The first try-outs for the 2001 Minor Bantam A Team are quickly approaching. Hopefully each player has been able to take advantage of the time off the ice to enjoy some other activities and are excited about getting back on the ice. Please make sure that
each player does a quick try-on of their equipment before the try-outs start as many of the boys are growing like crazy and need to have properly fitting equipment to make sure they are safe. In preparation for the try-outs each player should have registered for the body checking clinic on August 10th. The body checking clinic is mandatory so please make sure each player is registered. If there is an issue, please let me know as soon as possible so I can put you in contact with our VP of Travel Hockey to assist you.
All players will have the opportunity to attend at least 3 try-outs for proper assessment. The coaching staff will be looking for players that will give the team the best competitive advantage. This is one of the most difficult jobs as coaches so we take it very seriously. We look at their basic skills, hockey sense, work ethic, ability to be coached and general attitude. The coaches will thoroughly discuss each player in order to decide on the final 17 rostered players. As cuts are made they will be posted on this website.
Once the final roster is established the team will be attending a pre-season tournament in Essex Ontario the weekend of September 18, 19, 20, 21. Further information will be posted for this tournament so parents can tentatively book rooms in preparation for the tournament.
Before we do hit the ice you should know that the coaching staff will continue to focus on developing better hockey players and better people throughout the year. We believe that through consistent coaching and feedback to the players we will develop their hockey skills and their skills as young men as they work as a team towards a common goal. With this philosophy in mind, all rostered players will have a variety of opportunities to develop their skills during the season to help improve in all areas as individuals and as a team. It will be very important for all players to arrive at the rink with a focus on improvement each time they enter the dressingroom.
Good luck to all players and I look forward to seeing them all at tryouts on August 12th.
Just a reminder that all players must have at least one parent complete the Respect in Sport on-line course before any player can go on the ice.