The Cowichan Valley Minor Hockey Association executive is under temporary suspension pending an investigation being conducted by the Vancouver Island Amateur Hockey Association.
“The main crux of what we’re investigating right now is irregularities perceived to have occurred during an executive committee meeting on Jan. 13,’’ said VIAHA president Jim Humphrey, a Lake Cowichan businessman. “It’s being dealt with as expediently and professionally as possible.’’
Humphrey said five interviews were being conducted Thursday, four more Friday and another two on the weekend to reach a decision: either reinstate the executive or reconvene the Jan. 13 meeting to address the alleged irregularities.
Humphrey added rumours are running rampant and VIAHA intended to stress the need for everyone to be patient.’
“We’re in the process of putting out a memo. It’ll go out to every Cowichan Valley member on the weekend.’’
The situation arose after other member associations claimed Cowichan Valley had brought discredit to the VIAHA. Humphrey said he was not at liberty to get into details on the advice of VIAHA’s lawyer.
“Something occurred with the executive that concerned several members and Vancouver Island,’’ said Humphrey
But he did say VIAHA does not want to affect any hockey players by this. Two executive members were reinstated to ensure Cowichan Valley minor hockey kept running — one to handle financial matters, and another to ensure game activity for the players isn’t affected.
“They’re running,’’ Humphrey said of CVMHA. “Our goal is to review this and get some recommendations to them as soon as possible.’’
He said he understands the Cowichan Valley membership is quite concerned. Humphrey indicated he had received a raft of emails from parents.
“The people suspended, there’s no doubt in my mind they’re great people,’’ he said.
Humphrey has been a minor hockey volunteer for countless years.
“This is the hardest thing in hockey I’ve ever done,’’ he said. “All we’re trying to do is mediate an amicable solution so Cowichan Valley can return to being the great association it was.’’