This letter is intended to provide
some general information on the tryout process as well as some expectations for
our upcoming season. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please
feel free to speak with me before or after the tryout sessions or send me an
email (listed in article).
This letter is intended to provide some general information on the tryout process as well as some expectations for our upcoming season. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, please feel free to speak with me before or after the tryout sessions or send me an email (listed below).
Coaching Staff
The remainder of the staff will be chosen following the team selection.
Commitment and Expectations
I welcome everyone to try out for our hockey club, but please remember that participation in competitive hockey requires commitment, dedication, and sacrifice on the behalf of the players, families and coaches. There will be in excess of 100 session times throughout the season, including games, tournaments, off-ice training, treadmill, practices, team gatherings, etc. Please expect 3-5 sessions per week between September (18 sessions booked + 2 meetings) and April. It is a busy season and a big commitment, but entirely worth the effort.
During the tryout sessions, I will be looking for a strong work commitment, speed, strong skating and puck handling, creativity and a well-disciplined approach to the game. Players should also display a positive attitude; it is an important part of any team sport.
Try-Out Schedule
|
#
|
Tryout Date
|
Time
|
Location
|
|
1
|
Tuesday September 4th
|
6:00pm (1hr)
|
Albert McCormick East
|
|
2
|
Thursday September 6th
|
6:00pm (1hr)
|
Albert McCormick East (first release, online)
|
|
3
|
Friday September 7th
|
6:00pm (1hr)
|
Albert McCormick East (second release, online)
|
|
4
|
Saturday September 8th
|
4:00pm (1hr)
|
RIM Park (Pillers) (final release, in person)
|
Upcoming Schedule
|
#
|
Date
|
Event
|
Time
|
Location
|
|
1
|
Sunday September 9th
|
Parent Meeting
|
TBD
|
TBD
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Wednesday September 12th
|
Practice
|
4:30pm
|
AMCW
|
|
4
|
Thursday September 13th
|
Treadmill
|
5:30pm
|
G & G Skate Training, Kitchener
|
|
5
|
Friday September 14th
|
Practice
|
5:00pm
|
RIM #3 (Lions)
|
|
6
|
Saturday September 15th
|
Practice
|
8:30am
|
AMCW
|
The complete schedule can be found online at; http://waterlooravens.com/Teams/1102/Calendar/
Releases
There will be no releases after the first tryout but releases will occur after each subsequent ice time. The timing and depth of the releases will depend on the number of players trying out and the skills of the individual players. I am mindful of how stressful this process is for everyone (players, families and coaches). Player releases will be posted online (by jersey colour and number), after the 2nd and 3rd tryouts. The posts should appear online (http://waterlooravens.com/Teams/1102/Articles/) within 2-3hrs of the tryout session and will show all players that are invited to return to the next tryout session. Please remember your jersey colour and number. The final release will be done in an interview immediately following the 4th session.
This is the hardest part of the year for everyone involved. I ask all players and parents to remember that this is a stressful process for everyone, and to try to remember to respect each other and the coaching staff as we all try to get through this. If you have any questions regarding your daughter’s release, please email me at [email protected].
Imports
A maximum of 2 (non-resident of Waterloo) players are allowed at the Novice A level. If you are unsure of your status as an import player, please contact David Morrow, Director of Rep Hockey.
Try-Out Reminders
Please arrive 45 minutes prior to the ice time and be dressed at least 10 minutes before the scheduled ice time. It really isn't a good sign if you are late. Note that only females are allowed in the dressing room until players are fully dressed.
Practice jerseys must be returned after each tryout.
Please inform the coaching staff if your child is unable to attend a tryout or is withdrawing from the tryout process.
Regular Season
The Waterloo Ravens organization are members of the Lower Lakes Female Hockey League (LLFHL). The Novice A loop is expected to consist of the following teams; Burlington, Cambridge, Oakville, Mississauga, Stoney Creek and London. The league scheduling meeting takes place in early October and the loop is likely to change, so please keep this in mind. A team schedule will be provided as soon as it becomes available.
Tournaments
I am currently planning to enter 5 tournaments plus Provincials if (when!) we qualify. We are currently entered into the 3rd Annual ‘Harvest Classic’ tournament in Oakville (September 21st - 23rd) and the 11th Annual Fall Challenge Cup in Waterloo (November 1st – 4th). Other tournaments will be discussed at the first Parent meeting.
Provincials
This year the Provincial tournament will be hosted in Ottawa, (first week of April). During the same week Ottawa will also host the 2013 IIHF ICE HOCKEY WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS.
Team Budget
Novice A Rep fees are $385 (estimate). This fee is above and beyond the basic registration and team budget. Our team budget will be discussed in detail and finalized at the first parent meeting. I expect this to be in the $500 - $800 range and will depend on what we decide to do as a team (such as number of tournaments, extra training, practices, etc.). Please remember that travel costs, including hotel stays for out of town tournaments will be in addition to this. Also note that Waterloo Ravens rep players are required to wear a Ravens outfit (jacket {~$90} and pants {~$50}) and have a velcro name badge {~$25} for their jersey (more information will be provided about this once the team is selected). Warm-up clothes can be discussed the parent meeting.
Additional Training
Throughout the year there will be additional training opportunities. The team is currently booked at G and G Skate training in Kitchener for 9 sessions (starting in September, this was a must as they book up early). We may also be looking at off-ice training at The Zone in the winter months and outdoors earlier on in the season.
Volunteers
A large part of a team’s success is due the hard work of a team of volunteers behind the scenes. Every parent will be asked for some volunteer hours throughout the season. There are many volunteer positions available, such as; Assistant Coaches, On-ice helpers, Bench Moms, Trainers, Treasurer, Water bottler, Fundraising, Social committee, Hotel coordinator, Sweater care, Statistics, Website updaters, etc. Please consider the volunteer role you would like to play prior to the first parent meeting.
On behalf of the Ravens Organization and the 2012 Ravens Novice A team, I wish you all good luck.
Kind regards,
Bill Hazelwood
2012 Waterloo Ravens Novice A