Welcome to the
‘Novice AA’ team tryouts.
We really appreciate your interest in joining our program and look
forward to seeing your child on the ice.
Please find the tryout details along with important information below.
TRYOUT DATES:
Tryout #1: Sunday, April 26th 1:45 – 3:15 pm ACC-1
Tryout #2: Tuesday, April 28th 6:15 – 7:45 pm ACC-2
Tryout #3: Thursday, April 30th 5:30 – 7:00 pm ACC-1
Please find some key reminders and details below regarding the tryout process:
- Players have been assigned a specific tryout sweater by colour and number. Kindly return this to the coach following the completion of each tryout. This may change from tryout to tryout.
- NEW for 2015: Upon check-in, you will also be assigned a ‘player identification’ number which will be used to confirm whether your child has been invited back to the next skate. This will be done via the AMHA website (Novice AA page) by 12 midnight on the day of each of the first two tryouts. Players who have successfully been named to the team will be posted the following day after the final tryout. Further details will be explained upon check-in.
- Note that full protective equipment is mandatory, including neck and mouth guards. Players without, or missing any gear, will not be permitted on the ice. There are no exceptions. Remember to send your child with a water bottle.
- With numerous players vying for 17 spots on our roster, the tryout process can be an anxious time for players, parents… and coaches. Choosing the right mix of players can be difficult, but all hopefuls will be provided with a reasonable opportunity to showcase their individual and team skills. Some of the key skills and intangibles we’ll be evaluating include:
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Skating
Puck handling
Passing/shooting
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Desire
Compete level
Work ethic
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Attentiveness
Attitude
Coach-ability
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We’ve enlisted a group of trusted evaluators to assist with our assessments, and to ensure we make decisions that are consistent with our selection criteria and coaching philosophy. Please respect their space and refrain from interacting with them.
POST TRYOUT PROCESS
Parents of ‘released’ players are welcome to reach out to the Head Coach 48 hours after the final tryout, should you have specific questions or desire additional feedback. A parent meeting for those selected to the team will be scheduled in the near future.
TIGERS ‘JERSEY FITTING DAY’
The AMHA will host its ‘Jersey Fitting Day’ for AA teams on Saturday, May 2nd (between 12 – 4 pm) in the lobby of ACC-2. When fitting your child, remember that they will have 4+ growth months before the start of the season in mid-September.
TIGERS ‘FUN DAY’
Note that the AMHA will host a ‘Fun Day’ for all member players and staff on Saturday, June 20th from 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (Machell Park). Teams will be sized for their off-ice ‘Tigerware’ on this date as well as have the opportunity to enjoy a barbecue and fun activities with their families.
REP HOCKEY COMMITMENT
It is important to know that playing rep hockey requires a big commitment both time-wise and financially. The Novice AA team will be playing approximately 30 league games plus additional play-off, tournament and exhibition games. Each week, there will typically be two practices and two games (home/away). There will also be 3-4 tournaments, with at least one out of town. We will have a mandatory game dress code that will be outlined at the ‘Team Meeting’. Budget outlines have not been completed but we expect it will cost approximately $2,000+ per player for the season (exclusive of AMHA fees). Parents may be called upon to obtain sponsorships or organize fundraising activities to help offset these costs and to support the team administratively.
PLAYER POSITIONS
Please note, the Head Coach/Staff reserve the right to position players as they feel necessary. It is highly likely that players will be called upon to play different positions throughout the season – even at the Novice AA level. This is beneficial to the overall development of the player and should be a welcomed part of the process.
ADDITIONAL STAFF
As per AMHA policy, I’m pleased to announce Coach Steve Smith as a member of our 2015-16 staff. Steve returns for a second year after helping guide the Tyke A team last season. He will participate in the selection process for the Novice AA team. Additional staff will be named after the completion of the tryouts.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us away from the arena.
Best of luck!