Mayor jumps in to kick start local minor hockey stalemate

Posted July 10, 2012

New Tecumseth mayor Mike MacEachern has become involved in the stalled talks between TNT Minor Hockey and the Beeton Athletic Association (BAA) which runs minor hockey in that community.

Mayor MacEachern, who at this post, had not yet replied to emailed questions for comment, has been trying to arrange a meeting to get both sides back to the table. As well, it's believed he's trying to dispell the notion that the proposed $12 million replacement of Beeton Arena stands a better chance if the BAA has rep hockey. The municipal message is that they are not related. It's believed that mayor MacEachern is meeting with BAA reps tonight.

Just prior to the end of the 2011-12 hockey season, the BAA executive unitalerally announced it was not interested in renewing the "partnership" it had with TNT that for the first time allowed Beeton players to try-out and play AA and A hockey alongside Alliston and Tottenham kids without the need for a release. The BAA retained its Local League teams.

For its part, TNT's on the record position is that amalgamation of the two centres is the only option they're open to discussing any further. Minor hockey is the last of the major minor sporting associations that operate in town that are not amalgamated. Alliston and Tottenham minor hockey merged about 12 years ago, but the BAA has refused all overtures, though its members have never been provided a direct voice on the matter.

The BAA has had another turbulent off season with its membership, including an AGM that resulted in people walking out of the meeting after people were deemed ineligible to vote in the board elections that included a slate that favoured amalgamation. As well, the BAA continues to owe the Town about $7,800 for unpaid ice time.

Both centres have opened their registration for the upcoming season.

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