Dear Parents and Players,
My name is Mike Cross and I am excited to have been selected to coach the U18A Rangers for the upcoming 2023-2024 season. This will be my 11th season in the KGHA and the 7th team that I will have the privilege to be the head coach.
As a coach, I will ensure that there is a positive and respectful learning environment that will challenge and push the players to reach beyond their goals. I am committed to teaching and developing all key skills set out by Hockey Canada and the KGHA.
I expect all of the coaching staff, players, and parents to be committed to a positive, fun, safe, and hardworking environment. We will work on technical skills and individual tactics, team tactics, systems, and strategies.
Development is the key to success and it goes beyond hockey skills and systems. It should include; interpersonal skills, communication, and team building which will strengthen life skills to help them succeed beyond the boards.
The coaching staff, which will be formed after the team is selected, will be picked based on their commitment to bringing a positive and respectful attitude, enthusiasm, strong hockey knowledge, communication skills, and willingness to work as a team.
I am looking to build a balanced team of skill, grit, and determination. I ask that nobody outworks us, nobody outskates us, and put a huge emphasis on the fact that this is a team sport and we are stronger as a unit.
You should expect to have about four mandatory hockey commitments per week consisting of both on and off-ice sessions. There are no set days for these commitments. Events will be added as ice is allocated and activities booked.
Please expect that any day of the week could have a team-related function. Priority is Family, School, and Hockey. The commitment to the team should supersede other sports or activities. Blackout dates are listed and are good opportunities for other activities.
There are no call-ups permitted for playoffs and playdowns, so please keep that in mind if considering family trips in February and March.
The expectation is that all players will be fully committed to bringing a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a desire to compete on the U18A Rangers team. The families supporting the players must have the same attitude as well. If we have this commitment and work ethic from all players and families, we will have a fun and successful season.
We expect our season will consist of 22 regular season games, playoffs, and playdowns.
We will also compete in 4 tournaments with a potential for a 5th depending on team performance during the season (Provincials). You should expect that 3-4 of these will require weekend travel out of the Ottawa area. There is also a strong possibility of a US-based tournament/Showcase so a passport will be needed.
Team fees will be around $2,000 depending on tournaments selected, fundraising, and the possibility of making Provincials. These fees are in addition to registration fees. The team budget will be determined at the beginning of the season and discussed in the parents’ meeting.
Tryouts are part of the ongoing evaluation process for team selection. Since a call for coaches went out in December coaches and evaluators have been watching all teams and preparing for tryouts. All factors will be taken into consideration when final selections are made.
Tryouts will be held in April & May for the A team. A link to the schedule and a copy are below.
U18A | Friday, April 28, | 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm | CRC-A |
| Saturday, April 29 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm | CRC-A |
| Monday, May 1 | 8:15 pm - 10:15 pm | CRC-B |
| Friday, May 5 | 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm | CRC-A |
As per KGHA policy feedback will only be given to the players in the final release and will be given, if requested, by the VP of Competitive. vpcompetitive@kgha.ca
I look forward to having a successful, fun, and rewarding season.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.
Regards,
Mike
Mike Cross
mike.cross@sympatico.ca