We are 10 days (09/21) away from getting back to hockey! As we make our way back to the ice, know that the Milton Minor Hockey Association is taking every precaution to ensure its players / coaches and parents remain safe. It’s imperative that we all work together to maintain COVID – 19 safety measures and keep ourselves and friends / family safe.
I expect to have information to share with you all on Player / parent responsibilities within the COVID environment. I don’t have much to share now – other than what you might find on the website.
The Blue Novice team is a working group. The same is for White Novice and Silver Novice. There is no tiered hockey at the moment. We have asked players to report to their 19/20 rep team placement. The mandate has been to get the players on the ice. Developmental hockey will take precedence for the 20/21 year. Should hockey be permitted to return to a ‘sense of normalcy’, it’s likely that a full evaluation will take place. Players will then be tiered and report to their new team. MMHA has little control over moving to an evaluation. It will depend on governing health bodies and the local municipalities.
Coach Dave G has been assigned to the White Novice team. Coach Tom (White 19/20) reported to the Hurricanes (AAA). The Hurricanes will not be having a Novice 20/21 season. This may change – as I noted above. I have been assigned the Blue working group, and Adam Thompson has been assigned the Silver Group. Each Coach is very aware of the challenges coming into a team that has been together for a season. I am not new to this. I have had to jump in many times in my coaching career to take over teams. I look forward to carrying on some of the great work of the 19/20 coaching staff and bringing a few tricks of my own.
The Blue Novice team – will be divided into (2) squads of (10) players. The squads will be known as Blue West and Blue East. The entire Blue team of (20) players – (19) skaters, (1) Goalie – will practice together. Games will be assigned to (1) squad of (10). Its’ assumed that the League would schedule back-to-back opponent play – allowing all (10) players on each squad to play a game that day. But, let’s not get caught up in game play yet. There is still much to be determined as we enter back to ice play.
The Blue Novice team will roster (5) Coaches. Only (3) coaches will be permitted on the ice at any given time. I have asked the assistant coaches to determine who will work the ice – with me. Assistant Coaches will be the same as 19/20.
Practices follow a development plan that aligns with the Hockey Canada Curriculum. I will issue Coaches and any parent / player who wishes to have a copy of the full year Practice / Player Development Plan. Each Practice will focus on individual / team skill sets – that will help develop the player thus supporting advancement to the next tier of hockey development. For now, rep teams have been assigned (2) practices per week. Teams are permitted to fund their own development ice – at the expense of the team only. There will be no sponsorship money permitted – as there are no team bank accounts permitted either. I can share creative ways that we might be able to work with a sponsor. Bringing in outside development may be limited to the MMHA preferred vendors. More information pending.
I have asked George Doukogiannis to be our team’s Manager. George’s son, Christos, will be joining the team. Christos played his Minor Hockey in Meadowvale and will be joining Milton this hockey season.
Also joining the Blue Novice working group – is my son – Dylan Patterson. Dylan was excited to play one game last year as a call up to a short roster. Finally, Kaleb Wilson, will be joining the team as its full time goalie. Kaleb’s father, Jeremy, was an assistant coach on Team Silver. On behalf of the entire team, I want to welcome Christos, Dylan and Kaleb!
If you haven’t checked out the Team website for scheduling – please be sure to do so. I will assign the Team West and Team East Squads before end of September. I’d like a few practices to evaluate the players and get some input from others. For now, understand that whether your player has been assigned to West or East – they are always on the Practice ice together.
Finally, the team will require some other valuable volunteer positions. I will ask George to advise you on all of those roles in the coming days.
I may have a team Zoom meeting prior to our Practice on September 21st. Please watch your inbox for an invite. For now, please direct any questions to our team Manager, George Doukogiannis.
Best, Ken Ken Patterson Head Coach
Minor Novice - Blue
Milton Minor Hockey Association
Phone: 905 299 3347
Email:
[email protected]