WELLINGTON COUNTY – A proposed amalgamation of a pair of north Wellington County hockey associations isn’t going forward at this time.
A vote to amalgamate Minto Minor Hockey and Drayton Minor Hockey did not reach the required majority vote.
To pass, families and bench staff from both associations would have to separately reach 67 per cent yes votes. The associations held a vote on Feb. 1 and 2.
A breakdown of the votes posted on the Drayton Minor Hockey website shows Minto Minor Hockey had about a 75 per cent yes vote while Drayton was closer to a 50-50 split on yes and no, meaning the vote failed.
This doesn’t mean amalgamation will never happen and Minto Minor Hockey co-president Geoff Gunson said in a phone call he hoped it will go forward sometime in the future as it “makes sense.”
He said he personally hoped amalgamation would happen eventually as it seems to make the most sense for both associations. The vote was anonymous and Gunson hadn’t heard from anybody on why they were or weren’t ready to support it.
“I guess the membership has spoken,” Gunson said.
Previously, both associations noted benefits of amalgamation included more rinks to play at, larger pool of volunteers and maximizing player development.
Gunson said amalgamation committees from both organizations will be meeting next week to discuss further options including a survey to get feedback on the proposal.
Drayton Minor Hockey’s president did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
