Dear Parents and Players:
I hope everyone has enjoyed a great summer and
is looking forward to a fun and exciting 2014-2015 winter hockey season. I have been chosen to coach the Brantford
99er PeeWee A team for the coming season and I am very excited about working
with this talented group of young hockey players. My goal in coaching will be
to help every player that comes in contact with this team to achieve their
best, both on and off the ice, in a fun, competitive and positive environment. I have provided some information on: the tryout
process, my coaching philosophy and what you can expect, what I am looking for
in a player as well as some preliminary information on my plans for the
upcoming season.
Tryout Process:
Tryouts will start on Tuesday August 26 and conclude by September 10th. Parents 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. Players are guaranteed three tryout skates for $60 as defined by BMHA and players may be released at that time to continue with other opportunities. Additional costs for skates and/or exhibition games may be incurred. 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 so please provide water clearly marked for your son and/or daughter. Though the practices will be intended to be high tempo, there will be opportunity for short water breaks.
Unfortunately the tryout process leaves a very short time period to make very difficult decisions regarding the status of the team and ultimately that affects the players and their families. Decisions of this nature are never easy and I empathize that the timetable is very short. Decisions will be made based upon current talent and future potential for the upcoming season. A team of non parent evaluators has been assembled to ensure that all children receive the opportunity to make the team based upon what they demonstrate in skill, effort and coach ability.
My Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is built around the principles of:
· Fun – I believe that youth sports should be first and foremost about having fun and developing skills. Competitiveness can be achieved in a fun environment.
My role as a coach is to create a safe, positive and fun environment where all participants can learn, grow and develop as athletes and as people; Life lessons are critical in player development
· Ice Time – Every player on the team will receive opportunity to earn their share of ice time. Player development is from September until the end of the season. 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” and I teach my players the importance of respecting their commitments to their team and teammates. This includes a commitment to arriving on time and being prepared to do “their individual best” at every practice and on every shift.
· Work Ethic and Coachable- I want players who commit to hard work, defined systems and willingness to listen, learn and develop. This includes attendance for team functions (tournaments, practice, off-ice training etc). This will be a very busy year and those unable to make full team commitments will not be considered.
What you can expect from me
1) Fair tryouts -Players will be given equal opportunity, as time permits, to make what I expect will be a very competitive hockey team. History will not define positions granted.
2) Challenging and fun training sessions – to help each player to become the best athlete and person they can be both on and off the ice. Skill development, systems approach, team play and team discipline will be main areas of focus.
3) Respect, responsibility and accountability - I will treat all players and parents with respect and dignity, as I would like to be treated. I will entrust every player with responsibilities and goals and I will encourage players to hold themselves accountable to each other and the team.
4) Communication- consistent emails, messaging, and contact. I will be asking parents 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 four tournaments and will have lots of opportunity for team building, chemistry and most of all fun. The coaches will be asking for volunteer assistance to have two volunteer parent liaisons as well. This will hopefully provide a strong flow of two way information for the entire year.
On behalf of the Brantford 99er Peewee A team, I wish you the best of luck during the tryout process. 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!
Paul Boissonneault
Coach, Brantford 99er Peewee Representative A,
[email protected]