Welcome players and families to the U12A 2023-2024 evaluations. I look forward to meeting everyone on Monday when we start the evaluations process.
Please refer to the U12A Team Website for all communication regarding the evaluation dates and games. Players who continue on in the process will be listed on the website. I will try and post something each night if there are releases.
Team CalendarThe coaching staff is looking forward to a FUN and competitive upcoming season. We will not only be choosing a team, we will be creating a FAMILY and creating a positive atmosphere by following some simple team guidelines.
1. You’re willing to play any role that helps the team.
2. You would rather score less and win than score a lot and lose.
3. When your team scores, the first people you congratulate are your teammates.
4. You love practice as much as you love games.
5. You respect your opponents but don’t fear them.
6. You listen, are coachable and respect your coaches and officials.
7. You are quick to help a teammate who is having a bad day.
8. You help teammates who have less experience.
9. You learn and grow from your own mistakes as well as others.
10. You’re confident but NOT arrogant.
“It’s not the WILL TO WIN that matters – everyone has that. It’s the WILL TO PREPARE to win that matters....” Bear Bryant
Our Team Mission is to have FUN, be the hardest working team and compete at the highest level possible to get us ready to compete for a TriCounty and RED HAT Championship.
Everything we do is motivated by getting our team ready to meet our mission...our success through the season may not always be measured by the score...ultimately the success of the season will be measured by the progress of the players individually and as a team.
Expectations during the evaluations process:
· Be on time. You should be at the rink at least 45 minutes before a scheduled ice time or game. That gives you time to register and get dressed.
· Have FUN. Hockey is just a game and the more you have FUN the more the game becomes enjoyable.
· Work Hard. Compete hard in every drill, or every shift.
· Listen to the coaches and instructors on and off the ice.
· Our first evaluation will consist of skills and drills and small area games. Don’t CHEAT the drill. If you are asked to skate to the blueline and stop, skate to the blueline and stop. Not a few inches before the line. I want players who want to work at getting better not cheating themselves.
All players will be evaluated based on:
· The individual player’s ability
o Passing
o Shooting
o Skating
o Hockey sense
· Coachability
o Does the player listen to the coach and follow instructions
· Compete Level
o Every time you step on the ice you should want to “out work” your opponent.
o Remember a loose puck doesn’t know who’s bigger, stronger or drafted higher. A loose puck only knows who gets to it first.
· Attitude
o Positive
o Cheers on other teammates
o Respects the coaching staff and officials
Other housekeeping items:
Tournaments. We have not finalized our tournament schedule but we are expecting to enter four (4) this season. One U.S. Tournament (potentially Pittsburgh or Columbus), a Silver Stick, a Christmas Tournament and Oakville Winterfest. Please let the coaching staff know if you will be away during Christmas.
Cost - It is anticipated that the U12A Team budget expenditure per player for additional ice time, tournaments, etc. will be approximately $1000 to $1200 for this season (not including team fundraising efforts). This cost is above the WMHA base registration fee and can be paid monthly.
Wishing you all the best during evaluations and the upcoming season!!
Coach Jeff