Welcome Message from Head Coach Jason Sass

Minor Pee Wee A Black Coach's Message to Parents and Players

My name is Jason Sass, and I am very pleased to return for another year as an Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Head Coach. The Silver Seven has been gaining recognition for its elite player development and producing successful championship hockey teams. I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to this tradition by building upon last year’s success, and finding new ways to make this hockey season even better.

I will be striving to create an overall positive team atmosphere for optimal hockey and personal development of all players. One of my primary goals is to create a hardworking, competitive team that can play “smart hockey” by thinking, reading and reacting to all situations on the ice. Other key elements that I intend to emphasize this season include the following: strong team play and puck movement, continuing to improve fundamental skills, player coachability, respect, on-ice vision, creativity and fun.  

In addition to an overall strategy for team development, my coaches and I will also aim to identify and address areas of needed improvement that are specific to each individual player throughout the season. We will pushing each player to step out of their comfort zones, take appropriate risks, and make the next step in their hockey development. I am also attentive to the fact that the first full year of body checking can be a significant adjustment for many. My coaches and I will be aiming to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of the players.

I have been a Head or Assistant Coach for the past several years within the Stittsville minor hockey association, and this will be my second year coaching with Silver Seven. I have fond memories of playing competitive minor hockey in Western Canada that have included winning two provincial championships and making life-long friends. I also gained experience playing junior hockey that I believe has been transferrable into coaching. 

Tournaments:

Note: Instead of doing three away tournaments, our team will only be doing two, one of which will be a longer road trip to a new hockey destination for many of us. We will be travelling down to Boston on Thursday, October 4^th. Please ensure all those travelling have valid passports.

Columbus Day Classic, New England Sports Centre (Boston, Massachusetts): October 5-8^th  (Arrangements have been made with the tournament organizer to schedule round robin games to allow our team to attend a Harvard University Game. There will also be other optional team/family activities in the Boston area during the tournament.)

Silver Seven Tournament: October 26 - 28th

Whitby Silver Stick “AA” Division: November 22 - 25th

Bell Capital Cup: December 28 - January 1

Tryouts:

Tryouts are currently scheduled to take place for the Minor Peewee A level between the dates of August 26th and September 3th 2012. Please keep checking into the Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Hockey Website for more specific details.

We are very fortunate to have many excellent players born in 2001 residing in the Silver Seven catchment area. This is evidenced by the success achieved by not only last year’s Major Atom Silver Seven Teams, but also the strong Rep B Teams throughout District 4 last season. The first set of releases will be done after the first two 90 minute tryout sessions. All players are recommended to arrive at the tryouts in top physical condition to demonstrate their best, as the competition will be very strong.   

Best of luck to all players trying out!