Coach Introduction Letter –, News, Novice A, U8/U9, 2018-2019 (TNT Tornados Minor Hockey Association)

This Team is part of the 2018-2019 season, which is not set as the current season.
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May 02, 2018 | Rob Farquhar | 2519 views
Coach Introduction Letter –
Welcome to the 2018-2019 Tryouts! 

My name is Rob Farquhar and I am very excited to be taking on the role of Head Coach for the upcoming season.  I would like to provide you with some insight regarding myself, my approach towards the game of hockey, and the plan for the team for the upcoming season...

The 2018-2019 season will be my 23rd as a head coach; I've also been a Power Skating Instructor, certified through Skate Canada dating back to the mid 90's. I've played & coached hockey for the majority of my life and having the opportunity to pass some of what I've learned along the way to the next generation of players has been one of the most rewarding things I've ever done.

For those of you whose son I may have coached previously, you’ll know that I am very passionate about the game, the process of developing player skills, bonding a strong and united team, developing good work ethics during practices and games, will also know that it is my belief that as the coach, it is my role to ensure that all of this can be achieved while having fun along the way.

The objectives for the team and the actions of the coaches will be focused on building confidence, self-esteem, discipline and a sense of commitment and pride in themselves, their team and our association. These personality traits and qualities will benefit them at whatever level they play. We will emphasize development over winning with the primary focus is on development.

It is the coaches responsibility to help the kids develop strong skills, challenge them and have them identify individual and team goals and develop a plan to achieve them.

It is the player's responsibility to begin thinking critically as it applies to their performance in practices and games, to identify areas for improvement as well as areas of strength both as an individual and as a member of the team.

I expect nothing less than their very best effort at all times and this combined with being the best team mate they can be, is very important.

It is important to have the kids' prepared and ready to play, and at this age they need to be working on their core skills and applying them to individual tactics and some team play. There will be less emphasis on systems, strategy and structure.

In this regard, I will follow the Hockey Canada long term player development model so that the players are building skills that are appropriate for their age and individual skill level, building a strong foundation of physical literacy in an environment that keeps them interested and motivated to come to the rink.

Practices will be run with a high level of energy and effort, with the goal of this being translated into game situations.

The time commitment required from all players and parents for the season is significant.

We can expect to have 4-5 sessions per week comprised of on the ice for 1-2 games and 1-2 practices, plus a possible 1 off-ice training session per week (on average).

In addition, there will be periodic team building events. All players are expected to attend all team events, with exceptions being made for illness or personal reasons. That being said, despite the time requirements for hockey, it is my belief that hockey should fall after time for family and education in terms of importance.

In addition to time, there will be a financial commitment and each player will be required to pay an additional amount of approximately $1,000.00 for the year, which will be used to pay for additional ice, training, tournament registration and general team expenses. This is above and beyond the Team “Rep” fees the association bills the team.

We will be looking for sponsorships and fundraising functions to assist with team costs.

Further, I will be looking for parent volunteers to help manage administration & handle finances, fundraising events etc., trainer(s), & assistant coaches.

The team will be participating in at least 3 tournaments over the course of the season.

We hope that all of the players coming out to the tryouts will come with a high level of energy and strong work ethic. The tryout process will be as fair and transparent as possible giving every player an equal opportunity to make the team. Players will be evaluated on fundamental skills, team play and effort.

Independent non-parent evaluators will assist me in evaluating the players and selecting the team.

A parents meeting will be held after the tryouts, date, time & location to be advised, where I will outline the season plan and be available to answer any questions you may have.

In the interim, should anyone have any questions regarding the Novice A team for the 2018/2019 season, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or 705-440-8512.

Yours in Hockey,
Rob Farquhar
Coach,
Novice A

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