Dear
Parents and Players,
Welcome to the 2018-2019 hockey season! My name is Frank Pannozzo and
I am both honoured and very excited about coaching the Minor Midget “A” Hockey Team
this year. I would like to take this opportunity to outline my coaching philosophy
and provide information regarding the tryout process, as well as some
expectations for the upcoming season.
My Philosophy
My primary goal is to develop players to reach their maximum potential both on and off the ice. While a big focus for this season is to develop player technical skills, it is equally important to focus on overarching life skills such as teamwork, leadership, accountability, responsibility and communication. This combination will lead to a fun and successful season. Practices will be organized, focused and intense to ensure that every player can achieve their highest potential in a positive and safe environment. I also believe that good nutrition and healthy behaviours are fundamental if players want to be successful both on and off the ice.
I consider my approach firm, but fair. I do expect to see perseverance, determination, dedication and hard work from every player, consistently from the beginning of the season right to the end. Of course, mistakes will be made but this only provides opportunities for improvement. Players will be expected to adjust their approaches and apply different strategies, putting into practice techniques taught during practices. This will facilitate efficient and productive learning. The rewards that accompany hard work and pushing beyond comfort levels will become evident as the season progresses.
Our tryouts will consist of 3 sessions:
|
TRY OUT
|
DATE
|
TIME
|
LOCATION
|
|
1
|
Saturday April 28, 2017
|
6:00pm – 7:30pm
|
ACC2
|
|
2
|
Sunday April 29, 2017
|
2:15pm – 3:45pm
|
ACC2
|
|
3
|
Tuesday May 1, 2017
|
8:00pm – 9:30pm
|
ACC1
|
The registration table will be located in the lobby of ACC2 and will be open an hour prior to when the respective tryout begins. Tigers will be able to register and receive their assigned tryout jersey which is to be returned at the end of each tryout. Tigers are to arrive prepared with all protective hockey gear.
Players are required to arrive at tryouts properly prepared, both mentally and physically. In addition to the fundamentals of skating, speed and overall hockey, I will be looking for players who demonstrate dedication, hard work, focus, teamwork, sportsmanship and a positive attitude.
The first two tryouts will consist of a variety of drills. Our last session will be an exhibition game against the Newmarket Redmen“A” team. The AMHA dress code will be in effect for that exhibition game. Please note that body contact will be included during our tryout sessions.
There will be a team of 6 evaluators, each with many years of hockey experience, to help select 15 players and 2 goalies. I will be using all of their feedback as a part of this selection process.
After each session, a list of passport numbers will be posted on the 2018/2019 Minor Midget“A” webpage. These numbers will indicate which players are being asked to return. Those not listed will have been released to the Bantam “MD” team.
Important Dates:
Monday May 14th, 2018 at 9:00pmMandatory Tigerware / Jersey fitting –Lion Share Marketing, 16610 Bayview Avenue, Unit 8.
Team Meeting – TBD - Team meeting will be announced once the AMHA coaches & managers meeting has been conducted.
Tournaments & Team Budget
The goal is to participate in 3 tournaments. 2 of these 3 tournaments will be local, while one of these will be an away tournament. The away tournament will be a great opportunity to focus on team bonding and overall growth. The budget (excluding a potential tournament in Europe) has not been completed but costs are expected to be approximately $2,000-$2,500 per player for the season.
I wish all players the best of luck during the tryouts. I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink!
Thank you,
Frank Pannozzo
Head Coach Minor Midget A