Five positions on the Gravenhurst Minor Hockey Association (GMHA) executive remain vacant following a poorly attended annual general meeting April 28.

Two new faces were appointed to the executive by acclamation and five others are returning for their final year of a two-year term.

Equipment manager Jody Rowland will serve as an elected official on the minor hockey board, as will Karen Smith who takes the role of registrar.

The two join existing president Ted Watts, vice-president Dan Rolfe, fundraiser Kim Gee, parent rep Tracey Lozier, Ontario Minor Hockey Association (OMHA) rep/ice scheduler Ericka Smith and public relations chair Robb White, who moves over from tournament director.

The remaining vacant positions on the executive were somewhat difficult to fill as numerous nominees refused to stand for election. Vacant positions include secretary, treasurer, tournament chair, special event co-ordinator and local league/house league convener.

President Ted Watts said a few more names have been put forward and will be considered by the executive.

“It’s a good place to build from, but we will have to fill those positions,” he said.

In terms of attendance at the AGM, Watts said it’s not unusual to have 15 people attend the meeting. He said there were not many major issues on the agenda.

“I don’t think it reflects a lack of interest in hockey,” he said.

GMHA expects to offer hockey at all levels except juvenile in the 2008-09 season.

“It looks like it will be status quo for the rep teams from novice up to midget,” he said. “Judging from last year’s registration we expect all teams will be represented.”

Last year about 130 players registered for minor hockey, down from about 145 the year before, Watts said. The drop in registration reflects the fact the organization did not offer a peewee team, but this year he expects the return of peewee players.

“Everything is evolving right now,” Watts said. “One thing I want to do is explore the opportunity to develop our house league further, where different age groups can be combined to play against each other.”

Though this year’s hockey season will start earlier than in the past, Watts said registration would likely take place a little later than usual. Parents should keep an eye on the minor hockey website for details.

The new executive will meet for the first time on

May 13.