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.

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CBC contacted the president of the Esterhazy Minor Hockey Asso

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