Players and Parents,
Welcome to the 2022-23 Ottawa Sting U18 try-outs. I am Brett McGarry, the U18 Liaison for this season. I will be your primary point of contact for the try-outs. I will also be your primary contact with the Sting Executive for team issues during the season. Please do not hesitate to reach out at any time.
This email is to give you an overview and expectations for the approaching tryout sessions. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE MESSAGE.
Checking Clinic for Players Who Have Not Played Competitive Contact Hockey
If a player has NOT played contact hockey at the competitive level before, then it is mandatory to attend a checking session before the start of the tryout session. For U18, there is a checking session on August 25 at the Richcraft Sensplex - Potvin arena at 9:15pm.
Goalie Evaluations
Goalies will be evaluated during the regular tryout sessions. In addition, a goalie specific evaluation session will be held. Goalies, please look out for an additional email regarding details for this event. GoalerU will run the on-ice goalie session, with assessments done by independent assessors and the coach.
Tryout Jerseys
For those who need a new or replacement tryout jersey and missed the recent open house, please contact me at
vp.operations@ottawasting.com.
For the entire duration of the tryout series, players will be identified by their tryout jersey number. Please ensure that players have a white and black tryout jersey with corresponding numbers, and that I have the correct number for your player. It is the player’s responsibility to bring both jerseys to all tryout sessions. We will not have spares with us once the tryouts begin. Goalies will only need the one black tryout jersey.
Schedule and Logistics
Tryout ice will be posted shortly, and the ice will be in mid-September. All players who registered for the U18 Cohort are invited to attend the AA tryouts irrespective of level indicated at the time of registration. We anticipate that there be a minimum of three releases along the way. Released players will be invited to continue the tryout process to the next level with Sting or Golden Nights – no action is required on your part. At each step, you will receive clear communication to guide you and your player through the process. The tryout schedule will be posted on the Sting website when it becomes available, and I will send a communication as well.
Optional Conditioning Skate
As tryouts are several weeks away, there will be one or two optional conditioning skates coming up sooner. The session(s) will NOT be part of the tryout process. Players will not wear tryout jerseys and no assessments will be done. I will communicate the details in the coming few days.
Next Steps for Tryouts
You will receive more specific communication ahead of the start of tryouts If you have yet to acquaint yourself with the coaches, you can find their coaching philosophies here:
Paul Lever U18AA Coach Letter and
Ryan Jacobs U18B Coach Letter.
We invite parents to familiarize themselves with the
Parent Handbook to answer most frequently asked questions and learn more about expectations for participating with Sting.
While tryouts can be a stressful time, the process is meant to place every player at the proper level for their development. It is important that players be well rested and hydrated to perform at their best. It is important to remember that although the Covid restrictions have been lifted, players experiencing any Covid/cold symptoms are to refrain from attending a tryout session and must communicate their absence with the liaison immediately. The coaching staff will follow up accordingly.
We hope that all players enjoy their tryout experience and has fun while out on the ice. Know that we have an exceptional coaching staff at all levels of U18 who will ensure all kids have a great season.
Please check your email daily for future communications and tryout assignments. Each email will also be posted under this age cohort on the Sting website, in U18 Team News section (U18AA and U18B).
Warmly,
Brett McGarry
U18 Liaison
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