Zardo could not be reached for comment but, in a letter e-mailed to the MOHA board last week, the long-time president of the association said, "I take great personal pride in what my team and I have accomplished in growing and developing this association over the years and I am extremely disappointed with the current situation."

Ironically, Zardo's resignation came just days before he received the 2008 Ontario Minor Hockey Association Honour Award, the organization's highest honour, which is presented annually to "a person who has made an outstanding voluntary contribution to minor hockey for a considerable period of time."

Zardo was first elected president in 1986 and has held the post for all but three years since. In that time, the organization has grown from 1,500 players to 4,160.

MOHA treasurer Jeanette Mittler has also resigned her post. Wayne Moorehead, who had served as vice-president of house league for eight years, was defeated in the organization's May 22 election. He was elected to the board of directors but resigned four days later. Keith Murray, last year's vice-president of town rep, withdrew his candidacy just prior to MOHA's election.

MOHA vice-president of house league Tina Field said she was not prepared to comment when contacted yesterday (Tuesday), but said she would discuss the situation this week.

Moorehead said Zardo's resignation did not come as a surprise to him.

"I figured he would," Moorehead said. "He's spoken to me in confidence as to why."

Moorehead said a division formed in MOHA over a couple of issues, one involving referees, but chose not to elaborate. He did say an unusually large number of referees turned out to vote in the organization's election.

In concluding his letter, Zardo said, "People will argue that change is a good thing and I would agree, provided it is a good change. What has and is happening to MOHA is not good change and I am not prepared to be a part of it."

MOHA is coming off of one of its most successful rep seasons.

The novice A, atom AE, atom AA, peewee AAA and minor atom AA Rangers won OMHA championships, while the atom A, peewee AA and bantam AE Rangers were OMHA finalists.

The novice AAA, atom AAA and midget AAA squads won OMHA bronze medals, and the atom AA, peewee AAA and atom AAA teams were OHF finalists. MOHA also boasted four Tri-County champions.