Staff
Wednesday, April 30, 2008

The Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association has taken the plunge.
Under the stewardship of registrar Kelly Jolicoeur, the FFMHA has undertaken a new online registration system.

As Hockey Canada moved away from the old printed cards, Jolicoeur said Hockey Northwestern Ontario began urging its members to embrace new technology and implement an online registration system.
“Hockey registration has always been a labour intensive and time-consuming exercise for all minor hockey associations, so by moving to the new online system, we hope to have the majority of our registration complete by Aug. 29, 2008,” he noted.
Jolicoeur added the move to Internet-based registrations will alleviate the long lines and wait times during the annual registration process.
The system was provided to the FFMHA by Hockey Canada, and is now available at its website at www.fortfranceshockey.com
To register a player for the 2008-09 season, simply click on the “Online registration” link located near the top on the left side of the home page.
Once you’ve logged in, you can follow the prompts and complete your registration.
Jolicoeur said it’s easy and doesn’t take long to complete, adding, “If anyone has difficulties or issues, they can contact me directly at kellyjolicoeur@shaw.ca or call me at 274-1455.”
“If you don’t have a computer, there are some available at the Fort Frances Public Library,” he noted.
Once the registration process has been completed online, payment by cheque or money order can be mailed to Fort Frances Minor Hockey, P.O. Box 306, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M7.
Payment in full must be received by Sept. 10, 2008.
Jolicoeur suggested the new system also allows people to register early (right away) and then spread out the cost of the registration in four payments.
“They can post date a total of four cheques or money orders equalling the total balance,” he explained.
While payments can be made up to Sept. 10, the actual registration process must be completed by Aug. 29 or a $30 late fee will be incurred.
The FFMHA hopes to have a credit card payment option in place for the 2009-10 campaign.
In setting up the new system, Jolicoeur indicated Fort Frances Minor Hockey also has teamed up with the Northwestern Health Unit and the new “Kidsport” program.
“As a board, we believe that all kids should have access to organized sport and recreational opportunities, and we understand that for some families this is not possible due to costs that are unaffordable,” said Jolicoeur.
“By offering easy access to the ‘Kidsport’ application process, families can access information that can help them overcome the financial barriers of registration and/or equipment costs.”
Another interesting feature is that those wishing to sign up for the Atom, PeeWee, Bantam, or Midget ‘AA’ tryouts can do so online, as well.
So with all this time-saving technology working for the FFMHA board, what will they do with their extra time? Plenty, according to Jolicoeur.
“We’ll be preparing for the season ahead, working with our coaches, conveners, and on ice officials. . . .
“We also want to work on improving our tournaments, our house league system, and the ‘AA’ representative teams,” he added.
Jolicoeur said it’s all part of the FFMHA’s continuing effort to move forward—working with all volunteers and parents to make the local hockey program something to be proud of.