other administrative concerns - how are these to be handled?

Credit Issues - As anyone dealing with credit knows there are a lot of key issues at play in this industry - security, privacy, PCI info blocks, chargebacks. MOHA has typically chosen not to get involved with this but would need to add internal credit management expertise under any on-line system.

There are a lot more considerations and a lot more detail but I don't want to be too helpful.

The net / net is - is it really worth it to MOHA / You as members, and is it what you want a lot of time and energy directed tomards right NOW with all the other uproar and uncertainty.

If on-line registration is what people really want / need and it is carefully researched, pro and con with a detailed plan (with resourcing) put together for its implementation and ongoing management then go wild.

There also seems to be a train of thought that an on-line system is going to be the "magic bullet" for a bunch of things - registration, scheduling, stats, admin, internet. . . . Good Luck!

It's the old do you want the multi-tool that does a half-a&^& job on everything or specific tools designed to do a job?

Two daily "p"s - If it ain't broke - don't fix it - and - better the devil you know than the devil you don't.

All of these types of processes and or programs should be considered on an ongoing basis as a means of continuous improvement.

OK - everyone's eyes are glazed over, there's a big who cares? and I have better things to do in this weather.

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