On behalf of the Stittsville Minor Hockey Association, I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the 2023 - 2024 hockey season. My name is Todd Pennell and I’ll be the Head Coach of the U18 Black Rep “B” hockey team.
I am pleased to have been chosen to coach the Stittsville Rams U18 team for the coming season, for the 2007 born players. My expectations for the 2023/24 hockey season; to have NO limitations to success that we can all achieve together as a TEAM. My goal in coaching will be to help every player achieve their best, both on and off the ice, in a fun, competitive and positive environment.
Coaching Philosophy:
My coaching philosophy is built around the principles of:
- Fun – I believe that youth sports should be first and foremost about having fun and developing skills. My role as a coach is to create a safe, positive, fun environment where all participants can learn, grow and develop as athletes and as people; Life lessons are critical in player development.
- Ice Time – Every player on the team will receive opportunity to earn their share of ice time. Player development is from September until the end of the season.
- Commitment to TEAM – I believe in the principle of TEAM: “Together Everyone Achieves More”. I ensure my players understand the importance to respect their commitments to their TEAM & teammates. Commitment to arrive on time, prepared to do “their individual best” every game, every practice, every shift.
- Work Ethic and Coachable - I want players who commit to hard work, willingness to listen, learn and develop. Being positive will be an expectation. Negativity in a dressing room, on the ice/bench or in the stands will not be tolerated.
- In minor hockey, the measurement of success shouldn’t necessarily be defined by just wins and losses. Winning games is an outcome and losing games is learning and gaining feedback to adjust and improve for future success.
Season Commitment:
You should expect on average between 3-5 team activities each week including games, practices, dryland and team events.
The expected commitment for players will be to ensure they arrive on time (30 minutes before practice and 60 minutes before games) to each hockey activity. For parents, supporting your player along with the rest of the team throughout the season and remaining respectful towards team officials, all of our players, other parents, our opponents and the referees.
Competitive fees for this season will be $1300, which includes a $800 Rams fee and $500 Team fee, in addition to the SMHA registration fee.
Approach to Player Selection:
Tryouts will start in late September, so please check back regularly for more information.
The tryout and evaluation process will involve a series of controlled scrimmage sessions including exhibition games. All players will be given fair and equal opportunity to earn a roster spot. The attributes that we will focus on are: the strength of their hockey IQ, their skill set, work ethic, and their ability to play as a Team. Please be advised, that I have no pre-conceived notions of the final team roster as I want these tryouts to be as transparent and competitive as possible.
Independent non-parent evaluators will be used to ensure that all players receive the opportunity to make the team. Their advice will be crucial in making final selections. History will
NOT define positions granted and
ALL spots will be earned!
Tournament Commitments expected this Season: (subject to change)
Belleville Mid-Season Tilt - November 3 - 5, 2023
Rams Capital Mid-Season Showdown - Nov 24 - 26, 2023
Ajax/Pickering u18 Winterlude – Dec 7 - 10, 2023
Kanata Capital Winter Classic - Jan 5 - 7, 2024
I am looking forward to another fun and successful season.
Todd Pennell
Email
Print
