Welcome to the 2017 Minor Bantam MD tryouts. As most of you are aware by now, the 'MD'
initials in the team name replaces what was previously 'AE', indicating that
there will NOT be body checking in our division this season. There will still
be 'contact' as it relates to making hockey plays and good body position.
However, making big 'hits' and stepping into other players will not be
permitted. We are excited to see how this initiative translates to our game as
the players continue to get faster and more skilled at this age, but can play
the game without the fear of being lined up by an opposing player for a body check.
The Minor Bantam MD tryout Schedule is as follows:
Friday May 5 at 7 -8:30 ACC2
Saturday May 6 at 2:30 - 4:00 ACC1
Sunday May 7 at 2 - 3:30 ACC2
You must have purchased a Passport from the AMHA in order to attend these tryouts. When you check in at the tryout table, each player will be assigned a tryout jersey which must be returned at the end of the tryout. Goalies should bring their own practice jerseys. Each player is assigned a number that you will look for on the AMHA website after each tryout to determine whether you have been invited to the next tryout or not.
Playing rep hockey requires a significant commitment of time and money by players and parents. I expect we will be on the ice 3 - 4 times per week with games and practices. We will attend 2-3 tournaments, including our home Bantam Tournament. Our team budget will require a financial commitment of approximately $2000 per family.
For those players selected for the team, there is a mandatory Tigerware fitting scheduled for Wednesday May 10 at 8:30pm at Lion's Share (16610 Bayview Ave, Unit 8, Newmarket).
During tryouts, several evaluators will be assessing hockey skills such as skating, puck handling, shooting, team play, and coachability. Perhaps most important of all, we will be looking for a group of players that display a combination of ability, good attitude and EFFORT, with special emphasis on the EFFORT. That's 'Tiger Hockey'!
Tryouts are a stressful time for everyone involved and there are always some difficult decisions to be made. Let's all try to be supportive of the players and keep the atmosphere positive for the players, evaluators, parents and AMHA volunteers.
Can't wait to see everyone out there. Good luck!
Ken Kauffeldt
Coach