U15BB Coach's Letter

Marc Barry - U15 BB Head Coach
Kanata Girls Hockey Association
2026/2027 Season

Dear Players and Parents,

My name is Marc Barry, and I am proud to serve as the Head Coach of the KGHA U15 BB team for the 2026/2027 season. I bring many years of experience coaching girls’ hockey across multiple age groups and competitive levels within KGHA, and I take this role seriously. I believe in setting high standards, communicating clearly, and creating a team setting where players are challenged, supported, and expected to grow. My goal is to help our players develop not only as hockey players, but also as teammates and young leaders within the game.

I strongly believe in building a team culture that reflects the values of the KGHA: respect, teamwork, fair play, and a love of the game. I want this team to be competitive, accountable, and positive. Players develop best when expectations are clear, effort is consistent, and the team culture is purposeful.

Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy is straightforward: set a high standard, teach with clarity, and help players improve through consistent work and positive reinforcement. I want our players to develop strong habits, confidence, resilience, and hockey sense while learning what it means to be a dependable teammate. Development will remain a priority throughout the season.

We will work to improve skating, puck skills, positioning, decision-making, conditioning, and compete level, while building the habits and structure needed to succeed in competitive hockey. At the U15 BB level, players benefit from being challenged in a healthy and supportive way. I will ask players to work hard, stay coachable, and embrace challenges. In return, I will provide an organized and transparent team environment centred on helping each player improve over the course of the season.

Team Culture and Values

Team culture will matter. I want this group to be known for respect, work ethic, accountability, and the ability to compete together. That standard applies on the ice, on the bench, in the dressing room, and around the rink.

I expect our players to show respect for teammates, coaches, officials, opponents, and families. I also expect them to bring a positive attitude, strong effort, and a willingness to learn every time they step into a team setting. We will work as a team, win as a team, and grow as a team.

Coaching Staff

An important addition to this year’s program is that we expect to have a female non-parent bench coach as part of our staff. I believe this will be a real strength for the team. Having a female coach on the bench brings another valuable perspective to the group, provides an important role model for the players, and supports the positive and inclusive culture we want to build.

She will be meaningfully involved in teaching, communication, and player development throughout the season. I believe it is important for our athletes to see strong female leadership within the game, and I am excited about what this will add to the team experience.

Commitment Expectations

U15 BB will require a meaningful commitment from both players and families. Families should expect approximately 4 to 5 team commitments per week, including practices, games, dryland or off-ice sessions, and occasional team activities.

I fully respect that family and school are priorities. At the same time, players who accept a spot on a competitive team are making a commitment to the group. During the season, hockey should take priority over other optional sports and extracurricular activities wherever possible. If a player cannot consistently meet the expected level of commitment, it will affect both individual development and the team as a whole.

Attendance will matter, especially later in the season during playdowns and playoffs when roster flexibility is reduced. I ask families to keep the team schedule in mind when making plans, particularly during key parts of the season.

Player Expectations

Players can expect to be held to a high standard in the areas of effort, attitude, attendance, preparation, coachability, and being a positive teammate.

At the start of the season, team expectations will be reviewed clearly with both players and parents so that everyone understands what is expected. My goal is not to create uncertainty, but clarity. When standards are clear and communication is open, players are in the best position to succeed.

Parent Communication

I value direct, respectful, and transparent communication. Parents play an important role in helping players succeed throughout the season. Support with sleep, nutrition, preparation, punctuality, and healthy routines makes a real difference in a player’s development and overall experience.

I will communicate clearly and consistently with families regarding schedules, expectations, team activities, and important updates. I also ask families to communicate early about absences or conflicts whenever possible so the team can plan effectively.

Tournaments

The team is expected to participate in 5 tournaments, with Provincials as a sixth event if we qualify. Tournament details will be shared once the team is formed and planning is finalized, but families should expect a meaningful and competitive tournament schedule.

Team Fees

Estimated team fees are approximately $2,500 per player, in addition to regular KGHA registration fees. This estimate reflects the reality that tournament fees and ice costs have increased, and the final amount may be influenced by fundraising, sponsorship, and whether the team qualifies for Provincials. A detailed team budget will be reviewed at the parent meeting once the team is formed, so families have a clear understanding of anticipated season costs and what those fees will cover.

Tryouts

Tryout evaluations begin the moment players arrive at the rink. We will be evaluating not only on-ice skill, but also attitude, effort, sportsmanship, body language, coachability, and how players conduct themselves around teammates, staff, and families.

On the ice, we will be looking for players who demonstrate strong hockey sense, consistent effort, awareness away from the puck, and the ability to make effective decisions under pressure. We will also value puck possession habits, positional awareness, compete level, and the ability to execute skills within the flow of the game. In addition to individual ability, we will be looking closely at players who can think the game, support teammates, and contribute within a team structure.

Our goal is to build the strongest possible team, not simply select individual talent in isolation.

As per KGHA policy, feedback from tryouts is generally provided at the final release stage through the appropriate association process.

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I am excited for the opportunity to lead the U15 BB team this season and to help create a strong, positive, competitive, and rewarding experience for the players and families involved.

I wish all players the very best during tryouts.

Marc Barry
Head Coach, KGHA U15 BB