Woolwich Wildcats Minor Atom A- 2016-17 Tryout Information
Dear Parents and Players,Welcome to the 2016-2017 hockey season!
My name is Paul Sinclair and I am looking forward to coaching the Minor Atom A team this year. I want to take this opportunity to outline my coaching philosophy and provide some information about the tryout process for this year’s team, as well as some expectations for the upcoming season.
Background
This will be my 1st year as a head coach for Woolwich Minor Hockey. I have been coaching or teaching hockey, the past 28 years and have been playing for the past 40 years.
Philosophy
My primary goal is to develop players to their maximum potential both on AND off ice. In addition to developing a player’s technical skills to compete at the highest level, life skills of teamwork, responsibility, accountability, communication and leadership will be stressed. The combination of those attributes will lead to building self-confidence and having fun.
Practices will be well organized, focused and high tempo. Each practice will work on fundamentals, position specifics and then team play. The fundamentals of skating, passing and shooting will be the foundation for our success. I consider my approach firm but fair. Hard work will be expected. Mistakes will be made. That’s how we learn. The rewards of hard work and pushing beyond comfort zones will be evident as the season progresses.
Try Outs & Evaluations
Players need to show up at tryouts properly prepared mentally and physically. This is NOT a conditioning camp so players need to perform at their best from the first session. In addition to the fundamentals of fitness, skill, speed and hockey sense, I will be looking for players who demonstrate the characteristics of dedication, hard work, focus, coachable, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude.
Below you will find information on: the Tryout Schedule, Process and Team Commitment.
Tryout Schedule (Please double check on the WMHA website in case of changes)
Monday May 2nd 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Woolwich (Snyder)
Tuesday May 3rd 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Woolwich (Snyder)
Saturday May 7th 10:30 AM Exhibition Game vs. New Hamburg - Woolwich (Snyder)
Sunday May 8th 9:15 AM Exhibition Game @ New Hamburg - Wilmot Recreation Centre
Tuesday May 10 6:30 PM Exhibition Game vs. Centre Wellington – Woolwich (Snyder)
* Please check in at the table before each ice time and you will be assigned a jersey. Please return your jersey after each tryout.
Tryout Process
All tryout communications will be done through the Minor Atom A team site on the www.woolwichminorhockey.ca site. This information will be shared at the first tryout.
There are a total of 15 positions available this year (13 skaters & 2 goalies). All players will need to earn their position on the team but everyone is invited to attend the first 2 tryouts. Unfortunately the tryout period is relatively short, which makes selecting a final roster challenging. There may be capable players that do not make this team based on the limited number of roster spots. Updates will be posted online as quickly as possible following each ice time, starting after the completion of the 2nd tryout. If your name is listed on the team site, you’re invited to continue onto the next tryout. If your name isn’t listed, you’re invited to attend AE tryouts in the fall. Please check the www.woolwichminorhockey.ca site for updates)
During the tryout process, a few non-parent evaluators will assist me in assessing the following areas:
The following are the core hockey priorities that I will look for when evaluating players trying out for the Woolwich Minor Atom A team. This will be the foundation that will form the team’s identity.
1. Attitude:
• Shows respect for the game, teammates, coaches, officials and opponents
• Supports teammates
• Desire to learn and show discipline at all times
2. Skating:
• Sound agility and balance on both feet
• Speed and acceleration in all directions
• Ability to have speed with and without the puck
3. Hockey sense:
• Ability to make teammates around them part of the play
• Ability to read the ice and react to the situation
• To be creative
4. Puck control:
• Skill to handle puck at high speed in traffic and open ice
• Ability to make hard and accurate passes
• Skill to place their shots on net
5. Complete player:
• Strong in battles in all areas of the ice
• Relentless work ethic
• Keeps emotions under control
Hopefully this has given you some insight into who I am and what my expectations are this coming season. Not everyone will agree with my philosophy, but rest assured, I do what's in the best interest of the kids. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. The best way to reach me is by email at [email protected]
Commitment
Parents, we would like everyone to be aware of the commitment level required should your child be selected for the team. Each player will:
-
Require a Red helmet and Red Pants
-
Need to pay Rep Fees (approx. $500) and Team Fees (approx. $350)
-
Need to travel to regular season away games in the following locations: Ancaster, Halton Hills, Milton, Hespeler, Guelph, Brampton, New Hamburg, Oakville, Hespeler and Burlington.
- Attend 4 tournaments of which 2 will be local and 2 will involve travel and hotel costs.