Welcome, and thank you, all parents, guardians, and players for taking part in our 2022/2023 “U16A” team tryout. My name is Rick Donahoe, and I will be the head coach for the 2022-23 season. I feel very fortunate and excited to be leading a great group of 2007 athletes to another fantastic year of hockey.
Please see the below information on details for the upcoming season.
Sincerely Rick Donahoe
Tryout Schedule:
Monday May 9th @ 7:45 – 9:15pm ACC 2 (McAlpine Lincoln)
Wednesday May 11th @ 8:30 – 10:00pm ACC2 (McAlpine Lincoln)
Thursday May 12th @ 7:30 – 9:00pm ACC2 (McAlpine Lincoln)
Saturday May 14th @ 7:15 @ Newmarket Magna Pfaff
The first three tryouts will consist of a variety of drills and scrimmage time. The 4th and last tryout will be an exhibition game against the Newmarket Renegades. Body contact will be included in our tryout sessions.
Tryout Process:
1. You must pre-register your child online (AMHA Website) for the upcoming season & purchase a tryout passport.
2. You will see your child’s passport number on the U16 A – Tryout Player List page on the website. If your passport number is present, you are welcome to come to the tryout. If the number is not there, please contact the AMHA.
3. Please arrive at least 45 minutes before tryout 1,2, and 3 and 60 minutes before the 4th tryout begins.
4. When you arrive at the lobby of the ACC rink #2, please go to the AMHA table to sign-in and receive your child’s tryout jersey. THIS JERSEY MUST BE RETURNED AT THE END OF EACH TRYOUT. It does not go home.
5. Full protective gear is mandatory, including neck and mouth guards – players without, or missing such equipment, will NOT be allowed on the ice.
6. You MUST attend the first tryout in order to be invited back to the second, third or fourth tryout unless provided permission by the Head Coach. If for whatever reason you are unable to attend, please email me to discuss. ([email protected])
Drills and Evaluations
The tryouts will be an anxious time for all of us while the players are evaluated. It will be an extremely difficult task choosing 17 players (15 players, 2 goalies) for the team from a large group of hardworking athletes. Player selection will be based on their individual abilities within these categories:
Skating, Work Ethic, Team Play, Passing/Shooting, Positional Play, Coach-ability, Hockey Sense, Compete Level, Checking
Evaluation Team
Several INDEPENDENT and experienced coaches will act as evaluators and/or on ice instructors. Their opinions together with my own and the AMHA’s independent evaluators will select the U16 A team. Please do not approach evaluators, all questions should be directed towards me through the 2022/2023 U16 A webpage email link. During and after the tryout, please do NOT approach the evaluators, as they have a job to do.
The first on ice session will be open to any 2007 registered AMHA players. The second session will include all candidates asked to return from the first ice session. The Third session will include all candidates asked to return from the second tryout, and the final session will be an exhibition game vs. Newmarket 2007 players.
All players attending the exhibition game must be at the exhibition game 60 minutes prior to game time in order to sign-in, complete a warmup and be prepared for the game.
Selection or Release ProcessCommunication of my decisions after each tryout will occur via the website and NOT in person. Your child’s passport submission ID number is the code that identifies them on the website (look at the U16 A website for the team and the tryout page). ·
After the 1st tryout, results will be posted after 6pm on May 10th
After the 2nd tryout, results will be posted after 11:59pm on May 11th
After the 3rd tryout, results will be posted after 6pm on May 13th
After the 4th tryout, results will be posted by 6pm on May 15th
Parents/Guardians of ‘released’ players are welcome to reach out via email to the Head Coach but please respect the OMHA protocol of waiting 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.
Team Expectations:
There will be a financial commitment from each family. The estimated financial commitment will be approximately $2000-2500. We will be looking for sponsorships and fundraising to help reduce the cost per family.
There will also be a time commitment required of each family. We will be on the ice up to 3 to 4 times per week with practices and games. It is expected that all players attend all practices and games.We will be attending approx. 3 to 4 tournaments (targeting two being an away tourney)
Coaching Staff
I will be selecting the remainder of the coaches/staff after the final tryout once the team is selected. I will be looking for the following parent positions:
2 assistant coaches
1-2 practice coaches
Team Manager
Team trainer (I would prefer more than 1 as a backup)
Treasurer (A financial background and knowledge of spreadsheets is preferred)
Other roles (fundraising, on-ice helpers during practices, etc.)
Positions:
All decisions about player positions are at the discretion of the coach and will most likely change during the season based on the needs of the team.
Tiger Jersey Fitting Day:
If your child makes the team, they MUST attend the Tigerware fitting on May 16th at 9:00pm. Lion Share Marketing, 16610 Bayview Avenue, Unit 8.
I am aware that some players (and/or their parents) may experience anxiety during this process. PLEASE kindly reinforce with your child that they perform at their best when feeling relaxed and confident. It is also important for parents to help manage their child’s expectations during this process. A roster position on this team should never be assumed. Let’s all make the tryout process an enjoyable one!
I wish all candidates the best of luck in their tryouts and I look forward to seeing you at the rink.
Sincerely Rick Donahoe