To all prospective U12AA players,
My Name is Shane Hodgson and I will be coaching the U12AA Kingston Canadians team for the upcoming season. The season is fast approaching, and I am very excited about what lies ahead for this upcoming season.
I am a non-parent coach, and I am looking forward to selecting the team at our upcoming Fall tryouts that will compete in the U12AA Lakeshore League. Our prep skates information (which are included with your tryout fee) will be run by RELM Sports, and tryout information can be found by Clicking Here. The prep skates are not part of the evaluation process as it is to help players ease into tryouts and shake off any rust from the summer months.
If you are new to the rep program HERE is some general information on the rep program and information on Fall Tryout
I have coached competitive hockey in the past with KAMHA and the Ice Wolves when my children were the same age, and I am looking forward to passing on my knowledge I have acquired over the years from playing, coaching, refereeing as well as my passion for the game.
I know that tryouts can be a stressful time for children especially at this age and I hope that this message, (although a little long) eases your mind and encourages you to register if you haven’t already done so come out to the U12 tryouts. I have heard there is a lot of interest in our tryouts and if you feel that competitive hockey is something of interest to your child, then this is a great year to come out especially if their goal is to one day play at the AAA level. If you know of any other players interested in competitive hockey born in 2011, please feel free to pass this information along to them. Unfortunately, I can only select a maximum of 15 skaters and 2 goalies and if you are not successful in making my team this year the U12A team is another great opportunity to continue your development and try to make the AA team the following season.
Body checking will start in a couple of years, and it is very important that U12 players start to improve on the fundamental skills of skating, balance, shooting and passing while in stride while keeping their head up, not only to make them a more effective player but also help to avoid serious injury. With the pandemic, the last couple of years have been more difficult for the players in terms of development than in previous years. There will be a lot of work on my part to help the players develop their hockey skills, but there will also be a huge commitment from the players as well.
I would like nothing more than to see all the kids I will be coaching this year tryout for AAA the following season. Although I will be sad to lose players to a higher level, it would bring me great joy to be able to help players reach that level of hockey if they chose to do so.
I will leave you with a quick overview of the season in hopes that I will see new and returning players at tryouts September 17th. Please note that KAMHA is holding a walk-in registration and meet and greet with the coaches on August 25th at 7pm at the Invista Center in meeting room C. If you haven't registered online yet you can do so by Clicking Here.
Here is a quick overview of my goals for this season:
- To develop the player’s skills in the following areas, skating, stick handling, passing, shooting, positional play as well as develop their hockey sense
- In addition to regular practices, we will utilize the assistance of specialized skill development as a team in the areas of power skating and goalie sessions.
- There are many benefits to competitive sports that include building confidence, developing friendships and increased physical fitness. My goal is to be competitive, but not at the sacrifice of the development of the players
- There will be zero tolerance for bullying. Players, coaches and parents will treat each other with respect as well as our opponents, officials, rink staff, volunteers while representing our association and City with pride.
- I will create a fun and safe environment for everyone involved with the team this season
Families and Player commitment:
Tryouts are just the first part of the season. The season can be long and at times challenging but we will work through it together to achieve not only our team goals but also any individual goals each player will have. No matter what level you are playing at there is a major commitment not only from myself, the coach but players and families. Each player is expected to take full responsibility to arrive on time for any and all team functions (practices, games and team events) and participate to the best of their abilities. Players are expected to come to the rink mentally and physically prepared to work, properly hydrated and ensure that they have all their equipment in order.
Our season will consist of 27 regular season games, 3 tournaments and playoffs with the opportunity to be the team to represent the U12AA Lakeshore league in the OMHA Championship weekend that is held in Kingston at the end of the season
See you at the rink soon,
Coach Shane