Welcome Players, Parents and Families,
If this is
your first experience at the BB level, are new to West London or joining from another
other organization then let me be the first to welcome you.
We have an exciting year ahead
as we look to repeat as Alliance Champions closing out for some players their organized
hockey years.
From September 13th through the
20th, in cooperation with multiple evaluators, the U18 Black (09)
coaching staff and consultation with the WLMHL board we will be selecting this
seasons Major Midget U18 BB Gold roster comprised of 2008 birth year for this 2025-26
season. The Gold team will consist of 15-17 position players and 2 goalies for
participation in the Alliance NBC U18 B/BB loop, this season consisting of an
East & West division. As we enter this
process no player selections have been made, and the coaching staff will be
determined following the announcement of the Gold roster. There will be no releases made until after a
player has been afforded the opportunity to participate at least twice. Every player
will be given a fair and equal opportunity to demonstrate their skills; 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 or a progression into non-contact competition and
the opportunity for new challenges within a relaxed but competitive environment. As your child participates in this tryout for
a roster position on this season’s Major Midget BB Gold team, 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 this team.
This
season our team will be competing in the Alliance NBC U18 division competing
against competition from across London and cities stretching from Sarnia to
Burlington. 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 season, two within London
region (London and St. Thomas) Oakville which will require over night
accommodation costs, capped off with Columbus Ohio on the first weekend of the
March Break which will entail amplified expenses. This Gold team will also participate
in exhibition games when the opportunity presents itself and those will be spread
out across the next few months alongside our regular scheduled games.
A
successful member of this team will incur the following costs (in addition to
funds already paid);
1)
BB upcharge /
player (paid via spordle following selection)
2)
Team Fee /
player (Approx. $1,300.00 per player a sum
that can be reduced via our sponsorship or team fundraising)
A Major Midget BB Gold team participant playing
competitive BB hockey will incur the expenses of fuel, hotel and personal equipment
and sticks. Together as a collective we will work to reduce the cost impact on
families where possible.
This
team as a collective group we will have the opportunity to generate individual sponsorships
that will go towards their team fee commitments. Upon selection to this team further details
and literature will be provided to families as well as the team budget. We may also participate in fundraising
initiatives pending a Parent discussion and agreement of the entire group.
It
continues to be my personal goal along with the cooperation of all the coaches encourage
continued develop of our children’s hockey skills and overall health while strengthening
their leadership and teamwork skills with the expectation of becoming
successful young men. 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 Gold team will promote
group development and fun into our season.
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 and the overall theme of T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More)
will be apparent in everything we do this season.
If
anyone would like to discuss further what I’ve outlined or has concerns, please
do not hesitate to contact me. I thank
everyone for their participation within the West London minor hockey program.