Hello, my name is Mark Cooper and I am the
head coach for the 2024-2025 U14 A hockey team. I would like to welcome
everyone to our tryouts and thank you for taking the time to attend. I wish
every player the best of luck!
TRYOUT SCHEDULE:
Tryout #1: Saturday May 4th 2024
– ACC #1 – 1:00pm-2:30pm
Tryout #2: Tuesday May 7th 2024,
ACC #1, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Tryout #3: Friday May 10th 2024,
Magna Arena, Newmarket, 7:00pm game vs Newmarket Renegades
TRYOUT PROCESS:
·
Note #1 à AMHA 'Tryout 1 Up Rule'
o
Returning players MUST try out one level up. Meaning, if the player
played A the previous season, they must start the try out process at AA (one
level up).
o
If a player declaration for "BB" is selected when
registering, they can participate in the "A" tryout but will be
released to play "BB".
·
Note #2 à Body Checking at Tryout
o
Body checking is introduced at U14 A.
o
There will be NO Body Checking permitted at Tryout #1.
o
Body Checking will be permitted at Tryout #2 and #3.
1.
On the day of each tryout, AMHA
representatives will be present to help with the tryout registration process.
Registration will take place at ACC prior to the tryout. Every player must
have registered for a Tryout Passport prior to the first tryout.
Details can be found at:
https://auroraminorhockey.com/Forms/2893/2024_-2025_Tryout_Passport_/
2.
Please arrive at least 45
minutes before the tryout begins.
3.
When you arrive at the ACC,
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.
4.
Full protective gear is
mandatory, including neck and mouth guards – players without, or missing such
equipment, will NOT be allowed on the ice.
5.
There will be a team of
independent evaluators who will be assisting me with assessing the players. The
AMHA will also assign independent evaluators.
6.
During and after the tryout,
please do NOT approach the evaluators, as they have a job to do.
7.
Communication of my decisions
after each tryout will occur via the website and NOT in person at the arena.
Your son’s passport submission ID number is your code that identifies you on
the website (Look at U14 A for the team and then to the Tryout Player List page).
·
After the 1st tryout, results
will be posted same day after 7pm
·
After the 2nd tryout, results
will be posted following day after 4pm
·
After the 3rd tryout, results
will be posted same day after 10pm
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. All players will have to work hard and earn a spot on the
team. Let’s all make the tryout process an enjoyable one!
TRYOUT EXPECTATIONS:
The following is a list of what I am
looking for during the tryouts:
·
SKATING – Speed & Agility
·
PUCK SKILLS – Passing &
Shooting
·
ATTITUDE - Attentiveness &
Coachability
·
WORK ETHIC – Compete &
Discipline
TEAM EXPECTATIONS:
There will be a financial commitment from
each family. The estimated financial commitment will be approximately $2,500 to
$3,000.
·
U14 A Team apparel fitting at
Lionshare date & time is TBD.
·
We will be looking for sponsors
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 3-4 tournaments
(with two being away tournaments).
I will be looking for the following parent
positions: 1 Assistant Coach, 2 Bench & Practice Coaches, Team Operations Manager,
Team Trainer, Team Treasurer, Safety Ambassadors, as well as other roles
(fundraising, additional on-ice helpers during practices, music coordinator, social
committee / planners, etc.)
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.
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 Cooper
Aurora Tigers U14 A – Head Coach
Email: coopermarkthomas@gmail.com
OMHA Digital Network
Tournaments
Coach Resources
Trainer Resources