On Oct. 15, Aaron Foster was sentenced to two years in prison for stealing over $270,000 from Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association.
Outside the courtroom, parents had questions about how it could have happened, how LMHA missed the money, and who discovered the scheme among others.
In late 2024, RCMP charged former Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association operations chair Aaron Foster with theft and fraud over $5,000, totalling nearly $300,000.
Foster, who served as one of LMHA’s signing authorities, was removed from his position as investigators examined years of financial records. Court files show the case has faced several delays, with hearings pushed from March to October 2025. Court proceedings revealed that those delays were due to Foster working to sell his home to repay the money. The total headed back to the hockey association is $273,140.24.
The Border Pulse forwarded questions to LMHA General Manager Dan Auchenburg late last month.
“Accountability is not just a word for us—it’s a commitment we’ve built into everything we do today,” said Dan Auchenburg, LMHA general manager. “Our trust and faith in what has happened to LMHA has also shaken our office, board and executive, but we are certain with the changes, we will become bigger, stronger and better.”
When asked to explain who discovered the thefts, and what happened in the days that followed, Auchenburg declined to discuss details. RCMP later confirmed the matter was first reported to police by an individual who walked into the Lloydminster detachment to file a complaint.
According to Auchenburg, the association has already overhauled its financial practices. All cheques and payments now require triple signing authority and a pre-review by the LMHA office. The association has also restored in-house data entry for bill payments, conducts monthly financial reviews, and uses an active treasurer to monitor all transactions.
LMHA now undergoes external audits to increase transparency and has strengthened its bylaws to limit individual control over funds.
Auchenburg said board members never handle association money directly. Their role focuses on discussion and voting on financial decisions, not processing payments.
As for what they will do with the full amount, which was repaid by Foster to the association before heading to jail, Auchenburg says they are still looking into it. As a non-profit they have to do some research into where the funds can go.
For parents still uncertain about how funds were managed, Auchenburg said he understands their frustration.
“We understand that many parents felt their trust in the association was shaken and we take that very seriously,” said Auchenburg. “We’ve implemented clearer policies, stronger oversight and more transparent communication so concerns are heard and addressed promptly.”
Looking ahead, the LMHA board plans to focus on the 2025–26 season and will review options once the legal process is complete. They are unsure at the moment, as a non-profit, about the rules regarding the repaid funds.
“We’re committed to restoring confidence in how we operate,” said Auchenburg. “This has been a difficult lesson, but it’s one we’re using to build something stronger for every player and family.”
