KIJHL President Ohlhausen retires, Martel to resume duties temporarily

The KIJHL experienced major changes at the AGM a week ago. President Bill Ohlhausen resigned from his position. Vice President for the Doug Birks Division, Larry Martel, filled the vacancy.

Also, treasurer John Surovy left his position, which Vice President for the Eddie Mountain Division, Kathy Merkel, will be filling.

Why all of this short-term plugging of the vacancies? It is because the league is looking at changing it's leadership structure to have a commissioner in place by October, says new president Martel.

"[Being the current league president] is a temporary position as we going through this reorganization." He said. "They needed someone in the leadership position to still continue with the day-to-day administration."

To outsiders, this change seems very rapid, but internally this new leadership structure has been in the works for about 24 months.

The league is trying to shift away from a volunteer leadership, as it is now, and follow in the footsteps of the BCHL and have a paid commissioner that reports to the board.

Martel said that BC Hockey wants to be a part of the process as the KIJHL is reorganized. A governance committee has been created to look over the restructuring.

Adding a paid commissioner to the league is going to have a financial impact on the league, teams, players, and fans.

According to Martel there is a discrepancy among the teams about the role of the position and it's pay, sharing that in a survey teams thought the position should be as low as $30,000 to as high as $150,000.

"We are going to have to come in somewhere and get consensus, so there is still work to do." Martel said.

To be able to pay the commissioner, league fees will be increased for the teams. Who then in turn will need to look at raising their player fees, marketing budgeting, or ticket prices.

"There is always fear of the unknown." Martel said, "But it's an exciting time for the league."

As for Ohlhausen he is looking forward to enjoying his retirement.

"I feel it is time after being president for 16 years of the KIJHL, it is time for someone else to step in."

Ohlhausen and his wife contributed a significant amount of time to the league. They will be missed, but now they can both enjoy their retirement.

MATCH STICKS: The full interviews with Ohlhausen and Martel will be on this weeks episode of the Nitro's Night in Kimberley Podcast.