AAGHA U18BB Tryout Package

Thank you for your interest in being part of the U18BB team for the 2025/26 season. Please refer to the information below as a guide to help you through the process. We look forward to seeing you at tryouts!

 

Tryout Dates -All tryouts are at JL Grightmire Arena

• Tryout 1: Sunday, April 27, 2025--Skill Assessment
  • Group 1: 12:00pm to 1:30pm
  • Group 2: 1:30pm to 3:00pm (if necessary)
• Tryout  2: Monday, April 28, 2025--Intersquad Game 
  • 9:00pm to 10:30pm
• Tryout 3: Tuesday, April 29, 2025--Exhibition Game
  •  7:00pm to 8:30pm

 

Tryout Logistics

• At the conclusion of each tryout skate, please refer to the team website and the Tryout List tab.
• Players who find their tryout numbers (TIN#) here are invited to the next tryout skate.
• Updates will be posted no later than 10:30pm on the day of the skate or by 7:30am the following day. (The site will not be updated during the school/work day).
• If a player does not find their number listed, they have been released from the U18BB team tryouts and will be added to the U18B tryout roster. It is our hope that players remain with AAGHA.
• After the third, and final, tryout, the TIN numbers listed will reflect the final team.
• Players receiving formal offers will have 24hrs to respond.
• If, at anytime during the tryout process, your situation changes (i.e. no longer wish to tryout, receive an offer from another team etc...) please communicate this with the head coach as soon as possible.

Player Selection

To ensure an enjoyable and successful season, the U18BB team is seeking players with:

• Hockey Skills at the BB level (skating, puck control, passing, shooting, hockey iq).
• A Work Ethic that includes a willingness to always work hard (practices and games), compete, and be coachable.
• A Team Focus that includes being part of a positive and supportive culture.

Coach Information

My name is Shawn Stetson and I consider myself fortunate to have been able to be around this great game since the age of 3. Playing minor hockey in a small town, as a goalie, provided me opportunities to play representative hockey until I was finished highschool. This included participation in the Ontario Under 17 program. I have been coaching for over ten years now and my approach is to treat players as people first. I like to make connections and build positive relationships with players and help them do the same with each other. If we build a strong, connected, and supportive community the hockey and competition will follow. I view youth sport as a great opportunity for our players to make new connections and learn skills that will help them in their lives such as commitment, work ethic, fitness, and fun.  I view my role as a guide to help provide a structure where players are having fun, improving, and enjoy the process of getting better and competing. On the competition front, teams I have had the most on-ice success with play with speed, a consistent level of compete, and a team first approach. My coaching teams help build a framework where players push each other to be better everytime they hit the ice, and enjoy the process at the same time.

Player Responsibilities

To ensure a successful season, on and off the ice, it is the responsibility of each player to:

• Attend all practices and games on a regular basis. (if not able to attend this needs to be communicated to the coach in advance).
• Take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour. We will not tollerate negative behaviour (such as profanity and violence towards others).
• Ensure all cell phones, and picture taking devices, are not in the changeroom.
• Have the required equipment and ensure it is in performance condition. This includes black pants, helmets, and gloves.
• Represent the Ancaster Avalanche Girls Hockey Association in a positive and honourable way.

Other team rules and responsibilities will be discussed at the parent/player meeting

Discipline Policy

Should discipline be required, we will adhere to team and AAGHA Disciplinary Policies. This will be outlined and discussed during the first team meeting involving parents and players.

Tournaments

We are aiming to compete in 4 tournaments this season. It is likely that two of the tournaments will be local (drivable) and 2 will be away (requiring overnight accommodation). One of our goals will be to qualify for Provincials (a 5th tournament). We may look into tournament options over the December holiday break.

Fees & Fundraising

 

All players are required to pay the AAGHA base registration fee. Our goal is to keep team fees as low and affordable as possible while offering the best possible program. This will include extra ice and development, team building, and fitness sessions. To help off-set some of our fees, we will require players/parents to participate in various fundraising effort. All of this will be outlined and discussed during your player/parent meeting.