Hello, my name is Mark Cooper, and I'm the
head coach for the 2025-2026 Aurora Tigers U15A hockey team. I'm also happy to confirm Matt Jansen will return as Assistant Coach next season. We'd like to
welcome everyone to our tryouts and thank you for taking the time to attend. We wish every player the best of luck!
ABOUT ME:
I’m a 'down to earth' hockey coach with a strong playing and coaching background. My wife, Jenny, and
I are proud parents of four kids, all of whom play hockey. Jenny and I met
while playing for the University of Toronto Varsity Hockey Teams, and after my
time at UofT, I was fortunate enough to play professionally in France and
Switzerland.
When I returned to
Canada, I became an Assistant Coach with the UofT Men’s Varsity Hockey Team for two
seasons. Currently, I’m heading into my third season as the Head Coach of the
Aurora Tigers A Team for players born in 2011.
My minor hockey
experience was full of great memories, lasting friendships, and challenges that
shaped my love for the game. As a coach, my goal is to create a competitive,
high-performance environment where players can thrive, grow, and, most
importantly, have fun! I focus on teaching the values of being a good teammate,
always giving your best effort, and maintaining discipline both on and off the
ice.
TRYOUT SCHEDULE:
Note, the schedule could change, so please keep an eye on the AMHA website Tryout Schedule.
#1: Monday May 5th, 6:15pm -7:45pm (90 mins)
Tryout Session
Aurora Community Centre 2
#2: Tuesday May 6th, 6:30pm – 7:30pm (60 mins)
Tryout Scrimmage
Aurora Community Centre 1
#3: Wednesday May 7th, 6:30pm – 8:00pm (90 mins)
Tryout Exhibition Game vs TBD
Aurora Community Centre 1
#4: Friday May 9th, 7:30pm – 9:00pm (90 mins)
Tryout Exhibition Game vs Markham Waxers
Aurora Community Centre 1
Note, following the conclusion of tryouts and the team selected, we will play one Exhibition Game on Sunday May 11th, 11:30am, in Alliston vs TNT at the New Tecumseh Recreation Centre, before taking a break from hockey to enjoy the Spring & Summer and time playing other sports!
TRYOUT PROCESS:
Note: Bodychecking is allowed
at U15A, and as such, it will be allowed / expected at all tryout sessions.
1. On the day of each tryout, a
representative from the Aurora Minor Hockey Association (AMHA) will be
present to help with the tryout check-in process. Check-in will take
place at the Aurora Community Centre (ACC) prior to the tryout. Every player
must have registered and purchased a Tryout Passport prior to the first tryout.
Details can be found at:
https://page.spordle.com/aurora/participant/1efff94a-ac58-6de0-9229-02630278221b
Note, the player Tryout Passport Number will be the last 5 digits of the Invoice # received after purchasing the 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 check-in and receive your child’s tryout jersey. The
tryout jersey must be returned at the end of each tryout! It does not go
home.
4. 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 Tryout Passport Number is your code that identifies him on
the website (Look at U15 A for the team and then to the Tryout Player List page). Tryout results will be posted on the website as follows:
* After the 1st tryout session (May 5th), results
will be posted that evening by 9:30pm
* After the 2nd tryout scrimmage (May 6th), results will be posted that evening by 9:30pm
* After the 3rd tryout exhibition game (May 7th), results
will be posted that evening by 10:00pm
* After the 4th tryout exhibition game (May 9th), results will be posted that evening by 11:00pm
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:
·
COMPETE – Not shy of Physical
Play
·
SKATING – Speed & Agility
·
PUCK SKILLS – Passing &
Shooting
·
ATTITUDE - Focus, Attentiveness &
Coachability
TEAM EXPECTATIONS:
There will be a financial commitment from
each family. The estimated financial commitment will be approximately $3,500 to
$4,000.
·
U15 A Team apparel fitting is scheduled for Wed May 14th, 7:30-9:00pm
·
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 4 to 5 times per week
with practices and games. It is expected
that all players attend all practices and games. Note, this includes March Break.
·
We will be attending 4-5 tournaments
(with two being away tournaments).
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 before emailing me. If I receive an email
before this time, I will respond when the 24 hours wait period has
expired.
THANK YOU, and I look forward to seeing you
at the rink.
Mark Cooper
Aurora Tigers U15 A – Head Coach
Email: [email protected]