The following Board of Director Positions are to be elected at on 2023/24 AGM on April 29th, 2024
Director at Large -Risk and Safety Portfolio and Director at Large -Officials, AA/A/B league rep
Please see the below Bio’s of the Candidates
For the Position of Director at Large Risk and Safety
William Burnie
My name is William Burnie and I am running for re-election to the position of Director at Large – Risk and Safety. I have been in the position for the last 3 seasons and would like to continue in the role for KMHA.
I have been in the Kanata Minor Hockey Association for 35+ years, starting as player then transitioning over to being an on-ice official for 15 years, during which I served as the Referee-in-Chief and District Referee-in-Chief for 4 years in the early in the 2000s. After stepping away for a period of time to start my career and family, I returned to the KMHA family when my son began playing minor hockey 7 years ago. Over the past 7 seasons, I have served as an assistant coach for on season at U9 as well as being either the primary or backup trainer on my son’s teams. I was a House Convenor for 5 seasons at U9, U11 and U15 before transitioning into the role of House League Co-ordinator this past season as well as taking on the role of Association registrar.
As the Director at Large – Risk and Safety over the past three seasons, I endeavoured to apply the knowledge and experience to aid the Association getting through the COVID pandemic, working with HEO and Hockey Canada to interpret, understand and educate recent policy shifts in regards dressing rooms, maltreatment, bullying and harassment.
Having held various roles at the Team and Association levels, along with being a former player and on-ice official has given me strong working knowledge and insights into Risk and Safety and how everyone from players, parents, coaches, on-ice officials and Association administrative personnel need to work to together to provide a safe environment for all those in involved in the game.
I would love to a part of the Board of Directors as the Director at Large – Risk and Safety and use the knowledge and experience I have gained to help build strong relationships will all members of the KMHA while continuing to educate the membership on constantly changing policies and regulations and ensuring a safe, inclusive environment for all of our players and members.
Thank you
William Burnie
Sam Bhalesar
My name is Sam Bhalesar-Saran. Many of you have met me or know me from hockey over the many years. My husband and I are parents to two boys who have played with KMHA for from the day they stepped on the ice. I take great pride in being a part of this community and I’ve made lifelong friends through this association. I bring a lot of experience when it comes to Boards, Associations, and Community. Every Board needs change and fresh perspectives. That is something I can bring you. And ensuring that each and every child has the same equal opportunities is extremely important to me. This is why I decided to put my name forward for risk and safety, and to ensure all kids are protected and that we continue to ensure hockey is played with its highest level of care and ensuring our children are safe in every way possible.
I have always volunteered with KMHA in some capacity. I have helped teams and coaches manage their team activities, fundraised for teams, found sponsors and just help on a team to ensure the coaches are supported. Our coaches work extremely hard and it is important for parents to continue to volunteer and support them however possible. That doesn’t mean you have to have the title of manager or fundraiser, you can be a parent who can support the team regardless as I have been doing. We are really lucky as an association to have such great coaches each and every year.
I promised myself if I was going to do this I would be in 100%. My kids or your kids are all our kids. I am a true hockey mom with a lot of experience who can bring a lot to the table.
In addition to being a hockey parent and a dedicated volunteer, I work as a Senior Advisor, managing numerous projects including Canadian energy projects, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous Justice Strategy, G7, G20, International Energy projects/conferences, and numerous other international affairs.
I currently serves as the Founder and CEO of the Canadian South Asian Women’s Chamber of Commerce, Board of Director with the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation and the Canadian Broadcasting Standards Council. In May 2023, I was selected as Canada’s Chair of Negotiations and Diplomacy for the G100.
I also sit on the Board for Hockey Helps the Homeless Ottawa and work in the trenches when it’s tournament time since it began in Ottawa. This is a National Organization that has fundraised for the homeless for many many years. I am proud to be a part of such a great organization where NHL players, businesses, and associations come together and fundraise for great causes.
I served as the Chair of the Patient and Family Advisory Council with the Ottawa Hospital (PFAC) & served as a member of numerous other committees at the Ottawa Hospital and CHEO, and as a past board member of the Ottawa Youth Services Bureau.
I have been married to my wonderful husband Nav for 20 years. As mentioned, we have two beautiful boys (10 and 13). I am a dedicated and proud mom who hopes that my kids will embrace the good values that have helped me and teach them that they will have the same opportunities as I have.
All kids deserve the same. I knows how teams functions and when I support teams in specific roles, I always ensures that parents, coaches and kids feel like a part of the team. My purpose of joining this board is to ensure that we bring fresh perspectives, equal opportunities and keep growing this great Association. I sincerely hope you will give me the opportunity to be a part of your Board.
For the Position of Director at Large Officials(referees)- AA /A/B league rep
Nik McLean
My name is Nik McLean and I am running the for the position of Director at Large-AAA/AA/A/B/Officials Representative. I have been in the position for the last 3 seasons and would like to continue in that role respresenting KMHA.
I have been involved with the Kanata Minor Hockey officiating program for the last 25 years operating in a variety of roles within the program which has allowed him to have knowledge in every aspect of the officiating program. I have been the Referee-in-Chief and District Referee-in-Chief for the last 18 years. I have sat on a variety of committees within the officiating program and KMHA at the district level and have been an asset when it comes to rule knowledge and interpretation. Having a good understanding of how the officiating program and competitive programs work, I have put my experience to use and be a well-respected member of the Board as Director of Officials.
Being an active Level V official, I have officiated hockey from Junior A and U18 AAA to U9 House League and still currently officiates all levels of minor hockey which allows his to see all the challenges and strengths that are present not only within KMHA but also with HEO. Over my time volunteering with KMHA, I have seen how different roles within KMHA operate and has a strong working knowledge of the association and its day-to-day operations.
I believe that the role of Director at Large is important as it is a direct line of communication with the competitive leagues as well as the officials program. I believe in fostering a safe and enjoyable hockey experience for all participants while enhancing communication and feedback to better the experience.
I would love to be a part of the Board of Directors as the Director at Large as my knowledge of the KMHA programs, experience within the AAA/AA/A/B leagues and officiating program will help build strong relationships with the members of the KMHA while keeping a direct line of communication with all the programs.
Thank you
Nik McLean
David Chin
David has 7+ years of experience in a management position with the federal government. Familiar with various finance/resource management activities associated with running a team and deliver results. Help the federal government procured over $40+ millions dollars of IT equipment to deliver various financial aid packages to Canadians (CERB, CRB etc.) during COVID.
Hockey experience:
In 2022-2024, worked as a team manager/treasurer for hockey teams and organized hockey workshops for u7 and u9 players during Christmas and March breaks that help kids to stay active. In total, I booked over 80+ hours of ice for the 2023-2024 season and worked with 100+ different families to make hockey skill development workshop affordable and accessible.
Hockey is a sport that’s greatly loved by many here in Kanata. My goal is to help expand the accessibility and inclusiveness of the sports so kids don’t have to give up their hockey dreams due to financial constraints.