U15 Families,

It is hard to believe that August is upon us and soon we will be trading in swimsuits and sun hats for skates and warm jackets - yet here we are with only a few weeks until we are back at the rink.

This is my second year as U15 director and my goal is to provide open communication to all players/families and be there to address questions through the evaluation process and as the season goes on.

U15 is an exciting time for many players who want to experience body contact.  Hockey Edmonton allows us to place teams in body contact (Tiers 1-3 BC) and non-body contact (Tiers 1-3 NBC) teams.  I want to bring attention to this as not all players who wish to play body contact will be placed on a body contact team.  Following AA and Tier 1 BC teams being formed based on head coach selection, Tiers 2-3 BC and Tier 1-3 NBC are formed through individual and game evaluation scores.  I know this can bring disappointment to some who wish to play body contact, so I wanted to be forthcoming to ensure everyone is aware of how teams are placed in the Hockey Edmonton league.

With this being said, if your player DOES NOT want to play body contact this upcoming season and wishes to be considered for only non-body contact team(s), and you did not indicate this on your registration, please let me know as soon as possible via email.

Some important dates:

 

• U15 Hitting Camp - August 21, 22, 23 at Millenium Place Powerade (2 groups 10:30-11:30 am and 12-1 pm)

• U15 Conditioning Camp - August 26 - 21 (3 groups) and September 6 - 11 (1 group)

• U15 goalie evaluations - August 29 6:15 - 7:15 pm SOC

 

• Rep (AA/Tier 1) Skills Evaluations - September 5 Ardrossan East

• Rep Evaluation games - September 6 - 15

 

• House Skills Evaluations - September 12 Ardrossan East

• House games - starting September 16

 

• AA Ice breaker tournament starts September 12

Please watch the SMHA website under Divisions - U15 for groups and times. I will also send an email once these lists are updated, after August 15, 2023.

Throughout the evaluation process we experience quick turn-around between ice sessions and the SMHA website will have the most up-to-date information.  Please note that unless the turnaround time is less than 24 hours, we will strive to post any team announcements or players moving on in the evaluation process between 3 and 5 pm the following day, so as to avoid families staying up late refreshing and/or players checking at school.

If I have missed any players on any of the group listings, please let me know.

I will be using SignUp Genius to coordinate all volunteers throughout conditioning camp and evaluations - please sign up where you are able - many hands make light work!  I will share the link closer to the start of conditioning camp.

If you are interested in coaching in the capacity of Head Coach, please forward me your name as I am starting to collect the names of interested individuals to contact as we move through the tiering process.  Please know that there are lots of resources available in the Association that would be happy to help you as you take on this leadership role.

I am looking forward to a great 2023/24 hockey season.  Please feel free to reach out to me at any point throughout the season if you have any questions or concerns. My email is directoru15@smhahockey.com

Regards,