Former treasurer charged with theft from Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association

Saskatchewan·NewCory Smith, who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association, had his first appearance in court this week.Cory Smith’s case returns to court in JanuaryHannah Spray · CBC News · Posted: Dec 12, 2025 3:29 PM EST | Last Updated: 3 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Cory Smith faces one charge of theft over $5,000 for allegedly taking money from the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association. (CBC)A man charged with stealing money from the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association had his first appearance in court this week.Cory Johnathon Smith faces one charge of theft over $5,000, dating back to the summer. Esterhazy is about 180 kilometres east of Regina.Some details about the alleged theft are described in the hockey association’s annual general meeting minutes from August, which say a person took about $46,000, mainly through e-transfers, and has voluntarily paid back about $20,000.The minutes also showed that Smith was “removed” as treasurer for the organization.CBC contacted the president of the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Association, Glen Simon, but he did not provide a comment, except to note that Smith was not present in Esterhazy provincial court for his first appearance date on Tuesday, but Smith’s lawyer was.Smith’s lawyer requested an adjournment, and the case is scheduled to be back in court on Jan. 13, according to court records.In October, a former executive with the Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $273,000 from the organization. Aaron Troy Foster was sentenced to two years in federal prison.ABOUT THE AUTHORHannah Spray is a reporter and editor for CBC Saskatoon. She began her journalism career in newspapers, first in her hometown of Meadow Lake, Sask., moving on to Fort St. John, B.C., and then to the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.