Welcome to the 2015/16 Novice Select Tryouts!Hello Parents,
My name is Dave Di Santo and I'm excited to be the head coach of the 2015/16 Novice Select team. Below is the information you need to know about the tryouts, as well as what to expect for the upcoming season.
Tryout Schedule:
| Tryout #1 |
Sat, Sept 26th |
5pm to 6pm |
ACC1 |
| Tryout #2 |
Sat, Oct 3rd |
5pm to 6pm |
ACC1 |
| Tryout #3 |
Sun, Oct 4th |
5pm to 6pm |
ACC1 |
**The cost is $10 per tryout. Please try to arrive 30 mins. early**
At registration, each player is assigned a tryout jersey, which must be handed in following completion of the tryout. Full protective gear is mandatory, including neck and mouth guards – players without, or missing such equipment,
will not be allowed on the ice. Please provide a water bottle for water breaks during the tryout.
Drills and Evaluations
The tryout drills have been designed to test core skills, including: skating, puck control, passing, and shooting. As skills develop fairly quickly at this level and age, a player's
potential will be a consideration. Players will also be evaluated on: coachability (listening/behaviour), work ethic, sportsmanship and "compete" level.
To ensure the selection process is fair, an independent evaluation team will assist me in the tryout process. These evaluators have been selected for their minor hockey expertise and I trust their judgments implicitly. I would ask that you not approach the evaluators during the tryout.
Selection / Release Process
The final team roster will consist of 17 players (15 players 2 goalies)
After each tryout, I'll be distributing envelopes with invitations to attend the next tryout
OR a release letter thanking the player for attending the current tryout. Please review the letter with your child, in private, and away from the arena lobby, preferably in your car or at home. This is for protection of your own child's feelings, if necessary, and to protect the feelings of others. There is no easy way to do this and your discretion is sincerely appreciated.
Parents of ‘released’ players are welcome to reach out via email no sooner than 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 shortly after final team selection.
It should be clearly understood that if you child is selected to the team, it will be the Head Coach's final decision as to the position(s) they will be playing.
The Season Ahead
The 2015/16 season consists of approximately
15-20 games, and will run from October to April with a minimum of 4 hours on ice per month (weeknights). Times will be dedicated to practices and games, played both at home and away in surrounding regions.
The team will also be participating in 2-3 tournaments throughout the season, with at least one (1) being an "away" tournament with overnight stay required.
Budget outlines have not been completed but you should anticipate a financial commitment of between $1,000 - $1,500. Parents may be called upon to help with obtaining sponsorship and organizing fundraising activities to help offset these costs.
Team Officials
Following the team selection, I will be approaching parents to fill the positions of assistant coach(es), trainer, and team manager. There will be additional responsibilities assigned throughout the program, and I encourage every parent try to play a role in supporting the team in some capacity.
Novice Select Objectives
The #1 goal is always to have fun and enjoy the game. Emphasis will be on player development, both as an individual and as a team member. Coaching efforts will also include developing a better understanding of team play and game strategies. At the end of the season my hope is that players will walk away with improved skills & hockey IQ, new friendships, and great memories.
Thanks,
Dave Di Santo
Head Coach, Novice Select
[email protected]