Attention: CBC Correspondent Bonnie Allen July 30, 2021 This past year has been full of challenges in many ways and this situation that arose between the Trayhornes and our Association has been truly unfortunate. Each member of the DMHA executive volunteers their time willingly because they are committed to Dalmeny’s hockey program and the goal is to facilitate a program where all players can grow and succeed (including Berkeley Trayhorne). In our Minor Hockey Association, we have several female players. We have never received complaints about mistreatment from any of the other girls (or their parents). On the U13 team that Berkeley was a part of, there was another female also on the team. She had no issue with females abiding by the Saskatchewan Hockey rule, but rather she and her parents were glad to have separate dressing rooms. Our Executive is committed to upholding the rules set out by Saskatchewan Hockey Association because that is our responsibility and because they’ve been created to ensure the safety of ALL hockey players, both male and female. There was never any vote or indecision on the part of our Executive surrounding the matter of allowing Berkeley to share a dressing room with the boys, because the rule is clear. The argument made by the Trayhornes is that because of the Covid protocols put in place by the Town of Dalmeny stating that players should come to the arena dressed, the female players should have been allowed to share a dressing room with the male players. Please note that there was never any direction given by Saskatchewan Hockey Association indicating that the rules could be dismissed or superseded by Covid rules. In fact, we verified that we were interpreting /enforcing the rules appropriately with SHA directly. Furthermore, the Covid Protocols evolved throughout the pandemic and anytime any questions arose, and the town was contacted for direction, we were informed that the rules were enforced at the discretion of the rink manager. While the most common practice was for players to come to the rink mostly dressed, there were many instances where players needed to adjust equipment or dress entirely (due to safety issues such as length of drive, etc.). As long as players abided by the time restrictions (15 min before/after ice time), this was permitted. Also, team building did not happen in dressing rooms this year. Due to the Covid restrictions dictating spacing and limited numbers in dressing rooms, team meetings occurred on the ice level. In regard to the release that was extended to Berkeley Trayhorne, the hope was that by providing the release early, she would have ample time to find a team to play on. We will not have a u15 team (which is Berkeley’s age group) in Dalmeny this year due to a lack of players in this age group. All of the players registered in this age group in Dalmeny are extended a release. Thank you for taking the time to review this matter from all angles. Our Hockey Executive is comprised of volunteers; people who are neighbours and have been friends with the Trayhornes for years. We care about them and are grieved for the rift that this matter has put in so many relationships that people had with them. We do, however, remain firm in our commitment to upholding Saskatchewan Hockey Association rules for the safety of all players. Sincerely, The DMHA Executive SECOND STATEMENT August 8, 2021 As previously stated, we are a small community association made of volunteer members who are tasked with looking out for the well-being of all of our hockey players. Berkeley’s well-being has been considered equally with every other player we represent and a great deal of thought and discussion has preceded every decision made. Female players are given equal opportunities to male players and we are committed to upholding the SHA rules around having separate male/female dressing rooms as a means to protect both male and female players. Throughout this past year, we have respected the Trayhorne’s request to keep these matters confidential. DMHA has sought to resolve this matter as we were made aware of the grievance brought forth by the Trayhornes. Navigating a hockey season through a pandemic was challenging and there were many discussions and clarifications needed surrounding protocols and regulations. These discussions and decisions were always made with the safety of our whole association at the forefront. There will be no u15 hockey team in Dalmeny this upcoming season and all eligible players have been released. For most, the release that is extended is temporary in the event that we have a team for them to play on in a subsequent season. The permanent release was extended to Berkeley under the advisement of SHA with the best interest of the Trayhornes and DMHA in mind. The release is warranted based on the multiple violations of our Code of Conduct by Rod and Laurelea Trayhorne throughout the season. To say that the relationship between the Trayhornes and DMHA has been strained, is an understatement. We would love to see Berkeley succeed on a team elsewhere and we wish her all the best. Thank you, Dalmeny Minor Hockey Association Executive