On behalf of the coaching staff, I would like to welcome you to tryouts
for the 2017-2018 Waterloo Wolves Novice MD Black team! Please read the
information below – if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask the
coaching staff.
Ice Times
Tuesday, September 12th, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, RIM Park (Optimists)
Wednesday, September 13th, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, RIM Park (Pillers)
Thursday, September 14th, 7:00pm – 830pm, (RIM Park Pillers)
Tryout Format
Each session will consist of a mix drills to assess individual player skills followed by a scrimmage to assess how players compete in game-like situations.
Player Selection and Release
Tryout evaluators include the coaching staff in addition to outside (non-parent) evaluators. We will endeavour to make all the right decisions with respect to player selection. We will select players based on the individual player’s ability, listening skills, attitude/behaviour, physical and mental potential. In addition, we will endeavour to teach all players individual and team skills, tactics, self-discipline and good sportsmanship. Player releases after the first and second tryout will be via email. Player releases after the final tryout will be via meeting with the coaching staff.
Player and Parent Expectations
Please respect the following guidelines during tryouts:
- Players should always come to the rink on time, with all their equipment, ready to work hard and have fun.
- Players must be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled tryout to receive any instructions from the coaching staff.
- All players should bring their own water bottle to tryouts with their name on it.
- All players will listen to the coaches and on-ice personnel.
- Any form of harassment or discrimination from players or parents will not be tolerated.
- Parents will contact the Head Coach with an explanation as soon as possible if a player will be absent or late to a tryout.
In addition, we ask that parents please consider the following:
- Minor hockey is for the children. Your dreams should remain your dreams. Let your child make his or her own dreams.
- Support your child and be a role model. Show respect for the game, its officials and the opposition.
- This is not the NHL and everyone in our organization (Coaches, Convenors and Executives) are volunteers. We do our best and we only ask that the players do the same.
- Not all children are comfortable with nor have the ability, desire and drive to play competitive hockey.
- Be honest with your child and with yourself. Don’t treat being released as failure; support your child’s effort. (Remember Michael Jordan was released from his High School basketball team.)
- Thank your coaches every time you see them. They are taking time away from their families and friends to help your children.
- Have fun at the rink. Cheer for and encourage all the children on the ice.
- Remember that we all make mistakes.
- Enjoy the season and have fun. Children grow up fast and should have fun.
- Rumours hurt everyone. Don’t start them, don’t spread them and if you can, stop them.
Level of Commitment
Participation in any competitive sport or activity such as hockey, requires considerable commitment (both in terms of time and money), dedication and sometimes sacrifice on the part of not only the volunteer coaches and players, but also their families. In order to meet the needs of a team, families may be asked to sacrifice vacation time and other activities.
In terms of financial commitment, the proposed team budget will be approximately $12,000 to $13,000 (between $700 and $800 per player). This would include such expenses as tournaments, powerskating, team apparel, non-parent coach allowance and equipment (e.g. practice sweaters, game socks, pucks etc.). This cost does not include travel expenses or WMHA rep fees (approximately $500 - $600).
Tournaments this year include:
Stratford Jr. Warriors Early Bird (September 29 - October 1) (Stratford, ON and vicinity)
TNT Regional Silverstick Qualifier (November 10-12) (Alliston, ON)
Wayne Gretzky International (December 27-30) (Brantford, ON)
Preston International (January 12-14) (Cambridge, ON)
Note: If the team qualifies for the Silverstick Finals, they will be held in Pelham, ON between January 11-14.