Important President’s Message for the 2025-26 Season

September 3, 2025

Hello Millwoods Hockey families,

My name is Corey Smith, and for those who don’t know me, I’m the President of the Millwoods Hockey Association. As we kick off our 39th season this fall, I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself and reintroduce our association to the entire Millwoods Hockey community.

I’ve been involved with Millwoods Hockey for the past seven years and have served on the board for the last five. I’m also a hockey parent, with three boys currently in the program—two in U13 and one in U7—so chances are you’ll find me at the rink on most days throughout the season!

This year, I stepped into the role of President with a clear goal: to elevate our program and strengthen the sense of community that makes Millwoods Hockey special. I genuinely enjoy being at the rink, connecting with players, parents, coaches, and officials—hockey people are my people. If you see me around, please don’t hesitate to say hello, introduce yourself, and share how your season is going. I’d love to meet you and hear your story.

For our returning families, you may have already noticed some changes as we head into evaluations and prepare for the season ahead. These updates are part of our commitment to continual improvement and reflect the feedback and needs of our membership. Some of the key changes this year include:

  • New third-party evaluators at the U11 and U13 levels
  • Expanded Monday night development, now including U9
  • A revamped winter camp program with a new provider
  • A refreshed look for our U13 teams on the ice
  • Community-building events designed to bring us closer together

While we don’t expect everything to be perfect right away, I can assure you that our board is more committed than ever to making positive, lasting changes for the benefit of our entire association.

We also encourage you to visit our website regularly — www.millwoodshockey.ca — for the most up-to-date information. The site has undergone a significant transformation over the past year, and we’re proud of the improvements that have made it more user-friendly and informative.

Finally, I want to address an important topic: how we conduct ourselves as parents, coaches, and supporters of our young athletes. Building a strong, respectful community means handling conflict thoughtfully and constructively. This season, we are implementing a new approach to conflict resolution and discipline, including:

  • A clear conflict resolution flow chart outlining communication steps and escalation processes
  • New committees tasked with overseeing disciplinary matters at the association level

These initiatives are designed to ensure that concerns are addressed fairly and consistently, while maintaining a positive environment for everyone involved.

I truly believe this could be our best season yet—and that’s only possible through the collective effort of our entire community. Whether you choose to volunteer with your team, assist at the association level, or simply show up and support, there are countless ways to get involved. Your contributions make a real difference, and we’re here to support you in any way we can.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message. I wish you and your families a fantastic season ahead.

Warm regards,
Corey Smith
President
Millwoods Hockey Association