A Message to the Membership

When I think about the last two years as President—and the five years I’ve spent on this Board—it’s honestly hard to put into words what this association means to me. Leitrim has never just been an organization. It’s been a community, a responsibility, and in many ways, a second home.

To our players—thank you for the energy, the passion, and the joy you bring to the ice every single day.
To our parents—thank you for your trust, your commitment, and for sharing your kids with us.
To our coaches, volunteers, and fellow Board members—thank you for the countless hours, the conversations, the debates, and the belief in what we’re trying to build together. None of this works without you.

When I stepped into the role of President, I didn’t come in with a list of promises—I came in with a purpose. That purpose was to build something more transparent. More honest. More accountable. Not that it was anything less than that before, but its just what was at the core of my driving purpose. I wanted our members to understand not just what decisions were being made, but how and why they were being made. Because trust doesn’t come from always agreeing—it comes from knowing there is a process, that it’s fair, and that it’s rooted in doing what’s right for our kids and our families.

Over the past two years, there have been moments that have tested that purpose. I’ve been part of decisions that were not easy—decisions around competitive programming, potential partnerships, and the long-term direction of this association. These are not quick conversations. They are long, emotional, and often all-consuming processes that a group of dedicated people work through over weeks and months.

What people don’t always see is what happens behind the scenes. The sleepless nights. The second-guessing.
The weight of knowing that every decision has a ripple effect on families, players, and the future of this association. I have never taken that lightly.

I’ve actively sought out mentorship outside of our walls to make sure I wasn’t just listening to the loudest voice in the room—or even my own. I’ve sat in conversations with people who completely disagreed with me, and I’ve welcomed that. Because if my perspective can’t be challenged, it’s not strong enough to lead. There have been times where those conversations have changed my mind entirely. And I’m proud of that—because it means the decisions weren’t about me. They were about getting it right for each of you. Every dollar we spend. Every agreement we enter into. Every path we choose—I carry that with me. I always have. Because this isn’t just hockey. This is families. This is time, money, emotion, and trust.

At the District level, I’ve also worked hard to advocate for Leitrim. When I stepped into this role, there were fractures—real ones. Relationships that needed rebuilding. That work hasn’t always been visible, but it has been intentional. And I truly believe we are in a stronger, more respected position today because of it. Through all of this, one thing has grounded me: My goal was never to “make Leitrim great again.” My goal has always been to leave it better than I found it. And the truth is… I don’t feel like we’re done yet.

There is still more we can build. More we can improve. More we can become—together. But I also understand that leadership is not about holding onto a role—it’s about serving at the direction of the Board and the membership. If the association chooses to move in a different direction, I will support that wholeheartedly. This has never been a title for me. It’s about Leitrim. Its about each of your families. And it always will be.

If there is one thing I would leave you with, it’s this—get involved. Bring your voice. Bring your perspective. Because the more great people we have around the table, the better our decisions will be, especially when they’re the hard ones.

Thank you—for your trust, your honesty, your passion, and your willingness to walk this journey with me.

It has been, and continues to be, one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Stacey
President
Leitrim Minor Hockey Association

2024 – Present