An emergency meeting to change organizational bylaws follows the first Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association (LMHA) communication about removing the chair and vice-chair on Sept. 27.
LMHA general manager, Dan Auchenberg, sent out a letter to parents on Nov. 7. It provides as much detail as possible regarding the
subject.
“We would like to inform you that the authorities are currently handling the matter regarding the news article sent out today. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation and legal process, we are unable to provide specific details until further instruction,” stated the letter.
“In the meantime, we are taking immediate steps to ensure that the work of the association continues smoothly and without
disruption.”
One of those steps includes an amendment which gives the league more power than in the past.
Under Section 18 of the bylaw, the proposed change reads as follows:
“All Members, by virtue and because of their status as such, agree that any recourse to the legal court of any jurisdiction before all right and remedies as provided for by the Bylaws of the Association, Hockey Alberta, and the Canadian Hockey Association have been availed of and until deemed by the LMHA to be unsportsmanlike conduct enabling the Executive Committee to suspend and/or disqualify the said persons.”
In layman’s terms, if you sue the organization before proper LMHA processes are completed, you and your children will be suspended.
This appears to be in direct opposition of another bylaw proposed for that meeting. The change to bylaw 3.1 states:
• 3.1 To allow players to play the game at a competitive level.
• 3.2 To develop a sense of pride in LMHA and the community of Lloydminster.
• 3.3 To ensure that everyone enjoys an opportunity to participate in a fun and pleasurable minor hockey experience.
• 3.4 To ensure that the game of hockey contributes to the health and well being of our children and our community.
• 3.5 To grow our community, through developing our children to be good citizens.
• 3.6 To provide for the recreation of members and to promote and afford opportunity for friendly and social activities.
• 3.7 To encourage and promote Fair Play.
Other sections of the current bylaws will be completely eliminated if the proposed changes go through.
Other significant changes for the association are also present. They address transparency, communication and fiscal
responsibility.
The LMHA proposed significant updates to its meeting bylaws to enhance transparency and streamline communication. Under the amended Bylaw 6, the association will continue to hold the annual general meeting (AGM) between May 15 and Sept. 30 each year. New specifications require that either the general manager or the board of directors calls the meeting.
Additionally, they must give members at least 15 days’ written notice. Notification methods now include postings on the LMHA website and social media, allowing for more accessible communication with members.
In response to members’ requests, the revised bylaw also enables 20 members in good standing to convene a special meeting, limited strictly to the matters specified in the request. The LMHA intends to revise voting procedures during the meeting as well. Meanwhile, eligible members will cast one vote per household, with no option for proxy voting. The association’s president votes only to break a tie. These updates aim to create a clearer, more inclusive process for LMHA members to engage in decision-making.
On the financial front, a few minor adjustments are being made to Section 12, which pertains to financial signing authority. The goal is to enhance oversight and clarity in handling funds.
Under the current bylaw, all financial transactions require dual authorization with signatures from two of the following: executive committee members, the treasurer, or a bonded designate approved by the board. This protocol will remain in place, requiring two signatures for checks and electronic transactions.
The proposed change expands the list of approved signatories for Alberta Gaming Funds accounts. Previously, these accounts required signatures from two of four designated positions: the president, vice president, disciplinary chairperson, or program development chairperson.
However, the amendment adds a fifth position—the director of league relations—providing greater flexibility in authorizing gaming funds transactions.
This update reflects LMHA’s commitment to extensive financial oversight by increasing the pool of signatories for gaming funds and clarifying dual-authorization requirements across all accounts.
In response to a request for comment on the need for a meeting, LMHA general manager Dan Auchenburg pointed to a missed financial issue.
“The special AGM concerns the bylaws for AGLC (Alberta Gaming Liquor and Cannabis) cash raffle tickets. We are having the meeting to uphold our AGLC account, which was missed in our annual AGM meeting,” stated Auchenburg.
Additionally, every other sub-section of the by-laws is facing minor adjustments.
The LMHA is a member association of both Hockey Canada and Alberta Hockey. Hockey Canada commits “to lead, develop and promote positive hockey experiences “ in its equity, diversity, and inclusion policies.
The Meridian Source has contacted both organizations for comment on the proposed amendments.
Read more: RCMP investigating LMHA
Locally owned and community driven, the Lloydminster Meridian Source is the online news source in the Border City. Whether it’s breaking news, features or sports, if you have questions about what’s going on around town, Source it with us.
Since online platforms no longer support the sharing of news, we encourage you to bookmark meridiansource.ca. Whether you’re having a coffee or enjoying a meal, check in any time for the most up-to-date news in Lloydminster.
