Dear Parents,
My name is Mark Di Palma and I am the head coach for the 2023/2024 U8 Team1 hockey team.
I would like to welcome everyone to the tryouts and thank you for taking the time to attend. I wish each and every player the best of luck!
TRYOUT SCHEDULE:
Tryout #1 = Tuesday, Sept 12, 2023 – ACC #2 (Lincoln) – 5:45pm to 6:45pm
Tryout #2 = Thursday, Sept 14, 2023 – ACC #1 (Ford) – 6pm to 7pm
Tryout#3 = Saturday, Sept 16, 2023 – ACC #2 (Lincoln) – 1:15pm – Game vs Newmarket
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 U8 Team 1 – Tryout Player List page on the website if you are welcome to come to the tryout. If the number is not there, please contact the AMHA.
3. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before the 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 or third tryout. If for whatever reason you are unable to attend, please email me to discuss.
7. During and after the tryout, please do NOT approach the evaluators, as they have a job to do.
8. Communication 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 U8 Team 1 website for the team and the tryout page).·
After the 1st tryout, results will be posted that evening
After the 2nd tryout, results will be posted that evening
After the 3rd tryout, results will be posted 4 hours after the end of the game
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. The process is designed to fairly pick the top players and goalies based on objective criteria. Let’s all make the tryout process an enjoyable one!
TEAM EXPECTATIONS: ·
There will be a financial commitment from each family. The estimated financial commitment will be approximately $2000. 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 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 2 tournaments. 1 local and 1 in Niagara Falls. I will be looking for the following parent positions 2 assistant coaches. Team Manager and Team trainer.
If your child makes the team, they MUST attend the Tiger ware fitting on Monday, Sept 18th @ 6pm. If you have a question for me, then please email me. If you have a concern, then please respect the OMHA protocol of waiting 24 hours to contact the coach. Please contact me via email after this time. If I receive an email before this time, I will respond when the 24 hour wait period has expired. THANK YOU and I look forward to seeing you at the rink.
Mark Di Palma