Welcome to the 2020/21 U18 Rep season! Things are rapidly changing but we are excited to have things starting and that we’re able to get back on the ice.

As you are all aware, the name of the division (formerly known as Midget) has been changed to U18- Tier II.

The group of players trying out for the team has been divided into two groups; I have attached the list of players; they can also be found on the WLMHA website. Please double check your players group as there were some changes last week.

There are a few things to cover before the first ice sessions on Friday (outlined below).

PLAYER HEALTH SURVEY- players will need to complete the player health survey prior to each ice time, this can be found on the WLMHA website under the U-18 Rep tab, this needs to be completed at least 1 hour prior to the ice time, if the survey is not competed, the player will not be allowed on the ice.  If you have any issues accessing the survey please let me know.              www.wlmha.ca

FIRST ICE TIME- please arrive 30 mins prior to the ice time, check in at the table and get changed in your designated dressing room. This is the only time you will arrive 30 mins prior to ice time,  going forward players are to arrive 15 minutes before they start. If players can’t be dressed and ready in 15 minutes  they will need to partially dress before entering the arena.  The dressing rooms will only be open 15 minutes prior to each ice time. Dressing rooms will be assigned; please remind your player to ONLY UTILIZE their assigned room.  I have attached the dressing room schedule; it will also be posted at the entrance to the tunnel as well as in the rooms. The assignments will NOT be changed by anyone other than a team official.

ENTRY AND EXIT TO THE RINK – please use the hockey entrance closest to Rink 2 and Boitanio Park when arriving at the rink and obey the arrows and pathways set out by the arena staff.

DRESSING ROOMS-  Each team will have 2 dressing rooms.  Please go to the same dressing room and spot each practice or as directed by team staff. Please remember to sanitize your hands immediately upon entry into the dressing room and kindly stay in your spots and respect the social distancing rules while at the rink.  No parents shall be in the change room area.

JERSEYS - Your player will be assigned a jersey at the first ice time for the weeks of tryouts, they will be responsible for their jersey during these 2 weeks and it must be turned in on the last day of tryouts.  Please handle the jersey gently and avoid placing into the hockey bag where it can be cut, ripped or snagged on other items as we are trying to keep them in the best shape we can for the season.

WATER BOTTLES – please bring your own filled water bottle; there are no fountains at the arena.  GOALIES – you will be on the ice both team practices, please ensure you have enough water. There is to be NO sharing of water bottles so double check you have one or you may be sent off the ice. Please label your bottles.

SHOWERS –there will be NO showers available until further notice at the rink.

CHECKING CLINIC –  Please let me know if your player would like to attend as there is limited space. Clinic will be held on Saturday Sept 12 at 2 – 3:30 pm.

DURING TRYOUTS – parents please respect the coaches, organizers and evaluators while at the rink.  Please give them the space they need to carry out their jobs.  Please don’t ask them any questions about the players or how things are going.  If you have any questions please direct them to me, if I don’t have an answer I will find you one.

PLAYER MEETINGS – after the last ice time on Sunday Sept 20 the coaches plan to meet with each player, please hand in your jersey’s at that time.  There will be more information coming closer to this date.  Please be prepared to be at the rink for awhile after the game, it will take sometime to get through all the players. Note that in-person meetings may need to be changed to telephone meetings depending on COVID-19 restrictions.

PARENT MEETING – there will be a parent meeting on Wednesday Sept 16 at 5:45 pm outside in the park (at the covered picnic area); one parent from each family must attend. Coach Ben will cover topics such as introductions, tryout format, and what could and should be expected this season.

ABSENCE – If you are not feeling well, please don’t come to practice. If you are going to miss a practice please let me know as soon as possible.

RETURN TO PLAY DOCUMENT – is attached but can also be found on the Minor Hockey Website.  Please ensure any parent or relative that are bringing players to the rink read and sign this document; there is lots of information in it about who can come to the rink, when you can come to the rink and what to do while at the rink. Please follow the arrows and routes at the arena and respect the social distancing rules. Again, this MUST be completed and brought to the first ice time. Players must also sign this form.

PLAYER MOVEMENT – we have divided the group into 2 teams, there maybe a need to shuffle players around during games or practice times, please don’t panic or worry if your player is moved to another team or position.  We want to give each player the best opportunity to do their best during tryouts.

I am thinking this is all for now... looking forward to the start of the season this week. Please feel free to reach out if there are any questions or concerns (email or text work 250-398-0173).

Kindly,

Karen Chabot

Interim Manager

U-18 Timberwolves