Under 9 (U9) - U9 Tier 1

Coaching Letter

My name is Nick Summerfield and I have the pleasure of coaching the 2022-23 KGHA Novice Tier 1 team.  I have an older daughter in U13 and my youngest will be entering her second year of U9. Between both my daughters, I have been fortunate to have coached in various roles over the past 7 years. 

I am very honored and excited to coach this age and level as it is a foundational year for many of these players as it will be their first competitive hockey experience. 

My goal is first to build a foundation of the love of hockey by providing a fun, safe and positive environment.

My second goal is to give them all the opportunity to develop their skills and hockey sense with a focus not on winning but rather on preparing them properly for the years to come. 

Last but certainly not least, I aim to build a positive competitive team culture. As stated above, this is a foundational year, as such I aim to teach each player what it means to be a great teammate, and to have great character, commitment, and work ethic, all while having fun. I plan on surrounding them with positive role models from the other great teams in our association to give them aspirations of the great things they can attain through hockey.

Commitment

Commitment is very important not only to me but for all competitive hockey teams at all levels.  In terms of commitment, players will expect to be on the ice 3-4 times per week and in some weeks more.  This frequency is very in line with U9 teams of years past. I also intend on holding frequent off-ice sessions.  Unlike older ages where off-ice means strength and conditioning, the U9 off-ice sessions will be focused on more age-appropriate general athletic coordination and agility. In addition, many of the off-ice sessions will work towards our team-building goals.  

Tournaments

In addition, we will be attending 5 tournaments:

• Etobicoke, Pink the Rink, October 14th
• Kanata, November 18th
• Nepean, January 27th
• Durham, Bolts, and Hearts February 16th 
• Provincials GTA, April (exact date TBD)

Team fees

Team fees that are over and above your registration will be $1500.  Roughly 40% covers ice costs and 25% covers tournaments.  Tournament hotels and travel expenses are of course additional. In addition to these expenses, for some, there will be the need to purchase additional items such as track jackets, name bars, and any other clothing or equipment to adhere to the KGHA competitive dress code. 

Player evaluations 

Evaluations will be held on September 14th, 16th, and 17th. Please see Fall Evaluations for the official schedule. 

Note, I will be allowing all players the opportunity to attend all 3 tryouts.  The first session will focus primarily on skills.  The second session will be small area games that will focus on skills and competitiveness. The last session will be half-ice games. 

I know firsthand that tryouts can be a very stressful time.  I welcome any questions you may have before or during that will relieve that stress.  You can either approach me in person or if you wish or send me an email to arrange a conversation. I do however request a minimum of 24 hours after tryouts to request evaluation feedback and I may take up to 24-48 hours after to respond as I want to ensure I can compile and provide useful and insightful information.  

I very much look forward to meeting everyone this season, players and parents alike, and forming great relationships and memories,

Nick Summerfield 
Head Coach
Summerfieldhockey@gmail.com