Welcome Players!
My name is Julian Dal Cin and I will be coaching the U18 AA
hockey team for the 2025/2026 season. I have 20 years of playing experience including with the York University Lions (OUA), Dayton Bombers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the American Hockey League (AHL). I would also like to announce that John
Andersen will be a Team Consultant. John played Major Junior Hockey and he won the OHL Championship with the Oshawa Generals. In addition, he was drafted to the NHL. Following his prolific hockey career, John was Director of Athletics at Country Day School (CDS). We both feel very fortunate and excited to
be working with this group of players.
Player Evaluations
TRYOUT SCHEDULE
Tryout 1 Mon, April 28th,
2025 @ 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm ACC 1 (Aurora Community Centre)
Tryout 2 Wed, April 30th,
2025 @ 7:45 pm to 9:15 pm ACC 2
Tryout 3 Fri, May 2nd,
2025 @ 7:00 pm Game vs. Richmond Hill Jaguars – ACC 2
The first 2 tryouts will consist of drills and scrimmage time. The 3rd
and last tryout will be an exhibition game against the Richmond Hill Jaguars.
You can also find the above dates on the AMHA website under Tryout
Schedule. Here is the link Tryout Schedule (Aurora Minor
Hockey).
EXHIBITION GAME
We will be having a second game; however, in Richmond Hill vs. The Jaguars and it will feature the 2025-2026 team! This way, the team will be announced late on May 2nd, 2025, and we will be having out first game together on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, at Tom Graham (East) Arena in Richmond Hill from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
TRYOUT PROCESS
You must pre-register your player online (on the AMHA website) and purchase a Tryout Passport.
It is relevant to note that the "one-up rule" no longer applies secondary to the new Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) Player Movement Regulations. In addition, secondary to enhanced player movement, decisions on roster spots will be made as quickly as possible so that players have every opportunity to do so.
Please arrive at least 30 minutes before tryouts #1 and #2, and 60 minutes prior to tryout #3.
When you arrive at the ACC, please head over to the AMHA table to sign-in and receive your players' tryout jersey. This jersey must be returned at the end of each tryout. It does not go home. Jerseys will be provided to you at the tryout; however, please have a jersey in your bag in the event that we need you to wear it.
Full protective gear is mandatory, including neck and mouth guards - players without, or missing such equipment, will not be allowed on the ice.
There will be a team of independent evaluators who will be assisting with assessing the players. The AMHA will also assign independent evaluators.
John Andersen Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
Michael Nishi Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
Mike Della Mora Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
Steve Davies Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
Jason Pain Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
Julian Dal Cin Hockey Stats and Profile at hockeydb.com
All these former players have agreed to help the team at times throughout the season. The goalie evaluators continue to currently work with the Toronto Maple Leafs i.e. Emergency Back Up Goalie (EBUG) and at Development Camp. It would be very difficult to match this level of expertise. Not only are these individuals knowledgeable, but they are even better people and they understand what players at high levels go through. Please feel free to look these guys up!
During and after the tryout, please do not approach the evaluators, as they have a job to do, and final decisions have not been made at this point.
Communication of decisions after each tryout will occur via the website and not in person at the arena. Your player's passport submission ID number is your code that identifies you on the website. On the team site, please refer to the U18 AA Menu/Tryout Player List to look for your player's ID number after results are posted. Your ID number are the last 5 digits of your tryout passport Invoice # e.g. 46123.
SELECTION OR RELEASE PROCESS
After the 1st tryout, results will be posted no later than approximately 4:00 pm the next day.
After the 2nd tryout, results will be posted no later than approximately 4:00 pm the next day.
After the 3rd tryout, results will be posted no later than approximately 11:50 pm the same day.
We understand that this an anxious time for players and their families. We will attempt to prepare the players the best we can regarding what they can expect and please let them know that essentially all tryouts include skill, battle/contact and scrimmage/game components. Parents, please try to help manage your child's expectations during this process. A roster position on the team should not be assumed.
Each player will be evaluated fairly and given every opportunity to prove themselves and show the potential value that they can bring to the team.
TRYOUT EXPECTATIONS
The following is a list of what we are looking for during the tryouts.
1. Competitiveness - specifically, winning puck battles and gaining position e.g. boxing out.
2. Attitude - positivity e.g. building linemates and teammates up.
3. Coachability - e.g. willingness to receive feedback.
4. Hockey Sense - e.g. ability to adapt to different variables and situations on the ice in order to achieve the best possible outcome (offensively and defensively).
5. Communication on the ice - e.g. working with linemates in order to make plays.
6. Team Play - e.g. moving the puck and sticking together.
TEAM EXPECTATIONS
There will be a financial commitment from each family. The estimated financial commitment will be approximately $3,000 to $3,800.
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 please attend all practices and games.
We will be attending 3-4 tournaments (with 1-2 being away tournaments and possibly in the U.S.). Let's face it, experiences at these events are what players remember. It is relevant to note that we might be registering in an Aurora Tournament and it is our idea for the kids to room with each other at a local hotel. In addition, we will look for hotels at away tournaments with some amenities that the players might enjoy.
It is relevant to note that there is a possibility of a team bonding experience prior to the start of the season. For example, a 2-night, 3-day retreat/training camp, which the players really enjoy. For example, possibly at York University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Nottawasaga Inn & Resort or at a local boarding school. We will attempt to have the players experience the day in the life of a university athlete including perhaps attending a lecture. Being on a campus allows the players to envision themselves there as an actual independent student.
It is relevant to note that we will also attempt to set up a Fill The Stands Game, where as many friends and families attend a home game. It is a lot more fun playing in front of hundreds/thousands of people vs. what looks like a hand full.
It is also relevant to note that there is a possibility of dryland/weight training (directly before practice) at times throughout the season. This might also include touch football, basketball, or team yoga with Andrea Bosco.
Our season extends well into the New Year (2026). The exact month/date will be confirmed prior to the end of summer. Please, please make your vacation plans accordingly.
Our season will begin following tryouts with a parent meeting during which important information about the upcoming season will be shared in greater detail. Date and time to be determined.
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, please e-mail. If you have a concern, them please respect the OMHA (Ontario Minor Hockey Association) protocol of waiting 24-hours to contact the coach. Please contact me via e-mail after this time.
Most importantly, we are planning on creating an incredible team environment that will make being at the hockey rink enjoyable, exciting and fun for players and their friends and families. In addition, we are going to work diligently at building a competitive hockey program, that present and future players can be proud of. However, the opportunities that the players have a chance to experience in our program will create memories that will last a lifetime.
COACHING STAFF
We will be looking for the following positions
Trainer
Assistant Coach
Team Manager
Treasurer
Videographer
TIGERWARE - JERSEY FITTING
It is relevant to note that for final rostered players selected, there will be a mandatory jersey fitting. This will take place at Lion Share Marketing 16610 Bayview Avenue, Unit 8 on Thursday, May 8, 2025, 7:30 pm. This is located one light south of Mulock on the west side of Bayview.
Thank you and we want to wish all the players the best of luck and we look forward to seeing everyone at the rink.
Best regards,
Julian Dal Cin
Aurora Tigers U18 AA - Head Coach
Email - juliandalcin@yahoo.ca