Welcome Back WSMHA-ers!
August firmly marks "pre-season" for your WSMHA Board members, House League Council members, the Hockey Office and many other of our valued volunteers. We've all been busily planning ahead to make 2012-2013 our best season ever!
First and foremost - we're growing - and we're growing our programmes too!
Following the successful first time fielding of Tyke A, B and C, as well as Novice AE in 2011/12, this season we are expecting to expand our REP programme to include "Major Midget A" along with the AA and AE levels.
For 2012/13, we have also planned for upto 5 Rostered Select teams, expanding from the 2 RS teams which represented our association last season. We fully anticipate that the RS programme will serve to offer more of our members unique opportunities to expand their hockey experiences, develop their skills and enjoy hockey through new venues.
On the training front, our Board has been exploring new avenues to deliver skating and skill development to our members at both the REP and HOUSE LEAGUE levels. We are looking forward to seeing our members continue to grow and gain access to more development opportunities through these enhancements this coming season.
As programmes are growing, so too is our all important volunteer base, and we are looking to ensure our coaches, coaching staff and managers have the support they need in providing the front-line of the hockey experience. COACH, & new this year, a MANAGER MENTOR are in place to help our volunteers. We also have a HOUSE LEAGUE Council to bring focus and connection to our House League membership, including development of the RS programme.
Across the board, there's MORE IN STORE for our players and for our hockey families. We are READY!!!!
ARE YOU?
Things you need to know in preparing for the coming season:
1) REGISTRATION & PAYMENT DEADLINE is AUGUST 1st. There is still room available, but spaces will be limited. If you have not registered as yet, please do so ASAP. Click on the registration icon to the left side on the home screen. If you have already registered and provided a post dated cheque, please remember that cheques will be deposited this week!
2) TRYOUTS for TYKE, MIDGET & JUVENILE take place this month. You MUST BE REGISTERED to attend tryouts. For specific details on try out dates & times, please click on the home page menu bar "TRYOUTS".
3) Various REP TEAMs have scheduled some pre-season practices for later in AUGUST. Please consult individual team calendars for details.
4) HOUSE LEAGUE schedules are being developed and will be posted to the website over the next 2 weeks. HOUSE LEAGUE team placement will take place over the first 3-4 evaluation sessions for each division.
5) Interested in volunteering as a coach or assistant coach for our house league teams? Please contact the Hockey Office for more information. Please note - ALL our volunteers are subject to Vulnerable Sector Screening (VSS) requirements, as well as OMHA qualifications.
6) ROSTERED SELECT tryouts will take place FRIDAY, SEPT 28 & OCT 5
7) LASTLY - did your player GROW since last season??? We're guessing they have!!! Don't forget to check your player's equipment for fit and general condition. Properly fitting equipment in good condition is an important part of keeping our players safe. Please check your gear before hitting the ice!
COUNTING DOWN TO HOCKEY SEASON! See you at the rink!