Coach Introduction and Tryout Information, News, Major Bantam, 2016-2017, A/AA (Brantford Minor Hockey Association)

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This Team is part of the 2016-2017 season, which is not set as the current season.
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Apr 15, 2016 | Kevin Murray | 1250 views
Coach Introduction and Tryout Information
Welcome to the Brantford 99er Bantam A/AA team page.  This article provides information on the team overview, Q & A, Tryout Process, Coaching Philosophy and What to Expect.  Tryouts commence May 2nd at 8:30pm and we are very excited to welcome a talented group of players to compete for positions on our team.  Feel free to email any questions or concerns prior to the tryouts.  Best of luck in the process and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!

Dear Players and Parents:
I am extremely pleased to be coaching the 2002 age group for the upcoming season once again.  This is an important time frame in these young men’s development as players and as individuals with a balance of high school commencing, and high competition sport.  It is a challenge and a privilege that I hold in high regard and I will work tirelessly to meet the expectations of BMHA and families on the team.

This age group last season was successful in securing AA seeding, a 46 win season and 3 tournament championships.  That said, we have unfinished business!  My expectation for the 2016/17 hockey season is to have NO limitations to success that we can all achieve together as a TEAM. My goal in coaching will be to help every player achieve their best, both on and off the ice, in a fun, competitive and positive environment.  Positive players and positive parents equally have a huge impact on overall team success and the expectation is to have both this season.  Positive team chemistry along with the right mix of skill is a winning formula.    

Brantford 99er Bantam A/AA Q & A:

Q: With the team success last year, is the team already chosen?
A: NO.  NO positions are guaranteed and ALL players must earn their positions.

Q: Will 3 NRP(non resident passport) positions be utilized and selected for the 2016/17 season?
A: Yes.  Selection of 3 NRP players will be utilized provided the selections are earned.
 
Q: What are tryout costs and how many skates are guaranteed?
A: Cost for tryouts are $80.00 and cost covers (4) scheduled ice times. Teams can start to release players after 3 tryouts however no releases would take place following an away scheduled exhibition game.  Additional skates beyond the 4th tryout skate is $20 per skate.

Q: Can players play High School sports?
A: Yes. Communication of scheduling in advance is key.  Attendance and Commitment & to our hockey team is priority however, individual’s logistics for High School sport games can be discussed and decisions made which are acceptable to both the coaches and the player.

Tryout Process:

Tryouts will start on Monday May 2nd at 8:30pm and conclude by Saturday May 14th.  Parents & Players are reminded that the tryout schedule is subject to change and they should consult the Brantford website (www.brantfordminorhockey.com) daily in the days preceding and throughout the tryout process. 

The tryout process will be intense and players are expected to show up in good physical condition and ready to compete for a spot.  Player hydration is extremely important, and though the tryouts will be high tempo, there will be opportunity for short water breaks.  Though Bantam tryouts involve necessary body contact; players intentionally initiating head contact or intent to injure will not be tolerated.

The tryout process leaves a very short time period to make very difficult decisions and decisions of this nature are never easy.  I empathize that the timetable is very short and therefore having impactful tryouts is a must.  Decisions will be made based upon current talent and also future potential for the upcoming season.  A number of non parent evaluators have been assembled to ensure that all players receive opportunity to make the team based upon what they demonstrate in skill, effort, and ability to be coached.  Evaluators are non-biased & not affiliated with the team.  They will evaluate based upon tryout jersey numbers and are never granted players lists or player name information.

My Coaching Philosophy:  My coaching philosophy is built around the principles of:

· Fun – Sports should be first and foremost about having fun and developing skills.  Competitiveness can be achieved in a fun environment.  Coaches should create a fun, safe, positive environment where participants learn, grow & develop as athletes & people; Life lessons are critical in player development.

· Ice Time – Every player on the team will receive opportunity to earn ice time.  Player development is a full season process.  Further discussion will take place in the initial parent meeting.  Players and coaches should model and teach respect for all elements of the game of hockey including respecting each other, opponents, officials and the rules of the game.

· Commitment to TEAM – I believe in the principle of TEAM: “Together Everyone Achieves More”. Players must understand the importance to respect their commitments to their team & teammates. Commitment to arrive on time, prepared to do “their individual best” every game, every practice, every shift.  Attendance, barring unforeseen circumstances, is mandatory for all events.  *Those unable to make priority commitment to this team will not be considered for selection (i.e. other sport priority)*   

· Work Ethic and Coachable- We want players who commit to hard work, defined systems and willingness to listen, learn and develop.  Being Positive is an expectation.  Negativity in a dressing room, on the ice/bench or in the stands will not be tolerated. 

What you can expect:

1) Fair tryouts -Players will be given equal opportunity, to make what I expect will be a very competitive hockey team.  History will NOT define positions granted.  All spots must be earned! 

2) Challenging, fun training sessions – Coaches will assist each player become the best athlete and person they can be; on and off the ice. Skill development, systems, tactics, team play and discipline will be main areas of focus.  Other areas will include: goal tender training, power skating, skill seasons, video replay, dry land circuit strength and conditioning training, player Combine team evaluations & program etc.

3) Respect, responsibility and accountability –All players and parents will be treated with respect and dignity, as I would like to be treated. Every player will be entrusted with responsibilities and goals and will be encouraged to hold themselves accountable to each other and the team.

4) Communication- consistent emails, messaging, and contact.  Parents will be asked to convey information that coaches send towards drills, videos, and practice plans to their children to ensure efficient use of ice time along with having the parent’s part of the coaching inclusion process.  Fundraising will be a parent majority decision and run by the parent group. 

We will attend a minimum four tournaments and will have lots of opportunity for team building, chemistry and most of all fun.  The coaches will be utilizing a parent representative to ensure strong flow of two way information and communication for the entire year.

On behalf of the Brantford 99er Bantam A/AA team, I wish you the best of luck during the tryout process.  We ask that you leave each tryout knowing that you gave it your all and left your best effort for every drill on the ice; that’s all anyone can ever ask of you.  Best of luck!

Regards,
Paul Boissonneault, Head Coach Brantford 99ers Bantam A/AA
[email protected]