In a closely contested vote, Orillia Minor Hockey Association (OMH) members voted against a proposed rep re-organization with Oro Minor Hockey on Sunday.
With 62 per cent in favour of the re-organization, the proposal fell short by just a handful of votes — a two-thirds majority was required — preventing the establishment of a new AA centre in the region.
OMH conducted the "re-vote" at Rotary Place last weekend. A vote was originally held in January at which time officials declared members voted in favour of an amalgamation of the organizations' rep programs.
However, results were not publicly revealed and some members questioned the validity of the results and asked Ontario Minor Hockey Association officials to review the process. Ultimately, the provincial body overturned the results, sparking the resignations of Orillia board president Steve Fagan and others.
In the wake of the resignations and controversy, local officials called a special meeting at which five new board members were added and a decision was made to have a second vote that could have redrawn boundaries and impacted the future of competitive hockey in the area.
In an official statement obtained by OrilliaMatters, OMH expressed its commitment to continue offering “challenging and exciting opportunities” for its members while remaining an 'A' centre.
The decision has elicited a range of reactions from players, coaches, and community members.
Zach Clarke, a 16-year-old member of the U18AA Orillia Terriers who has been part of the organization since age four, said he was satisfied with the outcome.
“I wanted Orillia to stay as its own centre because that's how it's always been,” Clarke said. "It's how my grandfathers and uncles played, and now it's how I've played."
Despite being in favour of the voting results that will keep Orillia an 'A' centre, Clarke emphasized the value of playing at the AA level, citing the higher competition as beneficial for player development.
“We have a strong team here, and I think some other players from outside our border would like to come play for Orillia," he said. "I think eventually becoming a 'AA' centre could attract even more players."
Teammate Aiden Lewis, who has also played for Orillia since he was four, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Orillia Terriers’ name and heritage.
“Orillia is a hockey town,” Lewis stated. “Keeping the Terriers’ name and history alive means a lot because it connects generations of players and families who have been a part of this community.”
Nic McFadden, a lifelong Orillia player and recent volunteer coach in the OMH organization, pointed out that only 117 ballots were cast, representing less than 20 per cent of the organization’s membership.
“For a decision of this magnitude, the turnout was incredibly low,” McFadden noted. “There were not enough Q&A sessions leading up to the vote, and the use of paper ballots rather than digital voting methods limited participation.”
McFadden suggested that more collaborative communication and modernized voting processes are needed for future decisions.
Despite the low voter turnout, the local hockey organization remains optimistic about its future. The organization acknowledged the ongoing discussions within the Ontario Minor Hockey Association regarding the restructuring of divisions.
OMH stated it “will continue to explore all playing options for our representative teams” and that 'AA' hockey remains a consideration for the future.
OMH also reaffirmed its dedication to building a strong hockey program, emphasizing the importance of community and player development. The organization is currently preparing for its house league championship day and year-end banquet, events designed to "celebrate the growth and achievements" of all players this season.
With a new president and vice-president set to be voted in at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, the organization is hopeful for a strong turnout of members eager to contribute to the organization’s leadership and growth.
As OMH looks forward to the next season and beyond, the organization says it is focused on enhancing its programs and engaging its community, ensuring that Orillia "remains a proud and competitive hockey" centre.