Dear Parents and Players:
Included in this introduction letter is information regarding tryouts, coaching philosophy and what you can expect for the upcoming season. My
expectations for the 2015/16 hockey season; 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. The status of positive players and positive
parents has a huge impact on overall team success and the expectation is to
have both this season.
Dear Parents and Players:
I hope everyone is enjoying a great summer and is looking forward to a fun and exciting 2015-2016 winter hockey season. I am pleased to have been chosen to coach the Brantford 99er Minor Bantam A team for the coming season, and very excited about the potential and future of this talented group. This age group secured a 45 win season last year and a league Championship. My expectations for the 2015/16 hockey season; 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. The status of positive players and positive parents has a huge impact on overall team success and the expectation is to have both this season. Included herein is information on: the tryout process, coaching philosophy and what you can expect. Also included is what I am looking for in a player and preliminary information on plans for the upcoming season.
Tryout Process:
Tryouts will start on Wednesday August 19 and conclude by September 11th. 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 four (4) tryout skates for $80 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. NO positions are guaranteed and ALL players must earn their positions. Player hydration is extremely important, and though the tryouts will 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. Decisions of this nature are never easy and I empathize that the timetable is very short. These 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 ability to be coached. Positive team chemistry along with the right mix of skill is a winning formula.
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 is achieved in a fun environment; Players and Parents alike.
My role as a coach is to create a safe, positive, 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”.
I ensure my players 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.
· Work Ethic and Coachable- I want players who commit to hard work, defined systems and willingness to listen, learn and develop. Being positive will be an expectation. Negativity in a dressing room, on the ice/bench or in the stands will not be tolerated. Commitment to the team for attendance is mandatory unless illness or approved acceptance related (tournaments, practice, dry land etc).*Those unable to make full team commitments will not be considered for selection.*
What you can expect from me
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 and All spots will be earned!
2) Challenging, fun training sessions – 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 training, etc.
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 a volunteer parent representative as well. This will provide a strong flow of two way information for the entire year.
On behalf of the Brantford 99er Minor Bantam 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]
Tournament Commitments expected this Season- 4 Total
October 16-18 Oshawa Challenge Cup, Oshawa
November 6-8 Owen Sound Silver Stick Qualifier, (*) Int. SS Finals Jan 14-17(w/ OS win) Newmarket
November 27-29 Canadian Tire Classic, Barrie
December 27-30 Brantford Gretzky International