Hockey associations in Pickering and Ajax voting on merger
Published February 1, 2022 at 11:44 am
Hockey associations in Pickering and Ajax will be voting on a merger of operations next Wednesday that would create the largest hockey league in Durham.
The two associations have already joined forces at the Triple A level to create the Ajax-Pickering Raiders and membership from all three groups will meet via Zoom February 9 to decide on their future.
The purpose of the amalgamation, according to a release from the Pickering Hockey Association, is to create a “cohesive new hockey association that will allow hockey to thrive in both communities” and to provide the opportunity for players to compete at the appropriate skill and age level.
Currently Pickering and Ajax run separate house leagues, as well as rep teams – Pickering Panthers and Ajax Knights – up to the ‘AA’ level. Under the amalgamation plan, there would be one house league, as players would be combined to form various teams and divisions to make “one strong house league program.” With those numbers, it is expected the partnership would mean select hockey would be offered at all divisions.
If the vote is yes by all centers next Wednesday, the amalgamation committee will handle the interim executive duties until the new organization is set up and the new executive is in place. Each respective organization will operate individually through the end of this hockey season and dissolve at their annual general meetings later this year. Assets and liabilities of either association will become part of the new organization.
The new board will consist of two existing board members from Pickering, two existing board members from Ajax and two from the Raiders. The board will start with two co-presidents, with one position eliminated after two years, followed by regular elections.
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Hockey fees are not expected to increase as a result of the merger.
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