As communicated previously, the coaching staff is excited to hit the ice with the team. We have been working hard to prepare a program – from tryouts to the end of the season – that is fair and challenging.
Our expectation from the young men who make the team is a commitment to (and in no particular order):
- Working hard
- Coming to team functions ready to learn and improve
- Team discipline and accountability
- Prioritizing this as their sport focus for the season
In return, the staff are likewise committed to (and in no particular order):
- Working hard to help the entire team succeed
- Challenging the boys to grow and develop as young men and hockey players
- Holding each player, and ourselves, accountable to the rest of the team
- Prioritizing this as their coaching focus for the season
Our goal for the team is to be competitive every time we step on the ice for a game. The focus will be on development and execution. The scoreboard is usually a fair representation of what happens from the start of the game to the end of the game. If our sole focus is to win games, then we will not be able to coach and develop the boys to the best of their abilities. However, if we focus the players on doing the right things at the right times with improved execution, their chance of success during shifts, games, tournaments and the entire season will greatly increase.
Discipline / Accountability
On- and Off-ice behaviour is expected to be in the best interest of the team and the association. The staff recognize that the players on this team are not only developing their hockey skills and hockey IQ but also as young men. As it relates to this team, the staff will do their best to guide all of them to make choices that are positive and not detrimental to the success of the team.
On-ice behaviour such as retaliatory penalties are not acceptable when they cause the team hardship. Language that can be interpreted to be racist, homophobic or similarly offensive is also unacceptable. Players behaving in such a manner will be coached on this behaviour and subject to consistent consequences – regardless of player’s ability or status on the team.
Off-ice behaviour that carries into the dressing room or during official team events (team-building, tournaments, practices, games, etc.) will be expected to be respectful and a positive representation of the team, WMHA and the City of Waterloo. Destruction of property, consumption of illegal chemical substances (alcohol and ‘drugs’) or other disrespectful activity/behaviour will NOT be tolerated and subject to immediate and firm consequences – regardless of game importance or location.
Regular Season / Tournaments / Playoffs
A glimpse into what can be expected for the Minor Midget AA team…
Although our tryout schedule has been brought-forward by 1 week by WMHA, we are still working to catch-up with other associations which formed teams during the spring. Therefore, we will have a quick and full schedule of practices, events and games to prepare for the regular season. During these occasions, we will begin teaching systems, improving skills and experimenting with line-ups. Also of importance are team-building events. One event has already been scheduled early in the season, and additional events are being planned.
Once the regular season begins, our goal is to have 4 workout events each week. This includes practices, games and potentially off-ice sessions. Weeks that involve tournaments will obviously be exceptions to this plan.
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The Waterloo Wolves Minor Midget AA Coaching Staff