U13AA Coach's Letter

Dear Players and Families,

Thank you for your interest in the U13AA program for the upcoming season. I’m excited to begin this next step and to work with a group of players who are motivated to challenge themselves, compete at a high level, and commit to continuous improvement both on and off the ice.

U13 is a critical stage in a player’s development, and this team will be run as a high-performance program. Practices and games will be purposeful, demanding, and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on skating, puck skills, hockey sense, and habits that translate to higher levels of play. Players can expect to be coached, challenged, and held to a consistent standard in an environment designed to support growth, confidence, and accountability.

The expectation for every player who earns a spot on this team is a strong commitment to effort, preparation, and team culture. Players will be expected to arrive ready to work, to compete every day, and to be receptive to coaching and feedback. This will be a team-first environment built on respect, for teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and the game itself. Roles and ice time will be earned through work ethic, execution, and consistency, and players will be challenged to bring their best every time they step on the ice.

The season will include league play, up-to six tournaments (4 away tournaments), and Provincials. Families should be prepared for a meaningful time commitment that includes practices, games, travel, and weekend competition. The goal is to provide players with a competitive schedule that pushes them, exposes them to strong competition, and creates shared experiences that help build both performance and team chemistry.

Team fees for the season are expected to fall in the range of $2,500 to $3,500 per player, reflecting tournament participation, ice time, development resources, and overall program costs. A detailed budget and season plan will be shared once the team is selected.

This program is intended for players who enjoy being challenged, who take pride in their preparation, and who want to be part of a committed, competitive team environment. The goal is not only to compete and pursue results, but to help players develop the habits, confidence, and standards that will serve them well beyond this season.

I’m looking forward to meeting the players at tryouts and beginning the process of building a team that works hard, competes honestly, and represents the program with pride.

Tom Sweeney
Head Coach, U13AA