Minutes 03-07-2024 - Business Meeting

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4 Jim Fitz said he was heartbroken to hear that the Hogs would not be allowed ice time at the Sportsplex. He said the information shared from John Stock by email to the Board is not what he heard from Hogs leadership. He said he is inclined to believe the Hogs leadership, as the oldest Triangle youth hockey organization. He asked the Board to broker negotiations between the Hogs and RFP. Jon Schreicher said his son played for 6 years with the Hogs. He said Hillsborough has been a steppingstone for many people and their hockey careers. He said affordable hockey will disappear in this area if this change is made. Alex Charns said he was a Hogs coach for 15 years. He said he is very upset by the decision made by RFP. He said this organization is very important to him and his family. Kimberly Powers said she cannot say enough good things about the Hogs program. She said this is the best sports program her kids have experienced. She said the Hogs program puts others to shame. She said she understands the plan by the Sportsplex is to offer affordable hockey, but it will not touch the experience with the Hogs. Leo Charns said he thinks the house league at the Sportsplex should be run by the Hogs. He said that he and his sister played for over ten years and his dad coached during that time. He said he coached with the Hogs this past year and learned just how dedicated everyone is to the community. He asked the Board to intervene and said that next year, the house-league should be owned by the Hogs. He said he coached with the SportsPlex as well and he thinks there can be a way for the Hogs to run the program next year. He said the Hogs are trusted by the community. Mearis Martin said he has no association with the Hogs but asked if there is an attempt by RFP to violate the contract when they create a competing organization so that it fails, and the only option left would be a travel group. Bridget Pemberton-Smith said she has been a resident of Orange County for 55 years. She said the Hillsborough Hogs are an important part of her son's life. She said her son started playing when he was 4. She said the coaching is exceptional, sportsmanship is exceptional. She said the Hogs took her son to and from practices and stepped up for her family when she was sick and diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. She said that they protected his mental health. She said it is more than just hockey, it is so important to the youth of the county. Eric Mosquin said he didn't intend to speak but his love for hockey started with the Hogs and it was a great experience. He said the coaches on the Hogs were better than his other sports experiences. He said the organization has sparked his love for the game and he has been playing travel hockey for three years. He said that there are no experiences that compare to his time with the Hogs. Ian Mosquin said he learned a lot from hockey with the Hogs and they have played an important role in his life. He said he has learned how to lose and win and all with respect for people. He said he would not be up there if he did not care about the Hogs. Jack Hudson said he just finished his third season with the Hogs. He said Hockey is not often this affordable and the Hogs stand out. He said it is the most morally driven hockey program he has seen. He said the decision to replace the Hogs with another house team is ill-advised. Jessica Segobiano read the following statement to the Board: "I am a mom of 4 kids. All my children play hockey. My husband plays for the adult league at the Sportsplex and volunteers his time to coach two separate teams. I am asking for equality for the kids and parents in this community. Many have and will tell you what the organization means to them. I am here to ask questions and request this board to ask them in return to the RFP management company before making a decision. 1. Will the cost of ice per hour be the same for the house team under RFP as it currently is under the Hogs? 2. Will the house league receive two practices a week as the kids are currently receiving under the Hogs, for the same price?