Feb 22, 2024-02-23

 

To the Attention of Hockey Winnipeg and Sport Manitoba;

 

Firstly, please let me express my appreciation for taking the time to meet with myself, Deputy Mayor Valentino and former Mayor Dennis Fenske on February 9th to address our concerns. Your attention and care did not go unnoticed and for that we are grateful. At that time, I committed to keeping an open dialogue and agreed to inform you when the U18AAA proposal to remove the Norman Northstars from the league had escalated and the threat is real of becoming a public spectacle.

 

Commissioner Taylor reached out to me this week requesting a town hall meeting to explain to our community the cause for the elimination of the Norman Northstars and Kenora Thistles. I don’t think he quite realized the enormity of his actions. In speaking with both Levi Taylor and Don McIntosh, it’s all about the “win” and developing quality, competitive hockey players. It appears that what U18AAA Hockey development means to them and myself are quite different, and this is what I got from their calls; that-

 

-Manitoba needs to up their game so we are more competitive against other provinces

-Hockey players on teams such as Northern Region, Parkland, Central Plains, and Kenora drag down the profile of U18AAA Hockey

-Players and parents are more interested in hockey academies to boost their chances of progressing to a higher caliber

-Hockey Winnipeg is on board with this proposal as are other regions

 

While there was more gibberish spouted, this was enough to make my blood boil- nevermind the insinuation that with my lack of hockey knowledge that I should listen to and support the proposals of those that have been involved for years. While I may appear to only be a fan- I do know the impact the Northstars have in the North.

 

When I questioned how their reviews of the state of hockey were done, I was told it was completely internal, ie. No going to regions and seeing what was done or what supports, no asking our team how they managed to up their game this season, no comparing percentage of players who have moved up in leagues or even NHL Tootoo & Keeper vs South numbers, and no listening to their members voting to table this proposal.

 

At this point, we still have used a pretty low-key approach. We have held back partners from moving on with legal process right across the spectrum from the disregard for following policies right down to Human Rights violations. We have been very respectful, considering we have been swarmed with supporting letters from multiple Regions, Indigenous partners, former coaches and players. A former Thompsonite has 6500 followers on his Twitter page about this. A current online petition has garnered over 7600 names showing their support.

 

It is important to note that the Commissioner’s timing of this announcement comes at a time that our city is hosting it’s annual Winter Carnival “Winterfest” weekend. We anticipate that with Mr. Taylor hosting this town hall meeting, there will be hundreds of people in attendance as a reflection of the ongoing support we have received. There is speculation that the media outlets (CTV/CBC) will be in attendance, and there is talks of having the meeting recorded. It is entirely possible that Hockey Canada will get involved. This town hall will become the start of a negative media outcry within the Province and become a political nightmare for those involved.

 

We implore that this situation be addressed immediately to remedy and salvage hockey culture not only in this province, but all across our hockey nation. The future of our youth are depending on you.

 

Sincerely,

 

Colleen Smook
Mayor