MSWHL Meeting
Minutes of December 7, 2005

Carrie Sirola motioned to approve the November minutes and Amy Martin seconded.

Presidents Report
Joanne Lukasik noted several teams have not turned in official USA Hockey rosters.  The Iron Maidens have not submitted any roster nor have the Ann Arbor Flames.  The Farmington Nighthawks need to submit their official (stamped) USA Hockey roster.

There have been several requests this year to exempt players from the 10-game rule for the Ruicci Cup.  The Board has determined ALL players must complete an Eligibility Appeal Form, even those who have already received approval from the Board.  The form can be found on the league web site.  While it was not created for this use, the Board needs to have a record of all exemptions that have been requested by teams for medical reasons.

Treasurers Report
The current balance is $11, 833.28.  Harrow County Blues will be reimbursed $100 for last years Ruicci Cup as the league fees are paid in US funds, not Canadian.

Old Business
The clinics have been going very well.  There are 35 people registered for them.  Jerseys came in and they look good.

The league is still in need of a host team for the Ruicci Cup.  Ice has already been purchased for the tournament, and the Board does scheduling, but one of the main tasks of running the registration table is in need of a group effort.  If the league does not have a team volunteer, all teams may be asked to help out, as has been done in years past.

New Business
Joanne received a letter from the Predators about a player on the Lansing Crush, whos skill level and style of play seems above that of Recreation II.  There was much discussion about all teams having a few ringers that shouldnt be on them and players who skate down to the level they are playing.  The Predators as a team decided they would forfeit the remaining 2 games of the season against the Crush.

The league has said they would watch players on teams where the skill level is above the others, and while the new rule is not in effect until next year, the Board has an obligation to monitor all teams.  Some on the Board felt the player should be watched in games to evaluate her skill level.  The Crush understand that if the Board feels she is not at the right level, her team will be forced to move up or ask the player, Jesse, to leave for next season.

Across the league this year have been complaints about the referees used at all levels.  In particular, the referees for Intermediate I seem to be the worst.  A video clip was reviewed of a game between the Ice Dogs and Windsor Bulls.  As an example, one of the referees neglected to call a game misconduct even though the other referee saw the slash to the player.  

Adrianne Sable, Referee-in-Chief, said this was an example of officiating throughout the league.  She would like to give informational sheets to team reps to hand out to their referee schedulers about what is expected of the referees at MSWHL games, and making accurate calls according to USA Hockey standards.  It was also suggested that a list be created of referees who want to officiate league games.  A reminder to all teams that they must communicate with their referee schedulers and referees before the games.  There may also be a class for teams and interested parties about basic officiating.

Terry Mathews was asked about the Advanced II division, which has had the most penalty minutes the last year or so.  The Windsor Bulls are again leading in minutes, and it appears they need to hear from the Board.  The league always has the right to suspend a player or team if they deem necessary, or ask the team not to return the following season.

Reviewing the statistics half way through the season, there is not an apparent need to move any teams around in the divisions.  Division schedulers need to finalize their second half schedules and send to their Directors and Ann Dobija to post on the web site.


Next league meeting is January 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the Eddie Edgar Arena.

Honesty and Respect Always,
Renee Dobrzelewski
MSWHL Secretary
