MICHIGAN SENIOR WOMENS HOCKEY LEAGUE
Meeting ~ November 15, 2005

Meeting Overview
President Lukasik called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.  October meeting minutes were reviewed and approved.  **Noted: No Directors were present that are not already on the Board.

Presidents Report
None at this time.

Treasurers Report
Treasurer Deb stated the current balance is $12,546.39.  A check will be cut to Ann Dobija to cover the monthly web-site fees that she is currently putting on her personal credit card; $5.99/month for 1 season.  Harrow County Blues will be reimbursed for not participating in the Ruicci Cup last year once the currency is converted as the league was originally issued a check from them in Canadian funds.  Carrie Sirola informed the group that MAHA would be sending the league a $1,000 for use towards our developmental clinics.

MAHA/USA Hockey
MAHA Rep Sirola announced the teams for States should be finalized soon but it is looking like 4 teams competing in Senior B and 1 has registered for Senior C.  The cost of States this year will be approximately $875.  Carrie also reminded us the next MSWHL clinic is Saturday, November 19 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at the Novi Ice Arena.

Old Business
Deb showed the Board the goalie sub list that will be placed on the league web site as a resource for other teams.  The hope is that once it is out there, other goalies that are interested in subbing will notify us and be placed on the list.

New Business
Terry Mathews from Varsity Graphics was asked to bring up the Toys for Tots drive her team is interested in doing with the league.  After some discussion it was decided that adopting a family (or two) might be logistically easier, and Connie Lahser volunteered to find a family for the league to adopt.  **Directors  please pass this information around ASAP to your teams and see if they are interested in donating money or purchasing items for the adopted family.  Interested players can contact Terry at her email address on the web site.

A reminder to all teams  the Ruicci Cup is March 16-19 and we are still looking for a host team.  The arena has already been reserved for that weekend but we need a team to coordinate all other aspects of the tournament.  A handbook is available to assist in the planning.  PLEASE consider hosting this year!  If your team is interested, contact any of the Board members.

President Lukasik voiced her displeasure over the incidents that occurred in the London Tournament involving MSWHL teams.  Joanne went on to say she and several Board members have been reviewing these incidents for the past week.  V.P. Martin discussed the game score sheets used by the OWHA, and the fact that there is no documentation on penalties beyond these sheets in Canada unless it involves abuse of an official.  A representative from the Metro Blades stated she felt comments were added to the score sheets after they had been signed off by the teams.  

If a request is to be made for a MAHA hearing, it must be done so by the Board on behalf of a player.  In these instances, additional penalties and suspensions could be handed out.  A 4 game penalty for kicking and a 4 game penalty for fighting results in suspension for 30 days from MAHA.  As a point of clarification, USA Hockey does not have jurisdiction in OWHA.  

The league is extremely concerned about match penalties and wants it to be made clear this behavior will not be tolerated in this league. The ruling handed down by the Board states: Melissa Cramer (Metro Blades) and Brooke Hendrick (Ice Cubes) are suspended from league play until January 1, 2006.  Suspended players cannot be behind the bench nor can they practice with their team.  Brooke Hendrick apologized to the Board for her actions in the London tournament.

A representative from the Ice Cubes requested approval from the Board for a pregnant player to participate in Ruicci Cup, as she will not make the 10 game requirement.  Board approved the request.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  Next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 7 in Eddie Edgar at 7:00 p.m. 


Honesty and Respect Always,
Renee Dobrzelewski
MSWHL Secretary


Directors:  You are required to attend all monthly league meetings.  If you are unable to attend, you MUST send a representative in your place.  The first couple of meetings this season have come and gone, and only Directors who are on the Board have participated.  This is NOT acceptable and NOT what you agreed to when you volunteered for this position.  The next meeting is December 7 and we expect to see you or a representative!!
