For me, the BYHC annual meeting reaffirmed the momentum that continues to grow in this club. The meeting was well attended but for those that could not make it I thought it would be helpful to provide a brief update.
 
The meeting started with presentation of awards by our hockey director, Boe Leslie. Boe then gave the members a summary of all of the successes the club enjoyed over the 2013/14 season, including sending 4 of 7 travel teams to CBHL playoffs. Coach Boe then detailed the stellar line-up of travel coaches that he has been able to put together for the coming season. 2014 - 2015 Coaches. It is a very impressive group that will allow BYHC to enjoy even more successes in the coming year. Non-parent travel head coaches for all teams continues to be a hallmark of BYHC and distinguishes us from most of the other CBHL clubs.
 
I had the opportunity to emphasize at this meeting that BYHC plans to compete at the highest levels including AA for all age groups. The commitment of the current members to stay with their club and the open invitation for those that have moved to other clubs to return will allow BYHC to continue its goal of being a dominant force in the CBHL.
 
The mite program is the base of our club and it is for this reason that we invested in cross-ice boards at the beginning of the season.
 
Mike Blandino, the BYHC treasurer, gave us an update on the financial health of the club. Due to an expected increase of anywhere from 5 to 10% in ice rental fees, we unfortunately will be raising our fees an average of 4.8%. This keeps us more than competitive with surrounding clubs in terms of the fees they charge. We minimized this increase by focusing on reducing our overhead costs across the club.
 
We then reviewed the results of the member survey which, for the most part, were very positive. The purpose of the survey was to seek constructive feedback on what the club is doing well and where we need to improve. As a result of this feedback we are making the following changes for the upcoming season.

1. It was felt that there was a need for more hockey clinics and power skating sessions. In response to this the club will be holding Saturday morning goalie and skating clinics.
2. People felt that it was difficult to obtain BYHC Spirit wear. This resulted in us adding a new Spiritwear section to our new website. You will now have lots of choices for birthday and holiday gifts.
3. There was general dissatisfaction with the timing and distribution of uniforms. We have moved to a new uniform vendor that has a great reputation with a number of other CBHL clubs.
4. Navigating the website to obtain information was considered very cumbersome. We have created a new website that should greatly facilitate communications.
5. People felt that they were not well informed on activities in the club. As well as the new website, we will be publishing board minutes as well as opening board meetings to members.

 
Along with the uniform vendor change and with some fanfare, we announced that the club is changing its jerseys to match the new colors of the Dallas Stars. The uniforms are NHL quality and are being provided at a greatly reduced price.
 
We then moved on to the Rapids program update. The girls had a difficult season but under the great coaching of Holly Summers the girls pulled out a trip to the finals at the Pony Tail Tournament. Coach Holly has agreed to accept a Board position and will be the VP of girl’s hockey for BYHC, replacing Dave Hudson who has served on the Board for a number of years despite his child having moved on a few years back. We are in a building year with the Rapids and to that end we are going to be having girl’s pickup hockey through the summer and will start the girl’s season a little later than the boys.
 
We briefly reviewed the success and history of the Pony Tail Tournament. Coach Holly has made an additional commitment to try and fill the shoes of Jeff Solomon. Jeff, who is also retiring, has done a masterful job in keeping and building on the great reputation that this tournament enjoys across the country. We will need the participation of as many club members as possible to help her continue that legacy.
 
The Board needs help in the following positions: Fundraising, recruitment, tournament director and special events coordinator. The club functions on the dedication of volunteers so please let us know if you have an interest in becoming more involved with the club. We need your help.
 
Speaking of stepping up, Lynn Wegner and Donna Adlesberg are taking over the equipment manager responsibilities from a much relieved Tom Saleese. Phil Iglehart and Tom will share interim Webmaster responsibilities while we seek the assistance of others in the club. Jen Haigley has taken on the large responsibility of club registrar, relieving Franni Kaplan. Finally, Shawn Schmelzer has taken on the job of coordinator of the team managers. On behalf of everybody in the club, thank you to all these members for stepping up. Your efforts are greatly appreciated and will result in our children having a great hockey experience.
 
There were two new additions to the Board! Kurt Roepcke and Lynn Wegner have made the commitment and we welcome their presence. I know that they will be a great addition to our club!
 
There are a number of people stepping down from their current positions. They have all told us that they are willing to help if called upon. Those moving on, but not away, include Dave Hudson, Tim Jones, Debbie Loube, Franni Kaplan and Jeff Solomon. It is through their efforts that BYHC has remained one of the best hockey clubs in Maryland.