In recent weeks, a Facebook group called Newfoundland and Labrador Major Midget Hockey League Western Franchise Action Group was started with the purpose of providing potential players and their parents information pertinent to the survival and success of the program in western Newfoundland.
There has been much confusion regarding the awarding of the Western major midget franchise in the provincial league.
The Town of Deer Lake originally won the rights to run the Western Kings earlier this year, however, the decision was later rescinded by Hockey Newfoundland and Labrador after it was determined there were inconsistencies in how the franchise was awarded.
As a result, the Kings stayed with the present operators under the guidance of governor Kevin McCarthy and coach Angus Head until a resolution can be found at the annual general meeting of HNL in Gander in June.
Since its creation on May 11, the action group has sought to speak with all parties involved in the decision in hopes of relaying that information to parents, guardians and players in hopes of clearing up a mudded picture and answering any questions.
In the last two weeks, the group has spoken with the people behind the four original bids, members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Major Midget Hockey League executive and they’ve attempted to speak with HNL president Jack Lee.
They’ve also asked for input from members of the Facebook group on which questions they would like answered.
They’ve stated they plan releasing the information they have gathered at a later date. There is no word on when this will happen.
According to its Facebook page, the action group hopes to accomplish a number of goals through its exploratory work:
— Players, player development, and the integrity of the major midget program as stated in the league constitution are kept paramount in the selection process.
— The perspective of players, parents/guardians and other interested parties are given careful consideration when examining proposals submitted for the selection process.
— All proposals are evaluated based on merit and are appraised diligently in accordance with the selection criteria and with all parties’ best interests considered.
— The process of awarding the franchise is thorough, fair, objective and transparent.
— The final decision results in the awarding of the franchise to the best possible major midget program for the sole benefit of major midget players, player development and the continued success of the major midget franchise in the western zone.
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