Richmond Old Timers Hockey
ROTHC
AGM - Meeting of League Executive
August 11, 2025 – 7:30pm – Mylora Golf Course

AGENDA

Expected attendance:

Don Taylor – Greyhawks
Brian Newman, Dave Hutton - Rusty Blades
Fred Brome – Shogun Shooters
Gord Gouthro – Evaders
Rene Holt – Roadrunners
Graham Amano, Ken Whitehead – Avalanche
Andy Wilson, Lloyd Wakila – Monday Blades
Rob Lang (Vice President) – Island Sun
Doug Collins (President) - Cowboys

1.      Season Review

2.      Financial Report

3.      Glimpse at Next Season

4.      Proposed Budget

5.      Other business

 

1)     Season Review

a)      Officiating:
Rob Lang did great job of making sure we had officials for every game. On occasion we had to make do with just one official without issue. In fact, it has been suggested that we can get by with just one official every game. We cannot. Referees have made it clear that they prefer to work with a partner, particularly when things get a bit over competitive.

 

The exception is the over 65 division where we do go exclusively with just one official without problems.

 

But the season was not without problem for all referees. Todd Zilkie (one of our better officials) became fed up with verbal abuse and quit the over 50 division choosing to do only the over 65 division. Lolly, for similar reasons, retired from our league altogether. Fortunately she did not leave us high and dry, introducing a few new officials to our league before leaving.

 

The clear message coming from our most senior officials is that the over 50 division sometimes gets a little too emotional and often do not show enough respect for the officials. This is an issue that needs to be addressed or we will find it very hard to get refs.

Notes from meeting: Rob Lang mentioned that referees working the over 50 Division have suggested that if the level of penalization continues, they will insist on having a timekeeper. No decision was made at this point, but it would be better for all if things toned down a bit.

 

b)      League Play:

i)       The over 65 division ran very smoothly with essentially no issues. However, there is a bit of a problem with parity. The Sun and Avalanche are pretty evenly matched, but the Blades had trouble competing. Typically teams will swap a line out with them to make the game a little more even. However, they did manage to pick up a few players near the end of the season which hopefully will make that practice no longer necessary.

The Cowboys also struggled at times, winning only 2 games all season against the Sun and Avalanche.  However, the games were mostly not blow outs and everyone still had fun.

 

In the inaugural season, in order to fill rosters, it was necessary to exempt some players between age 60 and 65, efforts are being made to age the division to achieve an actual over 65 division.

 

ii)      The over 50 division saw significant change this season with the influx of younger players. The Cowboys, who first took advantage of the previous season’s the rule change to lower minimum age from 53 to 50, no longer dominate. The Greyhawk dynasty has re-emerged, claiming the playoff championship and the Roadrunners have also shown improvement.

 

Evidently, a three years age difference is a lot and top teams like the Shogun, Rusty Blades and the Evaders sometimes had trouble finding wins. While we can’t all be at the top of the league, age difference could prove to be a challenge for some teams with well-established rosters.  There will be pressure on older players and some teams may be putting their eye on the over 65 division.

iii)     Playoffs went well, following the same format as last season. Congratulations to the Greyhawks who finished on top, undefeated. The Shogun and Evaders voluntarily chose to skip the tournament, which actually made it easier to schedule with just 4 teams.

Going into the Playoffs there was some concern expressed by at least one of the officials fearing that things may become too competitive. In the end, there were no problems.

In all it was a successful season with some well-matched games, but league parity may become an issue in coming seasons. Attention to age eligibility and divisional placement should be considered.

c)      Issues or Concerns

Lowering the age limit to 50 has clearly elevated the level of play in that division. Things have perhaps become more competitive, but for the most part that has not been a problem. However, some frustrations have been exhibited and some suspensions were issued as a result.

The Evaders continue to lead the league with disciplinary hearings, but last season it was reduced to just one player on two occasions.

There is little patience among the Disciplinary Committee these days, so severe suspensions can be expected in the future with little time to be spent discussing the matter. Please make that known.

Hearings are time consuming and the goal is to have none.

Notes from meeting: All teams, particularly the Evaders were reminded that there is little patience remaining for Disciplinary Hearings and any offenders can expect severe suspensions.

2)     Financial Report

a)      Presentation of the Financial Statements :

i)       The ROTHC financial position improved over last season, finishing the fiscal year in the black by $5098.05. This was better than intended, pushing our retained earnings above the preferred level of $8000 by close to $3000. However, there are a few things of note:

(1)    The Shogun are still owed $411

(2)    An amount of $111.93 owed for league meetings in the previous season has still not been collected.

(3)    In fairness to teams not participating in Playoffs additional fees were imposed on those participating above the budgeted fees. In retrospect, perhaps it would have been better just to issue rebates?

ii)      A small bit of additional revenue was earned by way of interest from a short term GIC.

iii)     The Avalanche was refunded $500 because they did not participate in Playoffs in the previous season.

iv)     A Sublet Ice Rental of $5282.87 was paid to the Blades for ice time shared on Monday nights.

Due to the unexpected additional revenue, we can probably afford to reduce League Fees in the coming season, but that depends on any potential increase in cost of ice time.

Notes from meeting: There were no questions about the financial statements.

3)     Glimpse at Next Season

a)      Division Line Ups:

i)       Early indications are that all teams in the over 50 division will be returning in the same capacity for next season.

ii)      It is likely the 0ver 65 division will continue with at least the same number of teams. However, some teams in the over 50 division have shown interest it forming a team to join the older division. This will depend on:

(1)    Whether or not they can fill a team with players old enough.

(2)    If we can obtain the necessary ice time.

b)      Anticipated Over 50 Division:

·        Cowboys

·        Greyhawks

·        Rusty Blades – unsure if they can fill a roster.

·        Shogun

·        Evaders

·        Roadrunners

 

c)      Anticipated Over 65 Division:

·        Cowboys

·        Avalanche

·        Island Sun

·        Blades

Notes from meeting: The Roadrunners have expressed entering a second team into the over 65 division. However, they may have too many underage (over 60) players. Both the Shogun and Rusty Blades indicated that they had players wishing to advance. Any expansion to the over 65 division will hinge on available ice time, but it was decided to explore the idea of a merger of team to form an over 65 team. The matter is deferred to an email conversation.

 

d)      Playoffs:
A playoff format will be decided after we have determined how many teams may be interested. A four team format works well, but it depends on voluntary placement. It would be better for scheduling if we can determine the format well in advance of regular season end.

Notes from meeting: All teams in the over 50 division expressed interest in participating in Playoffs. It was decided that all 6 team will make the Playoffs and attempts will be made to obtain ice time and come up with a format well in advance this season.

 

4)     Proposed Budget

a)      League fees:

i)       As indicated in the financial report above, we can afford to reduce our contingency by a couple thousand dollars, therefore League Fees can likewise be reduced. Based loosely on last season’s expenses (not accounting for any increases) if we set league fees at $6000 we will likely incur a loss of about $2700 which would reduce our contingency close to the target of $8000.

While this is desirable, we must consider the likely possibility of some cost increases:

(1)    With the current level of inflation it should not be surprising to see some increase in ice time cost. However, we will not know that until contracts are offered.

(2)    The officials have been rumbling about a raise. Again that amount (if any) is yet to be negotiated.

Notes from meeting: Base League Fee are established at $6000 per team (plus insurance) with the understanding that an additional levy could be necessary should so far unknown cost increases occur.

 

b)      Insurance:

i)       All teams must provide proof of insurance to the arena. There are currently two options:

(1)    CARHA

(2)    Sport BC (via the arena)

ii)      Both options are approximately the same cost. Sport BC is cheaper and just covers the winter hockey season, whereas CARHA’s coverage is year round and is required for any teams participating in CARHA tournaments.

iii)     Teams are free to insure wherever they wish, but it would be simpler if all teams used the same provider and we do it with one payment (including it in league fees). Obviously we need consensus otherwise it’s every team for themselves again.

iv)    If you insure with CARHA. Please be sure to name “CITY OF RICHMOND; RICHMOND ARENAS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION” in the insurance policy.

Notes from meeting: The Greyhawks, Cowboys, Rusty Blades, Shogun, Evaders and Roadrunners chose to go under CARHA coverage. The Avalanche selected Sport BC coverage. Insurance expense will be added to league fees. The Monday Blades are independent will be responsible for their own coverage.

 

5)     Other business:

 

a)     Proposed rule changes:

Motion moved and carried: “Rule 2.h be amended to read: ‘LAST 2 MINUTES OF THE GAME -  Will be played STOP TIME provided that the score is within 2 goals apart or tied* (and time permits).’ 

b)      Schedule:

The schedule is proposed to begin the week of Sept 24, but the exact date will depend on the possibility of additional teams and how the calendar falls to fit the usual 25 games. Actual schedule will be release when ice time has been issued.

c)      Scoresheets:

Brian Newman resigned his position as penalty statistician as his efforts were being defeated by poorly filled out scoresheets, making it impossible to accurately and meaningfully record penalty minutes.

It is important that all teams make a better effort at ensuring that rosters are fill out on the proper league issued scoresheet with accurate jersey numbers recorded. This essential for penalty records, particularly when there is disciplinary action.

 

d)      Age restrictions:

Age restrictions will remain unchanged for the over 50 division. The over 65 division may consider new player under the age of 65 on an individual, team by team basis with the goal of pushing toward an all over 65 division.