Dear Membership of CMHA,

As we are approaching the start to another hockey season, I would like to formally introduce myself as the new President of Chebucto Minor Hockey. My name is Craig Myra and I have three children who have been part of CMHA for the last 7 years.  For the first 5 years that my children played Minor Hockey I was a parent who cheered on my children, while at the same time thinking about ways things could be done differently within the Association, to make the experience for our children better. Two years ago, I decided that instead of sitting on the sidelines, I would volunteer and try to help in anyway I could.

Last year was my first year on the Executive, taking on the role of Member at Large. Part of my duties last year included being on the Coaches Selection Committee and helping with the website, along with any other duties as assigned. It was a great learning year for me and it really opened my eyes to the complexities of how a Minor Hockey Association operates.

Moving into the 2022-23 season I decided I wanted to take on a bigger role with the Association.  With our former President, Sara Aucoin, stepping down I accepted the nomination for new President and with no one running against me…. well, here we are. 

Not having played minor hockey myself, I know I have a lot to learn in terms of the Hockey side of things.  In a lot of ways, I look at this as an advantage, as I bring a completely different lens to the Association. 

What I do bring to the table, is an extensive resume in terms of leadership. For the last eleven years I have been an Administrator within the Halifax Regional Centre of Education, with the last eight years being a Principal in two schools that have students who directly feed into CMHA. I know my ability to work wit, and lead people of all ages will serve me well in this new role. I look forward to learning and leading over the next couple years.

In terms of my goal as President for CMHA.  I have two agendas.  The first is to help our Association to continue to foster a love for the game with our players. Icing competitive teams (at all levels) that put an emphasis on fair play and having fun are going to be vital components to achieving this.  This doesn’t necessarily mean winning every game, what is does mean is icing teams that can be competitive in most of their games. 

Secondly, I want to have a greater emphasis on player development within CMHA.  Providing both offseason and in season opportunities for player development as imperative to ensuring success and fun on the ice.  This will include sessions for individual player skills and position specific skills. We will work to do a better job of developing our own players, so parents do not have to be looking to external programming as much for their children’s development.

I understand this job is going to have peaks and valleys in terms of all the work that needs to be done moving forward. I want to thank you in advance for your support and cooperation as we all work together to try to make the Minor Hockey experience as positive as possible for all of our children.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink!

Thank you,

Craig Myra, President

CHMA