For many of you this is a first time experience and so let me be the first
to welcome you.
Over the next five identified ice times, in cooperation with Mike
Edwards and consultation with the WLMHL board we will be selecting two balanced
teams consisting of 15 position players and 2 goalies each for participation in
the Greater London Hockey Association this season. There
will be no cuts made until after Tryout #3 and every participant will be given
fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills and no participant will
be centered out at any time and all involved will be encouraged to enjoy the
experience.
For some families this may be your first exposure to competitive hockey and the excitement and commitment this level of hockey brings. Thus, as our children participate in the tryout sessions for one of the two Minor Novice MD teams I want to take this opportunity to make everyone aware of the time, responsibility and financial expectations each players family will be undertaking if their child is selected to my team.
This season our team will be competing in the GLMHL MD3 division with competition from across London and with the communities of Sarnia and Stratford. This team will generally be on the ice 2-3 times per week. In addition this season’s team will be participating in four tournaments throughout the year, two local within London, two within a two hour drive, the team will also play an additional exhibition games spread out across the next few months along with regular scheduled games.
A successful member of this team can expect the following costs (in addition to funds already paid);
1) $375.00 MD upcharge / player (t.b.c. by W.L.M.H.A.)
2) $1,000.00 Sponsorship Deposit / team (non-refundable)
3) $500.00 Puck/Sweater & Equipment Deposit / team (refundable)
4) $600.00 Team Fee / player (this sum will be reduced via our sponsorship drive or team fundraising)
5) $200.00 Team Apparel / player
A Minor Novice MD team participant could expect an approximate worst case financial impact of $1,200.00 in addition to the registration costs already paid to this point. Please understand that this value excludes travel or hotel expenses and personal equipment.
Our team as a collective group we will be participating in the selling of team sponsorships with various levels of involvement and display. Upon selection to my team further details and literature will be provided. We will also be requiring families to participate in three fundraisers throughout the season including a London Knights Game seat sale which includes a pre-game scrimmage.
The funds generated in these fundraisers will allow us to decrease the financial impact on our families significantly. All monies generated will be spread across the team and any surplus in funds will be returned to parents at the end of the season.
It continues to be my goal along with the cooperation of all parties to develop our children’s hockey skills while building better young people. The emphasis and expectation for everyone involved remains hard work, dedication, courtesy and respect in everything we do. I’m personally committed to demonstrating these values at every opportunity. Whenever possible the opportunity will be pursued to incorporate other Professionals, Coaches techniques and team builders into our season to promote development and fun.
Finally, at no point will this team nor I forget that hockey is just a game. I’m dedicated to ensuring we all have fun this season.
If anyone would like to discuss our ambitions or financial budget further please do not hesitate to ask me. I thank everyone for participating in the West London minor hockey program.
All the best,
Jeff Edwards
Head Coach, 2015-16 Minor Novice 3A team