Minor League Hockey in the Community of Haliburton

The purpose of this paper is to recognize the importance of hockey in Canada and within the Haliburton community. A short history of Canadian hockey prefaces a look at community-orientated minor league hockey in general and how hockey serves as an important cultural force in towns and villages across Canada as it forges community relationships and involvement. The history of hockey in Haliburton and the current state of its minor hockey league is outlined. Focusing on the topics of regional disparities, parent involvement, coaching, competition, media, and economics, the paper addresses some of the problems within the system and puts forward suggestions for possible solutions.