Coach Letter

My name is Bruce Hendry, and I’m extremely excited to be returning as Rams head coach for the upcoming season.

I’d like to welcome all players born in 2010 to come and tryout for this year’s Rams team. All players will be given a fair and equal opportunity to earn a spot on the squad.

Tryouts will begin in early September and players will be evaluated by a panel of third party non-parents. The evaluation team will be looking for skilled, determined, hard-working players who exhibit a positive and team first attitude.

I’m committed to putting a program together where the players develop both on and off the ice in a fun and safe environment. The role of coach allows me the opportunity to mold these young players into great individuals. Work ethic, sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, commitment, enthusiasm, discipline, and accountability are all life skills that will be instilled throughout the year. 
    
Over the course of the season there will continue to be a strong focus on fundamental core skills like skating, passing, shooting and puck control. A significant portion of each practice will be dedicated to continuing developing and further refining all players skill level in these fundamental areas. We will also increase the knowledge of team tactics and will spend a portion of practice time focusing on power play, penalty killing and defensive/offensive zone coverage. 

I’m a firm believer that practice is critical for player development. Strong habits and work ethic demonstrated during practices will lead to positive results during games. Practices will be well organized and fast paced, with coaches providing positive feedback and reinforcement. Players should come to practice expecting to have fun, work hard but also to be challenged. Body contact drills will be introduced to make sure players learn to give and take hits safely.
   
Players should expect to commit 4-5 sessions per week.  This includes games, practices, team and community events. Being a competitive club, all players are expected to attend all team events with exception made for illness, family, school, or personal reasons.

There will be a mandatory body contact clinic before tryouts, all players trying out our required to take the clinic.

The team will be participating in the following tournaments. 
9^th Annual Capital Volunteer Cup, Oct 27-29
Belleville Mid-Season Tilt, Nov 3-Nov 5
Rams Midseason Showdown, Nov 24-26
Green Mountain Avalanche (Jay Peak, Vermont), Dec 7-10
Gene Harrington Winter Ice Experience (Buffalo, NY), Jan 19-21
 
I want to wish all players the best of luck during the tryouts, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the rink.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Thanks,
Bruce
bhendry14@yahoo.ca